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Oamaru for the sum of £649 10s., bo accepted ; the work to be done in accordance with the plans, &c, in your possession. I have, &c, His Honor the Superintendent, Otago. Julius Vogel.

No. 146. His Honor the Superintendent, Otago, to the Hon. the Minister for Immigration. Sir, — Superintendent's Office, Dunedin, 6th February, 1874. Messrs. Cargill and Co. have received advices by last mail to the effect that the Albion Company, which has hitherto conducted emigration from the Clyde to this port with so much success and so satisfactorily to all concerned, is establishing a line of ships from London to Otago, from the beginning of this year, for which purpose they are adding to their fleet, and have now being built six magnificent iron ships specially designed for this trade. They are prepared to contract for the conveyance of emigrants from Clyde and London (on same general conditions as present contract from Clyde), number by any one vessel not to be under 100, at £13 10s, one-half paid at home, and one-half in the Colony, or at £13 if whole passage money is paid at home. I believe the above figures are lower than the contract rate with the New Zealand Shipping Company, and venture to suggest that the Agent-General be directed to make arrangements with the Albion Company for the passage of emigrants to this Province, from London as well as Clyde, on the terms indicated above. I would urge this suggestion, not on the grounds of price alone (for although that is an important point, it is but secondary compared with an effective service), but in consideration of the satisfactory performance of the Albion Company's line of ships during a long course of years, and in consideration of the liberal enterprise exhibited by the Company in extending their fleet of ships specially adapted for tho New Zealand trade. I may observe, with reference to an impression which seems to be on your mind when we conversed on this subject lately, that I have seen correspondence which is absolutely convincing to me that the Albion Company is not working into the hands of Shaw, Savill, and Co., or vice versa. The Company own all the ships sent out by them, and are thus directly responsible for every detail in the performance of their contract. I have, &c, J. Macandrew, The Hon. the Minister for Immigration, Wellington. Superintendent.

No. 147. The Hon. the Minister for Immigration to His Honor the Superintendent, Otago. Sir, — General Government Offices, Auckland, 18th February, 1874. I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of the 6th inst., respecting the Albion Shipping Company and Messrs. Shaw, Savill, and Co. In reply, I have to state that I have sent instructions to the Agent-General, that at the termination of any arrangements already made by him, and until he is further instructed by me, he is to divide the London and Otago business equally between the New Zealand Shipping Company and the Albion Company. I may add, that whilst I am quite sure the Otago agents of the Albion Company are unaware of any intention to effect a combination between that Company and Messrs. Shaw, Savill, and Co, I am still of opinion that there is an understanding between the Company and the firm as to their present competition; or, perhaps, it would be more correct to say that I do not believe the understanding existing between them for many years has been disturbed. I have, &c, His Honor the Superintendent, Otago. Julius Vogel.

No. 148. Telegrams between His Honor the Superintendent, Otago, and the Hon. the Minister for Immigration. Dunedin, 13th February, 1874. Executive concurs with me in thinking immigration depot should be provided at Eiverton, which is centre of very large agricultural district. A plain building, not to exceed £300 or £400, should suffice. Shall we proceed with it ? The Hon. J. Vogel, Auckland. . ■ James Macandrew. Auckland, 16th February, 1874. In accordance with your Honor's recommendation, I authorize an expenditure of from £300 to £400 on immigration depot, Eiverton. His Honor the Superintendent, Otago. Julius Vogel. Dunedin, 21st March, 1874. Lowest tender depot Eiverton is £498, being in excess of amount which it was hoped would suffice. Shall we accept ? The Hon. J. Vogel, Wellington. J. Macandrew.