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No. 16. The Hon. the Ministee for Immigeation to the Agent-Geneeal. Sib,— Immigration Office, AVellington, N.Z., 4th December, 1878. I have the honor to inform you that the Government have reconsidered the question of accepting nominations of foreigners by their friends in the colony, and that it has been decided to allow passages on the following terms, viz.: — 1. They must bo nominated by their friends in the colony, and present themselves to you, when you will be good enough to grant them passages by an emigrant ship from Plymouth, provided they pass the required medical examination, and find their own way on board the ship through an agent who is acquainted with the English language, as well as the language of the nationality to which they belong. They must also sign an undertaking that they will conform to, and abide by, all regulations in force on board the ship during the voyage. 2. Foreigners who are nominated, and find their own way to the colony as ordinary passengers, without coming through your Department at all, may receive a refund of their passage-money, according to the contract rate for the conveyance of immigrants —viz., £14 7s. 6d. per adult, and £8 7s. 6d for each child between twelve months and twelve years of age. Due notice must, however, be given to the local Immigration Officer at the port at which they are to arrive. And they will be required to pass the Medical Officer appointed to inspect all immigrants arriving in the colony. The Immigration Officers in the several districts in the colony have been instructed in accordance with the above conditions. I have, &c, The Agent-General for New Zealand, London. Robeet Stout.

No. 17. The Hon. J. Ballance to the Agent-Geneeal. Sic, Immigration Office, AVellington, N.Z., 21st December, 1878. I have the honor to inform you that arrangements have been made to forward from 750 to 1,000 copies of an " Historical Sketch of Otago," published in Dunedin, which may be of value for distribution amongst intending emigrants, and your local agents. The bill of lading will, on shipment, be forwarded to you. Arrangements have also been made to forward a supply of copies of the book almanacs published at Auckland, Wellington, Christchurch, and Dunedin, for the purposes of distribution amongst persons desirous of obtaining information regarding those parts of the colony. Be Steamer. From the telegrams which have been forwarded—copies herewith —you have been informed that the New Zealand Shipping Company have offered to charter a steamer to convey about 600 emigrants to the colony. The steamer was to leave in January, so that the late harvest would not be over before the immigrants arrived. The telegram of tho 13th instant, informing you of the offer of the Company, was crossed by yours of the 12th, stating that the time was so late, and that the agricultural labourers' strike in England was only partial. I hope, however, you will be able to arrange regarding the steamer, as immigrants are much required, and it may be the forerunner of steam communication between Great Britain and New Zealand. Be Hails, $c. The New Zealand Shipping Company have been urging the Government to direct you to have the rails, &c, ordered, shipped direct from Middlesboro', the Company offering to indemnify the colony against all loss. I have thought it best to leave the matter to your decision. You are on the spot— you know the whole matter, and are best able, therefore, to judge what course will be the most advantageous to the colony. I need not say that what the Government desire is, to get the freight, &c, as cheap as possible. If it will cast no additional burden on the colony, then there can be no harm in meeting the wishes of the Shipping Company. I leave the matter to your discretion, believing that you will so act as to protect the interests of the Government, and, at the same time, meet the requests of the Shipping Company in a reasonable manner. ******* I have, &c., J. Ballance, The Agent-General for New Zealand, London. (for the Minister for Immigration.)

Enclosure 1 in No. 17. The Agent-Geneeal to the Hon. the Peemiee. (Telegram.) London, 21st November, 18/8. Kent and Sussex labourers have struck. Seems splendid opportunity obtaining emigrants. Could send several hundred by steamer ; arrive February, or later by sailing vessel. * * Premier, New Zealand. Vogel, 2—D. 1.