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Enclosure 3 in No. 27. The Agent-Genebal to the Board of Trade. Sir, — 7, Westminster Chambers, 30th January, 1877. I have been requested by the Government of New Zealand to cause inquiries to be made, and to report whether it is advisable to substitute Douglas's patent for boat-lowering apparatus for Clifford's, now in use on ships conveying emigrants to that colony. In pursuance of this inquiry, I have the honor to request you to furnish me with any information your department may possess on the subject of either Douglas's or Clifford's patents, and if possible with some expression of opinion as to the relative merits of the two. I have also to ask you whether, in case it may be deemed desirable to substitute Douglas's patent for that of Clifford's on board the New Zealand Government emigrant vessels, any difficulties would be likely to arise as regards the approval of the Imperial authorities to such a course being adopted. I have, &c., The Assistant Secretary, Marine Department, Julius Vogel, Board of Trade. Agent-General.

Reply to Enclosure 3 in No. 27. The Boabd of Teade to the Agent-Geneeal. Steam Ships. Sic, — Board of Trade, Whitehall Gardens, sth January, 1877. In reply to your letter of 30th ultimo, asking for iuformation as to the relative merits of Douglas's and Clifford's boat-lowering apparatus, and whether Douglas's apparatus would be passed on board emigrant ships by the surveyors of this department, I am directed by the Board of Trade to inform you that they know nothing of Douglas's system, and, further, that in their opinion it would be wrong to confine shipowners to the use of Clifford's, or to any oue particular system. I am to state that the apparatus of Messrs. Hill and Clark is being introduced on board many passenger ships, and is meeting with approval; and the Board of Trade are of opinion that if the AgentGeneral is about to reconsider the various methods of lowering boats, it would be well not to confine his attention to the two systems he names. I have, &c., The Agent-General for New Zealand. Thomas Geay.

No. 28. The Agent-General to the Hon. the Minister for Immigeation. (No. 149.) 7, Westminster Chambers, Victoria Street, Westminster, S.W., Sic,— 10th February, 1877. I have the honor to inform you that since writing my letter No. 1, of Bth January, respecting the claims of Messrs. Sloman and Mr. Kirchner in respect to German emigration, I have received letters from Messrs. Sloman and Mr. Kirchner, copies of which I herewith enclose. As Mr. Mackrell had not yet furnished me with his opinion on the matter, I caused, in accordance with his advice, replies to be addressed to the above-mentioned communications, simply acknowledging their receipt, and informing the writers that a further communication on the subject of their letters would be made to them shortly. As soon as I have received Mr. Mackrell's opinion, I propose to take the matter into consideration, and endeavour to settle it in the manner in which you authorize me to do in your letter No. 248, of the 17th November last. I have, &c, The Hon. the Minister for Immigration, Julius Vogel, Wellington. Agent-General.

Enclosure 1 in No. 28. Messrs. Sloman and Co. to the Agent-Genebal. Sic,— Hamburg, 12th January, 1877. Not doubting that you, the same as ourselves, would wish to see our difference with the New Zealand Government settled, and as a personal interview would perhaps soonest add to this end, we, at the suggestion of our friend Consul Krull, of Wellington, most respectfully beg to inquire whether you approve of the measure, in which case we beg you will kindly acquaint us when and where it would be agreeable to you to meet us, and we should be happy to make our time, as far as our business engagements allow, entirely dependent upon your convenience. Some time ago we addressed Sir Tyrone Power with a similar proposal, but have not been favoured with any reply. We have, &c, The Agent-General for New Zealand. R. M. Sloman and Co.

Enclosure 2 in No. 28. Mr. W. Kirchner to the Agent-General. Sir, — Wiesbaben, 19th January, 1877. Having been informed that the matter of dispute between the late Agent-General and Messrs. Sloman and Co., of Hamburg, has been referred to you for investigation, I have the honor to bring under your notice, at the same time, my claim with respect of the disbursements made by me on account of the