D.—2.

36

I found that by doing so I should best consult Mr. Andrew's wishes, and you have given me large powers in respect to re-organizing the agencies. You will, however, observe that the arrangements I have made are subject, in respect to their continuation, to the approval of the Government, and it will be competent to you, if you do not approve of them, to at once direct me to alter them in such manner as you may desire. I have, &c, Julius Vogel, The Hon. the Minister for Immigration, Agent-General. Wellington.

Enclosure 1 in No. 23. The Agent-Geneeal to Mr. G. Andeew. Deae Sir, — 7, Westminster Chambers, London, S.W., 24th January, 1877. Owing to changes which have been made in the colony, as you are probably aware, the Provincial Government of Otago has ceased to exist, and you will no doubt feel that it is necessary to define your future position. Your charge as a provincial officer must cease, but such arrangements must be made as will still continue to Otago, as well as to the rest of the colony, the benefit of the agency. I cannot at present visit Scotland, but I would send down to confer with you the gentleman who acts under me in this department. Should you, however, prefer to see me personally, you might be able, without mucli inconvenience, to come up to London for the purpose. I have, &c., Julius Vogel, George Andrew, Esq. Agent-General.

Enclosure 2 in No. 23. Mr. G. Anueew to the Agent-Genebal. Dear Sir, — Chambers, 3 Hope Street, Edinburgh, 25th January, 1877. I am favoured with your letter of yesterday with reference to the change of arrangements necessary in consequence of the recent legislation in New Zealand. I could wait upon you personally in London on Monday, the 4th February, but if that date would be too late, or otherwise inconvenient for you, I shall be glad to see Mr. Kennaway here at any time which he may fix. I have, &c, Sir Julius Vogel, Geoege Anueew. Agent-General for New Zealand, London.

Enclosure 3 in No. 23. The Agent-General to Mr. G. Anubew. Sic,— 7, Westminster Chambers, London, S.W., 7th February, 1877. Referring to our conversation on the subject of the changes rendered necessary by the abolition of the provincial system in New Zealand, I have the honor to observe that in consequence of those changes it is unnecessary to continue to maintain a distinct agency for the Province of Otago in Scotland. I would, however, feel so much reluctance to disturb relations which have long existed to the benefit of New Zealand, that I should hesitate to make any alteration which had not your concurrence, and which would not give to Otago, in common with the rest of New Zealand, the advantage of your aid, counsel, and influence. The following proposal, however, with one exception, to which I will presently refer, I understand to be not only agreeable to you, but one which, in relieving you from the drudgery of some of the details of the agency, would be more convenient to you, having regard to the large demands upon your time. It is that you shall act in future as Commissioner to the Scotch agency for New Zealand, the details of the office to be undertaken by Mr. Ottywell, who will act as Secretary to the Scotch agency. Mr, Ottywell, whilst communicating with and receiving communications from this office direct, will be instructed to consult you and take advantage of your advice whenever the necessity arises. The exception to which I have referred is that I have not included Mr. Auld as your associate, as you suggested should be done, and that he should draw an amount of the honorarium, bearing a proportion equal to the proportion which his salary now bears to yours. On reflection, I have come to the conclusion not to make this proposal to Mr. Auld, although I am sure he will appreciate your loyalty in suggesting and desiring it. I do not see that any object would be gained by retaining Mr. Auld's services, whilst the difficulty arising from a dual commission might interpose obstacles to the effectual working of the agency. Mr. Auld has not been in the service of the Colonial Government, nor has he, like you, had the actual discharge of the duties of the department. I feel sure that your aid, counsel, and influence will be sufficient to enable Mr. Ottywell to effectually maintain the character of the agency. I propose that you should draw the sum as agreed —namely, five-sevenths of £400, or, say, £286 annually. Ido not doubt that this arrangement will be agreeable to the Government, and I propose that it should take effect from the Ist proximo. As, however, in some respects it may be held to go beyond the general powers which the Government have given to me to re-organize the agencies, I must stipulate that the arrangement is to be subject to the approval of the Government so far as its continuation is concerned after advice of its nature has reached the colony. I have, <&c, Julius Vogel, George Andrew, Esq. Agent-General.