H.—27a.

The Agent-General for New Zealand, London, to the Hon. the Colonial Secretary, Wellington, Agent-General for New Zealand. 7 Westminster Chambers, London S.W., Sib,— .19th May, 1881. I have the honour to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of the 25th March last, directing me to pay Mr. E. A. Smith the sum of £136 19s. 7d., in addition to the sum of £263 Os. sd. paid to him on the 4th January last, and, in reply, to inform you that this amount was paid to Mr. Smith by my predecessor on the 26th January last, in accordance with the instructions contained in the Premier's letter of the 4th December, 1880. T have, ftp., The Hon. the Colonial Secretary, Wellington. F. D. Bell.

The Agent-General for New Zealand, London, to the Hon. the Minister fok Immigration,. Wellington. Agent-General for New Zealand, 7 Westminster Chambers, London S.W., Sib,— 14th October, 1881. Referring to the Hon. the Premier's letter of 4th December, 1880, authorising the employment of Mr. E. A. Smith as regards any shipping-agency work connected with this Department, I have the honour to inform you that I have arranged to pay Mr. Smith for acting as Despatching Officer of emigrants, at the same rate of fees, <fee, as are received by Mr. Ottywell when acting in the same capacity as regards emigrants despatched from the Clyde. Mr. Ottywell receives four shillings (45.) per statute adult on the number of emigrants despatched during the year, up to 1,500, and two shillings (25.) per statute adult for any over that number. These fees cover travelling and all other incidental expenses connected with the duties of Despatching Officer, except chat in the case of a short ship taking a less number than ten (10) statute, adults, the sum of one pound (£1) is allowed him for travelling-expenses. I have, &c, F F. D. Bell. The Hon. the Minister for Immigration, Wellington. [P.S. —The arrangement with Mr. Ottywell was made by my predecessor by letter dated 23rd December, 1878. copy of which was transmitted to the Hon. the Colonial Secretary with letter No. 192 of 12th February, 1879.] Memobandum from the Prime- Minister to the Secretary to Cabinet. Mb. Andrews,— Prime Minister's Office, Wellington, 2nd May, 1910. I have no recollection of seeing the letter of 18th September, 1906, copy of which is attached to Mr. Palliser's report (herewith), dated 16th March ultimo, and which Mr. Beeves writes me, under date 24th March ultimo (herewith), was not replied to. Kindly look up the letter and let me know what was done in the matter. J. G. Ward. Memorandum from the Secretary to Cabinet to the Prime Minister. Eight Hon. the Prime Minister, — 12th May, 1910. Be letter of 18th September, 1906, referred to by Mr. Palliser, no such letter has been received. I have made thorough search and can find no record of any such letter; nor has any duplicate-—which is usual —come to hand by any subsequent mail. J. F. Andrews.

Approximate Cost of popart—Preparation, not given ; printing (I,6ooconies), £1 12e.

Authority : John Mackay, Government Printer, Wellington.—l9lo.

Price 3d.]

2