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probably arrive during the next three months. I may say, further, that the Government has for some time past been doing its utmost to supply the demand for this class of labour, but, as you are probably aware, there is very great difficulty in obtaining an adequate number to meet the growing demands of the colony, the demand in the Home country being greatly in excess of the supply. I have forwarded your letters to the Hon. Major Atkinson, who will no doubt press the matter upon the Agent-General's attention. I have, &c, The Worshipful the Mayor of Christchurch. . W. Eolleston.

No. 17. The Hon. the Minister for Immigration to the Agent-General. (No. 260.) Sir, — Immigration Office, Wellington, 14th December, 1876. I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your letter No. 795, of 19th October, enclosing correspondence with Mr. S. Cochrane with reference to an account for travelling expenses. Mr. Cochrane should certainly furnish full information respecting the sub-agency at Belfast, without which his accounts cannot be passed for payment. Full power has, however, been given to Sir Julius Vogel to act with reference to all the agencies in the United Kingdom, and he, no doubt, will deal with the question of continuing the Belfast agency. I have, &c, Tho Agent-General for New Zealand, London. H. A. Atkinson.

No. 18. The Hon. the Minister for Immigration to the Agent-General. (No. 14.) Sir, — Immigration Office, Wellington, 2nd February, 1877. I have the honor to transmit copy of a memorandum by the Immigration Officer at Christchurch, drawing attention to certain facts which were stated during the inquiry into the conduct of the captain and surgeon-superintendent of the ship " Eangitikei," and I shall feel obliged by your giving instructions for Mr. March's practical suggestions to be given effect to. I have, &c, The Agent-General for New Zealand, London. D. Eeid.

Enclosure in No. 18. The Immigration Officer, Christchurch, to the Under Secretary for Immigration. Immigration Office, Christchurch, Bth January, 1877. The Immigration Commissioners desire me to draw your attention to certain facts elicited at the inquiry in connection with the " Eangitikei," and although they have not deemed it necessary to allude to them in the report, they nevertheless think the Agent-General's attention should be called to them. In the first place it appears that the captain had certain special instructions from Mr. Keunaway with which the surgeon was not acquainted. The following extract from a letter to the captain was put in as evidence: —" Night watches are to be rigidly kept in tho different compartments between decks, and the watchmen will report every half-hour to the officer of the watch whether all is right below." The captain thought night watches were to be kept in the single women's compartment, and complained of this to the surgeon. Again, it is very desirable that matrons should be distinctly informed that they are in the first place to look for advice, instruction, and support in maintaining discipline to the surgeon. The printed instructions to matrons do not show this clearly, but, on the contrary, leave it optional to the matron to appeal to either the captain or surgeon. As experienced matrons are seldom obtainable, and as a rule persons are placed in the office for the first time in their lives, it becomes most essential that their position and duties should be most clearly defined. The Commissioners would also suggest that whenever it is found necessary by the Agent-General to place extra stores on board, a list of such stores, together with the quantity, should be forwarded with the Despatching Officer's report. Frequent difficulties occur on board immigrant ships from misunderstanding the rule for the issue of water. It should be stated definitely what quantity of water is to be issued for drinking and washing, and what quantity for soup, tea, porridge, &c., is to be deducted from the stated allowance. An increased supply of sand and holystones is desirable. J. E. March, The Under Secretary for Immigration, Wellington. Immigration Officer.

No. 19. The Hon. the Premier to the Agent-General. (Telegram.) "Wellington, 9th February, 1877. Government anxious to reduce expenses Emigration Department much possible. Will approve reductions you consider advisable. Vogel," London. Atkinson.