43

D.—s

cottages which the Provincial Government are erecting are built there. There are now twenty-six families remaining in depot here, who find it impossible to obtain houses to inhabit. Another reason for this purchase is that labour is much required at Oxford, where there is a large bush. I have personally ascertained that cottages are not to be had at Oxford. Probably 1,500 souls will arrive this month. The Hon. Julius Vogel, Wellington. W. Eolleston. Wellington, 14th April, 1874. Do you propose purchase at Oxford for a depot, and do you recommend it yourself? His Honor the Superintendent, Christchurch. Julius Vogel. Christchurch, 14th April, 1874. I peopose the purchase for a depot, and I recommend it. The Hon. Julius Vogel, Wellington. W. Eolleston. Wellington, 15th April, 1874. In accordance with your Honor's recommendation, I authorize purchase of house at Oxford. Of course you will take care that the title is good. His Honor W. Eolleston, Christchurch. Julius Vogel.

No. 121. Telegeams between His Honor the Supebintendent, Canterbury, and the Hon. the Ministee for Immigeation. Christchurch, 25th April, 1874. Immigeant ships are due as follows:—" Appelles," 301 souls, now due; "Eakaia," 365 ditto; " Veruna," 320 ditto, ten days; " Ballochmyle," 480 ditto, May; " Atrato," 033 ditto, June; "Northampton," "City of Dunedin," "Stonehouse," 1,320, June; "Peeress," 260, Timaru, ditto: total, 3,679. " Atrato " alone, 106 families; only four nominated of these. Large proportion are called general labourers, a class difficult at this time of year of absorption. You will observe that other ships will arrive in two months, a total number of 3,679, or at rate of 20,000 per annum; and these arriving during winter months, cannot be absorbed on arrival. Large extra accommodation must be provided immediately. Accommodation for at least fifty more families is indispensable. Will you authorize this, also erection of room for luggage at depot, Addington ? The Hon. the Minister for Immigration, Wellington. W. Eolleston. Christchurch, 15th May, 1874. Engineee's estimate of cost of constructing additional buildings at Christchurch depot, to accommodate fifty families, £1,135; luggage shed, £180 extra; wash-house, with vat, £100; total, £1,415. Edwaed Jollie, (in absence of Superintendent.) Wellington, 9th June, 1574. A telegeam from Mr. Jollie, dated 15th May, with respect to Addington depot, was handed to Mr. Eichardson when he was going South. I understand he has authorized the works, but in order that there may be formal reply on subject, I now authorize, in accordance with your Honor's recommendation, additions at Addington depot, at a cost not to exceed £1,415. His Honor the Superintendent, Christchurch. Julius Vogel.

No. 122. Telegeams between the Hon. the Ministee for Immigeation and His Honor tho Supebintendent, Canterbury. Wellington, 24th March, 1874. The immigrants' depots you have erected or are erecting are, I presume, all upon Crown lands or upon reserves which your Honor would be willing to convey to the Colony? 1 have taken-this for granted. It is only now, my attention having been called to it, that I have thought it necessary to ask for an assurance on the matter. His Honor W. Eolleston, Christchurch. Julius Vogel. Christchurch, 2nd April 1874. lie sites of depots. Think there will not be any difficulty in arranging, but must consult my Executive before giving definite answer. Have explained to Mr. Eichardson. The Hon. J. Vogel, Wellington. W. Eolleston. Christchurch, 25th May, 1874. He additions, immigration depot, Addington. With reference to Mr. Eichardson's proposal, that the General Government lease the buildings for immigration purposes, and put up the necessary additions, provided that if the Provincial Government desired to repossess the property they should pay the General Government for all additions and improvements made by them, the Provincial Government will agree to this proposal, and will pay for such additions or improvements, to be valued at the time when the property may be resumed by them. The Hon. the Minister for Immigration, Wellington. W. Eolleston.