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Oamaru Mail, Volume II, Issue 553, 8 February 1878, Page 2

We have been requested by several of cmfarmers to draw attention to the faulty management with regard to the immigrants that arrive from time to time from Home. Dunedin seems to be gorged with an unfair number of these, whilst the farmers of Oamarn, and, we suspect, those of other country districts, especially at this season of the year, are put to their wits' ends to know how to get their crops harvested. It may be very nice for Dunedin and the districts immediately surrounding the city, to have the pick of all the able-bodied men that arrive at Port Chalmers, through the indefatigability of Mr. Allen, the Immigration Officer ; but we would point out to that gentleman that we are not going to be satisfied without grumbing with the refuse of our Dunedin

friends. Some of the farmers requiring labour, and that urgently, were informed by Mr. Hesketii a clay or two ago that Mr. Allkn should be apprised of the position of affairs and requested to supply the market at once with some of the immigrants that have just arrived per Wellington. Tliej', of course, expected that a number of labourers would arrive bv the Waitaki to-day. Not- only have they not arrived, but Mr. Hesketf, who seems to feel the difficulties of his position keenly, has apparently received no reply to his telegram urging Mr. Allen to forward the men on the first opporopportunity. This is a question of grave importance, and wp understand that a gentleman of considerable influence in Oamaru has telegraphed representing the facts of the case to head quarters at Wellington.

Slr. Hesseth has just informed us that the Oamaru portion of the Piako and Wellington immigrants are to be forwarded by the Waitaki 011 Tuesday next ; and, therefore, our fanners will have to abide Sir. Allen's time. Why that gentleman could not respond to the request to forward these immigrants by the first opportunity, instead of crowding 600 into the Barracks at Caversham, is a matter that requires a little explanation.