D.—9.

2

No. 2. The Immigeation Officer, New Plymouth, to the Under Seceetaey for Immigration. Sir, — Immigration Office, Napier, 30th June, 1878. In accordance with your Circular of the 29th May, I have the honor to forward a report upon the subject of immigration to this port for the year ending 30th June, 1878. I attach a return showing the number of immigrants who have arrived during the year. As regards labour the supply has been equal to the demand, except single women, for which there is still a great demand. The Commissioners had to place the ship " Eenfrewshire " in quarantine. The number of nominations for the year was 207 souls, equal to 181! adults ; the number that arrived was 78 souls, equal to 61! adults. I would suggest that immigrants signing promissory notes in England for their children in excess of the number allowed by the regulations should be disallowed, as there is very little chance of the promissory notes being paid. The amount of money collected on account of promissory notes during the year is £185 6s. Od. The sum of £46 15s. 6d. was received for rent on account of Government cottages at Napier and Waipawa. I have, Sec, T. Eox, The Under Secretary for Immigration, Wellington. Immigration Officer.

Enclosure in No. 2. NUMBER of IMMIGRANTS who arrived at Napier from June, 1877, to 30th June, 1878.

No. 3. The Immigration Officer, Napier, to the Undee Seceetary for Immigration. Sic, — Immigration Office, New Plymouth, 27th June, 1878. I have the honor to report on the immigration connected with this district for the yea? ending 30th June, 1878. Number of immigrants, free, assisted, and nominated (as per margin)* have arrived during the year. I am opinion that the immigrants sent to this district are on the whole satisfactory, and have settled down mostly to colonial life in its various phases, giving as a rule satisfaction to their employers, whilst their sobriety and general good conduct command the respect of all. There has been very little sickness amongst the immigrants during the year, and scarcely a crime of any description. Up to the present date there has been no dearth of employment for every one who is willing to work, at very good wages. The railway to Inglewood is a great boon to the settlers. They can obtain the necessaries of life at nearly the same rates as in New Plymouth ; as much as six pounds per ton has been paid for conveyance of goods to Inglewood, about twelve miles. Eoreign immigrants sent to this district are industrious and provident. I think in some particular cases it would be desirable to encourage a limited number of foreigners, especially where it is made clear that the nominators will undertake to arrange for the passages to London, and put the immigrants on board ship without trouble or expense to the Government. I have, Sec, A. Stapp, Bt. Major, The Under Secretary for Immigration, Wellington. Immigration Officef.

* Free ; Souls, 92; Adults, 80. Assisted : nil. Nominated : nil.

Married. Sin; :ic. Chili Iren. Name of Ships. Date of Arrival. Infants. Total Souls. Total Adults. M. F. M. F. M. F. lataura lenfrewshire Columbus* rainsboroughf ... 19th November, 1877 4th January, 1878 4th August, 1877 4th February, 1878 22 30 2 1 21 20 2 1 60 54 7 3 40 48 5 4 18 15 3 1 15 25 6 2 5 5 1 1 182 204 26 13 160! 179 20! 10! 55 54 124 97 37 48 12 425 370! * Via Auckland, f VI d Wellington. T. Fox, Immigration Officer, Na' iier.