21

D.—3

to the Granton steamer on Thursday; making various arrangements for them, getting name of ship painted on boxes, &c. The distances are very great (from London), and postal and other communication slow and infrequent; hence much time is needed for making arrangements, and the people are slow in their movements, not knowing the value of time, and they will not hurry themselves. On my way to Lerwick in the steamer, I saw Houston and Store, whom I recommended as agents in Yell. They said nothing had been done. In these circumstances I thought it unwise to spend time and money. Besides I could not well leave my Unst people. In Lerwick I found one or two had drawn back—also one (her wages being advanced from £6 to £8 or £9 per year) in Bressay, whither I went one day; and that two or three had gone to Otago, two at least, after giving in names for Wellington. On Saturday I went to Dunrossness and remained till Wednesday. I took duty on Sunday, and hence had a large meeting on Monday, in spite of a stormy night. The people seemed much interested, and many crowded up to me afterwards, asking questions. They told me that not many coukl go before this time next year, as in Unst. They all know of the Otago terms, as a considerable number have gone on these terms; and among them Laurence M— and his family, who were declined by London office when I sent in their names : —Causes, delicacy of wife and number of children. In the circumstances I could not urge London terms—l could only advise that as many as possible should go to Otago via Glasgow, applying to Mr. Lawrence, local agent. I came up from Dunrossness so far on Wednesday, having a common small cart of the country, and on Thursday got to Lerwick (2nd October) in a strange little vehicle, cheaper considerably than my hire coming down. I consider that my work has been instrumental in getting some for the London office. 2nd. In directly and indirectly helping to fill the Glasgow Otago ships. 3rd. In making New Zealand much better known, and leading people to think less of going to America. 4th. In preparing for a larger emigration in 1874. This will be helped by sundry changes in management of properties, especially on Quendal, in Dunrossness. Lerwick, 7th October, 1873. P. Barclay.

No. 22. The Agent-General to the Hon. J. Vogel. (Telegram.) London, 6th November, 1873. Sailed, October, "Salisbury," Wellington, 250 souls. "Queen North," Napier, 216. "Lauderdale," Auckland, 123. "Dunfillan," Otago, 160. "Isles South," Canterbury, 320. Ship sails Napier 19th. Free passages. Promissory notes abandoned except for outfit expenses port embarkation. Co-operation of Agricultural Unions other Associations secured. Don't require peripatetic agents sent home. Previous receipt telegram had arranged send emigrants Francisco steamer "Mongol" 15th December. To Vogel, Wellington, New Zealand. Featherston.

No. 23. The Agent-General to the Hon. the Minister for Immigration. (No. 748.) 7, Westminster Chambers, Victoria Street, Westminster, S.W., Sir,— 12th November, 1873. I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your ietter No. 174, 1873, dated 19th August, enclosing copy of the final report of the Immigration Commissioners upon the ship " Halcione," with other papers referred to. I note the remarks of the Commissioners on the subject of the medical inspection to which the emigrants are subjected prior to embarkation. I have, &c., I. E. Featherston, The Hon. the Minister for Immigration, Wellington, N.Z. Agent-General.

No. 24. The Agent-General to the Hon. the Minister for Immigration. (No. 751.) 7, Westminster Chambers, Victoria Street, Westminster, S.W., Sir,— 12th November, 1873. I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your Memorandum No. 104, dated 2nd August, 1873, in which you allude to Mr. Carter's explanation of the class of emigrants sent out by the Messrs. Brogden in the " Christian McAusland." With regard to the charge made by the matron against Mr. Concannon, it is unfortunate that Miss Forbes did not make an official report to the Government upon the matter referred to.