49

D.—s

No. 141. The Hon. the Minister for Immigration to His Honor the Superintendent, Otago. Sir, — General Government Offices, Dunedin, 17th December, 1873. I am aware that your Honor and the members of the Provincial Executive recognize the great advantages derivable from a large proportion of the immigrants to Otago being enabled, as soon as they land, to proceed to the country districts, either to commence operations on their own account or to accept employment. This, however, is at present often prevented by the impossibility of obtaining house accommodation or any proper shelter. I shall therefore be ready, not only to sanction a moderate expenditure for the conveyance of immigrants to country districts, and the payment of a proportion of the expense of renting suitable buildings, if any are available as temporary dep&ts in such districts, but I shall also be ready to aid in providing small houses, the want of which often prevents immigrants, and especially those with families, from at once moving into the country. I think it very desirable that, at different points where employment is or will probably be available, serviceable but cheap four-roomed cottages or huts should be erected for the purpose of being let to immigrants, the cost per cottage not to exceed £100. Where the Provincial Government have land to spare in the vicinity of railway works, small areas might be included with the cottages, in leases. This, however, I leave to the consideration of tho Provincial authorities. I am willing, as a means of thus settling immigrants, to place a certain amount of money at your Honor's disposal to build such cottages or huts, on the following conditions : — (1.) That the cottages or huts be let to newly-arrived immigrants with families. (2.) That the Provincial Government undertake and guarantee to return to the General Government the amount expended, with interest at 5 per cent., in four instalments, on the lst January, 1875, 1876, 1877, and 1878. I leave you to make such arrangements for building the cottages, and to let them on such conditions other than those stipulated, as may seem to you desirable. If you approve of this proposal, I shall be glad to receive any suggestions from your Honor on the subject, as also to learn the amount of money you think you would require during the current year. I have, &c, His Honor the Superintendent, Otago. Julius Vogel.

No. 142. His Honor the Superintendent, Otago, to the Hon. tho Minister for Immigration. (Telegram.) Dunedin, 7th March, 1874. Eeferring to your letter of 17th December, Provincial Government desires to erect cottages for newly-arrived immigrants to extent of £10,000, on terms named by you. At present not a single house to be had. Wo propose erecting 100 cottages in different localities. Eeply. The Hon. J. Vogel, Wellington. J. Macandrew.

No. 143. The Hon. the Minister for Immigration to His Honor the Superintendent, Otago. (Telegram.) Wellington, 9th March, 1874. Am willing to advance £10,000 for erecting cottages, in compliance with your telegram. To save trouble, could you arrange to proceed with the erection, and to pass in vouchers from time to time for final payments ? His Honor, J. Macandrew, Dunedin. Julius Vogel.

No. 144. His Honor the Superintendent, Otago, to the Hon. the Minister for Immigration. Sir, — Superintendent's Office, Dunedin, 9th January, 1874. Eeferring to the plans and estimates of immigrants' depot at Oamaru, I have the honor to recommend that the tender of Steinhoff, £G49 10s, bo accepted. I have, &c, J. Macandrew, The Hon. the Premier. Superintendent.

No. 145. The Hon. the Minister for Immigration to His Honor the Superintendent, Otago. Sir, — General Government Offices, Dunedin, 9th January, 1874. I have the honor to approve, and to authorize you to give effect to tho recommendation made in your letter of this day's date, that the tender of Mr. Steinhoff, to erect an immigration depot at 7—D. 5.