7

D.-4

In reply I have to state that as the sum to be paid you has been fixed by the Cabinet, I am unable to authorise a higher amount than that stated in my letter of the sth December, namely, ,£3OO to cover all expenses, except the cost of passages to London for yourself and wife. It will be for you to decide by which steamer you will proceed to London, and on presentation of this letter to the agent in Nelson of either of the lines of steamers, passages will be provided for you and charged to this department. You should place yourself in communication with the Exhibition Commissioners who have been appointed to represent the Colony, with regard to your proposal to lecture at the Indian and Colonial Exhibition. I have, &c, J. Ballance, A. Clayden, Esq., Nelson. Minister of Immigration.

No. 8. The Hon. Minister of Immigration to the Agent-General. (Memorandum.) Immigration Department, Wellington, 29th January, 1886. I have to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of the 30th November last, as to granting assisted passages to small farmers and persons possessed of capital who desire to come out to this colony. ■ In reply I have to inform you that the Government is exceedingly anxious to promote the emigration to the Colony of the class of persons referred to, as the liberal provisions of the Land Act of last session for leasing small grazing runs, affords special advantages for taking up land on easy terms. In order that no time should be lost in making your arrangements the following telegrajihic message was despatched to you by the Hon. the Premier on the 20th instant : " Your letter 30th November received. Immigration— Your proposals approved. Make arrangements." The Government desire that you will take such steps as you may consider necessary for affording the fullest information respecting the provisions of the Land Act of last session, and for generally promoting the immigration of small farmers and persons possessed of capital who wish to settle in New Zealand. J. Ballance, The Agent-General for New Zealand, London. Minister of Immigration.

No. 9. The Hon. the Minister of Immigration to the Agent-General. (Memorandum.) Immigration Department, Wellington, 10th March, 188G. Me. Colin Allan, Immigration Office at Dunedin, having been granted leave of absence to enable him to visit his native place (tire Island of Skye), sailed in the s.s. "Arawa" on the 6th instant for London, and the Government has considered it would bo desirable to take advantage of Mr. Allan's presence in Scotland in promoting the Emigration of Crofters from the Highlands and Islands. I enclose for your information a copy of Mr. Allan's letter upon the subject; also a copy of liis address to the Crofters and small farmers, and I shall feel obliged by your assisting Mr. Allan, should he require it The Government has approved of a sum not exceeding one hundred pounds being paid to Mr. Allan for travelling expenses. J. Ballance, The Agent-Genera*! for New Zealand, London. Minister of Immigration.

Enclosure No. 1 to No. 9. The Immigration Officer, Dunedin, to the Under-Secretary for Immigration. Sir, — Immigration Office, Dunedin, Ist October 1885. Having had an interview with the Hon. the Premier, who requested me to communicate with the Head of my Department. I take the liberty of asking for leave of absence for a period of nine months to visit Britain. I have now been twenty-nine years in the service of the Provincial and General Governments of New Zealand, the first five years as teacher, and the latter twenty-four years in charge of the Immigration Department of Otago, during which I may say I have been uninterruptedly engaged in receiving immigrants from Britain, in providing for them on arrival, and in the promoting of the active work of colonization of the Province. I feel that a period of relaxation on the score of health is absolutely necessary, and taking into account my long services to the Colony, I confidently trust my request will be granted. A desire having been expressed by the Premier and James Macandrew, Esq., M.H.R., that advantage should be taken of my visit to the Home country with a view that I should use my influence to induce the Crofters of my native Island of Skye to emigrate to this Colony ; I shall be prepared to fall in with this desire in consideration of my being allowed my full salary of £325, and a reasonable allowance as travelling expenses while officially engaged in Skye. I will of course defray my own expenses to Britain and back to the Colony. The class of Crofters I would be prepared to select would be families with partially grown-up sons and daughters, and single females for domestic service. The parents and the younger members would cultivate the land set apart tor them while the elder sons and daughters would take service among the farm3rs,ani thus pecuniarily assist their parents. I know that the Crofters, to many of whom both myself and the family from whom I sprang are well-known, would implicitly confide in any statements I might make to them about the Colony.