Wellington,
August 22nd, 1862.

Sir—I have the honor to forward, for the information of the Government, a letter from the Deputy-Superintendent of Otago, accompanied by a Memorial to my address, of the 12th instant, expressive of an opinion that it is desirable, under existing circumstances, to relax the restrictions which have been promulgated against the importation of cattle into that Province.

You will perceive that an unanimity of opinion exists between the Deputy-Superintendent and the Executive Council, as to the expediency of partially relaxing the restriction, and the former suggests that the restriction should be withdrawn in regard to the District of Gipps Land, where it is stated that disease has not yet appeared, and that the importation should be allowed under duly authorised certificates on embarkation, further guarded by the cattle being slaughtered at Port Chalmers.

The Government will observe that the prayer of the Memorialists notice, as an obstruction to permanent settlement in the Province, that the prices of beef and mutton are at the extravagant height of ten to twelve pence per pound, owing to a system of monopoly; but it is only right to observe that there is no monopoly as regards mutton, as there is no obstacle whatever to the introduction of sheep; and I learn from various sources that the high price of meat is to be ascribed more to the system of combination among the sellers at Otago rather than to the restrictions in force on the introduction of large cattle, for I am positively informed that any amount might be forwarded from the Northern Island and there be disposed of profitably at Dunedin at 6d. per lb. by the importers.

I feel it imperative to state that the introduction of disease among the cattle into the Province of Otago would have the effect of totally destroying the local supply and paralysing the exertions of the agriculturists, the successful issue of which depends mainly upon the preservation of their working bullocks.

But, as this subject is one which very generally affects the whole of the Middle Island, I would suggest that an opinion as to the expediency of the relaxation be invited from the Superintendents of Canterbury, Southland, and Marlborough, now present at Wellington.

Should the Government be of opinion that a partial relaxation may be safely made, I would suggest that a communication be made with Gipps Land, in order to see how the desired object may be obtained.

I have the honor to be, &c.,
(Signed) J. L. C. RICHARDSON,
To the Honorable the Colonial Secretary.

17th September, 1862.

The Hon. the Colonial Secretary,
Auckland.

Sir—Before leaving Wellington I had the honor of submitting to you a letter and Memorial on the subject of Importation of Cattle from Gipps Land. As the question is a very important one, I have the honor to request an opinion at your earliest convenience.

I would suggest that whatever the decision of Government may be, it would be expedient to be placed in communication with the Gipps Land Government, in order, should a necessity arise, to enter upon the arrangement for such importation with as much security as the circumstances of the case may afford.

I have the honor to be, &c.,
(Signed) J. RICHARDSON,
Superintendent.

Colonial Secretary’s Office,
Wellington, 19th Sept., 1862.

His Honor the Superintendent,
Dunedin.

Sir—I have to acknowledge the receipt of your Honor’s letter of the 20th ultimo (written at Wellington) transmitting a letter from the Deputy-Superintendent of Otago, together with a memorial to yourself, expressive of an opinion of the desirability, under existing circumstances, of relaxing the restrictions which have been promulgated under the “Diseased Cattle Act, 1861,” against the importation of cattle into that Province from other countries.

The opinions of the Superintendents of the Provinces of Canterbury and Southland have, in accordance with your suggestion, been taken on this subject, and they entertain strong objections to the relaxation of the present prohibition against the importation of cattle. Your Honor has also pointed out the disastrous consequences of the introduction of pleuropneumonia, and as I am informed that there are cattle in plenty in other Provinces in New Zealand, which may be