D.—2

26

I shall not, so far as I can at present judge, have to engage any more ships for the conveyance of emigrants, either nominated or otherwise, until I am in receipt of instructions from you which will necessitate my doing so. Although there are not so many full-paying passengers going out to New Zealand at the present time as in the previous months, yet 1 believe that, if favourable reports from the colony are received, a large number of suitable people will proceed to New Zealand during the summer and autumn months of this year, and that if you require a number of emigrants belonging to the farming class, there will be no difficulty in obtaining them, as well as any others, such as carpenters, bricklayers, blacksmiths, &c. Mr. Clayden and Mr. Bathgate continue to lecture and hold meetings in various parts of the country. Mr. Julius Jeffreys has received notice that his services will not be required after the end of this month. The demand for information respecting the colony continues, and there are now only about 600 copies of the " Official Handbook " and about 350 of the " Land and Farming " pamphlet left in stock. I have, &c, Julius Vogel, The Hon. the Minister for Immigration, Wellington. Agent-General.

No. 40. The Agent-General to the Hon. the Minister for Immigration. Sir, — 7, Westminster Chambers, London, 10th February, 1880. I have the honor to transmit copy of correspondence which I have had with Mr. W. Marshall on his making application for specimens of New Zealand products to illustrate the lectures which he proposes to give in some of the principal cities on the continent of Europe, and in reference thereto have to request you to inform me whether the Government wish any action to be taken towards complying with Mr. Marshall's request. I have, &c, Julius Vogel, The Hon. the Minister for Immigration, Wellington. Agent-General.

Enclosure in No. 40. Mr. Marshall to the Agent-General. Sir, — 1, Place dcs Terreaux, Lyons, 26th January, 1880. See enclosed extract from " The Colonies and India." It is thought that lectures, accompanied by exhibition of colonial products, will do much towards drawing public attention to the immense resources of the colonies. Samples or specimens, maps, engravings, or photographs, would be much appreciated by the public. Ido not suppose anybody here has ever seen a specimen of native flax or kauri gum. If you are good enough to send a small collection of different things, please address same as indicated in above extract. Am expecting a large collection from Washington, United States; think, though, the public will be more interested in what represents Australasia—New Zealand in particular, as it can furnish Europe many things. I have, &c., The Agent-General for New Zealand. William Marshall. Copy of Extract. Mr. W. Marshall (Membre de la Societe de Geographic, Lyon) is authorized by the French Minister of the Interior and of Public Instruction to give a series of lectures, at the Palais dv Commerce, Lyons, on the United States, and on Great Britain, her colonies, and India. As it is important to create public interest in our colonies, especially in regard to commerce and agriculture, it is requested that prospectuses, samples, and specimens of colonial products be forwarded for exhibition. These lectures are free, and it is proposed to give them also at Paris, Geneva, and Brussels. Address W. M., Palais dv Commerce, Lyon. P.S.—All objects of value will be returned immediately after being exhibited.

No. 41. The Agent-General to the Hon. the Minister for Immigration. Sir, — 7, Westminster Chambers, London, 12th February, 1880. I have the honor to transmit herewith copy of letter which I have received from the honorary secretary to a society which has been recently formed for the purpose of promoting the