The St Andrews Immigration Society (of which Alexander Learmonth was President), and indeed other immigration societies in the Colonies were set up to introduce a better class of immigrant, at the time the majority of whom were convicts or ex-convicts. The societies were somewhat philanthropic, but also with motives of improving the community and social class of the population. The Bounty system meant that all but 5 pounds of the immigrants passage was paid by the Colony, the balance being paid off by the immigrant within 6 -12 months along with an agreement to reside in the colony for 4 years. The societies vetted the immigrants as to their capabilities and usefulness to the colony, their moral character and literacy. I believe they also either arranged employment on arrival or at least assisted the immigrant. In Tasmania there was something called "The Depot"...no information on this as yet.
At the time (1840-1860s) competition for immigrants was high with the majority of Scots and Irish being tempted to the USA with promises of free land and the gold rush, as well, the Scots, and in particular the Scottish Highlanders were quite suspicious of immigration. Representatives of St Andrews Immigration society visited the highlands in the 1850s to attempt to break down their reserves. My 3GGF Alexander Hill, was one such Highlander who came to Van Diemens Land in 1855 under the sponsorship of Alexander Learmonth.