35

D.—2

by them require strict scrutiny by this department, so as to make it evident to the local Agents that any false representations as to character, &c, will in all probability be discovered, and that therefore it is not worth their while to attempt anything of the sort. Approximate Estimate. Applications from Would produce 1,700 single women ... ... ... 1,020 single women. 3,000 single men ... ... .. 1,800 single men. io-A f 1,350 married men ... ... „-„ f 810 married men. T7„!l;i. 1,350 married women... ... -n, ... -I 810 married women. Famllles 1.2,600 children Pamllles (.1,500 children. 10,000 souls. 6,000 souls. In making the above estimate, the average proportion of single men and women and families usually sent is taken. 2nd February, 1877. W. Kennaway.

No. 23. The Agent-Geneeal to the Hon. the Ministee for Immigration. (No. 109.) 7, Westminster Chambers, Victoria Street, Westminster, S.W., Sic,— 7th February, 1877. I forward you the enclosed copy of correspondence relating to the Scotch agency. You will observe by it the arrangement into which I have entered with Mr. Andrew and Mr. Ottywell. The cost will be somewhat less than at present, as will be observed by the following statement of salaries. The other expenses should be about the same, unless at any time it was deemed expedient to direct Mr. Ottywell to inspect the agencies. Present Cost ofi Salaries. Mr. Andrew. —Colonial Government ... ... ... ... £300 „ Provincial Government ... ... ... ... 200 Mr. Auld. —Provincial Government ... ... ... ... 200 Clerk ... ... ... ... ... ... 140 Clerk ... ... ... ... ... ... 40 £880 Proposed Cost. Mr. Ottywell ... ... ... ... ... ... £400 Mr. Andrew ... ... ... ... ... ... 286 Clerk ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... 90 Clerk ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... 40 £816 I have not made this arrangement without much anxious consideration. For some time the Scotch agency has not worked smoothly with this agency, and since Mr. Adams's departure there has been no one in Scotland to attend to the shipping details as they are attended to here. Everything in fact is left to Messrs. Patrick Henderson and Co., and though those gentlemen have amply justified the confidence reposed in them, they did not, I think, desire to have the entire responsibility thrown on them. At least Mr. Galbraith gave me to understand that it would be very agreeable to him that there should be, in connection with the Scotch office, one so well versed in the requirements of emigrants as Mr. Ottywell. It is to be remembered that Messrs. Patrick Henderson and Co. have declined to continue under the new arrangement. Probably I shall have to employ the New Zealand Shipping Company at Glasgow, and in that case the terms of the agreement are such as will entitle the Company to require that there should be in Glasgow some one to fill an analogous position to that occupied by the Despatching Officer here, particularly as their head office is not there. The occasional inspection of the agencies is required, and Mr. Ottywell will be competent to make it. He would also be able to inspect the Irish agencies in case it was decided to dispense with the Belfast agency, about which I have separately written. I attach great importance to extending the relations between Scotland and New Zealand, and Mr. Ottywell will have time and ability to exert himself in this direction. Some consideration is also due to the fact that provision is made for so old and able an officer as Mr. Ottywell, in lieu of compensating him for the loss of his colonial appointment. For losing his provincial appointment he will still be entitled to compensation ; and on his representation of the loss he will sustain by the removal of himself and family and effects from London to Scotland, I have agreed to allow him £50 for the cost of the same. Weight should also be attached to the fact that in retaining Mr. Andrew, deference will be shown to the feelings of the people of Otago, who hold his services in high esteem. I think, also, that in Scotland itself great advantage will be gained by not too rudely disturbing old arrangements. Whilst provision will thus be made for Mr. Ottywell, and the means afforded for working the agency in uniformity with the department much more harmoniously than hitherto, whilst also Mr. Ottywell will be capable of undertaking new and important duties, and whilst the traditions of the old agency will be carefully preserved, there will still be a direct money saving, not large it is true, but one which will swell the amount of the other savings, of which I have advised you. I had some hesitation in committing myself to the term " Commissioner,"