me, on application by bona fide settlers in the colony since the 15th March ult.

This scheme which the Government resolved upon nine months ago, for the purpose of supplying the great demand for female labour in the colony, is now beginning to take effect. The following numbers have already arrived :-

Per Black Swan, 18th Feb., 1862, 9 statute adults.
,, Escort, 12th Aug., ,, 1 ,,
,, Grasmere, 5th Sept., ,, 30 ,,
,, Bombay, 11th ,, . 7 ,,
,, Robt. Henderson, 19th Sep., ,, 8 ,,
,, Jura, 6th Oct., ,, 59½ ,,

Total number of females 114½

By late advices from the British Agents it appears that the Sevilla sailed from the Clyde on the 1st August, for this colony, with 129 single females; the Star of Tasmania, from London, on the 26th July, with 25; and the Pladda, from the Clyde, on the 10th September, with about 200. The first two ships are now about due.

The females who arrived by all the above ships, excepting the Jura, were accepted on the original half passage scheme adopted by the Government; but as the agents of needlewomen and governesses found that they would not be successful in inducing many to avail themselves of it, from the fact that other colonies were offering more favourable terms, a more liberal scheme was afterwards adopted, the female immigrants per Jura being the first under the new system. Those who have already arrived were, upon the whole, a suitable class for supplying the demand for domestic servants in town and in the country districts, and their good behaviour on board ship, as reported by those in charge of them, and in the barracks, testifies to the care with which the British Agents have made the selection. Those by the first five ships were readily engaged at wages ranging from £35 to £40 per annum, and those per Jura at from £30 to £35. The above wages may appear excessive for female labour, but as long as the demand is so much in excess of the supply, so long will the wages continue high. I have no doubt, however, that the arrival of the next ship will have a marked effect in lowering the wages of female servants in the colony.

The difficulty of carrying out a scheme of female emigration, so as to guard against the introduction of females of different character, has been felt in other colonies. The Agents of the Government of Otago, I have reason to believe, feel the responsibility resting upon them in this respect, and are earnest in their endeavours to select emigrants of good moral character. Whatever irregularity may have taken place, has occurred without their knowledge. In my report to your Honor on the arrival of the Jura, I felt it my duty to inform you that four females by that ship came out as unmarried among the single females, while the husbands of three of them were in the same ship among the single men, and the husband of the fourth preceded her per Robert Henderson; this device being resorted to in order to evade the full payment of the passage money. The Government instructed me to demand the immediate payment of the sum advanced by the Agents for these parties, and if not complied with, to prosecute them for obtaining money on false pretences.

It is of great importance to have a competent matron in charge of the females by each ship, as was the case on board the Jura. By proper care on her part, any irregularity or improper conduct is checked at once, and good order and discipline are preserved throughout the voyage.

From the experience I have now derived in regard to female immigration, I can confidently assert that the only class suitable for this colony is hard working domestic servants, and these alone will succeed. Nothing, in my opinion, would be more imprudent, both as regards the colony and the parties themselves, than the introduction of needlewomen and governesses from the large towns at home into this Province, as they are wholly unsuitable, from their previous habits, to engage as servants in families, and equally unsuitable as wives to our working classes. As soon as they find that there is no demand for them, and, perhaps, after trial, that they cannot perform the duties required of a servant in a family, they lose heart, and moral ruin is imminent. I have seen a few instances of this kind, and now feel it my duty respectfully to warn the Government against spending the public money in assisting females of these classes.

I have thought it my duty, with your Honor’s approbation, to afford every assistance to male immigrants from Great Britain, who have come out to the colony at their own expense, without any assistance from Government. Of the several hundreds who have arrived on our shores within the last two months, the greater number appeared to be a superior class, who would be an honor to any colony. As it is well that such immigrants should be encouraged, I have granted them liberty to lodge in the barracks for a short time, and rendered my services in procuring engagements for them in the country districts.

I have the honor to be, Sir,
Your most obedient Servant,

COLIN ALLAN,
Immigration Agent.

ROAD ENGINEER’S REPORT.

To His Honor Major Richardson,
Superintendent.

SIR—
I HAVE the honor to lay before you a report on the general progress of the