NOMINATED BY MR. FINLAY MURCHISON.

D.—No. 7

5

that by the regulations recently adopted throughout the Colony, nominated Immigrants (except single women) can only be brought to the Colony upon payment of the sum of five pounds at the time of nomination. In reply to my letter, His Honor states that he has directed Mr. Auld to take promissory notes from the parties indicated on the list for the sum of £7 each, in accordance with the previous regulations in force in Otago. Though these regulations are no longer in force, I think it would be as well to take the promissory notes in this case, rather than delay the shipment of so large a number of suitable Immigrants, at a time when the Colony is anxious to import labor. You are therefore authorised to depart in this instance from the rules laid down by the Minister for Public Works and Immigration. I have to request that joti will arrange, if possible, that the Immigrants herein alluded to may be landed at the Bluff. I have, &c, W. Reeves.

No. 5. From Hon. W. Reeves to His Honor the Superintendent of Otago. Resident Minister's Office for the Middle Island, New Zealand,' Christchurch, 17th February, 1872. Sir, — In reply to your letter of the 14th instant, in which you state that the Provincial Government is not in a position to advance the funds necessary to pay the passages of certain nominated Immigrants mentioned therein, and in which you' inform me that you have written to Mr. Auld, requesting him to take promissory notes from the said nominees for the sum of seven pounds for each statute adult, I have the honor to inform you that I have instructed the Agent-General to carry out your wishes, though they are not in accordance with the regulations for nominated Immigrants now in force throughout the Colony. I have adopted this course rather than allow any obstacle to interfere with the introduction of a number of suitable Immigrants at a time when the Colony is anxious to promote Immigration. At the same time I must point out to your Honor that you appear to labour under the misconception that the Colony is importing free labour, while it is taking nominated Immigrants to the extent of Five Pounds, as part passage money for each statute adult. Up to the present time the Government has received no intimation that the Agent-General has adopted the system of free immigration. It follows, therefore, that your Honor's remarks as to the unfairness of not introducing a batch of " English-speaking Immigrants upon equal terms with Scandinavians are without foundation. I have, &c, W. Reeves. His Honor the Superintendent of Otago.