A.—9

1886. NEW ZEALAND.

LAND-MORTGAGE BANKS IN THE SWISS CANTONS (CORRESPONDENCE RELATING TO THE WORKING OF).

Presented to both Houses of the General Assembly by Command of His Excellency.

No. 1. James Macandrew, Esq., M.H.R., to the Premier. Sir, — Macandrew Bay, 26th October, 1885. In the hope that Government may be disposed next year to initiate legislation towards advances on land being made on same such lines as those recommended in the report of the : Advances on Land Committee of 'the House of Representatives, of which I was Chairman, might I suggest the advisability of your obtaining information as to the organization and working of land-mortgage banks in the Swiss cantons. The London Spectator of the 22nd August has an article on this subject, from which it appears that north of the Alps, and even in Italian Switzerland, a peasant can raise money at 4 per cent. The question is one of such vital importance to the future welfare of New Zealand that I cannot refrain from addressing you on the subject. I have, &c , The Hon. the Premier of New Zealand, Wellington. J. Macandrew.

t.-6,1883

No. 2. The Premier to J. Macandrew, Esq., M.H.R. Sir, — Premier's Office, Wellington, 2nd November, 1885. I have the honour to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of the 26th ultimo, suggesting the advisability of information being obtained as to the organization and working of land-mortgage banks in the Swiss cantons. 1 will first endeavour to find out whether the desired information is already in the colony, and, if not, I will request the Agent-General, by first mail, to procure it. I have, &c, James Macandrew, Esq., M.11.R., Macandrew Bay, Dunedin. Robert Stout.

No. 3. The Premier to the Agent-General. Sir, — Premier's Office, Wellington, 6th November, 1885. I have the honour to forward copy of a letter I have received from James Macandrew, Esq., M.H.R., on the subject of advances on land, to which your attention has already been drawn by the Hon. the Colonial Treasurer. You will observe that Mr. Macandrew suggests the advisability of information being obtained as to the organization and working of land-mortgage banks in the Swiss cantons; and I shall be much obliged if you will endeavour to obtain and forward it. I forward copy of the report of the Committee of the House which had the subject under] consideration last session, as also copy of a Mortgage Debenture Act that was passed, which will show you what we have done in the direction. I have, &c, ' Sir ¥. Dillon Bell, K.C.M.G., Agent-General. Robert Stout. I—A. 9.

C.-6,1886.