HC Deb 04 March 1824 vol 10 cc727-8
Mr. Hume

wished to put a question to the right hon. gentleman opposite. The evils which had resulted from the emigration to Poyais were well known to the House. He un- derstood, that an office called the "Poyais Emigration-office" was now opened in London, for the purpose of receiving money from persons who were disposed to emigrate, and that a number of individuals had been prevailed upon by the representations held out to them, and were collecting their all for the purpose of proceeding to settle in New Zealand. It was of the utmost importance to these persons and to the public in general, to know what foundation existed for the promises which were held out to them. He therefore requested the right hon. gentleman to inform him, whether these proceedings were sanctioned by his majesty's government, or whether there was any probability of their success?

Mr. Wilmot Horton

said, the office to which the hon. gentleman alluded was altogether without the sanction of the government, and the people could not be too cautious in listening to the delusive representations which were made to them, and in relying on the promises of the mercenary projectors.