D.—2a,

1878. NEW ZEALAND. IMMIGRATION TO NEW ZEALAND. (FURTHER LETTERS FROM THE AGENT-GENERAL.) In continuation of Papers laid upon the Table 26th July, 1878.

Presented to both Houses of the General Assembly by Command of His Excellency.

No. 1. The Agent-Geneeal to the Hon. the Minister for Immigration. s __ 7, Westminster Chambers, London, S.W., 17th June, 1878. ' ' I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of 26th April, No. 83, referring to the omission in your letter relating to the direct steam service for New Zealand, to point out the existing facilities for travellers in moving from one part of the colony to another, and to the Australian Colonies. ; ~, ~ •, , • -i • iaa This subject shall receive consideration in connection with the proposals contained in your letter of the 16th April last, No. 75. I have,^ The Hon. the Minister for Immigration, Wellington. A gent-General.

No. 2. The Agent-General to the Hon. the Minister for Immigeation. o __ 7 Westminster Chambers, London, S.W., 17th June, 1878. I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of 16th April, No. 75 on the subject of a steam service from Europe to New Zealand, and to inform you that the matter shall have my careful mygelf in communication with Mr. Galbraith, and will see other persons on tho s^^ t: nformed a few weekg gince by Mr . Larnach, that Messrs. Green were prepared to carry out our emigrants by steam. I had, however, previously received from you an intimation that a contract was entered into with the New Zealand Shipping Company, and therefore I was not at liberty to entertain other proposals for the carriage of the emigrants during the present season. Mr. Larnach, however telegranhed to you on the subject, and showed me the telegram. Erom your letter now under reply, I gather that what you require is a regular line of steamers, not merely the temporary employment of one or two. I also gather from your letter that, if a satisfactory arrangement can be made, six months' notice to dissolve the contract with the New Zealand Shipping Company can be given. I will use my best exertions to grve efiect to your wishes. I recognize the immense value to New Zealand of a direct line of steamers, and I quite agree with you that the value of the Pacific service has been much impaired by its ceasing to do more than merely call at Auckland en route to Australia. As a mail lino it is excellent, but it has lost its character as a New Zealand service. I bave, The Hon. the Minister for Immigration, Wellington. Agent-General. P S —Since the above was written I have agreed with Mr. Larnach to jointly have an interview with Mr'. Green on the subject. lam glad to find that Mr. Larnach is sanguine that some arrangement can be made.