H.—27 a

1910. NEW ZEALAND.

THE FIRM OF "E. A. SMITH" (FURTHER CORRESPONDENCE WITH REFERENCE TO).

Laid on the Table of the House by leave.

The Agent-General for New Zealand, London, to E. A. Smith, Esq., R.N., London. Agent-General for New Zealand, 7 Westminster Chambers, London, S.W.. Sib,— 20th September, 1880. In accordance with the verbal communication I have made to you, I now have the honour to inform you that I greatly, regret, under imperative instructions from the Government, I am compelled to bring to a close your long and faithful connection with this Department. I cannot overstate the high sense I entertain of the value of your services, and the fearless and able manner in which yon have rendered them. Thousands of emigrants owe to your thoughtfulness and determination escape from all but the necessary inconveniences incidental to a long sea-passage. Your forethought has, I am convinced, saved them, much suffering. The suspension, I hope temporary, of assisted emigration reduces the present need of your services, and I am, as I have said, compelled to give you three months' notice from the Ist proximo. You will be entitled to a month's compensation for each year of service. I have also to say to you that if you establish yourself as a shipping agent, the business of this Department of this nature which has been given toother agents will be given to you. I adopt this course on the understanding that when necessary at a moderate cost your services will be available for inspecting sttps and despatching emigrants J have, &c. E. A. Smith, Esq., 8.N., London. Julius Vogel.

The Hon. the Pbemiek, Wellington, to the Agent-Gbnebal for New Zealand, London. New Zealand Government Office, Wellington, 4th December, 1880.' S£bV — Re Compensation to Mr. E. A. Smith. I have the honour to acknowledge the receipt of your letter, No. 286, of 4th October, with enclosures, respecting the case of Mr. E. A. Smith, E.N., with whose services as Despatching Officer you had been instructed to dispense. The Government is advised that it is doubtful whether Mr. Smith is legally entitled to compensation for loss of office; but, having regard to the peculiar circumstances of his case, they authorise the payment to him of an amount equal to one year's salary. The Government will be glad to have any necessary shipping-agency work connected with the Department given to Mr. Smith—of course, upon the condition that he undertakes it on terms not in excess of those of other agents. I have, &c, John Hall. Sir Julius Vogel, K.C.M.G., Agent-General for New Zealand, London. The Agent-General for New Zealand, London, to the Hon. the Premier, Wellington. Agent-General for New Zealand, 7 Westminster Chambers, London S. W Sir,— 18th February, 1881. Referring to your letter of 4th December last, 'authorising a payment of a year's salary to Mr. E. A. Smith the late Despatching Officer to this Department in special recognition of his past services, I have the honour to inform you that I have been requested by Mr. Smith to convey his thanks to the Government for the readiness with which his claim for special consideration has been met. I have, &c. The lion, she Premier, Wellington. F. I ). Bell.