D.—2

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in accordance with your instructions, I have furnished the Manager of the Company with a supply. I have also transmitted some copies to Messrs. P. Henderson and Co., of Glasgow. This agreement, which I note commences from Ist May last and will be in force until the Ist November of this year, shall have my careful attention, and I will endeavour to faithfully carry out its provisions. In connection with this subject, a case has recently occurred which has raised a question concerning which it would be well for you to give me instructions to meet similar cases which may arise in the future. Section 7 of the contract provides that I shall not be entitled to require the Company to provide a ship for the conveyance of less than 150 statute adults; and under section 3 it is provided that all emigrants which I shall send or be desirous of sending shall be sent by the ships of the Company. I understand this to mean that in the case of the number of emigrants beng less than 150, I must send them by the Company's ships, provided the Company are willing to take them under the provisions of their agreement with the Government; but, failing that, that I am then at liberty to call for tenders for such service or make such other arrangements as I may deem necessary. In the particular case which has raised the question, the Emigrant and Colonist's Aid Corporation requested me to provide shipping for a party of their emigrants, numbering about fifty, to be despatched next month ; but on my communicating to the Manager of the Shipping Company the construction which I put upon the provisions of the contract, and which I have given above, he intimated that he did not take the same view of the matter as I did. He appeared to consider that I was bound to send all emigrants by the Company's ships, and that, if such emigrants were under 150 in number, the terms of the agreement must be modified to meet the case. He, however, in the case of the Corporation emigrants, has very cordially met me, and has agreed to take them substantially under the provisions of the agreement. The question, however, might on some future occasion assume a more serious form. I shall therefore be glad to be informed of the views of Government with regard to the matter. I have, Ac, The Hon. the Minister for Immigration, Julius Vogel, Wellington. Agent-General.

No. 17. The Agent-General to the Hon. the Minister for Immigration. (No. 16.) 7, Westminster Chambers, Victoria Street, Westminster, S.W., Sib, — 9th January, 1877. I have the honor to inform you that two women, describing themselves as trained hospital nurses, have called at this office and desired to be informed whether there was any opening in New Zealand for persons of their calling, as they were desirous of emigrating in the course of the year. As they were of respectable appearance, and apparently would be suitable for the office of matron on board an emigrant vessel, they were desired to call again as soon as they were ready to emigrate. Meanwhile, I have to request you to inform me whether there is a reasonable prospect of employment for persons of their vocation. I have, &c, The Hon. the Minister for Immigration, Julius Vogel, Wellington. Agent-General.

No. 18. The Agent-Genebal to the Hon. the Minister for Immigration. (No. 51.) 7, Westminster Chambers, Victoria Street, Westminster, S.W., Sir,— 10th January, 1877. I have the honor to transmit copy of return showing the numbers of emigrants sent to each province, in pursuance of the instructions contained in the Premier's telegram of April 21st, and in your subsequent telegram of 4th August. I have, &c., The Hon. the Minister for Immigration, Julius Vogel, Wellington. Agent-General.