PAPERS RELATING TO IMMIGRANTS NOMINATED BY MR. FINLAY MURCHISON OF RIVERTON

Appendix to the Journals of the House of Representatives, 1872 Session I, D-07

PAPERS RELATING TO IMMIGRANTS NOMINATED BY MR. FINLAY MURCHISON OF RIVERTON

D.—No.7.

PRESENTED TO BOTH HOUSES OF THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY, BY COMMAND OP HIS EXCELLENCY.

WELLINGTON.

1872.

SCHEDULE OF CORRESPONDENCE

No. Date. Prom To Subject. 1872. February 13 His Honor the Superintendent of Otago Hon. W. Reeves Enclosing copies of letter to Mr. Auld on Mr. Fmlay Murchison's application for Nominated Immigrants. February 13 Hon. W. Reeves His Honor the Superintendent of Otago Suggests Provincial Government should advance money for Immigrants, as proposals do not come within published regulations. February 14 His Honor the Superintendent of Otago Hon. W. Reeves Will request Provincial Agent to take promissory notes from Immigrants. February 16 Hon. W. Reeves Agent-General, London Memorandum to Agent-General relative to Mr. Murchison's nominations. February 17 Ditto His Honor the Superintendent of Otago Enclosing copy of memorandum to AgentGeneral as to dealing with Mr. Murchison's nominations.

D.~No. 7

No. 1. His Honor the Superintendent of Otago to the Hon. W. Reeves. Superintendent's Office, Dunedin, 13th February, 1872. Sir, — Enclosed I have the honor to hand you copy of a letter addressed by me to the British Agent of this Province, together with a list of the names and addresses of the families referred to. Perhaps you will be good enough to direct the Agent-General in England, to give effect to whatever arrangements may be necessary, in order to the Immigrants in question being landed at Bluff Harbor, where they will be taken care of by their friends. I may add that it is very probable that a number of other Immigrants of a suitable class may be induced to go in this party. I have, &c, J. Macandrew, Superintendent of Otago. Hon. W. Reeves, Dunedin.

Enclosure 1 in No. 1. From His Honor the Superintendent of Otago .to Mr. John Auld, Edinburgh. Superintendent's Office, Dunedin, 12th February, 1872. Sir, Mr Finlay Murchison, on behalf of himself, his brothers and sister, who are all comfortably settled in the Eiverton District, in this Province, is desirous of being joined by a number of relatives and connections, and as an earnest of their desires, have expressed their willingness, if necessary to mortgage their properties by way of security for passage money. Under the Colonial regulations, however, this will not be necessary. Herewith you will receive a list of names, addresses and occupations of the families desired to be brought out, from which it will be seen that they are a most suitable class of Immigrants, numbering from sixty to seventy individuals. I think it probable that the whole may be induced to come out in the same ship, in which case, arrangements should be made to land them at Bluff Harbor, where they will be taken charge of by their friends. I have communicated with the General Government, to the intent that the Agent-General may be instructed to do the needful in this matter. I have, &c, J. Macandrew, Superintendent. John Auld, Esq., Edinburgh.

Enclosure 2 in No. 1. From His Honor the Superintendent of Otago to Mr John Auld, Edinburgh. Superintendent's Office, Dunedin, 14th February, 1872. Sib,— Eeferring- to my letter of yesterday's date, respecting the Emigrants for Riverton, I omitted to state I expect them to be brought out on the same terms as I understood the Scandinavian Emigrants are being brought out; that is, at the sole expense of the Colony. No doubt, the Agent-General will arrange this to your satisfaction. If, however, there should be any hitch in the matter, you will please to provide passages in the usual way, taking promissory notes at the rate of £7 per statute adult. I have, &c, J. Macandrew, Superintendent. John Auld, Esq., Edinburgh.

PAPERS RELATING TO IMMIGRANTS NOMINATED BY MR. FINLAY MURCHISON.

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PAPERS RELATING TO IMMIGRANTS

No. 2. From Hon. W. Reeves to His Honor the Superintendent of Otago. Office of the Resident Minister for the Middle Island, Dunedin, 13th February, 1872. Sir, — In reply to your letter of this day's date, enclosing copy of a letter to the British Agent for Otago, and a list of persons whom you desire to be brought out and landed at the Bluff, I have the honor to inform you that the persons therein named can be brought out only as nominated Immigrants under the regulations recently enacted, and now in force throughout the whole Colony. Those regulations require the prepayment of five pounds for every adult, and two pounds ten shillings for each child, between the ages of one and twelve, except in the case of single women, between the ages of twelve and thirty-five, who will receive free passages. As it is desirable that no time should be lost in bringing out such a number of suitable Immigrants, and as you state that their relatives at Riverton are prepared to furnish security, if required for the passage money. I would suggest that the Provincial Government should advance the money, and take the security offered, in order to expedite the arrangement. As I leave Dunedin to-morrow, the 14th instant, and the mail will leave Lyttelton on Saturday for England, I shall be glad to receive an early reply. I have, &c, W. Reeves. His Honor the Superintendent of Otago.

No. 3. From His Honor the Superintendent of Otago to the Hon. W. Reeves. Superintendent's Office, Dunedin, 14th February, 1872. Sir, — In reply to your letter of yesterday's date, in which you suggest that the Provincial Government should advance the necessary funds towards payment of passage of the persons therein referred to, I have to state that, relying upon all advances required for Immigrants being paid out of the Loan, the Provincial Council, at its last session was not asked for any appropriation under this head. The whole of the immigration therefore which the Province has been carrying on during the current financial year has been paid for by my special order, on the faith of the Provincial Treasury being recouped as it has been from time to time. I submit, however, that it would be more satisfactory if the payments were made direct by the General Government. With respect to the passage of the persons now in question I shall request tire Agent of the Province to take Promissory Notes at the rate of seven pounds for each statute adult, but in the event of there being more favourable Colonial regulations in force in England I see no reasons why these persons should not have the advantage thereof. There would, I think, be a manifest unfairness in placing Emigrants, nominated in the Colony on a worse footing as regards passage cost, than that in which they would be if selected by the Agent-General; and if, as I understand, the Colony is now engaged in forwarding Scandinavian Emigrants to Wellington and Canterbury, at its own sole expense, I confess to some feeling of disappointment at there being any hitch in respect to the introduction into Otago on similar terms, of a batch of English-speaking Immigrants of the class of those referred to in your letter now under reply. I have, &c, J. Macandrew, Superintendent of Otago. The Hon. W. Reeves in Dunedin.

No. 4. From Hon. W. Reeves to Agent-General, London. Resident Minister's Office foi the Middle Island, IN ew Zealand, Memorandum — Christchurch, 16th February, 1872. I annex herewith copies of correspondence that has taken place with his His Honor the Superintendent of Otago, in reference to certain nominated Immigrants. The Agent-General will gather therefrom that His Honor the Superintendent has written to Mr. Auld, informing him that a number of persons nominated by Mr Finlay Murchison, of Riverton, Otago, will be brought out to New Zealand at the expense of the Colony, and that he has also written to me, requesting that I will instruct you to have these people landed at Invercargill. In answer to the communication addressed to me the Agent-General will learn that I pointed out

NOMINATED BY MR. FINLAY MURCHISON.

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that by the regulations recently adopted throughout the Colony, nominated Immigrants (except single women) can only be brought to the Colony upon payment of the sum of five pounds at the time of nomination. In reply to my letter, His Honor states that he has directed Mr. Auld to take promissory notes from the parties indicated on the list for the sum of £7 each, in accordance with the previous regulations in force in Otago. Though these regulations are no longer in force, I think it would be as well to take the promissory notes in this case, rather than delay the shipment of so large a number of suitable Immigrants, at a time when the Colony is anxious to import labor. You are therefore authorised to depart in this instance from the rules laid down by the Minister for Public Works and Immigration. I have to request that joti will arrange, if possible, that the Immigrants herein alluded to may be landed at the Bluff. I have, &c, W. Reeves.

No. 5. From Hon. W. Reeves to His Honor the Superintendent of Otago. Resident Minister's Office for the Middle Island, New Zealand,' Christchurch, 17th February, 1872. Sir, — In reply to your letter of the 14th instant, in which you state that the Provincial Government is not in a position to advance the funds necessary to pay the passages of certain nominated Immigrants mentioned therein, and in which you' inform me that you have written to Mr. Auld, requesting him to take promissory notes from the said nominees for the sum of seven pounds for each statute adult, I have the honor to inform you that I have instructed the Agent-General to carry out your wishes, though they are not in accordance with the regulations for nominated Immigrants now in force throughout the Colony. I have adopted this course rather than allow any obstacle to interfere with the introduction of a number of suitable Immigrants at a time when the Colony is anxious to promote Immigration. At the same time I must point out to your Honor that you appear to labour under the misconception that the Colony is importing free labour, while it is taking nominated Immigrants to the extent of Five Pounds, as part passage money for each statute adult. Up to the present time the Government has received no intimation that the Agent-General has adopted the system of free immigration. It follows, therefore, that your Honor's remarks as to the unfairness of not introducing a batch of " English-speaking Immigrants upon equal terms with Scandinavians are without foundation. I have, &c, W. Reeves. His Honor the Superintendent of Otago.

D.-No. 7.

No. 1. Mr. Maech to the Hon. W. Eeeves. Sic, — Immigration Office, Christchurch, Ist July, 1872. I have the honor to transmit herewith Report and Statistics of Immigration for the year ending 30th June, 1872. The total number of Immigrants introduced during that period has been 1046 statute adults, classified as under:— 145 Families — 365 Statute adults. 331 Single Men = 331 „ 350 Single Women = 350 „ „ Of this number 628f- were brought to Canterbury and _17£ to .Otago. (See enclosure No. 1.) No difficulty was experienced in finding suitable situations for the Immigrants, the demand for single women especially, and for single men accustomed to general farm work, has been much greater than the Bupply. I append return showing nationality, trades and occupations of those introduced. (Enclosure Number 2.) A considerable number of the Immigrants having been nominated, joined their friends on arrival in the colony, and thus reduced the number of those who were for engagement. This particularly refers to single women, and consequently the demand for domestic servants is still very great. The Assisted Immigrants have been well selected, and suitable for the wants of the colony. The arrangements on board ship for the accommodation and provisioning of the Immigrants has been on the whole satisfactory. I append copies of Commissioners' Reports on the different ships. (Enclosure Number 3.) With regard to Barracks, I have to report that at the time the General Government assumed the management of Immigration the accommodation for Immigrants was found, in most cases, to be temporary and unsuitable. From answers received to circulars sent by the Government to the Superintendents of the several provinces, I have compiled the following information : — Marlborough. The Barracks in this province are situated in Picton. The accommodation is very limited, and the buildings are unsuitable. I have ascertained that repairs and alterations to the extent of £100 are required, but even then they would not accommodate more than about sixty persons. Canterbury. The Immigration Barracks at Christchurch afford ample accommodation for about 300 Immigrants, but double this number could be accommodated on an emergency. The Barracks are divided into three separate compartments, containing day-rooms, dormitories, kitchens, wash-houses, bath-rooms, etc., together with quarters for the Barrack Master and Matron. Certain repairs and additions were found necessary, and these are now in progress. The work has to be completed by the 6th instant, and the cost will be £945 14s. The present Quarantine Barracks at Camp Bay are very unsuitable, both as regards accommodation and position. I forward copy of my report on this subject. The Government having decided to erect new buildings on Eipa Island, tenders were called for the work. The lowest tender was that of Messrs. Roach and Martin (Dunedin), £3748, which has been accepted. The buildings are to be completed in December next. At Timaru the Barrack accommodation is sufficient for the number of Immigrants likely to be sent there for the next year. Dunedin. The Immigration Barracks in Princess street were found to be unsuitable, especially from their position, being in the heart of the town. A site at Caversham having been decided on by the Government, plans for new Barracks were prepared by the Colonial Architect, and tenders were invited for the erection. The lowest tender, that of Mr. J. Smith (Dunedin), for £4500, was accepted, and the work is now being proceeded with. These Barracks when completed will afford accommodation for 400 Immigrants, and will be commodious and well arranged. They will also be in close proximity to the line of Railway. The buildings on Quarantine Island have been thoroughly repaired. Certain additions which were found necessary are being made. When this work is completed, the Barracks will afford ample accommodation for a shipment of Immigrants, should it be necessary to place them in quarantine. Invercargill. There is Barrack accommodation here for about fifty Immigrants. Certain necessary repairs and improvements are now being proceeded with. Stewart's Island. Plans have been prepared for the necessary Barrack accommodation for shipments of 150 to 200 Itnmig rants.

MIDDLE ISLAND-REPORT Off IMMIGRATION.

D.~No. 7.

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MIDDLE ISLAND.

ARRANGEMENTS FOR THE RECEPTION AND DISPOSAL OF IMMIGRANTS ON ARBIVAL. . A uniform system haß been adopted, whereby each ship is inspected by duly-appointed officers, and enquiries are carefully made as to the mode of treatment aud accommodation of the Immigrants on the voyage. The gratuities to the officers of the ship depend upon the favorable nature of this report. After the inspection, the Immigrants are conveyed to the Barracks, and accommodation is afforded them there for seven days. A uniform system has been adopted with regard to provisions, daily rations being supplied at a cost per statute adult of 5Jd in Canterbury, and s^d in Otago. The ration consists of lib. bread, lib. meat, lib. potatoes, joz. tea, 2ozs. sugar, and Joz. of salt. The cost of keep, therefore, of Immigrants in Barracks is very small, as the greater portion of them find employment a few days after arrival. It is the duty of the Immigration Officer for the province to endeavor to obtain suitable situations for Immigrants to arrive, and for this purpose applications are received by him from employers for some time previous to the arrival of a ship. It has not been found necessary at present to establish a regular system of labor exchange throughout the Island, but it may be found expedient to do so if the number of Immigrants is largely increased.

NOMINATED IMMIGRATION. The regulations for the introduction of Immigrants on the nomination of friends in the colony have been found to work satisfactorily. I forward returns of applications made during the past twelve months. (Enclosure Number 4.) I apprehend a large increase in this branch of Immigration. It affords me much pleasure to testify to the care and attention given to the working of the Immigration Regulations by the officers of the department throughout the Island. I have, &c, J. Edwin Maech, The Hon. the Eesident Minister. Chief Immigration Officer for the Middle Island.

Enclosure 1 in No. 1. PROVINCE OF CANTERBURY.

DETAILS OP IMMIGRATION FROM 1st JULY, 1871, TO 30th JUNE, 1872. Date Numbers Introi DTJCED. Total Equal Total Proportion >r Cost covered by Amount Collected. Amount Outstanding. Cost to the Goveenment. I Numb er to Cost of SHIPS. of Ad Inlts. Chi] ldren. Cash paid by Friends in the Colony and by Emigrants prior to Embarkation. ARRIVAL. 1 of Statute Passage On Total including Cash paid in advance. pq On Ultimate Average Cost per Head. I Male. I Female. I Male. ! Female. Souls. Adults. Money. Bills. Promissory Notes. On Bills. Promissory Promissory Total. Present Cost. Ultimate Cost. I Notes. 8 Notes. • l | I I Merope 1871. £ s. d. £ s. d. £ s. d. £ s. d. £ s. d. £ s. d. £ s. d. £ s. d. £ s. d. £ s. d. £ a. d. £ a. d. Aug. 25 55 S7 13 10 2234 12 6 548 10 0 72 0 0 203 10 0 72 0 0 620 10 0 — 203 10 0 203 10 0 1614 2 6 1410 12 6 8 4 10 171 153* GlENMARK Nov. 1 42 76 6 9 140 125* 1821 12 6 464 0 0 14 10 0 159 10 0 14 10 0 478 10 0 — 159 10 0 159 10 0 1343 2 6 1183 12 6 8 9 0 ZeALANDIA Dec. 9 53 73 14 19 163 142* 2072 7 6 636 15 0 100 10 0 132 5 0 100 10 0 737 5 0 — j132 5 0 132 5 0 1335 2 6 1202 17 6 7 7 6 Charlotte Gladstone 1872. Feb. 2 67 67 10 9 555 10 0 98 10 0 314 10 0 98 10 0 — : 314 10 0 — [ 139 10 0 1447 17 6 7 5 3 156 143* 2101 17 6 654 0 0 314 10 0 1133 7 6 I Dovek Castle May 7 29 27 6 9 73 63* 889 0 0 242 15 0 9 0 0 144 10 0 5 0 0 9 0 0 256 15 0 139 10 0 632 5 cl 492 15 0 6 15 0 i i i Totals 246 330 49 I 56 22 703 6281 !9119 10 0 2447 10 0 294 10 0 954 5 o 294 10 0 5 0 0 2747 0 0 — i949 5 0 949 5 0 6372 10 0 5423 5 0 Immigration Office, J. ED' IN MA RCH, Christchureh, 30th June, 1872, Imm: igration Officer.

Enclosure 1 (Continued). PROVINCE OF OTAGO. DETAILS OF IMMIGRATION FROM Ist JULY, 1871, TO 30th JUNE, 1872.

NUMBERS INTRODUCED. From Date what OF SHIPS. Families. Statute Adults. Port. Arrival. Total Single Single Statute Men. Women. Adults. 1871. Cabrick Castle London Aug. 4 4 104 11 3 244 Shun Lee Ditto Aug. 26 2 44 4 4 101 Wm. Davie Glasgow Aug. 24 17 43 48 18 109 Otago London Sept. 12 7 19 4 8 31 J. N. Fleming Glasgow Oct. 10 9 20 24 17 61 E. P. Bouverie Ditto Nov. 13 4 8 16 12 36 Mat Queen London Nov. 16 3 64 3 7 164 C. McAusland Glasgow Dec. 29 6 14 12 84 344 A.GNEB Muik Ditto 1872. 7 Jan. 23 20 18 17 55 Margaret Galbraith ... Ditto March 8 2 4 9 2 15 Wild Deer Ditto May 9 2 9X 10 10 224 Totals 63 152 159 1064 4174 COLIN ALLAN, Immigration Officer. Immigration Office, I Dunedin, 30th June, 1872

Enclosure 2 in No. 1. PROVINCE OF CANTERBURY.

DIVIDED ACCORDING TO TRADES AND OCCUPATIONS.

_ u o _ Hi P o i i to • I-" OQ CO CQ P O ■a a EQ P SHIP. a ED o •i 33H _| to a ft O to 'a CQ i-H - ■a o CO CD a 03 a th _ i— i g a OQ P w m 0Q si Hi CO to _ a it O Merope Glenmark Zealandia Charlotte Gl3_)stone Dover Castle 24 25 28 9 13 4 5 10 5 10 8 5 9 9 3 1 1 1 1 - 1 2 1 2 1 1 1 - i i - 9 3 4 2 5 6 8 2 5 10 2 2 4 43 34 33 25 9 1 4 1 2 3 1 - - 1 2 1 6 1 3 3 1 1 - 4 - 116 99 98 103 46 2 1 - - - I i 120 37 41 4 5 2 4 2 16 23 23 144 11 1 4 13 2 4 462 Totals Immigration Office, Christehurcli, 30th June, 1872. J. EDWIN MARCH, Immigration Officer.

SUMMARY OF IMMIGRANTS, OF 15 TEARS AND UPWARDS, INTRODUCED INTO CANTERBURY FOR 12 MONTHS ENDING JUNE 30,1872. DIVIDED ACCOBD1NG TO COUNTRY. Enoland. Scotland. Ireland. Wales. Other Countries. Totals. SHIP AND DATE OF ARBIVAL. Date. Males. Females. Males. Females. Males. Females. Males. Females. Males. Females. Males. Females. Total. Mebope Glenmakk Zealandia 1871. Aug. 25 Nov. 1 Dec. 9 1872. Feb. 2 May 7 23 28 28 28 21 5 9 3 6 5 24 14 19 25 15 1 2 3 1 2 52 42 52 64 57 46 116 99 98 Charlotte Gladstone Dovek Castle 30 10 24 5 7 1 21 16 15 13 2 63 28 40 18 103 46 1 4 237 225 462 Totals 108 106 26 14 97 98 5

D— No. 7

REPORT ON IMMIGRATION

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Enclosure 3, in No. 1. SHIP "MEROPE." ; * COMMISSIONER'S REPORT. „Ie, Lytttelton, 28th August, 1871. I have the honor to report having inspected the above ship on her arrival from London, after a rapid passage of 76 days. I found the Immigrants in good health and spirits, satisfied with the treatment they had received at the hands of the captain, surgeon-superinteudendent, and officers of the ship, and contented in respect to the provisions supplied during the passage. The distilling apparatus has worked well throughout the voyage and the supply of water was unlimited. The several compartments were well ventilated and cleanly ; that occupied by the married people reflected great credit upon their observance of the sanitary regulations. I have much pleasure in recommending the payment of all gratuities, and the further employment of the surgeon-superintendent, should he desire it. I have, &c, F. D. Gibson. His Honor the Superintendent of Canterbury.

SHIP " GLENMARK," COMMISSIONER'S REPORT. Sic, Lyttelton, 10th November, 1871. In the absence of Captain Gibson, I have the honor to report that I visited the above ship, on the morning of her1 arrival, and found each compartment allotted to the Government Immigrants scrupulously clean, and all the arrangements in conformity with the contract. I am glad to report that no sickness of any importance occurred during the voyage, and I would add that the surgeon-superintendent's journal shews that every attention was paid to carry out those sanitary measures as laid down in the instructions issued by the Canterbury Government. I learnt from the Immigrants in each compartment that the provisions had been served out in accordance with the dietary scale, and that they had been of good quality. The distilling apparatus, under the charge of a skilful engineer, worked admirably throughout the voyage, and the supply of water was abundant. The Immigrants generally, expressed great satisfaction at the attention they had received from the captain, surgeon-superintendent, and the officers of the ship, and no complaints of any kind were made. The matron performed her duties in a very satisfactory manner, and the conduct of those under her charge was also exemplary. I have much pleaaure in recommending the payment of all gratuities, and the further employment of the surgeon-superintendent, should he desire it. I have, &c, J. Edwin Maech. His Honor the Superintendent of Canterbury.

" SHIP ZEALANDIA." COMMISSIONER'S EEPORT. Sir, Lyttelton, 20th December, 1871. I have the honor to report that I inspected the Immigrant ship "Zealandia," on her arrival. I have great pleasure in stating that I found the equipment of the above vessel very satisfactory, and the sanitary arrangements superior to the majority of passenger ships. The several compartments reflected the highest credit on both the officers of the ship and the Immigrants themselves, for cleanliness ; and the single men especially are worthy of commendation. Provision and water was reported good, and had been served with regularity. Captain White, his officers, the surgeon-superintendent, and matrons, were highly spoken of by the Immigrants, who had no complaint to make, either in reference to the ship herself or their treatment during the passage out. One child was born during the voyage, no death had occurred, and the Immigrants generally arrived in good health and spirits. I have much pleasure in recommending the payment of all gratuities. I would most respectfully again call the attention of the Government to the inconvenience and annoyance to the captain and officers in charge of Emigrants, caused by Messrs. Shaw, Saville's ships carrying free passengers in the single men's compartment, and if unavoidable, I think at least, on paying their passages, they should be informed that they are amenable to the Immigration rules and regulations. I have, &c., Feedk. D. Gibson. His Honor the Superintendent of Canterbury.

MIDDLE ISLAND.

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D.—No. 7,

" SHIP CHARLOTTE GLADSTONE." COMMISSIONER'S REPORT. Sic, Lyttelton, 2nd May, 1872. I have the honor to report that at Captain Gibson's request I this day visited the ship " Charlotte Gladstone" from London, 90 days out. The Immigrants' compartments were very clean and comfortable, and the people of all classes cheerful and contented ; they expressed themselves in the warmest terms of gratitude to the master, Captain Fox, for his unvarying kindness, and their satisfaction at all the arrangements of the vessel, the quality and quantity of the supplies. Two births occurred during the passage. No severe illness has occurred during the voyage. The Immigrants generally appeared to have been well selected, and likely to be appreciated in the colony. The single women were cleanly and neat in appearance, and were reported to have cheerfully .attended to the suggestions and regulations of the matron. I recommend all the officers for full gratuities. The condenser had worked satisfactorily, equal to 400 gallons in sixteen hours. I have, &c, Wm. Donald, His Honor the Superintendent of Canterbury. Pro Commissioner.

SHIP "DOVER CASTLE." COMMISSIONERS' EEPOET. Lyttelton, May 10, 1872. The Commissioners reporting on the above vessel, have much pleasure in announcing that no ■sickness occurred during the passage, and that the Immigrants arrived in good health and spirits. The provisions generally were of good quality, and had been served out with regularity. The distilling apparatus had worked satisfactorily throughout, and the supply of water reported sufficient and good. The Immigrants spoke most favourably of the treatment they had received at the hands of the captain, surgeon-superintendent, and officers of the ship, and the matron appears to have carried out her duties efficiently. Taking into consideration the stormy weather encountered throughout the voyage, the various compartments were creditably clean. The Commissioners regret to report that the arrangements for the accommodation of the Immigrants and the fittings generally, were inferior to any vessel that has arrived at this port for many years. The compartment allotted to the single women was especially devoid of sufficient light, the plumber's work in connection with the bath-room and closet was so defective that the latter could not be used the whole passage. The usual hospital accommodation was omitted altogether. The matron was unable to sleep in her cabin owing to leakage, and was berthed with the single women. The hospital for married people was dark and ill-ventilated. The Commissioners also observed with regret that the medicine chest supplied for the use of the Emigrants, was not furnished by the Apothecaries' Hall, and that it was by no means so complete as heretofore. The Commissioners have pleasure in recommending the payment of all gratuities. Wm. Donald, ") Fbedjk. D. Gibson, > Commissioners. The Hon. the Eesident Minister. J. Edwin Maech, )

Enclosure 4 in No. 1. MIDDLE ISLAND. RETURN OF APPLICATIONS FOR NOMINATED PASSAGES FOR THE YEAR ENDING JUNE 30, 1872.

Families. Single Amount Received. Total Single Statute REMARKS. I Men. Women. Equal to Statute Adults. Adults. Number. In Cash. On Bills. £ s. d. £ s. d. Nelson 2 7 4 4 15 55 0 0 Office recently established. Blenheim 1 1 2 5 0 0 Ditto ditto Greymouth 5 94 5 10 244 22 10 0 75 0 0 Ditto ditto Hokitika ... 4 9 13 25 0 0 Ditto ditto Christchurch 34 93 82 142 317 791 10 0 409 15 0 Timaru Oamaru 8 23 35 8 52 8 110 16 235 10 0 15 0 0 134 5 0 Ditto ditto Dunedin ... 33 724 73 206 3514 912 10 0 63 15 0 Ditto ditto Invercargill 2 44 3 41 484 37 10 0 Riverton ... 3 3 Ditto ditto Totals 84 2094 215 476 9004 2099 10 0 682 15 0 Immigration Office, J. EDWIN MARCH, Christchurch, 30th June, 1872. Chief Immigration Officer.

REPORT ON IMMIGRATION.

D.—No. r.

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No. 2. Mr. Maech to the Hon. W. Eeeves. EEPORT ON QUARANTINE STATION, CANTERBURY. Sic, — Immigration Office, Christchurch, 17th April, 1872. I have the honor to call your attention to the present Quarantine Buildings at Camp Bay. The site on which the buildings are erected is 30 acres in extent, being portion of a reserve vested in His Honor the Superintendent. Experience has shown that it is very unsuitable for a Quarantine Station in consequence of its not being sufficiently isolated, the landing is very bad, and there is no telegraphic communication with the Port. A little above Camp Bay there is an island known as Eipa Island, 4 acres in extent, and which has been proclaimed a Quarantine Eeserve ; this site, although small, is nevertheless preferable to Camp Bay in the following respects— Ist. It is isolated. 2nd. The ground is more level. 3rd. A landing can be effected in any weather. 4th. It is within telegraphic communication of Port Lyttelton. The present buildings at Camp Bay afford only accommodation for 28 families. The buildings erected for single men and single women having been destroyed during a heavy gale of wind in June, 1866 have not been replaced. There is a large building used as a wash-house, and there are also quarters for a Barrack master. The whole of the buildings are in a fair state of repair. As it is necessary to provide considerable additional accommodation, the following plans suggest themselves: — Ist. Shall the additions be made to the present buildings ? 2nd. Shall the present buildings be sold and the proceeds devoted towards the erection of new buildings on Eipa Island ? 3rd. Shall the Quarantine Station be on Eipa Island and the materials of the present buildings utilized in the erection of the Barracks there ? After careful consideration I think the third plan the best, and beg to recommend that it be adopted. The accommodation required would be as follows, viz. : — For 30 families = 90 Statute adults. „ 50 Single men = 50 ~ „ „70 single women = 70 „ „ Total ... 210 A hospital to. accommodate at least 18 beds. A convalescent ward capable of accommodating I'Z patients. Barrack Master's quarters to contain not less than 3 rooms, and also a room for the Surgeon. A cook house. Two wash-houses and two luggage-sheds. Water closets for each compartment. The present buildings would, I think, if made use of in the way suggested, furnish material for the lining of the proposed main buildings, and the erection of the Cook house. Wash houses. Luggage sheds. Closets, &c. A large number of doors and windows can also again be made use of. The buildings here, as at Port Chalmers, may be of the plainest character, but it is necessary that they should be strong enough to withstand violent gales of wind. The roof, I think, should be of galvanized iron. I have, _c, J. E. Maech, The Honorable the Eesident Minister. Immigration Officer.

No. 3. Dr. Donald, Health Officer, Port of Lyttelton, to the Hon. W. Reeves. Sic,— Port of Lyttelton, 14th March, 1872. I have the honor to draw the attention of the Government to the impossibility of isolation in the present Quarantine Barracks. Some years back, when a ship arri\ed having contagious disease on board, the passengers wandered over the Peninsula, and communicated disease with fatal results to several residents. Eipa Island has been reserved, and proclaimed a Quarantine Station, and excepting in the want of water, promises, with power of complete isolation, every necessary advantage.

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MIDDLE ISLAND.

The buildings erected in Camp Bay were of the slightest construction. The greater part were blown into the sea. The chimneys were propped up to prevent falling, and altogether the buildings are unsuited for quarantine purposes. There is no possibility of separating convalescent from diseased persons, or those free from disease from both during time of probation. The report of various diseases on board a ship arriving in New Zealand brings this matter again under consideration. I have, &c, Wm. Donald, E.M., The Hon. the Eesident Minister. Health Officer, Port of Lyttelton.

No. 4. Mr. Maech to the Hon. W. Eeeves. EEPOET ON QUARANTINE STATION, OTAGO. Sic, — Immigration Office, Christchurch, March 30th, 1872. In a letter I had the honor to address to you when in Dunedin on the subject of the Quarantine Barracks there, I stated that I would forward a report on the buildings necessary to erect, and other appliances necessary for the Quarantine Station. In the first place, I would refer you to the present buildings on the island, of which there are four, namely — 1. A compartment intended for families and single women. 2. A compartment for cabin passengers and single men (a portion of which is at present occupied by the keeper and his wife). 3. A building now used for a hospital. 4. A disinfecting house (recently built). With reference to the first building, I am of opinion that the whole of the fittings inside should be removed (including, possibly, the upper floor), the roof could be lined (if necessary), the building properly ventilated, whitewashed, and put in repair; this compartment, I think, would then do for the single men. With regard to the second building, I would suggest that there also the fittings should be removed, stone piles substituted for the present ones, which are much decayed, and the building repaired, etc.; it might then be used for a wash house, bath room, and for the storage of luggage. The building intended for the hospital requires lining; a fireplace is also much needed. The accommodation here however is very limited, and rather near the main buildings. I would therefore suggest that it should be set apart for those cases that are recovering from sickness, and not for the hospital proper. The fourth building appears well suited to the purpose for which it was intended. The buildings necessary to erect are the following, namely : —One for families and one for single women. In the former, accommodation should be provided for say 25 families, equal to 75 statute adults ; and in the latter for &'tj single women. It would also be desirable to attach to the singlewomen's compartment a bath-room and wash-house. A building might be erected dividing these compartments, fhe front part for the accommodation of the keeper and his family, and the back for kitchen and scullery, for the use of those in quarantine. A new hospital should, I think, be built as far as possible from the main building, the accommodation to be for at least twelve patients. In the erection of these buildings there is no necessity of incurring a large expenditure, substantial but very plain buildings being all that is required. It will also be necessary to erect separate water-closets for each compartment. The wells require to be cleaned out and securely covered over, to prevent the water being impregnated with salt from the spray —a few tanks might also be placed on the island when the additions are completed. With reference to fittings, I think that bunks, to ship and unship, might be arranged in the various compartments, only, instead of bottom boards, canvas or sacking might be used. The mess tables could also be moveable as on board ship. In the hospital a partition would bo necessary, but no other fittings. I do not think it would be desirable to incur any expenditure for furniture until circumstances require its use. A contract might, however, be entered into year by year for the supply of blankets bedding, &c., as required. I have, &c, J. Edwin Maech, The Hon. the Eesident Minister. Immigration Officer.