D.—sa.

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consideration as compared with advantage of free selection of the best-qualified men. Some of the best men, and those most required, cannot find means. If numbers are too great, selection will be easier. Hon. J. Vogel, Wellington. "W. Eolleston. Wellington, 26th May, 1874. Ke Assisted Immigration.—The Government, after considering the replies of Superintendents, have come to the conclusion only to instruct the Agent-General to limit the number of emigrants despatched by him between the Ist March and the end of the year to 25,000. His Honor the Superintendent, Christchurch. Julius Vogel.

No. 68. The Hon. J. Vogel to His Honor the Supeeintendent, Canterbury. (Telegram.) Wellington, 12th March, 1874. Me. Potts has placed at 'disposal of Government, Quail Island for quarantine purposes. Will you see him on the subject, and arrange, if you consider it desirable, for the use of island in case of emergency!? His Honor the Superintendent, Christchureh. Julius Vogel.

No. 69. His Honor the Supeeintendent, Canterbury, to the Hon. J. Vogel. (Telegram.) Lyttleton, lGth March, 1874. I think Mr. Potts' offer a very liberal one, and that we should avail ourselves of it in emergency. I am personally of opinion that quarantine building should not be of permanent character beyond cookhouse. Other buildings should be frame-works, perhaps with roofs, capable of being fitted with moveable floors and sides, and of thorough purification. The present quarantine buildings are too crowded, and do not admit of isolation. I think that Quail Island ought, if possible, to be acquired permanently for Government purposes. I will consider the whole matter with my Executive, and see you about it in Wellington the first week in April. Meantime I have told Mr. Potts that we shall gladly avail ourselves of his permission to use the island in case of emergency, and I will arrange to be ready to do this. W. Eolleston, The Hon. Julius Vogel, Wellington. Superintendent.

No. 70. Telegeahs between His Honor the Supebintendent, Canterbury, and the Hon. the Minister for Immigbation. Christchurch, 21st June, 1874. TJbgent.—Scarlet fever has broken out on Eipa Island in addition to small-pox. Island far too crowded ; therefore, in view of possible requirements for ships now on sea, further accommodation immediately necessary. I propose to erect temporary buildings, either on main land or on Quail Island (Mr. Potts'). I have summoned Board of Health to consider matter. Hon. J. Vogel, Wellington. W. Kolleston. Wellington, 21st June, 1874. I authoeize the erection of the additional quarantine buildings you consider necessary. His Honor the Superintendent, Christchurch. Julius Vogel. Christchurch, 11th July, 1874. I iiave put up cook-house and single men's buildings on Quail Island, at cost of about £400, and have just received tenders for construction of further buildings for married people. Total cost of all buildings will amount to about £1,300. Province has arranged to buy Quail Island. I shall be prepared to make arrangements by which, if province should ever require exclusive possession of island, it would either pay for building on valuation at that time, or allow removal. Please reply, as it is necessary to push on buildings. Hon. J. Vogel, Wellington. W. Eolleston. Wellington, 13th July, 1874. The purchase of Quail Island had better be for the Immigration Department. Mr. Potts offered it to me. I referred the question to you. The buildings are to be for the Immigration Department; and in all cases I of course prefer building on land belonging to Crown. • Will you furnish particulars of purchase, and leave me to consider whether to adopt it; or if you prefer to make the purchase, you must give two years' notice to remove, and valuation on buildings. His Honor the Superintendent, Christchurch. Julius Vogel.