IMMIGRATION.

New Zealand Times, Volume XXXIII, Issue 5497, 8 November 1878, Page 7

IMMIGRATION.

,7- The following letter has been addressed by : the Hon. Mr. Stoat to the Agent-General “Wellington, October 3,1878. if Sir,—Referring to your letter of the 21st May, and the Hon; Mr. Macandrew’s reply of the 11th July, I have now the honor to address you, ' v “ 1. In regard to tbo nationality of immigrants : This is a question of much importance, and one on which it is difficult to lay down any hard and fast rule. The question of primary Importance is tho character of the proposed immigrant, and his (or her) suitability for colonial life. If the character is good, and tho emigrant possesses qualities that will enable him (or her) to become a good colonist, the place of birth is of no importance. “The South Australian Government has gone in a direction that the New Zealand Government have no wish to follow. In order, however, to get rid of this question of nationality, the Government think if, as a general rule, the following proportions were observed, no question will be raised by those who, in the colony,.object to one nationality being alone encouraged. Asanme that the total number of emigrants to be sent is fourteen, then, if seven came from England and Wales, four from Ireland, and three from Scotland, the proportion would be fair ; and I have to request that, so far as possible, yon will endeavor to maintain that proportion. I need not here point out that in the past these proportions have cot been ad- *' hered to. / 2. As to the destination of emigrants: Complaints have been made that tho immigrants from Ireland have been sent mainly to Obigo ; and I have therefore to request you will, as far as circumstances permit, distribute them throughout the colony. 8, Employment of agents: In your letter oft the 21at May,' 1878, enclosing a letter from Mr. Ottywell, reference is made to the employment of Mr. Jamieson, of Sandness. If his services could be utilised for the encouragement of female domestic servants and small farmers to; emigrate to New Zealand the Government would like to have him employed .upon such terms as you may consider daairablo.

4. Demands are coming in from all parts of the colony for more labor. The want is specially felt at the present time ; for instance, in the Wanganni ;and Manawatu Districts much difficulty is experienced in procuring men to v entry out existing railway contracts, &o. There is also, at this the worst season of the year, complaints of the almost impossibility of procuring farm laborers, and the settlers express doubts, that when harvest time arrives they will btf unable to obtain the necessary labor to secure their crops. From Poverty Bay District similar complaints have been sent in as to the great scarcity of shepherds, ploughmen, general servants, Ac. I have merely cited these instances, but the rule will hold good for the whole colony ; and the Government beliavo there will be employment for far more immigrants than they have authorised you to send. , “5. In yonr letter of the 21st May you - refer to the carelessness of the agents in Ireland in the selection of emigrants. The Government believe, judging from the class of many of the Irish now in tha colony, that there are parts in Ireland that could furnish as good colonists as in any part of the United Kingdom, and they hope that you will urge the agents, as far as possible, to be careful in the class they select. *' 6. The method of the late Provincial Government of Otago, referred to by Mr. Andrew and Mr. Ottywell, should be still followed out—vir., that, though emigration does not cease, no large number of immigrants should arrive in the colony during the winter season. —I have, &c., . .