H.—26.

tion regarding the land at the disposal of the Government, its location, description of soil, &c. You will doubtless be aware of the terms of the memorandum submitted to the Premier by the Earl of Onslow, and of the nature of the result of the deliberations of the Cabinet thereon. The General is writing by this mail to the Premier upon the matter ; but, as the question of land is your special department, I write to say that it would very materially assist the General in arriving at a decision if, on his return to London, he could have before him some fuller information as to the nature and locality of the lands still remaining in the hands of the Government, the more especially if some indication could be given as to the district, &c, in which the land to be set aside for the trial of this scheme is situated, that this, of course, always premising that the measure receives the sanction of the House. The General embarks at Bombay on the 23rd instant, Homeward bound, and he will feel much obliged if you would reply to this letter to him at 101, Queen Victoria Street, London. I may add that any assistance you can give us in this direction will be treated confidentially. I must apologize on the General's behalf that this letter is not in his own hand, but I am sure you will fully understand how very much he is pressed for time. , I have, &c, Feancis E. Butland, A.D.C. The Hon. Mr. J. McKenzie, Minister of Lands, New Zealand.

No. 6. The Hon. W. P. Beeves to Mr. F. E. Butland. Sic— 10th March, 1892. I have the honour to acknowledge the receipt of your letter, dated Calcutta, 11th January, asking for some further information upon the nature of the lands and their locality still remaining in the hands of the Government. In reply, I have to inform you that the land now at the disposal of the Government for settlement in such colonies as General Booth proposed are mostly situated in the southern part of the North Island ; and their character may be briefly described as rough, bush-covered land, the quality of the soil being fair. . The Government has not any lands of an open character suitable for agriculture without draining, and this of limited quantity. The bush lands are those which the settlers mostly prefer. Such lands, of course, require clearing of forest, and are suitable for pastoral purposes only for some years or until the stumps rot out; and their broken nature makes them even then more suitable for grazing than for the plough. Such as they are, however, the settlers here select them eagerly and manage to make comfortable homes on them and a fair living, by industry, directed by experience and perseverance. The accompanying maps will show generally the situation of the Crown lands. I have, &c, W. P. Beeves, For the Minister of Lands.

No. 7. From " Geneeal " Booth. (Telegram.) (Beceived 21st May, 1892, from " General " Booth.) Appeove fully draft cable. Calling Monday. Salvation, London.

No. 8. Mr. Waltee Kennaway to " Geneeal " Booth. SlE,— 13, Victoria Street, London, S.W., 16th May, 1892. I am directed by the Agent-General to inform you that he has received a cablegram from the New Zealand Government, in which it referred to the action you are taking in respect to immigration to that colony. It is stated that, the conditions not having been complied with, no land has. been set aside, and under these circumstances the Agent-General is instructed to ascertain what is being done in the matter. The Agent-General will, therefore, be much obliged if you will be pleased to inform him what steps you are taking in the matter, in order that he may forward the information to his Government. I am, &c, Waltee Kennaway, Secretary, Agent-General's Department.

No. 9. To the Agent-Geneeal. The Salvation Army, 101, Queen Victoria Street, 8.C., Dear Sib,— 17th May, 1892. I am desired to state by General Booth to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of the 16th instant, and to say that he is deputing one of his officers to call upon you on Thursday morning next at 11 o'clock, in reference to the matter contained therein. Yours &c W. B. Perceval, Esq., 13, Victoria Street, S.W. ' (Signed)

4