H.—27

6

They are remunerated by a commission, which is regulated partly on a tonnage, partly on a parcel basis, and not on the cost of freight. Their charges are included in the freight accounts, and not kept separately by the Crown Agents; but we find that the receipts of the Agency on a return of the value of the shipments in— £ 1904 of £2,541,935 were ... ... ... ... ... 9,287 1905 of £2,080,482 were ... ... ... ... . ... 8,232 1906 of £2,133,659 were ... ... ... ... ... 10,047 Further, they received from shipping companies in respect of commission on passages taken for colonial officials, &c, £435 in 1904, £387 in 1905, and £521 in 1906. The firm of Messrs. Freeland may be said to have grown up in the shadow of the Crown Agents. They do little business except for that office, and are, in fact, dependent on it, although paid out of the general profits of the shipping business, and not by fixed salaries. The Committee are of opinion that the work could be done more effectively and more economically if the duties now performed by Messrs. Freeland were transferred to a department of the Crown Agents' office.

Copy of Cable from Right Hon. Prime Minister to the Agent-General, London, dated 10th June, 1903. There about two millions acres of land available for settlement, and there is plenty of room in New Zealand for farmers and farm labourers. I wish you therefore to take energetic action in directing this class of emigrant to New Zealand. You might see the shipping companies and get them to reduce the passage-money. If it cannot be managed in any other way, on authority being given by Parliament, the Government will either subsidise the steamship companies or pay part of the passage-money. We are proposing next session to allow tenants free use of land for three years. The present tenures are lease in perpetuity, 999 years' occupation license with right of converting into freehold in fourteen years, and the taking up of freehold. Large areas are also thrown open under the land-improved conditions under which the State advances a sum of money to each farmer to erect house, fence, and other improvements. Point out the geniality of the climate in the greater part of the colony. Stock can be out all the year. Refer to the producing capabilities of the land. Highest returns for grain in the world. Refer to the advantages of cheap money granted to settlers. State schools free education for children. I think a general advertisement throughout Great Britain and Ireland setting out these facts would help. If there be any other suggestion or direction which you have to make let me know at once. - R - J - Seddon.

Copy of Cable from Right Hon. Prime Minister to Agent-General, London, dated 13th June, 1903. You have misunderstood meaning. No intention to advertise that part passage-money would be paid till the matter has been considered by Parliament and appropriation provided. But the question of having large area of land for settlement and the advantage to agriculturists of coming to the colony should be made public and placed before the public at Home. At the present time ready for settlement as follows: Auckland, 864,000 acres; Hawke's Bay, 209,800 acres; Taranaki 90,000 acres; Wellington, 55,000 acres; Nelson, 293,000 acres; Marlborough, 2,200 acres; Westland, 411,000 acres; Canterbury, 4,000 acres; Otago, 141,000 acres; Southland, 1,400,000 This information and any other to induce emigrants to come to New Zealand should be utilised pending settlement of other matter. In the meantime please inquire of shipping companies the lowest possible passage-money. R - J - Seddon.

High Commissioner to Right Hon. the Prime Minister. Via San Francisco. . , t No 1743 Westminster Chambers, 13 Victoria Street, London S.W., Sm _' . ' 30th June, 1903. I beg to report the results of the steps which I have_ taken in compliance with the instructions contained in your cablegrams of the 10th and 13th instants. , I attach hereto copy of the advertisement which I have caused to be published in a large number of newspapers, together with that of a short paragraph which has been gratuitously inserted in the papers in which the advertisement has appeared. After interviews with Sir Edwyn Dawes and the managers of the Shaw, Savill, and Albion Company and of the New Zealand Shipping Company, in which the whole matter as regards passages was thoroughly discussed, the companies agreed to certain conditions under which reduced-rate passages, available throughout the year, will be granted to persons (approved by the Agent-General) proceeding to the colony by the two companies passenger steamers.