The Agent-General feels (himself wholly unable to deal with the special emigration scheme—connected as it is with the homestead question—until page 8 definite instructions are received from the Government. On re-consideration you will no doubt see that it would be imprudent to lay on a vessel to embark emigrants at Belfast until it is known what inducements could be offered to intending emigrants to join the party you propose to collect * * * * * *

On arrival of the mail I proceeded to London to consult with the Agent-General. That gentleman then informed me that I need not bother myself any further about the matter, as although he had not then read his despatches, he could tell me that my services were dispensed with.

On returning the following day to Belfast, I received the annexed letters from the Superintendent of Auckland, in which I am thanked for what I had already done, and promised the cordial co-operation of both the General and Provincial Governments in order to carry out the scheme.