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be, distributed as desired. I have seen the Immigration Officer, and I need only say that we will do all in our power to aid the views and wishes of the General Government in peopling the country. I have, &c., F. A. Carhington, The Hon. Julius Vogel, C.M.G., &c, Wellington. Superintendent.

No. 20. His Honor the Supebintendent, Taranaki, to the Hon. the Ministee for Immigeation. (Memorandum.) I beg leave to forward a letter, which I have just now received from Mr. Hulke, Immigration Agent, for the consideration of the Government; and I would earnestly recommend th<at the repairs, which are absolutely required in Marsland Hill barracks, be executed at once. F. A. Cabeington, New Plymouth, 17th November, 1873. Superintendent.

Enclosure in No. 20. The Immigeation Offices, New Plymouth, to His Honor the Supebintendent. Sic, — Immigration Office, New Plymouth, 15th November, 1873. I have the honor to inform you that no authority has been given me, as Immigration Officer for this Province, to effect repairs and alterations in Marsland Hill barracks, so as to render them habitable prior to tho arrivftl of immigrants now expected. Having on two previous occasions brought the subject before the notice of the Government, I trust I shall not be thought exceeding my duty in agfiin calling your attention to the urgent necessity for such repairs. I have, &c, W. K. Hulke, His Honor the Superintendent, New Plymouth. Immigration Officer.

No. 21. The Undee Seceetaey for Immigeation to His Honor the Supebintendent, Taranaki. (Memorandum.) His Honor the Superintendent of Taranaki is informed that the Hon. the Minister for Immigration has approved of repairs to the Marsland Hill immigration depot to the amount of £IG7 14s. Gd., according to the estimate forwarded by the Engineer in charge on the Bth instant. Immigration Office, Wellington, 24th December, 1873. C. E. Haughton.

No. 22. His Honor the Supebintendent, Taranaki, to the Hon. the Minister for Immigeation. Sic, — Superintendent's Office, New Plymouth, 29th December, 1873. Tour letter respecting immigration, " such as you addressed to other Superintendents " in October last, was duly received, and I did myself the honor of replying to it on the sth instant. Since then I have more thoughtfully considered this immigration question, and the great advantages the other Provinces are deriving from it, while at the same time we remain almost excluded from its benefits. Knowing as I do that unless we get a fair proportion of the people who are brought into the Colony, there will be but little chance of our progressing as we ought to do in this district (which is truly and proverbially known as the garden of New Zealand), I beg leave to solicit the attention ofthe Colonial Government to that which I am about to state. To me it is a matter of surprise and regret to find that the General Government consider, "in present circumstances, Taranaki is unable to take advantage of the immigration scheme to the extent designed." I now, therefore, submit for their consideration and regard, certain observations and remarks which, if aided and acted upon, will quickly place Taranaki in the position she should and will hold. Is it not clear to demonstration that the circumstances of Taranaki are such as should induce special consideration and judicious action ; and that, until the work which has been advocated for years, for the preservation of life and property, trade and commerce, be carried out, all efforts will avail but little in making this Province what it is ordained to be —a manufacturing, commercial, populous, and wealthy portion of the Colony ? No one is more alive than myself to the value and importance of immigration and railway communication, and I am free to admit all that can be said both for the making of through lines of railway and the introduction of immigrants. Indeed, we are most anxiously expecting the people Iso long since applied for, and unless they arrive shortly we shall be in great straits for the coming harvest and work in hand ; and while at the same time I express the great pleasure I feel in learning that all the other Provinces are getting a considerable number of immigrants, I cannot but remark that in all fairness we ought also to have our due proportion, but that hitherto we have not. Vet, nevertheless, I say that were this Province fairly peopled, and traversed by a railroad at once, it would in my opinion be unable to compete, in trade and commerce, with other of our Colonial districts which have a harbour. However bountiful may be our returns, and however varied may be 2—D. 5.