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Enclosure 1 in No. 29. The Maxagee, New Zealand Shipping Company, to the Agest-General " Piako." New Zealand Shipping Company, 84, Bishopsgate Street "Within, Sib, — 29th November, 1878. This morning we received a cablegram from Pernambuco stating " Consul wants warm clothing provided for voyage." We have replied to this, asking if suitable clothing can he purchased in Pernambuco. "We are sending out the stores per steamer " Alice," from Liverpool, to sail on Thursday, sth December, receiving goods till Tuesday next. I have, &c, "W. Baebee, The Agent-General for New Zealand, (for the New Zealand Shipping Co., Limited.) London.

Enclosure 2 in No. 29. Mr. Wistgfield to the Agent- General. Sin, — Downing Street, 29th November, 1878. With reference to the correspondence which has passed between the Board of Trade and yourself on the subject of the ship " Piako," burnt at sea, I am directed by the Secretary of State for the Colonies to acquaint you that a telegram has been received at the Foreign Office from Her Majesty's Consul at Pernambuco, lo the effect that the emigrants fear the outbreak of small-pox and yellow-fever if detained long where they are at present, and that the repairs of the vessel will take a month. Sir Michael Hicks Beach would be glad if you could inform him, as soon as possible, if any and what steps are being taken under these circumstances by the Contractors, in order that he maybe in a position to enable the Marquis of Salisbury to instruct Consul Walker as to his future proceedings in the matter. I have, &c, The Agent-General for New Zealand. Edwahd Wingfield.

Enclosure 3 in No. 29. The Manages, New Zealand Shipping Company, to the Agext-General. " Piako." New Zealand Shipping Company, 84, Bishopsgate Street Within, Sib, — London, 30th November, 1878. Referring to my interview with you this morning, and to your expressed intention of bringing the " Piako " emigrants back to this country, I have to intimate, after consultation with the underwriters, that they are entirely opposed to such action, except in the event of fever or epidemic actually breaking out. At the present time there is no apprehension of this danger, and, even if it appeared, there are available hulks in which the emigrants could be lodged afloat in order to protect them from contagion, and that to bring them Home would expose them to the danger of a winter passage, whilst from Pernambuco to New Zealand the passage would be a summer one. A contract has already been entered into for repairing all the woodwork injured by the fire, and the repairs are now being rapidly proceeded with. There are surveyors upon the spot quite capable of forming a sound judgment as to the seaworthiness of the Tessel, and I have ascertained that the ship's class or seaworthiness has not been many way affected by the fire. I would also point out to you that if the repairs are certified to as efficient, and the seaworthiness of the vessel is unquestioned, this Company's claim upon the underwriters would be seriously prejudiced by the action you propose to take. Tou are already aware that this Company has purchased and contracted for the freight of the seventy days' provisions by the steamer " Alice," from Liverpool, sailing 3rd proximo; and, as the " Piako " has already been in Pernambuco fourteen days, and everything must be in train for preparing the vessel for re-embarkation of the emigrants, I respectfully request that you will give your proposal further consideration before coming to a decision. I hare, &c, 0. K. Steickland, The Agent-General for New Zealand, London. Manager.

Enclosure 4 in No. 29. Mr. Kennaway to the Manager, New Zealand Shipping Company. " PiaJco." SIE, — 7, "Westminster Chambers, London, 2nd December, 1878. I am directed by the Agent-General to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of the 30th ultimo, and, in reply, to say that the Agent-General cannot concur in your view of the matter—namely, to wait until fever and epidemic actually breaks out, before bringing the emigrants away from Pernambuco. It seems to the Agent-General that, by bringing them back to England at once, they will sustain least suffering. . I have, &c, Walter Kennawat, The Manager, New Zealand Shipping Company. Secretary to the Department.