D.—6.

1877. NEW ZEALAND.

IMMIGRATION. (GENERAL REPORTS OF IMMIGRATION OFFICERS.)

Presented to both Houses of the General Assembly by Command of His Excellency.

. No. 1. The Immigeation Officer, Auckland, to the Under Secretary for Immigeation. Sir, — Immigration Office, Auckland, 14th July, 1877. I have the honor to report, for the information of the Hon. the Minister for Immigration, that four vessels have arrived in Auckland with Government immigrants during the year ending 30th June, 1877, with 1,005 souls, equal to 870 statute adults. I attach a list of the ships and number of passengers, marked A. The demand for labour has decreased during the last year, except for first-class men of certain trades. This is to be partially accounted for by many of the gold-digging population having been obliged to seek other employment in consequence of the gold fields not holding out sufficient inducements for so large a number as have generally found employment there ; also from the fact that large areas of country yielding kauri gum (where numbers of men found precarious but at the same time remunerative employment) having been leased by capitalists, they are now prevented digging, and have to turn their attention to other pursuits. On the other hand, there is a very large extent of swamp land, about 100,000 acres, lately purchased, which will require draining, and when commenced should employ a great number of labourers. The public works in the province do not absorb many of the new arrivals. As a rule, contractors who are compelled by competition to make low tenders to secure contracts find that the new comers are very inferior workmen, and have to be constantly overlooked, which does not pay. A short time since there was no employment for journeymen shoemakers, but lately one of the wholesale tradesmen had to send to Melbourne for workmen, and the same thing has lately occurred with carpenters and masons. When the trades become very slack the journeymen go away South or to neighbouring colonies. The nominated system has proved much more beneficial than the assisted; the latter class of immigrants has generally been worthless, and very few remained in this province. The land claims of immigrants who have paid their passages, and are at present registered, amount to £7,070; those for the last year, £1,890. A number of them are anxiously waiting for the Waßte Lands Department to advertise the blocks of land which will be open for selection. The immigrants' cottages which were under my charge have nearly all been disposed of by the Hon. Mr. Whitaker to the Board of Education and other local bodies. I attach a list of them, marked B, showing how they have been disposed of. I also attach a scale of wages, marked C, with a remark opposite any of the trades or callings particularly required.. The Quarantine Station is in a good state of repair, and, since the erection of the extra watertanks, there is a sufficient supply of good water for the number of persons the buildings are capable of accommodating. I have, &c, Edwabd L. Green, The Under Secretary for Immigration, Wellington. Immigration Officer.

Enclosure A in No. 1. LIST OF IMMIGRATION arrived during Year ending 30th June, 1877.

Ships. Adults. Children. fants. Souls. Statute Adults. M. I R M. F. Sebington )rari... essie Osborne )xford 104 126 99 108 90 84 78 73 24 32 25 26 35 26 21 27 .15 10 7 7 258 278 230 239 223* 239 200 207* Total 437 325 107 109 39 1,005 I 870 Edwar: L. G: Immit ;EEN, ration Officer.

2

D.—6,

Enclosure B in No. 1. LIST of IMMIGRATIONS' COTTAGES, showing how Disposed of.

Enclosure C in No. 1. Bates of Wages at Auckland. Tradesmen, per day of eight hours. —Bakers, 7s. to 10s., and found; blacksmiths, Bs. to 10s.; bookbinders, 7s. to Bs. ; brewers, 7s. to Bs. 4d.; bricklayers, 9s. to lis.; brickmakers, 6s. to Bs.; butchers, 4s. 2d. to ss. 10d., and found; carpenters, 9s. to 10s.; cabinetmakers, Bs. to 10s. ; carters and wagoners, ss. to 75.; coachbuilders, Bs. to 10s.; coalminers, Gs. to Bs. ; coopers, 6s. to 75.; engineers, Bs. to 12s. ; engine drivers, 6s. to 7s. ; founders, Bs. to 12s. ; gardeners, 6s. to 7s. (employment for a few good hands) ; masons, lis. to 13s. ; millers, 6s. Bd. to lis. Bd. ; miners, 6s. to Bs.; painters (house), Bs. to 95.; painters (coach), Bs. to 10s.; paperhangers, 7s. to Bs. ; plasterers, Bs. to 10s. ; plumbers, Bs. to 95.; printers, Bs. to 10s. ; potters (coarse ware) 10s. to 13s. (employment for good hands) ; pressmen, 7s. to 95.; lithographers, Bs. to 10s.; ropemakers, 7s. to Bs. ; saddlers, 7s. to 95.; sailmakers, 9s. to 10s.; shipwrights, 9s. to 125.; sawmill hands, 3s. 4d. to 4s. 2d., and found; shoemakers, ss. to Bs. 4d. ; slaters, 10a. to 12s. ; tailors, lOd. per log; tanners and curriers, 7s. to Bs. ; turners, 7s. to Bs.; watch and clock makers, 10s. to lis. Bd.; wheelwrights, Bs. to 10s.; general labourers, ss. to 7s. Farm and Station Hands. —Ploughmen, 15s. to 20s. per week, and found; shepherds, 12s. to 15s. per week, and found; married couples, £60 to £70 per year, and found; general hands, 10s. to 12s. per week, and found. Female Labour. —Shopwomen, 30s. to 40s. per week ; dressmakers, 15s. to 255. per week; milliners, 15s. to 255. per week ; needlewomen, 15s. to 255. per week; machinists, 255. to 30s. per week. Domestic Servants. —Cooks, 10s. to 14s. per week (employment for good hands) ; dairymaids, 10s. to 12s. per week ; housemaids, Bs. to 9s. per week ; nursemaids, ss. to 7s. per week; laundresses, 10s. to 12s. per week; general servants, 10s. to 12s. per week (employment for good hands). Prices of Provisions. —Bread, per 4 lb. loaf, 9d. to lOd.; beef, per lb., 3d. to 6d.; mutton, per lb., 2£d. to 4d. per lb. ; butter, per lb., Is. 3d. to Is. 6d.; tea, per lb., 2s. to 3s. ; sugar, per lb., 4d. to 6^d.; coffee, per lb., Is. 6d. to 2s. ; cheese, per lb., 6d. to Is.; potatoes, per cwt., ss. to 65.; clothing, per cent, over English retail prices, 25 to 30. Edwaed L. Geeen, Immigration Officer.

No. 2. The Immigration Officer, New Plymouth, to the Under Secretary for Immigration. Sir', — Immigration Office, New Plymouth, 2nd July, 1877. I have the honor to report that during the twelve months ending June 30, 1877, the following immigrants were forwarded from Europe via other New Zealand ports to New Plymouth:— Free. Nominated. Souls 37 Adults 30| Souls 4 Adults 4 90 „ 79 — — 127 109J

Where Situated. To Board of Education. To County Councils. Otherwise Disposed of. Kernaining. To whom. No. Russell Sokianga vVhangarei Mahurangi Etaglan 4 4 2 6 6 i Harbour Master Native Department 4 1 2 1 1 i Sold f Church ( Removed to Ruapuki } ' Newcastle Hamilton E. „ W. ... Cambridge re Awamutu Alexandra Brisborne :::} 3 7 6 3 3 2 "i 1 1 Major Jackson ... Ladies' Benevolent Society C Taupo Road ... < Resident Magistrate ( Maunganui f Warden (.Police a 4 1 1 3 1 6 fauranga ! 4 1 • } )hinemuri .' n Store at Auckland ... i 2 Total ... 50 22 11 Edward L. Geeen Immigratio > u Officer.

3

D.—6

Of these 90 souls, 79 adults were Germans, Danes, and Poles, all of whom have found employment or joined their friends settled here. Immigration Depot. —The Marsland Hill Depot is in good order, and requires but trifling repairs. The Depot Master's services ceased on the 28th February, and the Medical Officer's on the 31st March, and all goods in charge of Immigration Officer have been handed over to the Storekeeper in charge of store at New Plymouth, as instructed. Immigrants Land Act. —Eight certificate holders selected during the year ending 30th June, 1877, 178 acres 3 roods 13 perches of forest land. Nominated Immigration. —Twenty-nine applications have been received and forwarded, being for 93 souls or 79 adults, all foreigners nominated having to pay their own passages to London, and find themselves in board, &c, until ship's departure. Land open for Settlement. —No open land has been offered for settlement during the past year, and the price asked for forest land in remote localities, without roads, prevents it being taken up by small farmers or capitalists. Labour Market. —l am able again to remark that all willing to work at a fair wage can find employment, the demand for labour being fully equal to the supply; and many of the immigrants who at first were the greatest grumblers are now satisfied with their present and future prospects, and are availing themselves of the nominated system of immigration to induce their friends to emigrate to New Zealand. Provisions —With the exception of flour, which has, from outside causes, risen to a high figure— continue at the same moderate prices as before reported. House rent has fallen about 20 per cent., owing to the great reduction in the price of timber, which, on completion of the railroad to Inglewood, will, I have every reason to believe, again form an important export. I have, &c, W. K. Hitlke, The Under Secretary for Immigration, Wellington. Immigration Officer.

No. 3. The Immigeation Offices, Napier, to the Under Secretary for Immigration. Sir, — Immigration Office, Napier, 7th July, 1877. In accordance with your circular of the 7th May, I have the honor to report upon the subject of immigration operations in this province for the year ending June 30, 1877, and, as requested, will be as brief as possible compatible with the importance of the subject. First.—As regards the demand for labour. The supply has been ample, taken in conjunction with the great influx from the other provinces. The annexed return, marked A, will put you in possession of the number of immigrants —viz., 669, equal to 584 adults—who have arrived since the date of my last report. Secondly. —As to the suitability of the immigrants introduced. The supply of single girls has never been sufficient, nor in any way approached the demand. I might here point out that nearly onethird of the so-called single girls (servants supposed to be) range between the ages of twelve and fifteen years of age, and cannot have had experience as servants. The supply of single men has been much more satisfactory during the past year than heretofore, and, although the largest shipment arrived at the dullest season of the year, there was little difficulty in finding them employment. Excepting a few large families sent to Wellington, this late-in-the-season shipment was duly supplied with work. I would here beg to draw your attention to the Hon. Mr. Ormond's suggestions as to the time ships should arrive in Napier with immigrants, as those periods would best meet the requirements of the district. Thirdly. —The success of the immigration scheme, so far as the immigrants are concerned, is certainly most satisfactory. Wages have not decreased, and all willing to work find steady employment. Fourthly. —As regards collection of promissory notes. Having lately received instructions on this subject, arid being now engaged in taking proceedings, I will reserve a report on this subject for a future occasion, simply now stating that, since free immigration, the immigrants who signed promissory notes under the old system express an opinion that they should not be called upon to pay, seeing the number who have been granted a free passage. I have, however, invariably on every occasion pointed out their responsibility, and that it would be dishonorable to endeavour to evade their liability. Fifthly. —The nomination system. I have always in all my reports advocated this system in every point of view as being the best, and still continue to do so. The evidences in support of this system are too numerous and have been too often repeated to require further comment on my part. Sixthly. —Expenditure for the forthcoming year. I lately visited the immigration depots inland, and found them in good repair. In conclusion, it is my great pleasure to again, after a period of seventeen years' service (Provincial and Civil) as Immigration Officer, report that the Commissioners have not found it necessary to place a single vessel in quarantine. The quarantine buildings which I lately inspected are in good repair, but it may be will require painting before next winter, in order to keep them in good order. I have, &c, Geo. Thos. Fannin, The Under Secretary for Immigration, Wellington. Immigration Officer.

D.—6

4

Enclosure A in No. 3. NUMBER of IMMIGRATION SHIP arrived at Napier between 30th June, 1876, and 30th June, 1877.

No. 4. The Immigration Officer, Wellington, to the Undee Secretary for Immigration. Sir, — Immigration Office, Wellington, 2nd July, 1877. I have the honor to forward a report on immigration to this port for the year ending 30th June, 1877. I attach a statement showing the number of vessels which arrived during the year, and how the immigrants were disposed of. There was some difficulty found in obtaining employment for the large number of foreigners per " Fritz Eeuter," owing in some measure to the exceptional circumstances under which they were sent out to the colony, and being in addition to the number expected to arrive during the year. I am pleased to be able to state that there has been no vessel placed in quarantine; the buildings are in good repair, and can be occupied at a moment's notice, in the event of a vessel arriving with sickness on board. Five hundred and thirty-four nominations have been received at this office and forwarded, and 217 persons have availed themselves of the passage orders provided by their friends in the colony. I may also add that quite two-thirds of the nominations have been made by persons who themselves came out as immigrants. This, I think, will show that a great many of the new arrivals are more than contented with their prospects. It is also gratifying to observe that since the system of nominated passages has been brought under notice by advertising in the local papers, the number of applications for this description of passage is increasing. The demand for labour is not now so great as it was, and I believe there are many of the useless class of persons who find it difficult to obtain constant work ; but, with the return of spriug, and the commencement of the works about to be started in Wellington, labourers will again become scarce. The tradesmen now most in demand are carpenters, plasterers, bricklayers, and a few plumbers. The demand for single women continues to be as great as ever. I would suggest that no more large families of young children be brought out, except as nominated immigrants, as it is very difficult to find employers to take them, and it is not desirable to send out any that are compelled to give promissory notes for their children in excess of the number allowed to come free, as there is very little chance of the promissory notes being paid. The collection on account of promissory notes has almost become nil. Several immigrants have been summoned, and proceedings taken as far as possible, with the exception of putting them into gaol. This has now become so generally known, that I am afraid very little more will be collected unless other steps can be taken to enforce payment. The sum of £70 2s. 7d. has been received during the • year, and the value of promissory notes now in my hands is £6,309 9s. 6d. The sum of £308 10s. 6d. has been received for rent of immigrants' cottages at Masterton, Greytown, Featherston, and the stockade at Wanganui. Most of the cottages, I am informed by the constables in charge, need repairing; the stockade that has been used for a depot at Masterton is said also to require repairs, if it is still intended to use it for immigrants. The depot at Marton is to be given up on the 31st December, 1877. A report from the Sub-Immigration Officer, Wanganui, will be forwarded as soon as received. I have, <&c, James B. Eedward, The Under Secretary for Immigration, Wellington. Acting Immigration Officer.

Married. Single. Children. Total Total Souls. Adults. NameB of Ships. Date of Arrival. M. P. M. F. M. 1 a — Remarks. F. lebington nverness Vaitara 'ernglen 24/ 4/76 27/10/76 21/12/76 20/ 3/77 4 24 24 37 I 4 13 9 24 72 i 39 24 66 31 37 78 j 36 2 17 14 30 3 11 20 27 4 9 10 35 191 188 255 32i 173 162 216i From Auckland. I 89 89 229 j 115 63 61 23 669 j 584

5

D.—6

Enclosure 1 in No. 4. RETURN of IMMIGRATION arrived in Wellington from 1st July, 1876, to 30th June, 1877.

Enclosure 2 in No. 4. Mr. H. M. Beewee to the Acting Immigration Officer. Sir, — Sub-Immigration Office, Wanganui, 2nd June, 1877. The number of immigrants received during the last year has been small in comparison to the number received the year previous, but they have been of a superior class. As far as those already located are concerned, I find that a great many of them are comfortably settled down, are doing well, and seem to have no regret at having come out. The cessation of railway works here had for a short time rather a depressing effect, but that seems to have worn off now, and although it is winter time, and therefore not so favourable for labour, yet I cannot see any more (if so many) men standing about waiting for work as some few years ago before the commencement of the Immigration Policy, notwithstanding the large number added to the population. The great test of the success of that policy in this district is tho number of nominations received and sent home. Last month I had between forty and fifty, and this month I expect about thirty ; the people sent for being of a superior class, and their friends here in a position to receive them, and in some cases to give them employment. The German immigrants, as a rule, have given great satisfaction, being sober, frugal, and industrious. Single girls are badly wanted. The depots are in fair order. I have, &c, J. B. Eedward, Esq., H. M. Brewer, Acting Immigration Officer, Wellington. Sub-Immigration Officer.

No. 5. The Immigration Offices, Nelson, to the Undee Secretaey for Immigration. Sic, — immigration Office, Nelson, 2nd July, 1877. I have the honor to report that during the past twelve months only three vessels have arrived at this port from England with immigrants—.namely, the " Camperdown," with 409; tho "Howrah," with 298; and the "Northampton," with 336; and 72 immigrants ex "Leicester" arrived coastwise from Wellington; making a total of 1,115 souls, equal to 958 adults. Of this number, 942 were forwarded to other parts of the colony —namely, Marlborough, 156 j Westland, 274 ; Taranaki, 25; Auckland, 33 ; Wellington, 345 ; Canterbury, 75 ; Timaru, 5 ; Otago, 29: total, 942 souls. The immigration to Nelson, therefore, during the past year amounted to 173 souls only, equal to 145 adults, comprising 24 married couples, 40 single men, 36 single women, 49 children. The immigrants by the above-mentioned ships appeared to have been well and carefully selected to meet the requirements of the colony as regards occupations and age, and they were reported to have been orderly and well-behaved during the voyage. The accommodation provided for the immigrants in these three ships was exceedingly good, being roomy, well ventilated, and well arranged. The provisions were ample and of good quality. Taking into consideration the present very limited demand for labour in this district, unless there is some probability of large public works being proceeded with, I cannot recommend a continuance of free immigration excepting under the nominated system, and also excepting single women. There is still a steady demand for female domestic servants, and, say, twenty-five every three months would readily find employment at good wages —namely, Bs. to 10s. per week, and at the gold-fields townships at a much higher rate. The average rates of wages paid during the year to artizans and labourers may be stated as under:—Bricklayers, masons, aud plasterers, 10s. to 12s. per diem ; carpenters, painters, and blacksmiths, 9s. to 10s. per diem ; tailors and shoemakers, Bs. to 9s. per diem; farm labourers, 6s. per diem, or 18s. to 20s. per week with board; general labourers, 6s. to Bs. per diem. Only seventy nominations were received during the year.

Total Arrived. Col( Nomi onial inated. Emigrant and Colonist's Aid Corporation. Shipped for other Ports. Forwarded to other Ports. Paid own Passages to other Ports. Remaining in Wellington. Name of Ships. Souls. Adults. Souls. Adults. Souls. Adults. Souls. I Adults. Souls. Adults. Souls. Adults. Souls. Adults. 'ritz Eeuter Vaimea lowrah ieicester [urunui takaia forthampton aidrew Eeid Vennington 'rom other Ports 511 287 88 341 173 13 233 5 29 138 422 243* 77 286| 148 9* 194* 4* 21* 112 76 33 9 42 63 28 8 32* *88 71 10 22 32 13 63 *G9 57* 8 17* 25* 8* 46* 274 2 1 227* 2 1 202 4 2 15 158 21 "l* 4 "7 "i "4 309 279 88 67 169 13 210 5 29 138 264 237 77 59 144* 9* 176J 4i 31 26 13 26 21 29 12 21* 8*i 1 4* 21* 112 Totals 1,818 1,519 217 178 \ 340 1 263*| 277 230* 223 175 11 8 1,307 1,105 * Taken by arrangemont with the G-overnn tent. Jam: 3S B. Redv Acting I: ARD, nmigration Officer.

V.—6

6

The nominal value of bills in the Nelson office for collection on the 30th June last was £598 15s. 6d. There are twelve applications under " The Immigrants Land Act, 1868," registered in this office representing land claims to the value of £700. None of the applicants have as yet selected land, and there is no law in force in this district to enable them to take advantage of the provisions of " The Waste Lands Administration Act, 1876." I would therefore respectfully suggest that bond fide settlers who remain, say, two years in the district should be entitled to exercise their scrip as cash in the purchase of land within that district, either at auction or otherwise as the land laws permit, and I would further suggest that the scrip be made transferable, as those to whom land would be of little use will otherwise have to go to the trouble and expense of obtaining their land and title, to convey it to some one else at a further expense, thereby considerably reducing the original value of the scrip to the legitimate owner. I have, &c, Alfred Greenfield, The Under Secretary for Immigration, Wellington. Immigration Officer.

No. 6. The Immigeation Offices, Blenheim, to the Undee Seceetaey for Immigeation. Sis,— Blenheim, 3rd July, 1877. During the past year there has been no immigrant ship direct to this district, the transhipments have been by "Camperdown," from Nelson, 106 adults; by "Howrah," from Nelson, 24; by "Leicester," from Wellington, 30; making a total of arrivals during the year of 160. I regret that owing to the records of the early part of the year having been destroyed in the fire at the Government Buildings in Blenheim, I cannot make any classification. The immigrants have all settled down, and I do not hear of any complaint of want of work. The present requirements of the district appear to be satisfied except in regard to single women for domestic service—a demand for which always exists; and Ido not doubt but that as the season advances a fresh demand will arise for labour of all classes. I have, &c, Cyrus Goultee, The Under Secretary for Immigration, Wellington. Immigration Officer.

No. 7. The Immigration Offices, Hokitika, to the Under Secretary for Immigration. Sir, — Immigration Office, Hokitika, 13th July, 1877. I have the honor to report that during the year ending 30th June, 1877, the number of nominations received through this office by persons resident in Westland desiring to nominate their relations or friends for free passages out to the colony was 106, nominating 195 souls, equal to 183 adults, divided as follows : —l6 married couples, 27 children, 79 single women, 55 single men, 2 widows ; occupations of which are —labourers, 17 ; farm labourers, 29; domestic servants, 75 ; cooks, 2; printers, 2 ; miners, 5 ; nurse, 1; butcher, 1 ; draper, 1; blacksmith, 1; gardener, 1; carpenter, 1; weavers, 4; shepherds, 2 ; groom, 1 ; dressmakers, 5 ; dairymaid, 1; housemaids, 3 ; bootmaker, 1: this being a slight increase on the preceding year of 14i adults. I think if the Government were to advertise more freely the privilege held out to persons resident here of free immigration by nomination, the system would be to a greater extent taken advantage of, thereby the colony would be the gainers by securing a better class of immigrants and ones more suited for colonization, as it can be taken for granted as a rule that friends would not nominate their relatives or friends unless they were able to earn their own living on arrival here. During the past two months a short advertisement has been put in the papers drawing attention to the closing of nomination lists, and in several instances parties came in to nominate their relatives who stated that till they saw the advertisment they had no idea they could get free passages by nominations or that any such system was in force, plainly pointing out that greater publicity should be given to the system than is done at present. The number of Government immigrants that have arrived during the year was 282 souls, equal to 237 adults, all of whom eventually found employmont after some trouble. A portion of the above were sent to Jackson's Bay Special settlement at their own desire. A good number of the German immigrants sent to Westland have located themselves in and about Hokitika, and it is wonderful how they have got on and prospered, when it is considered that when they landed they did not know a word of English. They in a great many instances have saved sufficient money to buy land and houses, and when spoken to about the colony say they are very happy and contented, and well satisfied that they came out. At tho present time there is not a great demand for labour, consequently I would not recommend the forwarding of any more Government immigrants in large numbers for some time to come, as at the present time of the year there are no large works going on, nor is there likely to be any till the summer comes on. The rates of wages ruling here at the present time are as follows : —Carpenters, 12s. to 14s. per day ; blacksmiths and bricklayers, lis. to 13s. ; tailors, 10s. to 125.; labourers, 9s. to 10s. ; compositors, £3 10s. to £4 10s. per week ; agricultural labourers, 20s. to 255. per week and found; domestic servants for hotels, 20s. to 30s. per week and found ; private families, 15s. to 20s. per week and found ; nursemaids, Bs. to 12s. per week. In conclusion, I have to report that the depots at Greymouth and Hokitika are in good order and repair. I have, &c., F. A. Leaemonth, The Under Secretary for Immigration, Wellington. Immigration Officer.

7

D.—6

No. 8. The Immigeation Offices, Christchurch, to the Undee Seceetaey for Immigeation. Sic, — Immigration Office, Christchurch, 30th June, 1877. I have the honor to submit, for the information of the Hon. the Minister for Immigration, the following report upon the immigration operations in this district, for the year ending 30th June, 1877 :— 1. Labour demand and supply. —There has been a steady demand for labour throughout the year, and during the summer months it was very brisk. Since the Ist July last, seven ships have arrived direct to Lyttelton with immigrants, and two part shipments have been forwarded from other ports. The total number introduced has been 2,014 souls, equal to 1,738 statute adults, as against 3,669 souls, equal to 3,168^ statute adults, introduced during the previous year. The total number of immigrants introduced into this district, since the passing of the Public Works to date, has been 21,344 souls, equal to 17,803 statute adults. The following is the return of the ships conveying immigrants during the past year, showing tho date of arrival, length of passage, number shipped, number landed, and the births and deaths on the passage:—

This number is classified as follows, viz.,— 291 families, comprising 1,085 souls ... ... ... =809 statute adults. Single men ... ... ... ... ... 533 „ Single women ... ... ... ... ... 396 „ Total 2,014 souls ... ... ... =1,738 2. Character and Suitability of Immigrants. —The immigrants introduced have been of good character, and were generally suitable for the requirements of the district. 3. Rates of Wages. —Married couples, for farms and stations, £60 to £70 per annum; married men with families, 4s. to 6s. per day, with cottage found; ditto, for bush-work, 6s. to 9s. per day; grooms and coachmen, £40 to £50 ; shepherds, £50 to £60, and found ; gardeners, £50 to £55 ; single men, for farms and stations, £40 to £55; masons, bricklayers, carpenters, and plasterers, Bs. to 12s. per day; blacksmiths, wheelwrights, coopers, coachmakers, and plumbers, 9s. to 10s. per day; shoemakers and tailors, £2 10s. to £3 per week (piece-work) ; general labourers, 6s. to Bs. per day. Single women (domestic servants) cooks, £30 to £40 per annum, and found; general servants, £20 o £30 per annum, and found. 4. Nominated System, how ivorking. —The nominated system continues to work satisfactorily. The total number of nominations taken at this office for the past year was 682 souls, equal to 625 statute adults. 5. Special Settlements. —No special settlements have been formed in this district at present on any extensive scale. 6. Recovery of Bills and Promissory Notes. —l am pleased to report that considerable progress has been made in the collection of bills and notes during the past year. The total amount collected on immigration has been £1,847 16s. 4d., as under: —On bills and notes, £1,181 13s. 2d.; provincial notes, £192 ss. lid.; passages in advance and outfit, £158 Bs. 6d.; rents, £212 14s. 9d.; refunds, £48 145.; sale of tanks, £54: total, £1,847 16s. 4d. I look forward to collecting a larger amount during tho next twelve months. I have, &c, J. E. March, The Under Secretary for Immigration, Wellington. Immigration Officer.

No. 9. The Immigeation Officer, Timaru, to the Undee Secretary for Immigration. Sir, — Immigration Office, Timaru, 4th July, 1877. In reply to your circular dated the 7th May, I have the honor to lay before you the following report on immigration in my district for the year ending 30th June, 1877: —1. The total number of

No. Shipped. No. Landed. Date of Days ! Name or Ship. BlBTHS. Deaths. Aekival. OUT. Souls. Adults. Souls. Adults. I | City of Dunedin Waitangi Rangitikei Cardigan Castle Waipa Wiltshire Carnatic Camperdown ... Leicester 1876. July 1... Sept. 16... Dec. 11... 1877. Jan. 6... „ 24... Feb. 17... April 14... 9S 84 94 95 ss 97 276 337 320 324 282 282 32 68 105 237 2811 2771 2801 249 2511 251 67 82 276 341 318 313 281 281 31 68 105 237 2811 274 272 248| 2501 251 67 82 1 4 (i 4 2 1 8=31 15=8* 3= i 1=] 1 Total 2,026 1,7511 2,014 1,738 17 29=131

D.—6.

8

immigrants arrived here during that period were 302 souls, equal to 274 adults. 2. The number nominated from this office during the same period were 272 souls, equal to 250. adults. 3. The nominated immigrants who arrived were 41 souls, equal to 38 adults. Owing to the sudden cessation in advertising, &c, many of the public were under the impression free immigration had ceased, hence the small number of nominations. The class and character of those who have arrived are satisfactory, and had no difficulty in obtaining work. Wages are still high in this district —namely, labourers, Bs. a day. Domestic servants are very scarce, and command £35 to £50 a year. The Immigration Barracks both here and at the Waimate are in good order. I have, &c., J. LeCeen, The Under Secretary for Immigration, Wellington. Immigration Officer.

No. 10. The Immigration Officer, Dunedin, to the Under Secretary for Immigration. Sic, — Immigration Office, Dunedin, 2nd July, 1877. I have the honor to furnish, for the information of the Hon. the Minister of Immigration, my annual report relating to immigration to this port for the year ending 30th June, 1877. During the season, five ships conveying immigrants arrived, bringing 1,537 souls, equal to 1,339j statute adults. Of this number, 315 souls, equal to 208J- statute adults, were introduced under tho nomination system, and on their arrival were taken over by their friends. The number of female servants was 263. The demand for labour during last season continued good and regular, the immigrants soon after their arrival having met with ready employment, especially those of them who were brought up to agricultural pursuits. Farm and female domestic servants are always in request, the demand continuing to increase in proportion to the increase of population. lam glad to report that the people who arrived were upon the whole suitable for our requirements. The rates of wages have not suffered any material alteration since last year's quotations. The rates now ruling are—for married couple 3 for farms and stations, £70 to £80, and double rations ; ploughmen, £55 to £60; farm servants, £50 to £52; gardeners, Bs. to 9s. per day; common labourers, 6s. to Bs. per day p female servants —cooks, £40 per annum ; general servants, £30 to £35. I reiterate the statement made in last year's report that it is inadvisable to expend the public money in assisting certain classes of tradesmen and mechanics to emigrate, as representatives of these are already too numerous in our midst. They include engineers, engine-fitters, boiler-makers, blacksmiths, iron-moulders, tinsmiths, painters, bakers, shoemakers, &c. A limited number of bricklayers, carpenters, and plasterers may be introduced with advantage to themselves and the colony. ■ Two thousand immigrants can be readily placed during the ensuing season, providing they prove to be-of the right class. Oamaru District alone would absorb one-fourth of that number. The nominated system continues to work well, and a number of useful immigrants are beiug received through it. The total number nominated through this office (not including Invercargill or Oamaru) during the year was 577 souls, equal to 513 adults. The system has lately received an impetus from the advertisements inserted in the local papers referring thereto. Two of the ships conveying immigrants were placed in quarantine on account of an outbreak of measles on the passage. The usual precautions of washing and fumigating the clothes and bedding used on board having been observed, a short detention on tho Quarantine Station sufficed. Tho health of the immigrants has been otherwise very favourable. The number of deaths was 19, being 1 male and 2 female adults, 8 male and 4 female children under 12 years of age, and 4 infants. The provisions of the charterparty were faithfully fulfilled by tho charterers of the vessels, no complaints having been made to the Commissioners when inspecting the ships. I have, &c, Colin Allan, The Under Secretary for Immigration, Wellington. Immigration Officer.

Enclosure in No. 10. The Sub-Immigration Officer, Invercargill, to the Undee Secretary for Immigration. Sir, — Sub-Immigration Office, Invercargill, 12th June, 1877. I have the honor to report, for your information, that since being appointed as Sub-Immi-gration Officer for this district on the Ist August, 1876, the following details respecting the requirements of this division of the colony have come under my notice and observation:—l, I may state that employment of all kinds has been less plentiful in Southland than usual during the last twelve months, partly owing to the great addition to our labouring population received during the previous year, and also to a temporary tightness in the money market, which rendered employers less able to pay the current rate of wages. 2. The cessation of railway and other public works having necessarily thrown a large number out of employment, all of whom, however, now seem absorbed and settled in various parts of the colony. The prospects of labour during the ensuing year are for suitable immigrants good; farm labourers, especially ploughmen, who are really acquainted with agricultural pursuits, will always meet with ready employment and fair wages; and I would further respectfully state that where grownup families of sous and daughters can be induced to emigrate together, it might be well to allow the parents, even if over the age prescribed by the rules, to come free, as such families invariably do well, the presence of the parents being a safeguard for the young people. I know of many large families that came out a year or two ago to Southland almost destitute, who now are thriving settlers, sons and daughters being married, with houses and land of their own; and many of those immigrants who at one time were considered our worst importations are now fairly prosperous, possessing their own homesteads. For married couples without children and single women there is at all times an unlimited

9

D.—6

demand, with good wages, according to fitness. Married couples with children are the most difficult to place, yet I always find that where they are pushing and willing an opening does occur, and they get on in time. In conclusion, I may observe that, considering what I have above stated, in addition to those received by the excellent system of nomination, we shall be able to absorb a fair proportion of the immigrants that may be allotted to the Southern Island during the ensuing season. I have, &c, HeSBEET V. LILLICEAP, The Under Secretary for Immigration, Wellington. Sub-Immigration Officer. By Authority: Geobge DidSBURY, Government Printer, Wellington.—-1877. Price 9d.]