D.—3

4

to postpone my letter for a short time. Since writing to you on the 15th inst., No. 50, I have been in communication with the shipping companies as to passages by sailing ships, in case these should be preferred by farmers ; but, at present, I think that we shall have to confine passages to the steamers, as the companies do not in ordinary cases bring their sailing ships under the Passengers Act. I have, Ac., The Hon. the Minister for Immigration, Wellington. F D. Bell.

No. 9. The Agent-General to the Hon. the Minister of Lands. Sir,- — 7, Westminster Chambers, London, S.W., 11th February, 1886 I transmit to you herewith copy of a letter I have received from the Secretary of State relating to the proposed establishment of an " Emigrants' Information Office," under the general direction of the Colonial Office, together with my reply. I have, &c, The Hon. the Minister for Immigration, Wellington. F. D. Bell.

Enclosure No. 1 to No. 9. Mr. Herbert to the Agent-General. Sir, — Colonial Office, Downing Street, 2nd February, 1886. With reference to the interview between Colonel Stanley and the deputation from several emigration societies reported in the "Times" of the 18th ult., I am directed to acquaint you that it is proposed to establish in this neighborhood, with the assistance of a moderate subsidy from public funds, and under the general direction of this department, an emigrants' information office for the purpose of collecting, condensing, and disseminating through placards to be exhibited at the Post Offices, and in other ways, the best and most recent information relative to the demand for labour, and the prospects of successful emigration in the Colonies, the assistance offered to emigrants by the Colonial Governments, the means of conveyance, cost of passages, wages of different employments, prices of the principal necessaries of life, etc., and also for the purpose of affording a central place of enquiry to intending emigrants. Before proceeding further in the matter the Secretary of State would be glad to be assured that the undertaking will meet with your co-operation, and that you will be prepared to furnish such an office from time to time with the best and most recent information in your power upon the points referred to, and upon any other points which may arise. A similar letter has been addressed to other representatives of Colonial Governments in London, and I am to add that should you desire any further explanations on this subject they will be readily afforded to you either personally at this office, or in writing. I am, &c, The Agent-General for New Zealand. Bobert G W. Herbert.

Enclosure No. 2 to No. 9. Sir, — 7, Westminster Chambers, London, S.W., 10th February, 1886. I have the honor to acknowledge receipt of your letter of the 2nd. inst., in which, with reference to the recent interview between Colonel Stanley and deputations from emigration societies, you state that it is proposed to establish an " Emigrants' Information Office," under the general direction of the Colonial Office, for the purpose of collecting and disseminating information as to the demand for labor, and prospects of successful emigration to the Colonies. I beg to state that I shall be at all times ready to furnish the Colonial Office with the latest information upon those points, or any others which may arise. I am sending your letter for the consideration of my Government. I have, &c, The Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies. F. D. Bell.

No. 10. The Agent-General to the Hon. Minister for Immigration. Sir, — 7, Westminster Chambers, London, 11th March, 1886. I duly received you telegram of the sth instant, desiring me to be careful to keep the expenses incurred in connection with the emigration of small farmers within reasonable limits, as no vote had yet been taken for them. I have been trying in vain, ever since my letter to you of the 28th January, to write to you more fully on a number of points I have had in my mind on this subject; but the pressure of work has been so great lately, that I have really not been able to do so yet. In the meantime, however, I have taken great care not to incur much expense, but rather to make preliminary preparations until I could see my way better, and I hope to send you a letter by the San Francisco Mail, dealing with the chief points which I think the Government should have before them prior to proposing a vote for the consideration of the House. I have, &c, The Hon. the Minister for Immigration, Wellington. F. D. Bell.