D.—9.

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No. 6. The Immigration Offices, Nelson, to the Undee Seceetaey for Immigration. Sir, — I have the honor to report that, during the year, only two vessels arrived at this port with immigrants, viz.: The '• Waitara " with 214 souls, equal to 192 adults ; and the " Gainsborough " with 252 souls, equal to 219! adults ; making a total of 446 immigrants, consisting of 54 married couples, 130 single men, 141 single women, and 87 children. Of this number 108 remained in Nelson, and 358 were transhipped to other parts of the colony, as under: To Marlborough, 93; Westland, 141; Auckland, 6 ; Canterbury, 15 ; Wellington, 77 ; Wanganui, 9; Hawke's Bay, 17. With regard to future immigration, I have to report that there is no demand for labourers in this district. During the past year many men found it difficult to obtain sufficient work to maintain their families. I am, therefore, again obliged to recommend a discontinuance of free immigration to Nelson for a time, excepting nominated immigrants and female servants. -Of this latter class there is a great want, and I can strongly recommend the introduction of at least 100 or 120 during the next twelve months, say, 25 or 30 every three months. They would readily find employment at wages ranging from Bs. to 12s. per week. Immigrants' Land Act. The value of scrip registered in this office under the above Act is £700, and the holders thereof complain that they are unable to make any use of it, as there is no law in force here under which they can exercise it. I have, therefore, to repeat the suggestion made in my report of last year, that bond fide settlers, after a residence of, say, two or three years in the district, should be entitled to exercise their scrip as cash in the purchase of land within that district, either at auction or otherwise, and not be restricted to purchase under the deferred-payment clauses. Ninety-eight nominations have been received during the year. The rates of wages have not altered since my last report. I have, Sec, Alfred Greenfield, The Under Secretary for Immigration. Immigration Officer.

No. 7. The Immigration Officer, Christchurch, to the Under Secretary for Immigration. Sir, — Immigration Office, Christchurch, 30th June, 1878. I have the honour to submit for the information of the Hon. the Minister for Immigration the following report upon the immigration operations in the District of Canterbury for the year ending 30th June, 18787— 1. Labour Demand and Supply. —There has been a steady and increasing demand throughout the year for almost every description of labour required in the district. In the case of carpenters, ploughmen, and general farm hands the demand has been much greater than the supply, and I anticipate no difficulty in at once placing those to arrive during the coining season. Since Ist July last ten ships have arrived direct to Lyttelton with immigrants conveying 2,105 souls, equal 1,878 statute adults, as against 2,014 souls equal 1,738 statute adults introduced during the previous year. Tne total number of immigrants introduced into the district since the passing of the Immigration and Public Works Act has beeii 23,449 souls, equal 19,681 statute adults. The followiug is the return of the ships conveying immigrants during the past year, showing date of arrival, length of passage, number shipped, number landed, and the births and deaths on the passage : —

No. S: :ipped. No. Lauded. Name op Ship. Date op Aeeivae. DATS OUT. BlSTHS. Deaths. Souls. Adults. Souls. Adults. Waikato Waimate Waitangi Eangitikei Eakaia 1877. July 26 Sept. 3 Oct. 4 Nov. 9 Dec. 10 1878. Jan. 3 Jan. 19 Feb. 1 Eeb. 13 Mar. 12 82 88 81 89 93 143 48 258 277 294 127 38! 226 J 249! 273 145 48 260 278 292 127 38! 226*249! 271! 2 2 1 2 Opawa Hereford Carnatic Wanganui Loch Cree 98 80 88 80 98 290 336 195 241 23 252 300! 177 221! 15! 288 337 195 239 23 251! 300! 177 220 J15! 1 1 3 2 2,105 1,881 2,105 1,878 This number is classified as follows : — 215 families, comprising 833 souls Single men :.. Single women = 606 statute adults 663 609 Total 2,105 souls -1,878