COMMISSIONERS RELATIVE TO IMMIGRATION.

7

D.— No. 4.

answered well in America. I would strongly urge that you should obtain every possible information concerning cheap railways. Especially should such inquiries be instituted in places where cheap railways are in use. —for instance, in several Continental countries, and in America. The Foreign Office would no doubt aid you to make such inquiries. The question of constructing railways is of paramount importance. The expenditure of the money whilst the works proceed will relieve much of the existing depression: it will also offer great encouragement to immigration. When completed, the railway will open up country capable of supporting an immense population. In the North Island it would effectually settle the Native difficulty : in the Middle Island as well as the North Island it would enable industries to be prosecuted which, for the want of the means of easy transport, cannot now be undertaken: it would, in short, people the country. I am inclined to think the peculiar circumstances of the Colony would make it expedient that the railway should be commenced simultaneously from a great many centres of population. Not only would the line, as it went on, become payable to some extent, but the advantages would be more equally distributed over the country. 17. As I have already said, I am unable to authorize you to enter into any final agreements which are not subject to ratification or rejection in the Colony ; but, to expedite the objects of this Memorandum, the Government empower you, if you think fit, to incur the following liability : — Should any of the proposals made to you seem such as there is little doubt in your minds will be acceptable to the Colony, and should the person or persons or association making the proposals be of sufficient standing and responsibility, and be willing to despatch to the Colony an agent, with full powers to treat and finally enter into such arrangements, you are authorized to undertake that, in the event of the agent's mission proving fruitless, the Colony will pay his expenses. This authority extends to sending out three or four agents, representing as many distinct principals or associations. Wellington, 20th December, 1869. W. Fox. enaaaHKiir1. :-■■■■' ■.-.-.■ ■.:;■ ~■-' ■"i^wa«wmiimfmiMiin..^ww«.

No. 4. The New Zealand Commissioners to the Hon. W. Gisboene. Sir, — London, 23rd February, 1870. We have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of 23rd December, containing the instructions from the Government on the subject of Immigration. This subject has, of course, received much attention from us since our arrival in England. Indeed, there is at this time a very important movement going on, not only in London but in many districts and centres of population through the country, for the promotion of emigration from this country on a large and comprehensive scale; and much anxiety has been expressed as to whether and to what extent the New Zealand Government might be prepared to undertake immigration. In the pressure of other work, we have, however, not been able to do more than refer generally to the question, in answer to the many inquiries that have been addressed to us. We shall not fail to let you know by next mail whether, and how far, we can give effect to the object of your letter. We have, &c, P. D. Bell, ) c mmißsionerg The Hon. the Colonial Secretary, &c. I. E. Peatherston, j

No. 5. The Hon. W. Gisboene to the New Zealand Commissionees. Colonial Secretary's Office, Gentlemen, — Wellington, Bth March, 1870. I have the honor to transmit for your information the accompanying copy of a letter, dated 4th December last, on the subject of inviting Colonial co-operation in enabling unemployed and distressed persons in London to emigrate. I have, &c, The Hon. E. D. Bell and Hon. I. E. Fcatherston, M.D., W. Gisboene. Care of John Morrison, Esq., 3 Adelaide Place, King William Street, London, E.C.

Enclosure 1 in No. 5. Mr. J. S. Halt to the Hon. W. Gisboene. British and Colonial Emigration Eund, Sic, — 15 Cockspur Street, S.W., London, 4th December, 1869. I am directed by the Committee to bring under your notice the enclosed Eesolutions and copy of Circular recently issued by them. The Committee find that there are already several local Emigration Committees organizing in different districts and parishes in the metropolis ; and they believe that during the approaching winter a very general desire will arise amongst the unemployed for assistance in emigration, and for information as to the Colonies in which their labour would be most welcome. Under these circumstances, the Committee have it in contemplation to open larger offices, establish registers, and form a department at which information may be afforded to intending emigrants and those desirous of assisting deserving people, respecting the Colonies, the rates of wages there, and the plan to be adopted in reaching them.