 This meant that the new colonies had a serious shortage of employers and consequently a shortage of work for the labouring classes.From the outset the New Zealand Company was forced to be the major employer in the new colonies and this proved a serious financial drain on the company.Repeated approaches were made to the British government seeking financial assistance and in late 1846 the company accepted an offer for a £236,000 advance with strict conditions on, and oversight of, future company operations.