J1.—32

1886. NEW ZEALAND.

NEW ZEALAND AGRICULTURAL COMPANY. (CORRESPONDENCE RE SIR JULIUS VOGEL HOLDING OFFICE AS DIRECTOR WHILE AGENTGENERAL.)

Return to. an Order of the House of Representatives, dated 6th August, ISB6. Ordered, " That there bo laid upon the table copies of all letters and telegrams which passed between Sir George •Grey and Sir Julius Vogel relative to the latter holding the office of director in the New Zealand Agricultural Company whilst he was Agent-General of this colony."—Sik G. GREY.

No. 1. The Agent-Geneeal to the Hon. the Ministee of Immigeation. Sie, — 7, Westminster Chambers, London, 13th February, 1879. I have the honour to inform you that I have joined the board of directors of the New Zealand Agricultural Company (Limited), and, following the precedent established by my predecessor when he joined a public company, I have to express the hope that you will see no objection to my doing so. The primary object of the company ,is to promote settlement. The large estates it is to acquire are to be cut up into farms for the occupation of settlers. Frequently, since I have been in England, I have represented to the Government the desire on the part of suitable persons in this country to acquire land in New Zealand on which they could settle and pursue their avocations as farmers. I, indeed, once suggested that a block of land should be put apart for the purpose, and that I should be authorized to dispose of it. The Government, however, replied that there was a great demand for land in the colony, and that they could not put people at a distance on more favourable terms as regards absence of competition than people within the colony had to submit to. I mention these circumstances in order to show you that in my opinion the company will fulfil a really public object. I believe it will greatly benefit the colony by affording an opening to the numerous desirable people who constantly express the desire to obtain land for settlement in New Zealand. I have, &c, Julius Vogel, The Hon. the Minister of Immigration, Wellington. Agent-General.

No. 2. The Hon. the Peemiee to the Agent-Geneeal. (Telegram.) Wellington, 22nd April, 1879. Agent-Geneeal appointed additional agent, inscribed stock. Instructions by next mail. Government cannot approve connection Agricultural Company. Bequest you arrange early retirement therefrom. Vogel, London. G. Gbey.

No. 3. The Agent-Genep.al to the Hon. the Pbemiee. Sie, — 7, Westminster Chambers, London, S.W., 9th May, 1879. I have the honour to acknowledge the receipt of the telegram at foot.* I propose deferring to the Suez or San Francisco mail my reply to it, and trust you will not object to the delay. I have, &c, The Hon. Sir George Grey, K.C.8., &c. Julius Vogel.

No. 4. The Hon. the Peemiee to the Agent-General. Sib, — Government Offices, Wellington, New Zealand, 19th July, 1879. I have the honour to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of the 9th May, enclosing copy of a telegram from me, and expressing the hope that I would not object to your delaying until the * For telegram see above.