THE FIRM OF "E. A. SMITH" (FURTHER CORRESPONDENCE WITH REFERENCE TO).

Appendix to the Journals of the House of Representatives, 1910 Session I, H-27a

H.—27 a

1910. NEW ZEALAND.

THE FIRM OF "E. A. SMITH" (FURTHER CORRESPONDENCE WITH REFERENCE TO).

Laid on the Table of the House by leave.

The Agent-General for New Zealand, London, to E. A. Smith, Esq., R.N., London. Agent-General for New Zealand, 7 Westminster Chambers, London, S.W.. Sib,— 20th September, 1880. In accordance with the verbal communication I have made to you, I now have the honour to inform you that I greatly, regret, under imperative instructions from the Government, I am compelled to bring to a close your long and faithful connection with this Department. I cannot overstate the high sense I entertain of the value of your services, and the fearless and able manner in which yon have rendered them. Thousands of emigrants owe to your thoughtfulness and determination escape from all but the necessary inconveniences incidental to a long sea-passage. Your forethought has, I am convinced, saved them, much suffering. The suspension, I hope temporary, of assisted emigration reduces the present need of your services, and I am, as I have said, compelled to give you three months' notice from the Ist proximo. You will be entitled to a month's compensation for each year of service. I have also to say to you that if you establish yourself as a shipping agent, the business of this Department of this nature which has been given toother agents will be given to you. I adopt this course on the understanding that when necessary at a moderate cost your services will be available for inspecting sttps and despatching emigrants J have, &c. E. A. Smith, Esq., 8.N., London. Julius Vogel.

The Hon. the Pbemiek, Wellington, to the Agent-Gbnebal for New Zealand, London. New Zealand Government Office, Wellington, 4th December, 1880.' S£bV — Re Compensation to Mr. E. A. Smith. I have the honour to acknowledge the receipt of your letter, No. 286, of 4th October, with enclosures, respecting the case of Mr. E. A. Smith, E.N., with whose services as Despatching Officer you had been instructed to dispense. The Government is advised that it is doubtful whether Mr. Smith is legally entitled to compensation for loss of office; but, having regard to the peculiar circumstances of his case, they authorise the payment to him of an amount equal to one year's salary. The Government will be glad to have any necessary shipping-agency work connected with the Department given to Mr. Smith—of course, upon the condition that he undertakes it on terms not in excess of those of other agents. I have, &c, John Hall. Sir Julius Vogel, K.C.M.G., Agent-General for New Zealand, London. The Agent-General for New Zealand, London, to the Hon. the Premier, Wellington. Agent-General for New Zealand, 7 Westminster Chambers, London S. W Sir,— 18th February, 1881. Referring to your letter of 4th December last, 'authorising a payment of a year's salary to Mr. E. A. Smith the late Despatching Officer to this Department in special recognition of his past services, I have the honour to inform you that I have been requested by Mr. Smith to convey his thanks to the Government for the readiness with which his claim for special consideration has been met. I have, &c. The lion, she Premier, Wellington. F. I ). Bell.

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The Agent-General for New Zealand, London, to the Hon. the Colonial Secretary, Wellington, Agent-General for New Zealand. 7 Westminster Chambers, London S.W., Sib,— .19th May, 1881. I have the honour to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of the 25th March last, directing me to pay Mr. E. A. Smith the sum of £136 19s. 7d., in addition to the sum of £263 Os. sd. paid to him on the 4th January last, and, in reply, to inform you that this amount was paid to Mr. Smith by my predecessor on the 26th January last, in accordance with the instructions contained in the Premier's letter of the 4th December, 1880. T have, ftp., The Hon. the Colonial Secretary, Wellington. F. D. Bell.

The Agent-General for New Zealand, London, to the Hon. the Minister fok Immigration,. Wellington. Agent-General for New Zealand, 7 Westminster Chambers, London S.W., Sib,— 14th October, 1881. Referring to the Hon. the Premier's letter of 4th December, 1880, authorising the employment of Mr. E. A. Smith as regards any shipping-agency work connected with this Department, I have the honour to inform you that I have arranged to pay Mr. Smith for acting as Despatching Officer of emigrants, at the same rate of fees, <fee, as are received by Mr. Ottywell when acting in the same capacity as regards emigrants despatched from the Clyde. Mr. Ottywell receives four shillings (45.) per statute adult on the number of emigrants despatched during the year, up to 1,500, and two shillings (25.) per statute adult for any over that number. These fees cover travelling and all other incidental expenses connected with the duties of Despatching Officer, except chat in the case of a short ship taking a less number than ten (10) statute, adults, the sum of one pound (£1) is allowed him for travelling-expenses. I have, &c, F F. D. Bell. The Hon. the Minister for Immigration, Wellington. [P.S. —The arrangement with Mr. Ottywell was made by my predecessor by letter dated 23rd December, 1878. copy of which was transmitted to the Hon. the Colonial Secretary with letter No. 192 of 12th February, 1879.] Memobandum from the Prime- Minister to the Secretary to Cabinet. Mb. Andrews,— Prime Minister's Office, Wellington, 2nd May, 1910. I have no recollection of seeing the letter of 18th September, 1906, copy of which is attached to Mr. Palliser's report (herewith), dated 16th March ultimo, and which Mr. Beeves writes me, under date 24th March ultimo (herewith), was not replied to. Kindly look up the letter and let me know what was done in the matter. J. G. Ward. Memorandum from the Secretary to Cabinet to the Prime Minister. Eight Hon. the Prime Minister, — 12th May, 1910. Be letter of 18th September, 1906, referred to by Mr. Palliser, no such letter has been received. I have made thorough search and can find no record of any such letter; nor has any duplicate-—which is usual —come to hand by any subsequent mail. J. F. Andrews.

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