17

D.—2,

New Zealand Bank, if they would not issue drafts through some Hamburg agency, but in reply it was stated that the drafts could only be issued from London; and there would be thus no time for such a transaction, as the emigrant's stay in Hamburg does not exceed three days, neither would he feel inclined to part with his money unless he received at once the equivalent in a bill. I mentioned to you, before, that when I acted for Queensland I was allowed to collect such moneys, issuing savingsbank receipts for each payment.

No. 28. The Agent-Geneeal to the Hon. the Ministee for Immigbation. (No. 15.) 7, "Westminster Chambers, Victoria Street, Westminster, S.W., Sib,— January, 1876. I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of a telegram conveying instructions to stop sending emigrants to Hawke's Bay. At the time of its receipt I was accepting emigrants to embark on February 16th for that province, and had fixed a date for another ship to sail later, in order to complete the numbers ordered up to April 30th. I have decided to take off both vessels, and to forward those persons who were finally accepted (about 50 in number) by the ship " Bebington," which sails on tho 9th of February for Auckland, whence they can be transhipped to Hawke's Bay. I shall discontinue selecting emigrants for Hawke's Bay until after April 30th next. I have, &c, I. E. Featheeston, The Hon. the Minister for Immigration, "Wellington, N.Z. Agent-General.

No. 29. The Agent-Geneeal to the Hon. the Ministee for Immigeation. (No. 48.) 7, "Westminster Chambers, Victoria Street, "Westminster, S.W., Sib, — 18th January, 1876. Eeferring to my letter No. 901, of 23rd December, 1875, on the subject of the passage of Mrs. Elizabeth Drake, the matron of the " British Empire," I have the honor to forward herewith a copy of Miss Tipple's letter dated 31st December, 1875, explaining the part taken by her in the negotiation with Mrs. Drake; also, copy of my letter to Miss Tipple in reply, dated 12th instant. I have, &c, I. E. Featheeston, The Hon. the Minister for Immigration, "Wellington, N.Z. Agent-General.

Enclosure 1 in No. 29. Miss Tipple to the Agent-Geneeal. British Ladies' Female Emigration Society, 23, Fitzroy Street, Fitzroy Square, Sib,— 31st December, 1875. In reply to your letter of the 23rd instant, in reference to the (copy) letter from the Minister of Immigration for Auckland, New Zealand, respecting Mrs. Elizabeth Drake, matron of ship " British Empire," in which it is stated that she said it was an understood thing between herself and me that she should proceed to Victoria immediately on her arrival in New Zealand—this statement I deny. "When Mrs. Drake first came to me, she expressed a wish to go to Melbourne : I informed her that the Government of Victoria were not now sending out emigrants, and suggested to her to go to New Zealand. She asked if she would be allowed to leave the colony in case she did not succeed there. I replied that she would be required to stay twelve months, but that she would receive her papers of instruction from the Agent-General. I have, &c, Caboline Tipple, The Agent-General for New Zealand, 7, "Westminster Chambers, Secretary. London, S."W.

Enclosure 2 in No. 29. The Agent-Geneeal to Miss Tipple. 7, Westminster Chambers, Victoria Street, "Westminster, S.W., Deae Madam, — 12th January, 1876. I have received your letter of the 31st December, in reply to mine of the 23rd, relating to the circumstances under which Mrs. Elizabeth Drake obtained her appointment as matron of the ship " British Empire." I notice that you are able to deny Mrs. Drake's statement to the effect that" it was an understood thing between her and yourself that she should proceed to Victoria immediately on her arrival in New Zealand." I observe, however, that Mrs. Drake informed you that it was her wish to go to Melbourne, and that, in reply to an inquiry whether " she would be allowed to leave the Colony of New Zealand in case she did not succeed there," you stated that " she would be required to stay twelve months." As the 3-D. 2.