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English (ATL)

via Marseilles 3 Adelaide place Houghton St. London
26th May 1864


My dear Sir,

I have your favor of 9th March before me and thank you for it. Immediately it came to hand, I wrote as you requested to the Rev. D. McColl and regret to learn as you will observe by the enclosed note that the Reverend Gentleman was dead. From what the lady states it will be necessary for you to appoint some one else to select the Emigrants I regret this delay especially as the class of men are so much wanted with you.

Your system of inducing the others to send for people who are to be selected by their friends in England is an entirely a good one. There is no getting Emigrants at present about 18 months to two years ago I was inundated with applications, now there are none. From Ireland, from where they came by scores the exodus is entirely directed to the States. A passage which is nominally free, and the promise of immediate employment on their arrival is tempting hundreds of able bodied young men when the General Government arrangements for the introduction of military setters are in force, they are likely to attract some, but they will entirely upset the possibility of getting an independent class of Emigrant and so much harm to some of the Southern provinces. I hope the General Government will assign to you the power of introducing the intended Emigration to your province from such places, times and numbers as you may consider advisable. I hear Mr. Wood proposes to entrust it entirely to the Emigration Commissioners. If so it will be done at a costly rate and I am afraid not in such a manner as will assist the direct trade with Napier which is advisable to foster. I am glad to hear you are getting a pamphlet published I hope it will contain the Land regulations of the province. These should be printed in such a form as can be circulated thro the post I have sent for several papers etc. by this mail you will be interested to see what Mr. Gorst says also Mr. Sewell and the latest dispatch from Mr. Cardwell, all of which you will get. I also enclose a Wool Circular knowing you are largely interested in the article. The sales are progressing most satisfactorily an advance of 1d is established at least I am confident I have got even more than this on some wool from your district. The money market is extremely adverse to the introduction of Loans. No progress can be made with either the Otago or Canterbury Loans. It appears that the former province will have to get the General Government to support it. I would certainly, were I in your position, get it to endorse or guarantee your Loan and let them bring it out as a General Government security. It would then be marked on the Stock Exchange and floated with comparative ease. As it is you will I am afraid have to submit to it being sold at a discount for both Otago and Canterbury are doing this at present by allowing the accrued interest.

I sent you tracing of a light description of Iron bridge for 75 feet span. On working out the propositions for a bridge for 100 feet span. The cost is considerably increased also the weight say to £900 and 50 tons. For many of the shearers in N. Z. the lighter bridge appears to me to be well adapted. At any time I shall be glad to get your estimates, or plans to guide you in carrying out your public works. Mr. W. S. Graham has just called he tells me your son is on his way home to England. It will give me much pleasure to see him and to have him sometimes with me if you will tell him to call or let me know where he is to be found. Excuse haste,


Yours faithfully,
John Morrison