IMMIGRATION.

Southland Times, Issue 877, 6 January 1868, Page 2

IMMIGRATION.

The following has been handed to us for publication : — Immigration Office, 4th Junuary, 1868. Si r> I have the honor to report that very numerous enquiries have been made by individuals from- various parts of the Province, since the "advertisement appeared, intimating the intention-of 'the G-overnment to resume immigration ; and that theprospect of direct communication with the seaports of the Province, has given very great satisfaction, not only to those desirous of sending for their friends, but to the commercial community also. At present both parties labor under the disadvantage of having to pay the 'additional freight frou Port Chalmers, to the Bluff, which may be taken at 20 per cent on cargo, and from 20 to 30 per cent on passengers. . Hitherto the applications made have been for parents, brothers, sisters, and other near relatives, and the number applied for about forty. At least an equal number of respectable servant girls would find suitable situations immediately on arrival. _ Prom my constant intercourse with the agricultural community, I have reason To know that the progress~of that branch of industry— the foundation of all substantial prosperity— is suffering severely from the scarcity of labor, and the exorbitant .rate of wages ruling for a considerable time back, and that consequently a large number of farm servants would find ample employment on arrival in the Province. i I may state in conclusion that in addition to the number actually applied for as above, many more have expressed their intention to send for friends, some through the G-overnment, and others on their own account, so soon as they learn that a vessel is to be laid on for Southland.— l have the hondr to be, Sir, Tour moat obedient servant, Duncan M'Abthub. His Honor the Superintendent, Southland. — ♦