IMMIGRATION TO NEW ZEALAND. MEMORANDA TO THE AGENT-GENERAL.

Appendix to the Journals of the House of Representatives, 1873 Session I, D-01

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IMMIGRATION TO NEW ZEALAND. MEMORANDA TO THE AGENT-GENERAL.

Presented to both Houses of the General Assembly by command of His Excellency.

SCHEDULE OF CORRESPONDENCE.

1873. NEW ZEALAND.

!o. Date. Subject. Page. 1 1872. September 4 With reference to reports of Messrs. Birch, Seaton, Barclay, and Morrison. Has authority to remit cost of emigrants reaching port of departure and outfit Great disproportion in number of immigrants despatched to Otago. Supply of immigrants should be proportionate to requirements of Provinces Must exercise the most extreme caution in committing the Government to any action with reference to special settlements on confiscated lands Ships "Friedeberg," " City of Auckland," "Hording," "Ballarat," "Hydaspes," and " St. Leonards," havo arrived with immigrants. Reports on " Friedeberg" enclosed Same as No. 3 ... Forwarding correspondence with Superintendent of Canterbury with reference to dietary scale of immigrant ships Forwarding telegram instructing him to suspend all action with reference to special settlements on confiscated lands Forwarding reports of Immigration Officers and Commissioners on ships "St. Leonards," and "Hydaspes," "Friedeberg," "Hoveling," and "Ballarat." Calling attention to case of John Dewey, an immigrant to Canterbury, by the " Charlotto Gladstone." All immigrants should be physically able to provide for themselves ... Forwarding copy of letter from Chairman, Otago Freight Association Directed to keep up Scotch Agency established by Provincial Government of Otago, and renew direct emigration from Glasgow Directing attention to several points of detail in connection with emigration. List of emigrants, ship's books, and accounts should be sent punctually (Telegram.) Insufficient emigrants ; open Scotch Agency; complete number of emigrants ordered (Telegram.) Relieve emigrants of cash payments for passage to shipping port, luggage and outfit Forwarding report of Commissioner appointed by the Governor to inquire into circumstances attending the Heath of sixteen children on voyage of " Bebington" to Wellington. Report of Commissioners appointed to board the ship also enclosed ... Forwarding report of Immigration Officer, Auckland, upon the ship " City of Auckland... Generally on immigration question. Government much embarrassed by want of information with regard to arrangements in England. To send return of local agents; bonus to these might bo increased from 10s. to 15s. far adult obtained. 8,000 emigrants to be sent out during 1873. Reports on ships arriving show radical change in shipping arrangements required Payment for passages of persons nominated in the Colony reduced to £4 cash, or £6 promissory note, and bonus of 2s. 6d. paid to Postmasters and Sub-Immigration Officers on all nominations obtained by them Forwarding report by Immigration Commissioner at Auckland on ship " Queen Beo " ... Forwarding correspondence with Messrs. Brogden in reference to their immigration contract of 27th June, 1872 Requesting information as to what action has been taken towards establishment of Immigration Depots Distribution of 8,000 emigrants ordered for 1873. Instructions relative to establishment of Scotch and Irish Agencies imperative Requesting further information on subject of advertisements Report by Mr. Farnall of operations in Belfast, and state of immigration from Ireland generally very unsatisfactory. Should endeavour to obtain co-operation of Her Mnjesty's Emigration Commissioners ... Forwarding report from Immigration Officer at Christchurch on ship " Lady Jocolyn." Also report of Immigration Officer at Auckland on " Queen Bee " Ships should be despatched so as to arrive in spring and summer Immigrants much required in Hawke's Bay Forwarding Memorandum by-Superintendent, Hawke's Bay, on ease of immigrant named Thompson, an invalid. All immigrants should be in good bodily health Relative to alterations in charter party in future contracts with Shaw SaviUe. Number of Iny-dnys in case of quarantine to be increased. Rations ... Ventilation in emigrant ships must be well provided for by ports, and scuttles or otherwise 2 September 4 1 1 3 September 28 1 4 September 28 2 3 5 September 28 September 28 3 7 September 30 5 8 October 14 5 9 October 16 11 11 10 11 October 24 October 28 11 12 October 28 12 13 November 4 12 li November 14 12 15 November 22 November 22 November 23 12 15 lfi 17 November 21 1G 18 November 23 November 23 IS 18 19 20 19 21 November 23 20 22 November 27 20 20 23 24 December 5 December 5 December 6 21 25 21 23 24 20 27 K December 9 December 9 December 12 24 December 17 24 25 December 17

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SCHEDULE OF CORRESPONDENCE— continued.

No. Date. Subject. Page. 31 1872. December 18 Forwarding copy of letter from Mr. Auld to Superintendent, Otngo, sending correspondence between himself and (lie Agent-General relative to sending vessels from the Clyde Sending copies of telegrams relative to quarantine of ships " Christian McAusland " and " Palmerston " Forwarding Memorandum by Immigration Officer, Duncdin,on immigration requirements of Province of Otngo Instructions relative to taking over Scotch Agency, as conducted by Mr. Auld, imperative Forwarding report by Immigration Commissioners at Wellington on ship " Jessie Headman" Forwarding report by Immigration Commissioners, Dunedin, on admission of ship " Christian McAusland " to pratique 32 December 18 25 33 December 19 28 34 35 December 20 December 17 28 .30 36 December 31 30 1873. January 3 January 10 31 37 38 Forwarding report by Immigration Commissioners at Chvistchurch on ship "Pleiades " Government have to pay heavy demurrage on ships " Christian McAusland " and " Palmerston." Number of lay-days must be increased in all future contracts ... Forwarding Immigration Commissioners' reports on ships " Chile," at Napier, and " Agnes Muir," at Auckland ; also, Immigration Officer's report on "Agnes Muir " Forwarding report by Immigration Commissioners at Lyttelton on ship " Crusader " Forwarding report by Immigration Commissioners at Lytteltou on admission of ship " Palmerston " to pratique £30 will be allowed to Surgeon-Superintendents of ships for return passage to England, if duties satisfactorily performed. This payment to be made to Dra. Elphinstone and Husband, and to the widow of late Dr. Dry Forwarding report by Immigration Commissioners at Port Chalmers on ship " Zealandia" Forwarding statements of three persons paying their own passages by ship "Jessie Headman," relative to the accommodation provided for them Forwarding report?, &c, by Iminigration Officer, Christohurch, on ships "Lady Jocelyn," " Pleiades," and " Crusader " Forwarding reports by Immigration Officer and Commissioners at the Bluff on ship "Zealandia" That Mr. Seaton be instructed to select some people for Burns' woollen factory, in Otago Instructions relative to conveyance of private passengers by emigrant ships revoked Forwarding copy of letter from Rev. Mr. Ogg on subject of immigration from Shetland Islands Forwarding correspondence with Superintendent of Auckland relative to establishment of special settlement of Moravians in Victoria Valley, Mongonui Immigration very insufficient. To send full report for Assembly. Forwards replies from Superintendents to circular asking for number of immigrants desired. Sub-agents and advertisements Forwarding letter from the Immigration Officer at Dunedin relative to the settlement of Scandinavians ex " Palmcrston " Forwarding Memorandum by Dr. Concannon on emigrants brought out in " Christian McAusland " under his care Forwarding report by Immigration Commissioners at Auckland on ship " Warwick " Forwarding report by Immigration Commissioners at Wellington on ship " Forfarshire" Forwarding report by Immigration Commissioners at Dunedin on ship " Charlotte Gladstone" ... Forwarding reports by Immigration Officer and Commissioners, Lyttelton, on ship "Himalaya" Forwarding letter from Immigration Officer at Christchurch relative to the bedding supplied to emigrants Forwarding extract from letter from Rev. C. Ogg to Rev. J. Barclay, in Shetland, relative to sending out fifty single women Province of Auckland to have equal share of immigration with Canterbury and Otago ... To send 2,500 additional emigrants to Auckland Glad emigration office opened in Dublin. Regrets failure of attempt to charter "Great Britain." Recommends communication with Mr. K. B. Cargill, with view to establishing direct steam line from the Clyde Forwarding report of Immigration Commissioners at Auckland on ship " Durham; " also Mr. Friberg's report for February ... Forwarding copies of two Memoranda by Rev. Mr. Scwell, schoolmaster on board "Forfarshire" Forwarding report of Immigration Officer, Auckland, on ship "Warwick" ... Forwarding copy of Memorandum by Minister for Public Works on necessity of obtaining full number of emigrants ordered Telegram—Government prohibit contract with Shaw Saville. Make monetary conditions to emigrants as liberal as those of Queensland, or more so. Prohibition respecting winter arrivals withdrawn Forwarding report of Immigration Commissioners, Wellington, on ship " Glenlora," with report of proceedings against Captain Forwarding report by Immigration Officer, Auckland, on ship "Durham" ... Forwarding report of proceedings against ship " Fortarshire " Forwarding report of Commission appointed by Governor on ship " Charlotte Gladstone " Forwarding offer from agent of ship " Breehin Castle" for conveyance of emigrants Modifications of charter party for increasing health and comfort of emigrants are to be observed in all future contracts Forwarding proposal from agent of Messrs. Gibbs, Bright, and Co., for establishment of steam line via Cape of Good Hope Forwarding letter from Mr. U'Ren, relative to having his family brought out Forwarding copy of Memorandum to the Cabinet, relative to unsatisfactory manner in which the Emigration Officers in London perform their duties Forwarding letter from Superintendent, Hawke's Bay, requesting that assistance be given Mr. C. il. Knaup in introducing beetroot growers and sugar boilers 31 39 32 January 11 32 35 40 41 January 13 January 13 42 January 9 35 43 44 January 17 January 1G 36 36 45 January 21 37 46 February 4 39 47 48 49 February 12 February 13 February 14 41 43 42 50 February 14 42 61 February 14 43 62 February 14 47 63 February 14 48 64 65 56 March 11 March 14. March 14 50 52 52 67 March 14 54 58 March 14 55 59 March 14 57 60 61 62 March 15 March 18 March 15 57 58 59 63 March 20 59 61 April 1 60 65 66 April 3 April 4 61 63 67 April 12 64 68 April 12 64 69 70 71 72 73 April 12 April 12 April 12 April 14 April 12 65 68 63 70 76 74 April 12 77 75 76 April 12 April 12 77 78 11 April 12 79 79

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SCHEDULE OF COEEESPONDENCE— continued.

No. Date. Subject. Pago. 78 1872. April 14 Forwarding copy of remarks by Superintendent of Auckland on class of immigrants most suited for the Province ... Great dissatisfaction at paucity of immigration. 12,000 or 13,000 adults absolutely required to save public works from standstill. Government propose scheme of giving free grants of land to immigrants paying their own passages. Explanation for increasing pay of Messrs. Birch, Seaton, and Farnall requested. Direct steam lines only arc to be countenanced Forwarding letter from Superintendent of Auckland relative to body of immigrants proposed to be introduced by Mr. Karnall Forwarding resolution of Tiinaru and Gladstone Board of Works, that 200 or 300 immigrants be sent to Timaru direct every six months Forwarding report of Immigration Commissioners at Port Chalmers on ship "Lutterworth" Forwarding report of Immigration.Commissioners at Port Chalmers on ship " Euterpe " Forwarding copy of cablegram sent to Mr. Farnall, approving of proposal to introduce body of immigrants under Homestead Act Forwarding letter from Mr. C. Nees, relative to introduction of immigrants from Alsace, Lorraine, &c. ... (Telegram.) Send 100 coal miners to Otago immediately. Send Napier ships direct. Send vine-growers Forwarding copy of telegram from Superintendent, Otago, relative to obtaining fifty coalniiners for Mr. Pollock Government decided to grant bonuses for nominations in the Colony Forwarding correspondence with Superintendent, Hawke's Bay, relative to immigration requirements of that Province What lias been done to continue German and Scandinavian immigration .., Forwarding letter from Mr. Christopherson, relative to alleged over-payment made by Norwegian Immigrants ... Forwarding letter from Superintendent, Hawke's Bay. Ten or twelve families of viuogrowers sufficient for one locality. Fifty single women by each ship wanted Forwarding report on Scandinavian immigrants by Immigration Officer at Duuedin (Telegram.) Full power to dispense witli services of Messrs. Birch, Seaton,and Farnall ... Forwarding report bv Immigration Commissioners at Auckland on ship "Parsee" Forwarding copy of Agreement with New Zealand Shipping Company (Telegram.) Government positively determine no more business to be done with Shaw, Saville, and Co. Contract entered into with New Zealand Shipping Company. Surgeons to inspect ship and fittings some days before starting (Telegram.) Precis of contract with 3New Zealand Shipping Company Forwarding report by Immigration Officer and Commissioners at Wellington on ship "WildDuek." Vessel very unsuitable. To report name of Despatching Officer Relative to arrangements of his Department. Payment of Messrs. Birch, Seaton, and FarnaU was to be in proportion to actual work done. Messrs. Birch and Seaton to be asked to state who promised them fixed salary of £350 and travelling allowance of 20s. per diem ... Forwarding copy of Commissioners' report on "Woodlark," Auckland Welsh immigrants might be introduced with advantage Forwarding copies of Commissioners' report on " Michael Angelo," and Memorandum of Dr. Donoghue, the medical member of the Commission Forwarding further correspondence with Superintendent of Auckland relative to proposed Moravian settlement at Mongonui Forwarding further correspondence with Superintendent of Auckland on subject of immigration to that Province Forwarding further correspondence with Superintendent of Auckland with reference to immigrants proposed to be introduced by Mr. Farnall ... Forwarding report by Immigration Officer at Christcburch on arrival of " Edwin Fox"... Forwarding further report on ship " Michael Angelo " by Messrs. Allan and Thomson, Commissioners Further instructions for distribution of immigration Replying to letter of 18th March re his official staff Forwarding interim report by Immigration Commissioners on " Edwin F'ox" ... Replying to letter No. 213 on subject of ventilation of immigrant ships and necessity for side ports or scuttles Forwarding correspondence with the Belgian Consul-General at Melbourne on subject of immigration to the Colony ... Replying to letter of 28th March giving reasons for not taking action on scheme for settlement of confiscated lands Forwarding Cabinet minute relative to advisability of offering free passages to representatives of co-operative institutions for purpose of reporting on resources and capabilities of Colony Government cannot agree that " expectations as regards immigration to New Zealand held out to Government have been more than realized" Forwarding reports by Immigration Officer and Commissioners at Wellington on ship "Jubilee" Acknowledging receipt of reports by Messrs. Birch, Seaton, Farnall, and Barclay, up to 31st December 79 79 April 14 80 April 14 81 83 81 April 22 81 82 April 22 84 86 83 84 April April 22 22 85 85 April 22 88 86 May 3 8(5 87 May 5 S7 87 88 89 May May 7 5 90 91 May May 5 7 87 88 MS 92 May 10 89 89 DO 90 90 93 94 95 96 97 May May May June Juno 20 26 28 3 3 98 99 June Juno 4 4 90 91 91 100 June 4 101 102 103 June June July 17 18 2 93 94 94 95 104 June 21 95 105 Juno 23 97 106 June 23 97 99 107 108 July July 2 4 109 110 111 112 July July July July 1 5 5 4 99 100 102 102 113 June 27 102 114 July 5 104 115 July 5 116 July 5 105 106 117 July 8 118 July 8

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1873. NEW ZEALAND.

IMMIGRATION TO NEW ZEALANDMEMORANDA TO THE AGENT-GENERAL. Presented to both Houses of the General Assembly by command of His Excellency.

No. 1. Memorandum No. 114, 1872, for the Agent-Geneeal, London. The reports on emigration, from Messrs. Birch, Seaton, Barclay, and Morrison, contained in your letters of the 27th June, Nos. 315 and 34G have been read by the Government with much interest. They clearly show that there are considerable difficulties in the way of procuring a large supply of the classes of immigrants urgently required for this Colony. Those difficulties are stated as mainly arising from the expense to which the emigrants are put in reaching the ship, and the cost of bedding, <fee, for the voyage —difficulties which the information received by the Government caused them to direct you to remedy, as pointed out in Memorandum No. 65, 1872, of the sth June last. In that memorandum you were instructed in all cases where the cost of reaching the ship and other expenses proved a barrier to emigration, to pay them, rather than lose desirable emigrants. As in consequence of those instructions I cannot doubt but that you have relaxed the regulations regarding the cost of outfit, &c, and instructed the Agents to pay the expenses of suitable emigrants from their homes to the ship, I hope to hear that the impediments to emigration, of which all the above-mentioned reports complain, have been effectually removed. Public Works Office, Wellington, New Zealand, J. D. Oemond. 4th September, 1872.

No. 32, D. No. 1, 1872, p. 41.

No. 2. Memorandum No. 115, 1872, for the Agent-Geneeal, London. From the various letters received from you in reference to emigration, I gather that you have despatched from Europe, between the Ist April and the 30th June, about 1,379 statute adults* to the various Provinces in the North Island, and about 757 for those of Canterbury and Otago. In the memorandum addressed to you on the 25th of November last, No. 54,1871, the relative proportion for each Province was sketched for your guidance, and on reference thereto you will find that the capability of the Provinces of Otago and Canterbury for profitable absorption of labour was stated to be more than two-thirds of that of the whole Colony. I desire especially to call your attention to the great disproportion which exists in the immigration that has taken place to the Province of Otago. That Province was shown in the memorandum above quoted to be capable of absorbing a larger population than any of those to which vessels were directed to he sent; but during the three months specified, fewer emigrants have been despatched to it than to any of the others. For your future guidance, I trust it will only be necessary for me to point out to you that it is of the utmost importance that the supply of immigrants be proportionate to the requirements of individual Provinces as well as to the respective Islands ; and that as the directions given to you from time to time, regulating those proportions, are the result of much deliberation, it is absolutely necessary that they be carried out as closely as circumstances will permit. Public Works Office, Wellington, New Zealand, J. D. Ormond. 4th September, 1872.

No. 7, D. No. 1, 1872, p. 8.

No. 3. The Hon. H. Sewell to Dr. Feathebston. Sib, — Colonial Secretary's Office, Wellington, 28th September, 1872. With reference to the Memorandum of the Hon. the Minister for Public Works (Mr. Ormond), No. 74-72, dated 7th May, in which you were informed that the Government had decided on indicating the confiscated lands on "the West Coast, north of Wnnganui, and Tauranga, Bay of Plenty, as those which they regarded as suitable for settlement by small farmers and others, on a system of * North: " Schiehallion," 125; " Celestial Queen," 92 ; " Halcione," 200; "City of Auckland," 250 ; " Hovding," 292; "Ballarat," 240; " Bebington," 180: total, 1,379. South: "William Davie," 91; " Alerope," 175; " Friedeberg," 241; "St. Leonards," 90; " Hydaspes," 160: total, 757. I—D. 1.

No. 38, D. No. 1, 1872, p. 46.

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deferred payment, the detailed regulations in connection with which were therein given, I have now the honor to request that, until further instructed, you will exercise the most extreme caution in committing the Government to any action under the regulations above mentioned. I have, &c, I. E. Featherston, Esq., Heney Sewell. Agent-General for New Zealand, London.

. No. 4. The Hon. H. Sewell to Dr. Feathebston. (No. 102.) Colonial Secretary's Office, Sib,— Wellington, 28th September, 1872. With reference to the Memorandum No. 110-72 of the Hon. the Minister for Public Works, dated 31st August, I have now the honor to inform you that the following immigrant vessels have since arrived, viz.:— Friedeberg at Lyttelton, 31st August; City of Auckland at Auckland, 3rd September; Hovding at Napier, 15th September ; Ballarat at Napier, 15th September ; Hydaspes at Otago, 21st September ; St. Leonards at Lyttelton, 23rd September. The immigrants by all these ships have arrived in good health, but there has been some sickness among those per " Hovding " since landing. I have not yet received from the various Immigration Officers the whole of the reports of the inspection and landing of the immigrants by the above vessels ; but I take this opportunity to send you copy of the Commissioners' report on the arrangements of the " Friedeberg," to which I direct your special attention, and also of the Immigration Officer's report of the engagement of the immigrants by that ship. I have, &c, The Agent-General for New Zealand, London. Henet Sewell.

Enclosure 1 in No. 4. Ship " Fbjedebebg." Commissioners were highly impressed with the suitability of this vessel for immigration purposes. They found the various compartments commodious, sufficiently ventilated, and in fair order; the fittings generally well arranged, especially the bathroom for the use of the single women, but there was no closet for females between decks, which the Commissioners consider a grave error. The health of the immigrants had been good throughout the voyage; the only death that occurred was an infant ten months old, from marasmus. All spoke, well of the treatment they had received from the captain, surgeon, and officers of the ship. The provisions had been served out regularly, but the quantity of meat (as per scale) was complained of' as insufficient, especially in cues of largo families ; the biscuit was not white bread, and was said to have been frequently mouldy. The quality of the water was decidedly bad, the greater part being carried in casks. The Commissioners cannot too strongly recommend that in all future ships a distilling apparatus should bo required. The medicine-chest placed on board was quite inadequate to the requirements of so large a number of emigrants ; it was in fact just such a one as ships carrying no surgeon would have, and the supply of many of the more important medicines was quite exhausted before the completion of the voyage. Special appliances, according to Schedule B, were altogether omitted. The surgeon-superintendent reported that much unnecessary trouble had been given him through no matron being appointed to take charge of the single women, who were destitute of any employment or amusement, neither books nor needlework having been provided for them. No schoolmaster had been appointed, although the. number of children by this vessel was unusually large. The surgeon-superintendent complained that his diet and accommodai ion were only such as are customary for second-class passengers. One serious case of breach of discipline was reported—two of the single men having gained access to the single women's compartment by night. After careful investigation the Commissioners think this was more a case of frolicsome mischief than anything else, but this scarcely could have occurred had this compartment been in charge of a matron. "VV'ith this one exception, the conduct of the emigrants generally had been good. It was represented to the Commissioners as unadvisable to send Scandinavian and German immigrants by the same ship, as, owing to their national antipathies, a want of harmony has existed during the voyage. "William Donald. Fbedk. D. Gibson. John It. Eoijsk. Lyttelton, 3rd September, 1872. J. Edwin Maech.

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Enclosure 2 in No. 4. Mr. J. E. March to Mr. T. W. Maude. Sic, — Immigration Office, Christehurch, 9th September, 1872. I have the honor to forward herewith a return showing the number of immigrants per ship " Friedeberg," landed ; the number engaged, together with the rates of wages ; and the number still left in barracks for engagement. The families went off much better than I anticipated, and I hope in a few days those still left for engagement will find employment. I have, Ac, J. Edwin March, T. W. Maude, Esq., Wellington. Immigration Officer.

SHIP "FRIEDEBERG."

Carpenters and blacksmiths, £-15 per annum and found, with a bonus of £10 if remaining twelve months. Farm labourers, £40 to £45 per annum and found, and bonus of £10 if remaining twelve months. Single Men — General farm servants, £30 to £40 and found. Labourers, £25 to £30 and found. One tailor was engaged at £52 and found. Single Women — ' Cooks, £30. General Servants, £20. ' Nurse Maids, £12 to £18. J. Edwin March, Immigration Office, Immigration Officer. Christehurch, 9th September, 1872.

No. 5. The Hon. H. Sewell to Dr. Featherston. (No. 10S.) Colonial Secretary's Office, Sir,— Wellington, 28th September, 1872. With reference to tlie Memorandum of the Hon. the Minister for Public Works (Mr. Ormond), No. 74-72, dated 7th May, in which you were informed that the Grovernmcnt had decided on indicating the confiscated lands on the West Coast, north of Wangnnui, and Tauranga, Bay of Plenty, as those which they regarded as suitable for settlement by small farmers and others on a system of deferred payment, the detailed regulations in connection with which were then given, I have now the honor to request that, until further instructed, you will exercise the most extreme caution in committing the Government to any action under the regulations above mentioned. I have, <&c, I. E. Featherston, Esq., Henry Sewell. Agent-General for New Zealand, London.

No. 38. D. No. 1, 1872, p. 4S.

No. 6. The Hon. H. Sewell to Dr. Featherston. (No. 109.) Colonial Secretary's Office, Nih, — Wellington, 28th September, 1572. With reference to the Memorandum No. 109, 1872, of the Hon. Minister for Public Works, dated 31st August, I have now the honor to forward copy of a letter (19th August, 1872) received from His Honor the Superintendent of Canterbury, in reference to the dietary scale of emigrant ships. I found that the dietary scale originally adopted by you and printed in the form of application for passage, of December, 1871, was the same as the one framed by the Provincial G-overnment of Canterbury, with the exception of cheese, but was afterwards altered when you entered into the contract with Messrs. Shaw, Saville, and Co., now in force. I have to request that you will arrange with Messrs. Shaw, Saville, and Co., and any other firms with whom you may have entered into shipping contracts, for a more liberal dietary, especially in reference to children. I have, &c, I. B. Featherston, Esq., Heney Sewell. Agent-General for New Zealand, London.

Families. Single Men. Single Women. umber landed 53 2S 83 28 (il 81 ,, engaged „ in barracks 125 5 0 Rates of Wages. Families—

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Enclosure in No. 6. His Honor W. Rolleston to the Hon. the Colojtial Seceetaey. Superintendent's Office, — Christchurch, 19th August, 1872. I have the honor to forward herewith copy of correspondence which has passed between the Deputy Superintendent and myself on the subject of the changes in the dietary scale adopted on board the immigrant ships. . I have, &c, The Hon. the Colonial Secretary. "VV. Rollestoit, Superintendent, Canterbury. Sub-Enclosure 1 to Enclosure in No. 6. Mr. Haeman to His Honor "W. Rolleston. Sic,— Christchurch, 16th August, 1872. Possessing some special knowledge of emigration matters, I have thought that, while acting as your deputy, I might render the Province useful service by inspecting the emigrants and emigrant vessels as they arrive, so that the Province may have a report from one of its own officers as to the manner in which its emigration arrangements are being carried out. Acting on this idea, I was present at the inspection of the emigrants by the ship " Merope," on board, the day after her arrival. I feel justified in assuring you that they were a very excellent body of immigrants, and that, as far as selection is concerned, the Province has no reason to complain of the change from their own responsible officer to the English Agency. I carefully noted the answers given by the immigrants to the inquiries as to complaints which they might wish to make, and I found that the dietary scale alone appeared to have caused any dissatisfaction. On this subject I beg leave to submit to you a few remarks : Looked at generally, the present Government scale is fairly satisfactory, and if in use solely for adults, male and female, would probably not provoke much complaint; but a dietary for such a mixed body as is generally to be found on board an emigrant ship, consisting occasionally to a very large extent of children, can be considered satisfactory only when it will stand the test of suitability to such varying ages. Ido not think the Government dietary has satisfactorily stood the test of the " Merope." The number of children was, I admit, unusually large, but the complaints were such as to stamp the dietary with a character for inelasticity under circumstances that may occur in every ship. This want of elasticity to which I refer is very well expressed by the material differences which exist between the present scale and that formerly in use on board the Canterbury emigrant ships ; these are I think clearly explained by the annexed table of certain articles which for the most part appear in both dietaries. I use the letters D. and E. to express the deficiency or excess of the present Government scale as compared with the old Canterbury scale :—

An examination of the articles in the two lists above will show, that for the most part, it is in what I may call " little luxuries " that the Government scale is weak. These articles are just those which would, if liberally supplied, prevent the Government dietary from pressing hardly on children ; and 1 believe any one experienced in emigration will agree with me in saying, that the saving effected by the Government is dearly purchased at the cost of stinting children with shipboard appetites. The Government excesses in the above scale, except in the case of " butter," do not represent improvements in dietary ; the quantity of meats will speak for itself, and the excess of 14 oz. of the present Government ration biscuit must be looked at with reference to the quality of the article, which, say, per oz., will not be nearly as acceptable to emigrants as that formerly supplied in the Canterbury scale. I would beg to suggest that you should endeavour to induce the General Government to modify their scale, or at least to amend it in all cases of families with young children, by increasing it in the articles to which I have called attention above ; and further that the doctor of the ship should have the right to require that in special cases, children under four months old should have an allowance of such articles comprised within the dietary for infants as he may deem suitable to their case. I have, &c, To His Honor W. Eolleston, R. J. S. Haeman. Superintendent of Canterbury.

General Govek: :ment Dietaet. Canteebuky Dieta: tr. Preserved Meat Salt Beef Biscuit Flour Rice or oatmeal 1 lb. H lb. 8i lb. 3 lb. H lb. U oz. 2 oz. 6 oz. G oz. 2 lb. i lb. D. i lb. E. i"ib. 14 oz. Preserved Meat ... Salt Beef Biscuit Flour Rice or Oatmeal ... Tea Coffee, roasted Butter Suet Potatoes (fresh) ... „ (preserved) Cheese Carrots Celery Seed H lb. 1 lb. 2 lb. 10 oz. Si lb. I* lb. 2 oz. 3 oz. 4 oz. 8 oz. 3 lb. i lb. 6 oz. i lb. i oz. |"lb. i lb. a" OZ. 1 OZ. Tea Coffee Butter Suet Potatoes (fresh) „ (preserved) 2 oz. 1 lb. t lb. 6 oz. i lb. i oz. 2 oz. Cheese Carrots Celery Seed

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Sub-Enclosure 2 to Enclosure in No. 6. His Honor W. Rolleston to His Honor the Deputy Superintendent. Sir,— Superintendent's Office, Christchurch, 19th August, 1872. I have to thank you for your letter of the 16th instant, on the subject of the changes in the dietary scale adopted on board the immigrant ships. I was very sorry to learn that the changes which you point out had been made, and quite agree with you, that any saving effected thereby will be dearly purchased at' the cost of stinting or causing discomfort to families on board ship. As you are aware, from your previous connection with the arrangements for immigration to this Province, the dietary scale hitherto used has been adopted after careful watching of a by no means unsuccessful system of immigration over a long period of years, I trust that the General Government will see fit to reconsider the matter, and, with this view, I shall forward to them a copy of your letter. I have, &c, W. Rolleston, His Honor the Deputy Superintendent. Superintendent.

No. 7. Mr. Cooper, to Dr. Featherston. (No. 112.) Colonial Secretary's Office, Sir,— Wellington, 30th September 1872. I have the honor to enclose herewith duplicate of a telegram forwarded to-day to Auckland to catch the outgoing San Francisco Mail, having reference to my letter No. 108 of 2Sth instant, on the subject of the occupation of confiscated lands, a duplicate of which you will receive by this mail. I have, &c, I. B. Featherston, Esq., Agent-General for New Zealand, G. S. Cooper, London. (for the Colonial Secretary).

Enclosure in No 7. The Hon. H. Sewell to Dr. Featherston. Wellington, 30th September, 1872. (To be posted at Auckland, via San Francisco.) With reference to my letter of 28th instant, No. 108, relative to occupation of confiscated lands, be good enough to suspend all action under Mr. Ormond's letter of 7th May last, until further instructions are sent to you. Henry Sewell, Dr. Featherston, London. Colonial Secretary.

No. 8. The Hon. J. Hall to Dr. Featherston. (No. 120.) Land and Immigration Office, Sic,— Wellington, 14th October, 1872. I enclose for your information the papers enumerated in the accompanying schedule, being reports of Immigration Officers, Immigration Commissioners, and one of Ship's Surgeon, upon the under-mentioned vessels, which have lately arrived in the Colony with immigrants, viz.: — " St. Leonards," Canterbury. " Hydaspes," Otago. " Friedeberg," Canterbury. " Hovding " and " Ballarat," Hawke's Bay. I beg to draw your special attention to the papers describing the condition of the " Friedeberg," in further reference to the subject of the Hon. Colonial Secretary's letter to you of the 28th ultimo. I have, &c, The Agent-General for New Zealand, London. John Hall. Schedule of Enclosubes. Ship " St Leonards" 1. Immigration Commissioner's Heport, 24th February, 1872. 2. Mr. March to Mr. Maude, 26th September, 1872. Ship " Hydaspes." 3. Immigration Commissioner's Report, 24th September, 1872. Ship " Friedeberg." 4. Mr. March's Eeport, 26th September, 1872. 5. Dr. Temple's Report. (No date). 6. Dr. Temple's Extract Journal.

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Ship " Hovdinq." 7. Mr. Friberg to Mr. Knowles, 21st September, 1572. 8. Mr. A. F. Halcombe to the Hon. the Minister for Immigration, Ist October, 1872. Ships "llovdinq " and "Ballarat" 9. Mr. Friberg to Mr. Knowles, Ist October, 1872. 10. Mr. Halcombe to Hon. Mr. Fitzherbert, 21st October, 1872.

Enclosure 1 in No. 8. Ship "St. Leonards." 24th September, 1872. The Immigration Commissioners report that the immigrants all arrived in good health, and expressed themselves grateful for the care and kindness o£ the surgeon and of the captain of the ship. No death had occurred during the passage ; one birth. No disease had prevailed. The condensing apparatus (Normanby's) had worked well, supplying water in unlimited quantity, working only half time, also heating the cook's boilers. The provisions were all good and sufficient, and regularly served. The general appearance of the immigrants of all classes was very satisfactory. The different compartments were very clean. The Commissioners recommend the surgeon and officers of the ship for full gratuities. Wm. Donald. Fbedk. D. Gibson. John B. House. J. Edwin March.

Enclosure 2 in No. 8. Mr. J. E. March to Mr. T. W. Maujje. (No. 2.G1G.) Immigration Office, Sir, — Christchurch, Canterbury, 2Gth September, 1872. I have the honor to report, for the information of the Government, that the ship " St. Leonards," with Government immigrants, arrived on the 23rd September, after a passage of ninety-four days, from London. The immigrants were all in good health ; they were landed and taken to barracks the day after arrival. The numbers landed are as under :— 14 families = 'A 7 statute adults 21 single men =21 „ 26 single women = 2G ~ Total, 9G souls =84 One birth occurred on board, no deaths. Three of the families, seven single men, and nine single women joined their friends on arrival. One family, three single men, and four single women, are going to their friends at Timaru ; the remainder will be open for engagement on Friday, the 27th September, when I have no doubt the greater part will be engaged. The supply of domestic servants by this ship is quite inadequate to the demand. I have applications for upwards of fifty single women, and there are only thirteen for engagement. I apprehend no difficulty in placing the single men, as I have applications for all who are open for engagement. Some of the families may not perhaps .meet with immediate employment, but I do not imagine they will remain long on hand. The demand for carpenters and joiners is very great, and a considerable number of good men would dovv meet with employment at from 10s. to 11s. per day. I have, &c. J. E. March, T. W. Maude, Esq., Wellington. Immigration Officer.

Enclosure 3 in No. 8. Ship " Hydaspes." Wk the undersigned, having boarded, this 20th day of September, 1872, the ship " Hydaspes," Captain Babot, London, inspected the vessel, her fittings, accommodation, and hospitals, and mustered the passengers, report — That the ship has been well fitted throughout; compartments roomy and well ventilated, and we found them all clean and well kept. That the passengers expressed themselves as well satisfied and pleased with the treatment received, provisions issued, and the care and attention bestowed on them by the captain, surgeon, officers, and matron of the ship. That they had no complaints, which fact appears to be fully borne out by the flattering testimonials presented to the captain, surgeon, officers, &c. That during the voyage there has been one death from consumption, and that one birth took place ; that the health of the passengers appears to have been good throughout, and the sanitary arrangements of the ship complete and well attended to.

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That the passengers generally appeared to be of a good class. That we consider and recommend the usual gratuities to the captain, surgeon, officers, matron, and constable be duly paid. Jno. li. Monson, Emigration Officer under the Act. Vm. Thomson, Health Officer. Colin Allan, Dunedin, 24th September, 1872. Immigration Officer, Dunedin.

Enclosure 4 in No. 8. Immigration Officer's Eepout ou Immigrants per Ship " Friedeberg." Bate of Arrival—3oth. August, 1872. Number Landed. —s3 families, representing 147 statute adults. 33 single men ~ 33 „ 61 single women „ (51 „ Total, 293 souls = 241 Number Engaged. —The whole of the single women (sixty-one) were engaged within a few days of the opening of the barracks. Of thirty-three single men, thirtv-onc found suitable situations within seven days after they were open for engagement, the remaining two went to friends, who took them immediately on arrival. Of the fifty-three families, three went to friends, thirty-six have been engaged, and fourteen siill remain in barracks Character of Immigrants. —The single men, and the greater part of the single women, were very well suited to the requirements of the Colony, and have given (with a few exceptions on the part of the single women) satisfaction to their employers. Most of the married couples seem likely to prove useful servants; but some of the Poles and German Poles described as farm labourers do not aectn fitted for general farm work. What Wages were given. Married Couples — Farm Servants, £35 to £40 per annum aud found, with bonus from £10 to £15 if remaining twelve months. Carpenters and Blacksmiths, £45 per annum and found, (tools also found,) with bonus of £10 added if remaining twelve months. Gardeners, £45 per annum and found. Stonemasons and Quarrymen, £45 per annum and found (tools also found). Dairymen, £45 per annum, with bonus of £10 added at the end of twelve months. General Labourers, £40 per annum, bonus of £10 to £15; one was engaged at £52 with cottage, one at 80s. per week without cottage. Fourteen married men were engaged as bush hands at Gs. per day, with cottage and firing. Single Men —■ Farm and general labourers, £25 to £30, with bonus of £5 to £10 if remaining twelve months. Tailors, £52 per annum and found. Bushmen, 6s. per day. Single Women — General servants, £15 to £20. Nurses, £12 to £20. Cooks, £20. One cook was engaged at £30. Housemaids, £20. Dairymaids, £18. Present demand of the Labour Market. —The demand for single women domestic servauts is still very great ; a much larger number would have been readily engaged. The single men also were easily disposed of, the demand for good farm labourers, ploughmen, shepherds, &c, is still in excess of the supply. There is also a considerable demand for married couples thoroughly accustomed to farm work. The number of children in the families by this.shipment have interfered to some extent with their meeting with immediate employment. There is also a very brisk and increasing demand for carpenters, joiners, painters, and plasterers ; a reasonable number by each shipment would find ready employment. General Remarks. —The immigrants by this ship were orderly and well behaved, and many of them will, I have no doubt, make very useful colonists. Should the Government decide on further shipments to this Province, I would respectfully suggest that the number of single men and single women should be increased, and the number of families considerably reduced ; thirty to thirty-five families is, I think, sufficient number for one shipment, unless they are to form a special settlement. It is most desirable that in future a duly-qualified person should bo appointed as matron to the single women. A competent person should also be appointed to act as schoolmaster. I attach copy of a report by the Surgeon-Superintendent on the immigrants by this ship. I have, &c, J. Edwin Maech, Immigration Office, Immigration Officer. Christchurch, 2Gth September, 1872.

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Enclosure 5 in No. 8. General Report on the Immigrants per Ship " Friedeberg." The peculiar feature of this ship was that the passengers consisted of many nationalities. It would be entirely erroneous to suppose that all were Germans. On the contrary, by far the largest number were Scandinavians; the second in number were Poles from Prussian Province of Posen, while a very small number were real Germans from the Provinces of Brandenburg and Pomerania. Owing to the late war between Prussia and Denmark there existed great national dislike between Scandinavians and Germans, which showed itself in the pettiest ways, and required constant watchfulness and care. The Scandinavians, comprising Norwegians, Danes, and a few Swedes, were mostly farm labourers, especially among the married couples : among them were two stonemasons, a smith, a cooper, and a carpenter. I think they will all turn out useful colonists; among the single men the trades were more plentifully represented. The true German families were few in number ; they comprised two carpenters, and the rest were bond fide agricultural labourers. I cannot speak in too high terms of this part of our passengers. Patient, well-meaning, industrious, sober, and honest, they form a class of people of which the Colony will see the advantage in future times; and I feel convinced that if further immigration is carried on from Germany, this is the class of people-to whom especial inducements ought to be held out. The Poles, who also speak German,, on the contrary, are lazy, indolent, and dirty in their habits. I am afraid they will, with few exceptions, be found comparatively useless, and I should certainly not consider it desirable to import any more of them. Among the single men there were few Poles, but here also they maintained the characteristic of the nation. The single women, 61 in number, were, according to nationality, 31 Norwegians, IS Germans, and 12 Danes. Not having the assistance of a matron, it was impossible for me to watch them as carefully as I would have desired. Still, among them, I feel confident there is abundant material for good and and useful servant girls. Many of them are also accustomed to farm work ; others, especially the Danes, are of a superior class, and would suit better as housemaids and nurses. On the whole, among the single women, I would discourage the selection of Norwegians. I think they are a little unruly naturally, and less fit than others to act as servant girls. J. D. L. Temple, M.D., Surgeon-Superintendent.

Enclosure 6 in No. 8. Ship " Fbiedeberg." Extract from Surgeon Superintendent's Journal. The quantity and nature of the drugs supplied with the medicine chest is absurdly below what is required. The medicine chest fitted out according to the Hamburg laws is more fit for the use of a captain, &c, than for a qualified surgeon. Some of the most important drugs were insufficient in quantity, and especially tincture of opium. This evil would be completely remedied by inserting into the charter-party a clause enforcing the owners to supply drugs according to the schedule supplied by Agent-General. The nature of the medical comforts is also absurdly chosen. I had 240 bottles of gin for which. I had no use whatever, except as inducements for the men to clean out compartments ; also fifty-five dozen of beer, which had no medical value whatever. I would suggest that an equivalent quantity of brandy be substituted. I think, on the whole, that if the requirements of the English Act were acted upon, it would be better. The preserved meat ought to be supplied for medical purposes in 1 lb. tins. This is a very important point, to which I beg to draw your special attention. It would be desirable also to enforce the supply of pails, brooms, mops, scrapers, &c, as mentioned in Schedule B. We, on the whole of our passage, suffered great want of such stores. I would most earnestly recommend that the single women's compartment should have a separate water-closet, accessible at night; otherwise the regulation enforcing the locking of the single women's compartment at sunset cannot be complied with. As an article of diet, fish is mentioned in the scale. This is practically salt herring, the injudiciousness of which food in the tropics, with a limited supply of drink water, must be apparent. It gave rise to many complaints. It ought to be made optional to the captains of the messes whether they would take fish or meat. I think I can recommend with assurance, that the quantity of preserved meat issued should be increased, and that of salt meat diminished. I believe that Australian preserved meat is cheaper than salt meat and pork. I am convinced it is more nourishing, to children especially. J. D. L. Temple, M.D., Surgeon-Superintendent.

Enclosure 7 in No. 8. Mr. Pkiberg to Mr. J. Knowles. Sic, — Napier, 21st September, 1872. I have the honor to report the arrival of the "Hovding," after a prosperous voyage to this port, on the 15th, -with following number of Scandinavian immigrants, almost exclusively Norwegians, viz. :—

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Adults. Married couples ... ... 74 = 148 persons ... = 148 Single men ... ... 21 Single women ... ... 61 — 82 „ ... = 82 Children (between one and twelve years)— Male ... ... ... 76 Female ... ... ... 48 — 124 „ ... = 62 Infants (under one year) ... 25 „ ... ... 0 In all ... ... 379 „ ... = 292 One death took place during the passage, a male child one and a half year old ; while four births occurred, the four infants being included in above-stated number. Most of the single women have now obtained situations; as have also many of the single men. The married men started yesterday for the Seventy-Mile Bush, under Mr. Halcombe's guidance. I leave this place to-morrow to be up with Mr. Halcombe's party on their arrival at the bush. Lastly, I have to tender my humble thanks for the appointment as Interpreter, Collector of Immigrants' Promissory Notes, and Paymaster for the road parties in the Seventy-Mile Bush, contained in communications from the Public Works Office, dated 29th August and 9th September. I have, <fee, The Under Secretary, Public Works Office, Wellington. B. E. Feibebo.

Enclosure 8 in No. 8. Mr. A. P. Halcombe to the Hon. the Minister for Immigration. Sib,— • Napier, Ist October, 1872. As I had the honor to report by telegram, the immigrant ships "Ballarat " and " Hovding " arrived in this port within a few hours of each other, on Sunday, the 15th September. The passengers by the " Ballarat" consisted of 159jr statute adults, English, Scotch, Irish, and Danish, assisted immigrants, for Napier, and 62£- for Auckland, workmen under engagement to the Messrs. Brogden. The " Hovding " brought 292 statute adults, Norwegians and Swedes, from Christiania, under the charge of Mr. Priberg. I have great pleasure in reporting that the passengers by both vessels arrived in excellent health, and that, with the exception of the.death of a female child (who had been brought on board in sickly condition), on board the "Hovding," no casualty or serious illness had occurred on the voyage. Notwithstanding that a portion of the outward voyage had been unusually rough, every care had been taken by the surgeon-superintondents and officers of both vessels to secure the comfort of the passengers; and I hare great pleasure in testifying to the ability and efficiency with which Dr. J. P. G-annon, of the " Ballarat," and Dr. Nowegaard, of the " Hovding," had discharged the difficult and important duties of their ofl"n'e. Not a single complaint of any kind was made to me by any of the passengers ; on the contrary, they all spoke most gratefully of the kindness and courtesy shown to them by the officers of both vessels. Dr. Gannon, especially, whose duties were necessarily rendered the more difficult on account of the mixed nationalities of the immigrants under his charge, deserves the highest commendation for the admirable order maintained throughout the voyage, and for the close attention to his duties, which was most gratefully acknowledged by the passengers themselves. The immigrants on board both vessels appear to be well selected, and are, I think, likely to prove good settlers, especially those from the ship " Hovding." With regard to the latter, I may say that themen are, with few exceptions, thoroughly workmanlike, hardy-looking fellows ; and the single women, of whom there were a large number (fifty-seven) on board, are far above the average of immigrants of that class who have hitherto been brought to the Colony, and I was most favourably impressed with their neat, cheerful, cleanly, and respectable appearance. While speaking of the " Hovding," I desire to direct especial attention to the valuable assistance rendered by Mr. Friberg, who had charge of the Scandinavian immigrants from Christiania, and of whose exertions to promote their comfort and welfare both Captain Berg and Dr. Nowegaard speak in the highest terms. I, of course, can only add my personal testimony as to the result of his efforts, which are most satisfactory. I have great pleasure in being able to report that, with the exception of some ten men temporarily engaged on the railway works here, and of the eighty-four families I am locating in the Seventy-Mile Bush, the whole of the immigrants have found employment suitable to them among the settlers and tradesmen in this neighbourhood. This result I consider as most satisfactory, when it is considered that a fortnight has not yet elapsed since these shipments were landed, and that the single women numbered seventy-nine, sixtyeight of whom were Scandinavians unable to speak any English. This fact may, I think, be held to justify and confirm the high tone in which I have spoken of these Scandinavian women, and I have great pleasure in learning from very many of their employers that they are giving great satisfaction as domestic servants. Their willingness to be taught, their aptitude to learn, their industrious habits, and their respectful manners, compensate in great measure for the disadvantage of their being foreigners. 2—D. 1.

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I moved last week to the Seventy-Mile Bush the eighty-four men, heads of families, whom it is intended to settle in the two villages, Te Whiti and Tahoraiti. Sixty-three of these will be located in the first village, and twenty-one in the second village (Tahoraiti), which is about fourteen miles within the Bush. These men having drawn lots for the ownership of their several sections, are now engaged in erecting temporary dwelling-places near their several allotments, and I am glad to learn from Mr. Friberg, who has returned from their camp since I left it, that they have many of them written to their wives, who are still here, expressing themselves well pleased with the place and the arrangements made for them. I intend starting with the women (eighty-four in number) and the children (180) to-morrow, and having landed them at the present camp, intend, if the weather permit, to take on the twenty-one men to the second village, leaving their wives and families at the camp outside the bush until these men shall have prepared places to receive them, when they will in turn be moved on. It is my intention then to proceed through the bush to Manawatu and Wellington, which I hope to reach about the 10th instant. I have, &c, A. Follett llalcombe, The Hon. Minister for Immigration, Wellington. Immigration Officer.

Enclosure 9 in No. 8. Mr. B. E. Fkiberq to Mr. J. Kttowles. Sir, — Napier, Ist October, 1872. Since the 21st ult., when I had the honor to report to you the arrival of the " Hovding," with Scandinavian immigrants, I have been engaged in the Seventy-Mile Bush assisting in locating eightyfour families .there, viz.:—Seventy-one Norwegian families, ex " Hovding," and thirteen Danish families, ex " Ballarat." Of this number, sixty-three families, all Norwegians, are on Block No. 2 ; twenty-one families (the thirteen Danish, and eight Norwegian) go to Block No. 6. Only the married men are as yet brought into the bush, where they are working with good will to have ready some primitive habitations in which to receive their wives and children, who it is intended to move from here to-morrow, Wednesday. I am glad to be in a position to state that those of the mon who in their own country have been engaged in farming or bush work, all think highly of the land allotted to them, at the samp time being aware of the difficulties they have to contend with during the first years; and I am desired by the passengers ex "Hovding" to express their sincere thanks to the New Zealand Government for the kind forethought and care displayed towards them all hitherto. I await to receive your instructions for discharging any further duties as Paymaster, &c. Any communication intended for me, please to address Seventy-Mile Bush. I have, &c, The Under Secretary, Public Works Office, Wellington. B. E. Friberg.

Enclosure 10 in No. 8. Mr. A. F. Halcombe to the Hon. the Minister for Immigration. Sib,— Immigration Office, Wellington, 21st October, 1872. Referring to the location of the Scandinavian immigrants ex " Hovding" and " Ballarat," in settlements on the Seventy-Mile Bush Eoad, within the Napier Province, I have the honor to request instruction as to the charges to be made against these immigrants for the cost of their removal from the Port of Napier to their destination. In a Memorandum addressed to the Agent-General by the Hon. W. Gisborne, instructing him with reference to these immigrants, I find the following: "The immigrants will be conveyed from Napier to the settlement, and allowed when they reach there one, or, if found necessary, two weeks' rations free, in order to give time for them to choose their land and house themselves." In reply to this, the Agent-General informs the Hon. the Colonial Secretary that he has not deemed it wise to pledge the Government to any particular scheme of special settlement; and I learn from Mr Friberg, who came over from Christiania in charge of the immigrants, that no promise of a free passage to the settlement was made to them. I should be glad therefore to be instructed whether, in making up my accounts against these immigrants, I am to adhere to the conditions suggested to the Agent-General or not. I have led the immigrants to expect that the cost of their location will be charged against them, and it will amount to about £1 ss. per statute adult, or £300 on the 240 statute adults moved to the Bush settlements. As the immigrants located at Palmerston and at Opaki, near Masterton, have been charged with the cost of their location, I fear that to remit it in the case of the Napier people, would be to create great dissatisfaction; and as the charge is a very moderate and most equitable one, to which the immigrants themselves do not demur, it would, in my opinion, be establishing a bad precedent were the Government to forego the right of recouping so large an item of the expenditure in connection with these settlements. I have, &c, The Hon. Minister for Immigration, A. Folxett Halcombe, Wellington. Immigration Officer. Note. —It was decided to charge these immigrants the sum of £1 each adult for the cost of location.

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No. 9. The Hon. J. Hall to Dr. Featheestott. (No. 119) Lands and Immigration Office, Sir, — Wellington, New Zealand, 16th October, 1872. I have the honor to inform you that the attention of the Government has been drawn to the case of John Dewey, an immigrant who was provided with an assisted passage for himself and family to Canterbury by the ship " Charlotte Gladstone." It appears that Dewey was in Her Majesty's military service, and that he had received such injuries (including the loss of all his fingers on one hand) from a gunpowder explosion as to necessitate his leaving that service. I have to point out to you that it is very desirable that all immigrants sent to the Colony shall be physically able to provide for themselves and their families, as any other class of immigrants must ultimately become a charge on either the General or Provincial Governments for charitable relief. I have, &c., The Agent-General for New Zealand, London. John Hall.

No. 10. Memorandum No. 122, 1872 for the Agent-General, London. Referring to the several Memoranda that have been addressed to you from time to time in reference to the necessity for reducing the cost of passage and freight to all the ports in the Colony, I now forward copy of a letter from the Chairman of the Otago Freight Association on the same subject. In doing so I take the opportunity to repeat that while the Government does not wish to interfere with the discretion which must necessarily be left to you in matters of this kind, it appears to them very desirable to assist any well-considered plan which may be put in opei'ation for securing to the colonists of New Zealand a reduction in the high rates of freight they have hitherto been obliged to pay. Public Works Office, Wellington, 24th October, 1872. J. D. Ormond. Enclosure in No. 10. Mr. E. Prossee to the Hon. the Menister for Public Works. Sir, —■ Otago Freight Association, Dunedin, 25th September, 1872. I have the honor to inform you that the merchants of Dunedin, who, in common with the merchants in the other Provinces of the Colony, for many years have been suffering from the monopoly of the carrying trade between England and this Colony, enjoyed by Messrs. Shaw, Saville, and Co., have formed an association having for its object the breaking down of that monopoly, and obtaining a reduction in the freights of goods shipped to this Colony. The Otago Freight Association is not a trading undertaking, but a combination of merchants who have mutually agreed to employ such ships only whose owners shall undertake to despatch regularly and punctually to this port, first-class vessels at such rate of freight as shall enable importers resident in this Province to compete with the increasing efforts of Australian merchants, who, being favoured with extremely low rates of freight to Melbourne and Sydney, are able to undersell the New Zealand merchants. By their articles of association, which have been signed by nearly all the merchants and importers in Dunedin, the members are bound under a heavy penalty to import their goods only by ships under engagement with this Association; and they have appointed the Manager of the New Zealand Loan and Mercantile Agency Company in London, to be their agent, ■with instructions to enter into arrangements with shipowners for the despatch of Al ships from London punctually, at frequent intervals, full, or not full, at such rates of freight as shall be agreed upon, but as nearly as possible the current rates from London to Melbourne. The General Committee of the Association therefore solicit the co-operation of the Government to assist in breaking down the monopoly the mercantile community has so long suffered; and they have the honor to request that the Government will forward to the Agent-General such instructions as shall insure for the ships engaging with this Association his countenance and support, by preference being given to those ships for the conveyance of Government goods and passengers. I have, &c., E. Peossee, Chairman of the General Committee.

No. 11. Memorandum No. 121, 1872, for the Agent-General London. Refeeeing to my Memorandum No. 90, 1872, of the 6th July, in which I informed you that the Government were anxious that you should continue to keep up the Scotch Agency established by the Provincial Government of Otago in Edinburgh, and renew the direct emigration from Glasgow, I have now to request that you will, with all possible speed, give effect to the views of the Government. Public Works Office, "Wellington, 28th October, 1872. J. D. Oemond.

No. 44, D. No. 1, 1872, p. 50.

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No. 12. Memoeandum No. 6, 1872, for the Agent-General, London. Youb attention is directed to several points of detail in connection with immigration, as being necessary to enable the Department in the Colony to carry out its arrangements in a satisfactory manner. 1. Iv order that the Government and the Superintendents of Provinces may be able to consider and provide for the settlement of immigrants, it is essential that the Government should be informed by every mail in reference to the number and character of those you propose to send out, and to your emigration prospects generally. 2. In the letter addressed to you by the Colonial Secretary on the Sth June, 1871, you were requested " to furnish by each mail an abstract of the replies received from the nominated emigrants, showing when they will be ready to sail, or whether they decline to emigrate." The absence of this information has been much felt. Inquiries are being constantly made of every Immigration Officer as to whether and when the persons nominated are coming out, and many depositors have applied for the return of the money paid, on the ground of their having received information that their friends have declined to avail themselves of their nomination. I am aware that you have occasionally intimated the particulars required, but what is so much wanted is that you should regularly forward a list (or rather a series of lists, provincially divided), showing who have accepted or declined, and instances in which, through change of address perhaps, your letters offering passages have not reached their destination, and been returned to you. These lists will no doubt impose considerable clerical labour ; but when the large number of nominated persons in your books awaiting passages is considered, the clerical expense is a trifling consideration compared with the advantage of being able to satisfy the large number of colonists interested. 3. It is very desirable that the ships' books should be forwarded by the first mail after the ships have sailed, as otherwise, when the ship makes a good run, she is liable to arrive before the Immigration Officer has had time to prepare for her. This will be apparent when I mention that, on the receipt of the book here, some of the particulars have to be forwarded to the Superintendent and the Immigration Officer at the port of the ship's arrival; and that the friends of nominated immigrants have to be written to requesting that the immigrants may be met and provided for. The time which this necessarily takes renders it of importance to receive the ship's book* from you with as little delay as possible, the nominal list of passengers not being sufficient. 4. The complete accounts for each ship are also required to be forwarded as soon as possible after its sailing. The receipts and expenditure duly appear in your quarterly statements, but, in the meanwhile, the Accountant in the Colony is unable to furnish a definite account, either to the Assembly or to the Government. Immigration Office, Wellington, 28th October, 1872. G. M. O'Eobke.

No. 84, D. Ko. 3, 1871, p. 47.

No. 13. The Hon. G. M. Wateehouse to Dr. Featheeston. (Telegram No. 642.) Wellington, 4th November, 1872. Insufficient immigrants. Division between Provinces not accordant with instructions as pointed out by Memorandums 114 and 115. Consider following instructions absolute : —Open immediately central Irish Agency in Dublin. Send fair proportion emigration therefrom. Place Scotch Agency on original footing of efficiency. Send Scotch emigrants from Glasgow. Complete with utmost despatch number emigrants specified in Gisborne's memorandum 25th November last, exclusive of nominated and Brogden's, and if necessary make terms more liberal. i Watebhouse, Premier.

No. 14. The Hon. G-. M. Watebhouse to Dr. I'eatheeston. (Telegram.) Wellington, 14th November, 1872. Government decide, if number of emigrants ordered not been despatched, you relieve emigrants of cash payments for passage to shipping port, luggage, or outfit, leaving to your discretion addition of these payments to immigrants' notes. Telegraph number emigrants sailed since 22nd September. Watebhouse.

No. 15. MEMOBASDUif No. 16, 1872, for the Agent-Geneeal, London. Herewith are forwarded copies of the Eeport of Immigration Commissioners upon the ship " Bebington," and of the Eeport, with evidence attached, of a Commission appointed by His Excellency the Governor to inquire into the circumstances attending the death of sixteen children on the passage from London to Wellington on board the same ship, and I desire to call your special attention thereto. G. M. Wateeiiouse, (in absence of the Hon. Minister of Immigration). Immigration Office, Wellington, New Zealand, 22nd November, 1872.

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Enclosure 1 in No. 15. Eepoet of Immigration Commissioners on Ship " Bebington." Sib,— Wellington, 26th October, 1872. We have the honor to report that we this day visited the ship " Bebington," Peek, Master, from London, 117 days out. We have much pleasure in announcing that no serious cases of sickness amoag the adults occurred during the voyage ; the immigrants appeared in good health and spirits ; the provisions were generally of good quality, and had been served out with regularity. The distilling apparatus was in excellent order, and no complaints were made of the quantity of water supplied being insufficient: but at the same time we would point out that the conditions of clause 5 of the contract between the Agent-General and Messrs. Shaw, Saville, and Co. were not carried out, as, upon inquiry we found that the apparatus had not been worked more than three times, and sometimes only twice in a week ; consequently, the daily supply of water provided for by the abovementioned clause was curtailed, to the detriment of the health and cleanliness of the immigrants. The immigrants' galley was in good order, but far too small for cooking operations to be properly carried on for so largo a number of passengers, the distilling apparatus, which is under the same roof, taking up most of the room. The compartment allotted to the single women was particularly well kept, being sweet and clean; the bathroom and water-closet in it also clean and in good order. We found the married people's compartment satisfactorily clean, but it was ill ventilated and badly lighted ; a portion of the space which would have been very useful to the passengers was taken up by the stowage of spare sails; the hospital in this compartment is most inconveniently placed immediately beneath the hatchway, this being much exposed in bad weather, and naturally in the most noisy part. The single men's compartment was fairly clean, but close, badly ventilated and lighted; the hospital here also is badly placed, and in a most inconvenient position for the medical man and the nurse. One of the men in this compartment is apparently in an advanced stage of consumption, and probably will very soon become a burden upon the Colony. Hospitals ought not to be allowed 'tweendecks. The hatchways are all of a very inferior and cheap construction. They are not raised high enough from the deck to prevent the water from going below in anything like bad weather; the hatchway ladders are too narrow, and have not a proper rail fiicd to them to assist people in going up or down, they ought also to be boarded at the back to prevent the legs of females ascending or descending from being indecently exposed. There are two patent ventilators, one at each end of the ship, but the midship bulkheads being closely fitted prevents a free current of air passing though the vessel; these bulkheads ought probably to have been fitted with gratings. The combings of the temporary ventilators on the deck are not sufficiently high up to keep the water from splashing below. There are only three side-lights along the whole length of each side of the vessel; fifteen on each side is the usual number for a vessel of the tonnage of the " Bebington." The surgeon-superintendent records the death of sixteen infants from diarrhoea and exhaustion. He attributes this mortality to the fact that these children were all weakly and ill nourished when they came on board; to confirm this, he points out the fact that the children born during the voyage (eight) are all living and in good health. It is observable that in the case of the majority of the deaths among the very young children^ the mother was nursing another infant at the time. The medical comforts were exhausted three weeks before the arrival of the vessel in port, from which it would appear that the scale provided for in the contract is not sufficient when there are so many women and children ; and we would suggest that a more liberal allowance of such articles as preserved milk, sago, corn flour, and rice, should be supplied for the use of the young children. We have much pleasure in recommending the payment of all gratuities, and expressing our approbation of the tact and patience displayed by the captain and surgeon in the discharge of their duties. We have, &c, Alexander Johnston, M.D.,~*| J. Hackwortit, John Hollidat, }- Commmissioners. A. FOLLETT HALCOMBE, Immigration Officer, J The Hon. the Minister for Immigration.

Enclosure 2 in No. 15. Report of the Commissioners appointed to inquire into certain Matters connected with, the Immigrants by the Ship " Bebington." Mat it please tour Excellenct, — We, the Commissioners appointed to inquire into all the facts and circumstances attending the death of any child or children who may have died on board the ship " Bebington " during her recent voyage from England to Wellington, or who were passengers in such ship and have died since her arrival in Wellington, and particularly into the fitness of the accommodation provided for the I

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immigrants on board the said ship in so far as it may have affected their health or comfort, or the health or comfort of the said children or any of them; and also as to the supply of food and other necessary or usual articles of diet required by law to be provided for the use of such immigrants or children respectively, and whether required as articles of ordinary diet or as medical stores or medical comforts or otherwise; and also as to the medical treatment of such children by the medical officer on board the said ship during such voyage, or by any other person or persons who may have had the care, custody, or charge of such children or any of them, either on board the said vessel or subsequently thereto after the arrival of such of them as may have died at Wellington, have agreed to the following report: — That sixteen children between the ages of seven weeks and two years died on board the ship " Bebington," on her passage from London to Wellington, and that the ultimate cause of their death was as certified to by the surgeon-superintendent in the list appended hereto. That, from personal inspection of the ship " Bebington," your Commissioners are of opinion that she is not a fit and proper vessel for the transport of emigrants, not having been constructed in any way with a view to that purpose: for instance, she has only two small portholes in the midship compartment between decks, and two in the after and fore compartments, whereas a vessel of the same size, adapted for this service, should have from fourteen to eighteen such portholes on each side. This grave defect prevents the proper supply of ventilation and light, both vitally necessary to women and children, who are often unable to proceed on deck for many days together. The hatches and ladders, again, were of the cheapest and most inconvenient construction, the former being weak and temporary booby hatches, not likely to resist a heavy sea, and the latter merely open-backed ladders, unfitted for the use of women and dangerous to children. That there was not water-closet accommodation in the married people's compartment for the use of women and children at night or in bad weather. That the galley is so small as to render it impossible for the cook to perform his duties efficiently, even if he had a suitable range; but the range provided was entirely insufficient for the number of passengers, and when hot water was required cooking operations had to cease. The evidence shows that during the early period of the voyage considerable difficulty was experienced in getting the children's food cooked at regular times. That the between decks was divided into four compartments instead of three only, as provided for in clause 2of the contract between the Agent-General and Messrs. Shaw, Saville, and Co. One of these, occupied by some single men, was entirely without light or ventilation. That the position of the hospitals was most unsuitable, and their fittings of the rudest description. Your Commissioners recommend that in all cases where practicable, as it was in this case, the hospitals should be upon the upper deck. That after examination of the master, the surgeon, the purser, the cook, and several of the passengers, and from their own observation upon inspection of the ship, your Commissioners are of opinion that the unusual mortality among the children, in the absence of any epidemic on board, was owing in some degree to improper or insufficient nourishment, probably assisted by a deficiency of light and ventilation. . That there is good reason to suspect that the milk and farinaceous food provided for the children did not always reach them, but was used by adults, either people belonging to the ship or passengers who were at times employed in the store room, or by the" adult members of the messes to which these unfortunate children belonged. No direct evidence could be obtained on this point sufficient to ground a charge against any individual, but, independently of the undoubted peculation which occurred, your Commissioners are of opinion that the original supply of milk was insufficient, when the number of children on board is taken into consideration. The scale of rations is at fault on this point, the milk being provided in proportion to the number of statute adults, without reference to the number of children. Your Commissioners recommend that a trustworthy person, somewhat above the social standing of the emigrants, should be appointed as emigrant steward, and be held responsible for the equal distribution of the rations. A free passage, with a little extra accommodation, rank as a petty officer, with a douceur in case the duties were satisfactorily performed, would probably be sufficient to induce suitable persons to undertake this duty. That the scale of medicines and medical comforts, as set forth in the schedules to the contract, is very meagre; the evidence given on this point by Surgeon James, and confirmed by Dr. Prance, shows that in ease of much illness, especially of any febrile epidemic, these medical comforts and medicines would be exhausted in three or four weeks, and in this view your Commissioners entirely coincide. That your Commissioners desire to call attention to the evidence given by Captain Peek, in which he mentions the difficulty he experienced in keeping up discipline amongst his passengers in consequence of some being shipped as Government emigrants under the Agent-General's regulations, and others being shipped by Messrs. Brogden, these latter objecting to be subject to the Government rules, and generally making themselves highly disagreeable. Captain Peek suggests that all passengers on board the same ship should be shipped under one and the same contract. That your Commissioners have great pleasure in expressing their opinion that the exemption from infectious disease on board the ship " Bebington" is due to the tact and patience, combined with firmness, displayed by Captain Peek and Surgeon James, in carrying out, under exceptional difficulties, the sanitary measures and general discipline sj necessary amongst a class of persons to whom the confinement of a long sea passage, and the enforcement of punctual and regular habits, so necessary to be maintained on an emigrant ship, are naturally unusually irksome. Moroan S. Geace, Chairman. Alexander Johnston, M.D. "Wellington, 20th November, 1872. Chas. B. Hatjghton. Note.—The evidence ia not printed, but laid upon the table in manuscript for the information of Members.

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LIST of CHILDREN, Passengers per "Bebington," who died on board or after arrival in Colony.

No. 16. Memorandum No. 17, 1872, for the Agent-General, London. Herewith is forwarded copy of the report of the Immigration Officer at Auckland upon the ship " City of Auckland." The Government will be glad to receive an explanation of the very serious defects in the arrangements for the health and comfort of the immigrants which are noted therein. G. M. Waterhouse, (in absence of the Hon. the Minister for Immigration). Immigration Office, Wellington, New Zealand, 22nd November, 1872.

Enclosure in No. 16. Dr. Pollen to the Hon. the Minister for Immigration. General Government Offices, Sic, — Auckland, 2nd November, 1872. I have the honor to report the arrival of the ship " City of Auckland " at this port on the 3rd September ultimo, with 282 assisted immigrants. I visited the ship immediately, and found the several compartments occupied by the passengers clean and in good order, and the immigrants, excepting seven, whose cases are mentioned in the surgeon's report, in good health. There were four births during the voyage ; no deaths. On the next day, September 4th, the immigrants were landed and taken to the barracks, the invalids being removed thence to the Provincial Hospital. The workmen and others under engagements to Messrs. Brogden were accommodated in barracks, and supplied with rations for a few days, until they could be distributed to the several stations along the railway line ; the cost of the rations has been recovered. The report of the Barrack Master annexed will show how the other immigrants were disposed of. The single women who desired employment were engaged immediately, at wages varying from Bs. to 15s. per week. Complaint was general as to the very bad quality of the bedding furnished to the passengers. Dr. Waugh refers to this matter in his report, and I was assured by Captain Ashby, that if the weather had not been exceptionally fine during the latter part of the voyage, the passengers must have Buffered greatly on that account. I took the opportunity of the departure of the mail by the " Nebraska," on the 4th September, to report to the Agent-General, unofficially, the complaint that had been made. Many of the immigrants have since their landing been attacked with typhoid fever, originally contracted, apparently, on board ship. I have reason to be satisfied that the duties of the medical officer were discharged with scrupulous attention, and that the captain and his officers did all that could be expected to provide for the health and comfort of the passengers ; but it appeared to me that

Name. Sex. Age. Where Died. Date of Death. Cause of Death recorded in Medical Journal. Chaston, (infant) Cock, John Hancox, Mary ... "Witscy, Florence Pomeroy, Philip Lummis, Fred ... P. M. F. F. M. M. weeks 7 yrs. mtlis. 9 3 11 8 1 11 On board. si »» July 19 Diarrhoea and bronchitis. „ 23 Diarrhoea. August 4 Debility from birth. ,, 10 Diarrhoea and convulsions. ,, 11 Diarrhoea. „ 18 Diarrhoea and tubercular mpninmfis Diarrhoea and bronchitis. Diarrhoea. Debility from birth. Diarrhoea and convulsions. Diarrhoea. Diarrhoea and tubercular meningitis. Diarrhoea. Tabes mesenterica. Diarrhoea and teething convulsions. Diarrhoea. Capillary bronchitis. Bronchitis. Diarrhoea. Bronchitis. Diarrhoea. Acute bronchitis. Marasmus (Dr. France). j) ;> ;> Hancox, John ... Hancock, James Lowe, Elizabeth M. M. F. 1 0 1 2 9 1> )j meningitis. „ 19 Diarrhoea. „ 29 Tabes mesenterica. Sept. 5 Diarrhoea and teething convulsions. »» Foster, Alice ... Pritchett, Emma Woodworth, Chas. Channing, Thomas Eedinond, Mary Bratyn, Joseph Bath, Agnes Kirk, Pamela Littlewood, (infant) F. F. M. M. F. M. F. F. o 7 11 6 1 1 6 6 1 9 M j> 3> >> vmsions. „ 6 Diarrhoea. „ 10 Capillary bronchitis. „ 15 Bronchitis. ,, 20 Diarrhoea. „ 21 Broncliitis. „ 22 Diarrhoea. Oct. 3 Acute bronchitis. „ 31 Marasmus (Dr. France). )) )3 Wellington. Wanganui. I certify that the above is a true st; " Bebington," with the exception of the las atement of the i it two' named chil nominal list of deaths on board the ship ldren. David P. James, perintendent of the ship " Bebington." Late Stirgeon-Su

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there was overcrowding to some extent between decks, with perhaps insufficient ventilation at all times, and that the fever may be thus accounted for. Annexed you will find an abstract of his medical journal furnished by the Surgeon Superintendent. I have, &c, Daniel Pollen, Immigration Officer. Sub-Enclosure to Enclosure in No. 16. Sttmmast of Voyage of Ship " City of Auckland." 249^ Statute Adults. 28^ May. —Embarked passengers at East India Dock, London. 30th May. —Ship inspected at Gravesend. 31st May. —Took final departure. Experienced light and variable winds, with fine weather, to the tropics, which were entered on the 18th of June. The weather experienced in the tropics was hot, but very little rain. Ist July. —Crossed the line. Soon after leaving the tropics the weather became damp and cold, and for the last thirty days of the passage, had wet and cold weather. The conduct of the passengers throughout the voyage was, on the whole, yery good. The provisions issued were of a very superior description. I beg to note the very inferior description of the bedding supplied to this ship. Some of the blankets were »o rotten that before the ship had proceeded half the voyage they were perfectly useless. With this exception, all arrangements were most satisfactory. The only infectious disease that occurred during the voyage was typhoid fever, of which there were four cases. Three have perfectly recovered, and the fourth is convalesent; this man is single. On August 10th, and since this date, there has been no sign of the disease extending. On the arrival of the ship in Auckland there were seven cases requiring hospital treatment, ■viz. : —Pneumonia, two ; phthisis, two ; rheumatism, one ; cholic, one ; typhoid fever, one (convalescent). Pour births and no deaths during passage. J. Waugh, M.8., Surgeon-Superintendent.

No. 17. Memoeandum No. 19, 1872, for the Agent-Geitebal. The telegrams winch have by some considerable time anticipated thia Memorandum, have no doubt made you aware that the Immigration question is at present a subject of very grave consideration by the Government. The failure or success of the policy to which the Colony is pledged in no slight degree depends upon the introduction of immigrants on a scale numerically proportionate to the increased demand for labour, and to the necessity of developing the country, which is induced by the heavy drain upon our resources for payment of interest upon the loans. Throughout the Colony, the demand for all classes of labour so far exceeds the present or prospective supply, that the measures adopted to meet absolute requirements in this respect are regarded with the greatest anxiety by the public at large. Under these circumstances, I observe with regret that the information at my command, with regard to your arrangements in England, is so exceedingly meagre as to be a cause of considerable embarrassment to the Government. Incidentally I would remind you that no return has yet been received of the names, locality, and the status of the " 120 local agents " mentioned in your letter of 4th April, 1872 ; nor am 1 even aware of what other officers are permanently employed in connection with the Immigration branch of your Agency ; and I have therefore again to request that you will inform me of the names of all officers employed, the terms of their engagement, their salaries, or other remuneration for services rendered. With reference to the appointment of any officers thus employed, it must be distinctly understood that such appointments are of a provisional character, subject to the approval of the Colonial Government. I am still in ignorance as to what has been done towards carrying out the wishes of the Provincial Government of Otago, as expressed in the enclosures with Memorandum No. 24, of 30fch August, 1871. ; In that Memorandum you were instructed to avail yourself of the services in Scotland of the -Agent for Otago, in order to the forwarding to that Province 1,950 immigrants within twelve months. Thia instruction, so far as I am aware, does not appear to have been complied with, and one result is, that the people of Otago complain that, as yet, the action of the Colonial Government, in assuming the charge of immigration, lias been not to increase, but positively to retard, the flow of immigration. I may further mention, in proof of the embarrassing position in which the Government is placed by the want of information, that though we have learnt from several private sources that the arrangements made by you with a firm in Germany for a supply of immigrants have fallen through, and although rre have every reason to believe this statement to be authentic, we have no official knowledge of the fact. As regards the supply of immigrants generally, the Government cannot avoid a feeling of apprehension, almost amounting to certainty, that the number which it was desired should be introduced in course of 1872 will not arrive within the specified time. Under date 25th November, 1871, instructions were given for the introduction within the year 1872 of 8,000 immigrants, exclusive of nominated immigrants and of those to be introduced by Messrs. Brogden. •Although so near the termination of the year, only 8,116£ statute adults have arrived, and we have advices of only 469 more being on the way out—making a total of 3,585;j- statute adults. But of these 958-^ are nominated immigrants and Brogden's people, leaving a balance of only 2,627 immigrants as against 8,000 ordered. Doubtless, this number will be increased by the arrival of one or more of the vessels to sail after the date of the last advices. There seems, therefore, no possibility that the number of immigrants arriving in the course of the present year will be at all equal to the number which were considered requisite, for the forwarding of which instructions were given under the date quoted. The Government cannot but express a feeling of disappointment in contemplating this result of the year's operations, and the more so as your letters have repeatedly stated that the emigration was

So. 1, D. No. 1 1872, p. 1.

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proceeding satisfactorily, and as you have not been hampered by any stringent instructions, but the details of management left very much in your hands. I fear that in your anxiety to make the Immigration scheme self-supporting, and thereby to lessen its cost, the regulations adopted have not been sufficiently liberal. I have indeed reason to believe that the supply of immigration is greatly checked by the requirement of the regulations that each immigrant should pay the cost of joining the ship at the port, of bedding and of outfit; and you are therefore authorized to relax either in part or altogether these regulations, and you will decide at your discretion whether the additional expense so incurred by the Government should be added or not to the amount of the immigrants' promissory note. I must again impress upon you that the speedy introduction into the Colony of a suitable body of immigrants is the first consideration ; the expense must be regarded of secondary importance, so long as it remains within reasonable limits. It seems doubtful whether the remuneration of 10s. per head for immigrants obtained, at present paid to the local agents, is sufficient to secure their active services, more especially as in the case of foreign emigrants a payment is sanctioned of £1 per head. It has been represented to the Government that were the remuneration raised to 155., these officers would find it worth their while to devote more attention to the matter, and in many cases to make it their business, in which case a supply of immigrants equal to the requirements of the Colony might fairly be expected to be obtained. The Government have also been informed that the payment of this fee upon the number of actual adults, and not on the number of statute adults contained in a family, has operated as a check upon the emigration of families, as the agents, finding the payment made to them in such cases disproportioned to the trouble incurred, have in many cases discountenanced the forwarding of families. The payment therefore, in future, should bo based upon the number of statute adults contained in each family. With regard to this question, however, as with that of other alterations in the regulations relieving the emigrant of expense, the ultimate decision as to the course to be adopted must still rest with yourself; but you will understand that the Government desires that you should feel yourself unfettered in the exercise of a wide discretion in pursuance of the ultimate object of a large and immediate addition to the population of the Colony. As it is probable that the immigrants to be introduced by the Messrs. Brogden will include an unduly large proportion of male adults, care must be taken to equalize as far as possible the sexes of the immigrants. No consideration of expense should be allowed to stand in the way of the attainment of this object, and I should recommend that a fixed pecuniary remuneration be offered to married heads of families for every eligible single woman they can induce to accompany them. This would remove the objection often very properly felt by single women to undertake a long voyage without a. suitable protection, and would secure the active co-operation of intending immigrants in obtaining for the Colony the much needed supply of women adapted for domestic service and for the requirements of the very large unmarried male population upon the Gold Fields. With regard to the ensuing year 1573, I have most urgently to request that no exertion may be spared to forward at least 8,000 statute adults, exclusive of nominated immigrants and of those sent out under arrangement with Messrs. Brogden ; this number to arrive within the year. The absence of a proportionate supply of Irish in the Government immigration hitherto has been unfavourably commented upon in the Colony. You are therefore requested to take the necessary steps to secure that the emigration from that part of the United Kingdom shall bo proportioned to the population of Ireland as compared to that of Great Britain. You have already been instructed by telegram to open a central agency at Dublin. I trust that this has been done, and that henceforth a fair supply of Irish immigration will be secured. By this mail, under separate Memoranda, are forwarded the report of a Royal Commission appointed to inquire into the deaths of ten infants on board the ship " Bebington " during the voyage to Wellington; also, the report of the immigration Officer at Auckland on the ship "City of Auckland." The evidence before the "Bebington " Commissioners discloses several grave defects in that vessel as a passenger ship, and to those defects, but especially to the want of light and ventilation, the mortality seems to have been mainly attributable. Without going into the details of the question which these and other reports have opened up, it is sufficiently evident, from the fact of these constant inquiries being necessary, and from the reports in which they result, that a radical change in the shipping arrangements is requisite to secure the comfort and health of our immigrants. Under the present system it would appear evident that the contractors endeavour to work up to the greatest possible economy of space, labour, and provisions, satisfied if they manage to keep just within the letter of their contract and of the Passenger Act, and give a bare or superficial compliance with the regulations of the Emigration Commissioners. This course naturally results in what has been so justly complained of—insufficient ventilation, overcrowded space, incomplete cooking apparatus, incompetent cooks, badly placed hospitals, ill-fixed fittings, and many other defects which do not become apparent till the actual experience of the voyage shall have discovered what is wrong, but any one of which may, under unfavourable circumstances, inflict much discomfort or produce great mortality during the voyage. Eeferring again to the case of the ship " Bebington," I would recommend that in future every care should be taken to procure the services of a competent cook for the immigrants, and of a trustworthy person to act as steward in charge of and issuing immigrants' stores ; and in order to secure competent men of good character, a liberal payment should be allowed to both of these officers. With reference to the charter of vessels for freight or passage of emigrants, the Government i» decidedly of opinion that no lengthened arrangements should be made either with Messrs. Shaw, Saville, or with any other firm, but that each chip should be arranged for as it may be required, with a view to the number and character of the immigrants. In no case should any vessel be chartered which, is not classed Al at Lloyds. Upon this point I may observe that the Government has learnt with, regret, that the " Palmerston," now long overdue at Port Chalmers, waß not even in the second class. The Government desire that you should be distinctly instructed not to forward immigrants by any vessel which would not be approved of for such a purpose by Her Majesty's Emigration Commis3—D. 1.

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sioners ; and the greatest care is in future to be exercised to insure that the arrangements for ventilation, lighting, and general accommodation are equal to what would be satisfactory to the Board of Commissioners referred to in vessels under charter to them. G. M. Waterhoitse, (in absence of the Hon. the Minister of Immigration). Immigration Office, Wellington, New Zealand, 23rd November, 1872.

No. 18. Memorandum No. 20, 1872, for the Agent-General, London. Referring to Public Works Office Memorandum No. 34-72, of the 16th March, I have to inform you that it has been determined to give greater facilities for the introduction of nominated immigrants, by reducing the payment for passages of persons nominated within the Colony to £4 per adult for cash, or £6 when promissory notes are given. Payments on account of promissory notes can be made bj instalments. In order that the subject of nominated immigration may be brought prominently before the public, a bonus of 2s. 6d. will be paid to all postmasters and sub-immigration agents, on all applications for nominated passages obtained by them, such bonus to be payable only on the arrival of the nominated immigrants. G. M. Waterhouse, (in absence of the Hon. the Minister of Immigration). Immigration Ofitce, Wellington, New Zealand, 21st November, 1872.

No. 19. Memorandum No. 21,1872, for the Agent-General, London. Herewith is forwarded copy of the report of the Immigration Commissioners upon the ship " Queen Bee," and I would desire especially to call your attention to the facts therein set forth, viz. : —That there was no distilling apparatus on board, and that the supply of medical comforts was very deficient. G. M. Watebhouse, (in absence of the Hon. the Minister of Immigration.) Immigration Office, Wellington, New Zealand, 23rd November, 1872.

Enclosure in No. 19. Eepoet by the Immigration Commissioners on the Ship "Queen Bee." Sic, — General Government Offices, Auckland, Bth November, 1872. "We have the honor to report the arrival, on the 28th October ultimo, of the ship " Queen Bee," from London, July 20th, with 128 passengers, of whom 97, equal to 79J statute adults, were Government immigrants. We met the ship at the North Head, and found all on board well. Two births occurred during the voyage; there were no deaths, and, excepting a few cases of whooping-cough, no illness was reported. The passengers having been mustered, were asked if they had any complaints to make of their treatment during the voyage; the answer was that they had been well treated and were satisfied, and that the conduct of the officers of the ship had been attentive and kind during the voyage. We inspected the several compartments occupied by the passengers, and found them clean and well ventilated, the hospitals in order, and the surgery well supplied. The bathroom in the single women's compartment was discovered to be defective soon after the voyage began, but a substitute was found which answered the purpose satisfactorily. The cooking stoves were in good order and sufficiently large; but no distilling apparatus had been provided, and, in consequence, the regular allowance of water was, for a short time, reduced by one pint per diem. Of medical comforts, the supply in the items of preserved milk and bottled porter was defective ; some packages of each of these articles, said to have been put on board, could not be found, and were supposed to have been stowed away with the cargo. It is urged in extenuation of these shortcomings that the vessel was laden and despatched in great haste, owing to an impending strike of the dock labourers ; that she was only one week on the berth before sailing, and took both cargo and passengers on board in that time. We beg leave to recommend that the usual gratuities may be paid to the captain of the ship, and to the officers. We have, &c, Daniel Pollen, Commissioner. T. M. Philson, M.D., Health Officer.

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No. 20. Memorandum No. 22, 1872, for the Agent-General, London. Hehewitii are forwarded for your information copies of a correspondence (noted in the margin) that 5 has passed between the Messrs. Brogden and the Government, with reference to their immigration I contract of the 27th June, 1872. The Government have invited the Messrs. Brogden to place them- J selves in immediate communication with you, and have promised to favourably consider any suggestion j or recommendation you may make on the subject. | G. M. Waterhouse, I (in absence of the Hon. the Minister of Immigration). g Immigration Office, J Wellington, New Zealand, 23rd November, 1872. I . — _ i

At. Brogden to lon. Minister of jands and Immiion, 28th Oct., 1872. lon. Minister of Ijiinda and Immigration to Mr. Brogden, 2nd Soy. 1872. Mr. Brogden to Son. Minister of Lands and Immigration, 4th Not., L 872.

g Enclosure 1 in 20. i Mr. J. Brogden to the Hon. the Minister for Immigration. Sir,— Wellington, 28th October, 1872. Having reference to our conversation on Saturday last, I have now the honor to submit in writing the proposition which I then made. It is that the Government should at once relieve my firm of all further obligations (if any) under the contract of 27th June, 1872, and that the Government should repay to us all actual outlay incurred by us in connection with that contract, we indorsing to the Government the promissory notes given to us by the immigrants, and undertaking to aid the Government as far as we can in recovering the amounts payable under those notes. I need not repeat in writing the reasons which I urged why the Government should adopt this course. Should the Government consent to it, I shall be willing, on the part of my firm, to enter into arrangements with the Government for obtaining emigrants in England ; but I think it inexpedient to propose terms for that service, which had perhaps better be discussed after the Government have signified their determination in regard to the matter in the former part of this letter. This letter is of course without prejudice. I have, &c, The Minister for Immigration, Wellington. James Bbogden.

Enclosure 2 in No. 20. The Hon. G. M. O'Eorke to Mr. J. Brogden. Lands and Immigration Office, Sib,— Wellington, 2nd November, 1872. I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of the 28th ultimo, in which you propose that the Government should at once relieve your firm of all further obligations (if any) under the immigration contract of 27th June, 1872, and that you should be repaid the actual outlay incurred in connection with that contract; the promissory notes given by the immigrants being indorsed to the Government, and your firm undertaking to assist in recovering the sums due under these promissory notes. In reply I have to express to you the regret of the Government that, after the gravest consideration, they find themselves unable to meet your views so far as to relieve the firm from their liabilities in connection with the conduct of immigration under the agreement referred to ; but I may state that, so far as regards modification in the terms of the contract as respects future operations, favourable consideration will be given to any suggestion or recommendation which may be made by the AgentGeneral, with whom, upon the Bubject, your firm are invited to place themselves in immediate communication. I have, &c, J. Brogden, Esq. G. Maurice O'Eoeke.

Enclosure 3 in No. 20. Mr. J. Brogden to the Hon. the Minister for Immigration. Sib, — Wellington, 4th November, 1872. Having reference to our recent correspondence respecting the immigration arrangements of the 27tli June, 1872, I desire especially to put upon record one of the grounds upon which I, at several interviews, urged the Government to relieve my firm from their obligations (if any) under it—namely, that it places the immigrants in a far worse pecuniary position than those who are introduced under the ordinary Immigration Regulations of the Government, whilst it also places my firm in the invidious position of endeavouring to enforce upon such of them as we may be desirous of employing conditions more unfavourable than those under which we can employ other persons of the same classes. This letter must, however, not be treated as any recognition on my part of any obligation under the arrangement above referred to. I have, Ac, The Hon. the Minister for Immigration. James Bbogden.

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No. 21. Memobahdum: No. 23, 1872, for the Agent-Geneeal, London. Befeebing to Public Works Office Memorandum No. 64,* 1872, of the 5th of June last, in which it was suggested that you should take steps for the establishment of an emigration depot at Plymouth, —I have to inform you that the Government is desirous to know what action has been taken by you towards the establishment of emigration depots, not only at Plymouth but in other parts of the United Kingdom, as information has indirectly reached the Colony that such depots have been established, but there is no official information that such is the case. G. M. Wateehouse, (in absence of the Hon. Minister of Immigration). Immigration Office, Wellington, 23rd November, 1872.

No. 22. Memorandum No. 27, 1872, for the Agent-Genebal, London. (Supplementary to Memorandum No. 19, of 23rd November, per San Francisco Mail.) Iw my memorandum of the 23rd instant, by the San Francisco Mail, you were directed to forward for arrival within the year 1873, 8,000 statute adults, exclusive of nominated immigrants and of those sent out under arrangement with Messrs. Brogden. I omitted to inform you that it is desired that the numbers for each Province should be as follows :—

Auckland ... ... ... ... ... 800 adults. Hawke's Bay ... ... ... ... ... 600 „ Wellington ... ... ... ... ... 1,000 „ Marlborough ... ... ... ... ... 100 „ Canterbury ... ... ... ... ... 2,250 „ Otago ... ... ... ... ... 3,250 „ Total 8.000 statute ndnlts.

I trust that the arrangements made regarding the conveyance of these immigrants will be of a superior character to those which have hitherto prevailed. It is very unsatisfactory to the Government, as it must be to the Agent-General, to have the repeated complaints which have arisen in connection with the conduct of emigration. The Governmsnt can see no sufficient reason why the arrangements as regards the introduction of immigrants to New Zealand should be less perfect than were those of the English Emigration Commissioners at the period when, under their auspices, such a large stream of immigration was flowing into Australia. I believe such a continuous repetition of complaints as regards the character and accommodation of the vessels in which emigrants are being forwarded is without precedent of late years. The risk to which they would appear lo have been involved is not fair to the immigrants themselves, whilst it exposes the Colony at large to the possibility of the introduction of fatal forms of disease. The Government are very anxious to hear of the establishment of the Scotch and Dublin Agencies. The failure to open the Scotch Agency has led to much inconvenience, and will involve the Colony in many claims for compensation. The Government are beset with complaints from persons who, having nominated friends on the assurance that arrangements would be made to enable emigrants to embark from Glasgow, find that the friends so nominated are required to undergo the expense of a journey to London, or forego the voyage altogether. Doubtless the instructions of the Government upon this point will already have been given effect to ; but with a view to the prevention of any further mistakes, I deem it well to add, that the AgentGeneral is requested to consider the instructions as regards the opening of these agencies not of a discretionary, but of an absolutely imperative character. G. M. Wateehouse, (for the Hon. the Minister of Immigration). Immigration Office, "Wellington, New Zealand, 27th November, 1872.

No. 23. Memorandum No. 30, 1872, for the Agent-Genebai, London. Toue letter of the 4th October, 1872, enclosing list of newspapers in which the New Zealand Emigration advertisements are inserted, has been duly received. You will be good enough to inform me how frequently the advertisements appear in the several newspapers, and under what arrangements with regard to cost of insertion ; and you will please forward me a return of the cost of advertising in connection with emigration for the year 1872. G. M. Watebhouse, (in absence of the Hon. Minister of Immigration). Immigration Office, Wellington, sth December, 1872. * a. No. 3, 1872, page 43.

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No. 24. Memoeandttm: No. 35, 1872, for the Agent-Genebal, London. Torn letter of the 4th October last, covering a report by Mr. H. W. Farnall, who has apparently been acting as emigration agent at Belfast, has been duly received. I cannot but regard the feeble attempt that has been made under the management of Mr. Farnall to open up a supply of immigration from Ireland as eminently unsatisfactory. That gentleman appears to have been nearly three months in Ireland, and the result of his labours, as shown in his correspondence, is that during that period he has forwarded twenty-three emigrants. What has been the total expense connected with the introduction of these twenty-three emigrants it would be hard to calculate, and probably painful to contemplate if calculated. The Government are thoroughly satisfied that an adequate supply of immigrants is procurable from Ireland. If you are unable yourself or by your officers to obtain the supply that is required, I have to instruct you to put yourself in communication with Her Majesty's Emigration Commissioners, with a view to ascertaining upon what terms they will undertake to forward the number of emigrants required to be supplied from Ireland. It is understood that Her Majesty's Emigration Commissioners have agents in all parts of the United Kingdom, and it will be well for you to consider whether their services cannot be turned to much greater account than has hitherto been the case. Personally, the conviction is forced upon my mind, partly from observation of working of the existing system, and partly as the result of experience in Australia, that our supply of immigration would have been greater, the character of the immigrants certainly not inferior, and the shipping arrangements far superior, if the co-operation of Her Majesty's Emigration Commissioners had been obtained. The Government will be glad to receive your report upon this subject. G. M. Wateehotjse, (in absence of the Hon. Minister for Immigration). Immigration Office, Wellington, sth December, 1872.

No. 25. Memorandum: No. 30, 1872, for the Agent-Genebal, London. Hebewith I beg to forward for your information copies of correspondence enumerated in the annexed schedule. G-. M. Watebhottse, (in absence of Hon. Minister for Immigration). Immigration Office, Wellington, New Zealand, 6th December, 1872. Schedule of Cobbespondettce forwarded to the Agent-General in Memorandum No. 36, of the 6th December, 1872. 1. Immigration Officer's Report on disposal of immigrants per " Lady Jocelyn." 2. Letter from Immigration Officer, Christchurch, forwarding copy of extract from Surgeon's Diary of the " Lady Jocelyn," also Schoolmaster's Report. 3. Immigration Officer's Report on arrival of " Queen Bee " in Auckland.

Enclosure 1 in No. 25. Immigration Office, Sib, — Christchurch, Canterbury, N.Z., 22nd November, 1872. I have the honor to forward herewith lny report on the disposal of the immigrants per ship ■ Lady Jocelyn." I have, &c, J. E. March, The Under Secretary for Immigration, "Wellington. Immigration Officer. Sub-Enclosure to Enclosure 1 in No. 25. Immigbation Officer's Eepoet on Immigrants per " Lady Jocelyn." Date of Arrival. —llth November. Number Landed. —2l families = 61j statute adults 24 single men = 24 „ 43^ single women= 43£ „ Total, 154 souls =129 Note.—Eight of the single women were Otago immigrants, and were forwarded to Dunedin by the steamer at the expense of the agents of the ship. In addition to the twenty-four single men mentioned above, this ship brought fifty-two navvies and railway labourers under engagement to Mr. Brogden. These were also forwarded to Otago at the ship's expense.

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Number Engaged. —All the single women who were for engagement (numbering only sixteen) found situations immediately the barracks were open to the public. All the single men who would take situations were also engaged at once. Out of the twenty-one families who arrived, eight only remained in barracks for employment at the end of the first day ;of these eight, six have since been engaged; of the remaining two, one is unable to take a situation owing to an accident; the other has a large family, but will, I have no doubt, soon meet with employment. Two families remaining in barracks —one from the ship " St. Leonards," a married man with five children, and one a Dane, from the ship " Friedeberg," with three children—found situations on the day on which the immigrants per " Lady Jocelyn " were engaged. Character of the Immigrants. —Under this head I am unable to report so favourably as I could wish; the character of some of the immigrants was not so good as that of previous shipments. What Wages were given. Married Couples —■ Farm Servants, £50 to £70 per annum and found. Wheelwrights, 12s. per day. Single Men — Farm Servants, £35 to £45 per annum and found. General Labourers, £25 to 30 per annum and found. Tailors, £52 per annum and found. Boys, £12 to £15 per annum and found. Carpenters, 9s. per day. Single Women — General Servants, £25 to £30. Housemaids, £20 to £25. Nurses, £20 to £25. Present Demand of Labour Market. —The number of single men (farm servants) and single women by this ship was quite insufficient to supply the demand, which is still very great, especially for domestic servants. Several more married couples, if suitable for situations as farm servants, could also have been placed in good situations. The demand for carpenters and others connected with the building trade is still very brisk, and likely to continue so ; wheelwrights meet with immediate employment at good wages; good practical bootmakers are also in request. General Eemarks.- —A large number of immigrants by this ship were nominated in the Province, consequently the number for engagement was very small. Many employers, several of whom had come long distances from the country, had to leave the barracks without being able to obtain servants. J. E. Mabcu, Immigration Office, Christchurch, 22nd November, 1872. Immigration Officer.

Enclosure 2 in No. 25. Ship " Lady Jocelyn." [Extract from Surgeon-Superintendent's Diary i] The voyage from London to Canterbury, in a sanitary point of view, has been a success. No illness that might in any way be attributed to overcrowding, defective ventilation, or improper diet, has occurred. The passage through the tropics was remarkable for the absence of heavy rains or great heat; the highest reading of the thermometer in the holds being 80° Fahrenheit on 2nd September, in Lat 10° 42' N., Long. W. 25° 40'; the second highest reading being on the previous day, viz. 82°. The behaviour of the single men might have been better, and the constable for their compartment has had no sinecure appointment amongst them. The bottom boards of the berths have not been made to unship, and consequently some difficulty has at times occurred in cleaning the decks beneath them. We have had four births during the voyage and one death, that of James Wilson, 9 months, on 30th October, Lat. South 46° 52', Long. East 139° 34. Mr. Dunkley, a passenger on the staff of the Bishop of Dunedin, undertook the duties of schoolmaster. He reports the work done as follows: —Four hours' daily attendance for week days, and two hours on Sundays. (28 children attended.) A weekly Bible class for the single young men, conducted by Mr. Withey. A class for reading, writing, and arithmetic, conducted by the Bishop of Dunedin, the Eev. Mr. Venny, and the Eev. J. Smith. We are much indebted to the Bishop and the clergy for their Sunday services, and the kindness and interest they took in the Government passengers. In the medical compartment, I beg to recommend that a liberal supply of aperient pills should be gent on board ship. They are much needed at the commencement of a long voyage, and are more easily taken than nauseous powders or draughts. A supply of bromide of potassium and hydrate of chloral would be desirable additions to the medicine chest. For heating food for infants and lying-in women, spirit of good quality should be sent; what I had in the dispensary was useless for that purpose. A better class of water tins should be supplied to emigrants, as much inconvenience and annoyance was caused by the cans leaking, after being a short time in use. The matron has conducted her department most ably, and the cleanliness observed in that part of the ship is highly creditable, both to her and the sub-matron, both of whom have been very kind and attentive to those committed to their care and supervision.

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In conclusion, I heed hardly add that I have always received the kindest consideration from Captain Jenkins, who has at all times shown the greatest interest in the well-being and comfort of the Government passengers, and to whose untiring energy many are indebted for a prosperous voyage. The ship appears highly qualified for carrying emigrants in safety and comfort, and the spacious poop has formed a splendid place for promenade and the recreation of the single women. G. McD. Cumming, Lyttelton, 11th November, 1872. Surgeon-Superintendent. Mr. W. Dunkley to Dr. Cuhming. Sic, — November, 1872. I beg to enclose you my report of the progress of the schoolwork on board the ship " Lady Jocelyn." The schoolwork has, on the whole, been satisfactory, though not what might have been desired from various reasons, perhaps the principal being the deficiency of school materials, and also the want of care displayed in the choice of even those sent on board. For instance, although a blackboard was supplied, there was no chalk ; this was consequently rendered next to useless, my supply of chalk depending on the carpenter. There were no slates nor slate pencils. The Bishop of Dunedin, however, kindly sent me a dozen slates and a box of pencils (all that he had). I found neither class reading books, Bibles, nor maps of any kind, without which even the elementary education necessary for the class of children on board the " Lady Jocelyn" must of necessity be incomplete. For one portion of the Bibles I am indebted to the kindness of Captain Jenkins; the rest of the Bibles and the whole of the reading books were kindly lent me by the Rev. T. J. Smith, one of the clergy on the staff of the Bishop of Dunedin. There was no locker or chest for the school materials, in consequence of which, on the occasion of the vessel shipping a heavy sea and flooding the schoolhouse, the whole of my school materials (which were contained in a box kindly lent for that purpose by the chief officer) were nearly destroyed by the water. I beg to recommend the following as suitable for emigrant ships of the " Lady Jocelyn " class :— " Irish National Second Reading Books," (also Third ditto for seniors). Philips' Copy-books and Large-hand Pens ; Philips' Maps—the World, the Continent, &c, at ss. or 7s. 6d. each ; framed Slates, with tin corners, size 10-inch by 9-inch; Slate Pencils, common Penholders, leaden Inkpots; a stout Chest with lock for the reception of the above." The school work has been as follows :— The day school for children, conducted six days per week, four hours per day on week days, and two hours on Sunday. A weekly Bible class in single young men's department, conducted by Mr. Withey, on the staff of the Bishop of Dunedin. A class for instruction in reading, writing, arithmetic, dictation, &c, in young men's department, conducted by the Bishop of Dunedin and clergy. The conduct of the children was everything that could be desired. I have, &c, Waltee Dunkley, To Dr. Cumming, Medical Officer, Schoolmaster, ship " Lady Jocelyn." of the ship " Lady Jocelyn."

Enclosure 3 in No. 25. Dr. Pollen to the Hon. the Ministee for Immigration. (No. 29.) General Government Offices, Sic, — Auckland, 18th November, 1872. I have the honor to report the arrival of the ship " Queen Bee" with immigrants on the 28th October. The immigrants were landed on the following day (29th), and taken into barracks. The workmen found immediate employment. Of the single women, those who did not gain their friends were at once engaged at current rates of wages from 10s. to 12s. per week. I have, &c, Daniel Pollen, The Hon. the Minister for Immigration, Immigration Officer. Wellington.

No. 26. Memorandum No. 37, 1872, for the Agent-Geneeax, London. My attention has been called by His Honor the Superintendent of Canterbury to the desirability of despatching ships for that Province so as to arrive if possible in the spring and summer, in order to meet the requirements of the agricultural districts. As this is the most suitable time for the arrival of immigrants in the Colony, you are instructed to arrange, so far as possible, that the departure of tha vessels may be timed so as to insure their arrival in New Zealand during the season indicated. G. M. Wateehousb. Immigration Office, Wellington, 9th December, 1872.

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Enclosure in No. 26. His Honor W. Eolleston to the Hon. the Colonial Secketabt. Superintendent's Office, Sic, — Christchurch, Canterbury, 25th November, 1872. I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your letters containing information as to the Bailing of the " Pleiades " with 100^ statute adults for Canterbury. I take this opportunity of calling your attention to the desirableness of despatching ships for Canterbury to arrive as far as possible in the spring and summer, to meet the requirements of the agricultural districts in the time of harvest. I have, &c, W. Eolleston, The Hon. the Colonial Secretary. Superintendent.

No. 27. Memorandum No. 38, 1872, for the Agent-General, London. A communication has been received from His Honor the Superintendent of Hawke's Bay stating that immigrants are much required in that Province, and that a large number could obtain immediate employment. You will gather from the various communications lately forwarded to you that th» demand for immigrants is urgent throughout the whole Colony. G. M. Waterhous*. Immigration Office, Wellington, 9th December, 1872.

No. 28. Memorandum No. 39, 1872, for the Agent-General, London. I have to call your attention to the following minute by His Honor Mr. Ormond, with reference to an emigrant family named Thompson, who came to the Colony in the " Ballarat " for Napier. " Thompson, is an invalid, and ought never to have been allowed a passage ; he has a wife and five children, and was, lam informed, ill for three years before he left England. He is not able to work, and draws Government rations for himself and family." I have Rimply to repeat the instructions contained in Mr. Hall's letter of the 16th October last, with reference to an emigrant named Dewey who came to Canterbury in the " Charlotte Gladstone," that all immigrants sent to the Colony should be physically able to provide for themselves and their families, as any other class of emigrants must ultimately become a charge on either the General or Provincial Government for charitable relief. Gr. M. Waterhouse, (for the Hon. Minister for Immigration). Immigration Office, Wellington, 12th December, 1872.

No. 29. Memorandum: No. 41, 1872, for the Agent-General, London. Instructions have already been transmitted to you that no lengthened arrangement for the charter of vessels should be entered into with Messrs Shaw, Saville, and Co.. or'any other firm. I desire now to call your attention to certain details in the printed charter-party forwarded by you, which ia understood to be a copy of the charter-party under which the vessels provided by Messrs. Shaw, Saville, and Co. have conveyed emigrants to the Colony during the past and present year. In case of quarantine, there is a provision that the immigrants shall be rationed at the expense of the owners of the ship for " five days." I find on reference to the ordinary charter-party under which ships are chartered by Her Majesty's Emigration Commissioners, that the period fixed is " fourteen days ;" and I desire that in future, it" any definite time be fixed in the contract when the liability of the owners under such circumstances for victualling the immigrants shall cease, such period shall not be less than " fourteen days " from arrival in port. The scale of rations, as detailed in the schedules to the charter-party, appear to me, and my opinion is very strongly borne out by the report of the Commission upon the ship " Bebington," to be very insufficient in two very essential points —" medical comforts " and " medicines." The supply of the former is very meagre, and contrasts most unfavourably with the scale authorized by Her Majesty's Emigration Commissioners, whilst the supply of medicine is not only insufficient and unsuitable to the service, but, not being obtained from Apothecaries Hall, must of necessity be very uncertain as to its quality. The charter-party for vessels in our service should at once be altered in these particulars, the schedule of " medical comforts" being assimilated to that authorized by Her Majesty's Immigration Commissioners, and the list of medicine so revised by competent professional men, acquainted with the ordinary necessities of the voyage to the Colony; and it must be a sine qua non that all drugs and requisites for the hospital and dispensary should be obtained from Apothecaries Hall. With regard to the ordinary rations, I observe that the quantity of milk provided is in proportion to the number of statute adults, irrespective of the actual number of children who may be on board ; this appears to me a very grave error, and likely to lead, as in the case of the " Bebington," to a total deprivation of this necessary article of diet for children in the event of a prolonged voyage. I observe, also, that the scale of quantity of milk issued is only half what is provided under the regulations of Her Majesty's Emigration Commissioners, and that no " condensed eggs," a most valuable nutriment,

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appears in the dietary table for children. I would call your very serious attention to these matters, and trust you will not allow another ship to leave for the Colony without most careful arrangements being made for the health and comfort of the young children by the liberal issue of nourishing food. Upon perusal of the printed copy of the charter-party, I fail to see that any provision whatever is made for insuring that a full supply of rations is put on board the ships. The example of Her Majesty's Emigration Commissioners might well be followed in this respect, and the favourite game of shipowners "running short " during the last few weeks of a prolonged voyage completely frustrated. The case of the " Bebington " proves how this is systematically worked, where we find in a voyage not beyond the fair average, not only the " medical comforts " exhausted, but the medicine chest empty, and the surgeon left without the most indispensable ordinary drugs. Under these circumstances, it is not difficult to conjecture what the result might have been in the event of any disease breaking out. G. M. Waterhouse, Immigration Office, (for the Hon. the Minister for Immigration). Wellington, New Zealand, 17th December, 1872.

No. 30. Memorandum No. 43, 1872, for the Agent-General, London. In my Memorandum No. 19, of the 23rd November, 1872, I had occasion to direct your attention to the class of ships employed for the conveyance of emigrants to this Colony, which in the opinion of the Government have been proved unsuitable to the requirements of the passengers for so long a voyage. The recent arrivals " Christian McAusland " and " Palmerston," both now in quarantine, confirm me in the conviction that under ordinary circumstances no ships should be chartered for the service which are not provided with ports or scuttles on the lower or immigrants' deck sufficient to insure thorough ventilation in ordinary weather ; and this is more especially necessary in vessels like the " Bebington," which have permanent bulkheads, which entirely preclude the circulation of air from hatch to hatch. Tou will therefore consider it a positive instruction that no vessel shall be eligible for charter which is deficient in thorough ventilation, and it should also be your special care that the provisions of the charter-party with regard to cooking and baking accommodation be carried out, the palpable defect in which had apparently a not inappreciable effect upon the lamentable mortality amongst the children on board the ship " Bebington." G. M. "Waterhouse, (for the Hon. the Minister for Immigration). Immigration Office, Wellington, 17th December, 1872.

No. 31. Memorandum: No. 44, 1872, for the Agent-General, London. Herewith is forwarded copy of a letter from Mr. Auld, of Glasgow, to His Honor the Superintendent of Otago, covering correspondence between yourself and that gentleman. I cannot but regret the absence of any desire to co-operate with Mr. Auld in the promotion of emigration from Scotland to Otago which this correspondence manifests. I trust that long before this reaches you, the emigration from Scotland has been placed upon an improved footing. It is not satisfactory to the Government, nor can it be to yourself, to find the Provinces expressing in the most emphatic manner their dissatisfaction with the existing system under the Colonial Government, and making provision for the renewal of immigration under Provincial administration. I refrain from saying more, because, after the very express instructions which have been forwarded to you as regards the conduct of immigration, and the practically unfettered power of relaxing existing regulations which in your opinion may be of a restrictive character, which has been conferred upon you, it would be unreasonable to anticipate that the expectations of the Government and the Colony will not be realized. G. M. "Waterhouse, (for the Hon. the Minister of Immigration). Immigration Office, 18th December, 1872.

Enclosure in No. 31. Mr. J. Auld to His Honor J. Macandrew. Sib,— Edinburgh, 3rd October, 1872. I have the honor to acknowledge receipt of your Honor's letter of 3rd July, and to state that the rocket apparatus for harbour use therein mentioned has been ordered from Messrs. Birt of London, and is ready to be despatched ; but as it is contrary to law to send such articles by a passenger ship, some weeks must elapse before a vessel can be got in London by which to forward them. Tour Honor's letter of sth June was received by the August mail and acknowledged in my absence. I was at the time abroad for a short period, but a copy of the letter was sent to me, and on my reaching Paris I wrote to the Agent-General in London, that on the second day thereafter I would wait upon him, for the purpose of considering the important contents of your Honor's letter. On calling at his office, however, 1 found that he was living at Boulogne, to which place I was informed my letter had been forwarded, and it was impossible for me therefore at that time to have a personal interview with him. Soon after my return here I wrote him of this date, with an extract from your Honor's letter, containing a full copy of it, with the exception only of that portion of it which instructs me what steps to 4—D. 1.

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take in the event of the Agent-General refusing to comply with the proposals submitted to him. But I stated to him generally what the purport of these instructions was, but with their precise nature I did not conceive that he had any concern. To this letter I received no answer whatever, and the Agent-General's silence was in no way occasioned by his absence, for I am quite aware of the fact that after receipt of my letter he endeavoured to induce a London firm to put on occasional vessels from Glasgow, and that thia was refused by them. For reasons known only to himself, he made no overtures to Messrs. P. Henderson and Co. In this state of matters I again wrote, of this date, to the Agent-General, expressing my willingness, if desired, to go to London to commune with him, but no notice was taken of my letter. Seeing, t. however, that the season was passing, I finally wrote to the Agent-General, of this date, to the effect that I held his declinaturo to notice my letters as a refusal on his part to consider the proposal submitted to him, and my intention to act accordingly. To this letter I received an answer; but for its terms I beg to refer your Honor to the enclosed copy of the whole correspondence that has passed between us on the subject. In this letter the Agent-General entirely ignores the proposal submitted to him, and, besides insinuating in the broadest terms that I had been guilty of misrepresentations to your Honor, charges me with wilfully keeping back a part of your Honor's letter, for the purpose of preventing him detecting these misrepresentations. How the A gent-General, considering the important office he holds, should have allowed himself to express himself in tho terms he has thought fit to use, lamat a loss to understand. He had no right to expect that I should send him a copy of your Honor's letter, nor was I in any way bound to do so. In sending him a very full extract, I conceived that I was dealing most openly and fairly towards him; but, as the event has turned out, it might have been as well had I sent him a statement of the purport of the letter. At the same time, had he believed in the truth of the charges he makes, it was plainly his duty, having regard to the important interests involved, to have stated them at the time he received my first letter ; but it is pretty evident no such idea then occurred to him, and it was only when he found that I had rightly interpreted his silence, that he had recourse to the method adopted by him of evading all consideration of the question. It is needless for me to pursue the matter further. Tour Honor has all my letters before you, and can judge what truth there is in the Agent-General's insinuations ; but, independently of these, nothing more is required to show their groundlessness than a reference to the facts stated in your Honor's letter to me, which are undeniable. Though for a long time I have been of opinion that the present system was injurious to the interests of Otago, I refrained, probably too much, from expressing my convictions to your Honor. I did so, however, in the beliefjthat the A gent-General's views and procedure were in accordance with, his instructions, framed with the consent and approval of the several Provinces. I have no doubt it was a mistake not to take advantage of the existing agencies of individual Provinces, and to confine their exertions to the procuring of emigrants for the Provinces of which they had some knowledge, and in which they felt some interest, instead of prohibiting them from giving any one Province a preference over the other, an injunction which could hardly in the nature of things be observed. It appears to me impossible for the Agent-General long to continue to refuse to send Scotch emigrants from the Clyde; but if he has any intention of altering his plan he has not informed me, and I think your Honor will see that his last communication to me left me no choice but to open communication with Messrs. Patrick Henderson and Co., for a separate line of ships from the Clyde to Otago. It would have been most satisfactory had the Agent-General consented to take this step himself, as there seems to me to be no reason whatever to think that that would have been in any way inconsistent with his general arrangements. I have accordingly entered into an arrangement with Messrs. P. Henderson and Co., and have the honor to enclose a copy of their letter to me of 27th ult., setting forth its terms. I trust these will be approved of by your Honor, as the best that it was in my power to make in the circumstances. The season, however, is now unfortunately near its close, and, as experience fully shows, it takes a very considerable time before advertisements resumed after so long a period of withdrawal take effect on the public mind. I fear much cannot be expected to be done before next season. The first ship, the " "Wild Duck," is fixed to sail on 15th December, and no effort will be spared to procure as large a number of suitable emigrants as possible. With regard to the terms on which these are to be sent out, the subject is one of much difficulty, but on the whole, after consideration, it has appeared to me to be the wisest course for the remainder of the season to adhere in a great measure to the terms formerly acted on, till it be seen to what extent applications are received, and what classes are most likely to take advantage of them, so that I may be better able to judge ere the season opens in spring, what changes may be advantageously made. A payment of £5 per statute adult would, I have no doubt, particularly in the case of families, act as a prohibition to most Scotch emigrants. This view was confirmed by Mr. Seaton in a conversation I had with him a few days ago. He informed me that a large number of Scotch emigrants whom he sawwere desirous to go to Otago in preference to any other place, but the terms required were such as they could not comply with, and nearly all of them went to Canada. I regret that the seeds, a list of which was enclosed in your Honor's letter <jf sth June last, and which were ordered in accordance with your Honor's instructions from Messrs. Veitch and Son, of London, cannot bs supplied by that firm. They say that there are only two or three of the seeds that they could procure, and that there would be even considerable difficulty in supplying these. I have the honor to enclose herein first of bill of lading and copy invoice of the books for Public Libraries ordered in your Honor's letter of sth June, and which were forwarded by the ship " City of Dunedin " from Glasgow, on 20th September last. Messrs. Patrick Henderson and Co. are quite willing to send two ships to the Bluff, and land emigrants there. I have, &c, His Honor the Superintendent, Otago, N.Z. John Avid.

Sept. 10, 1872,

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Cobkespondence between John Auld, "W.S., Edinburgh, Agent for the Provincial Government of Otago, aud I. E. Featherston, Esq., 7, Westminster Chambers, Victoria Street, London, Agent-General for New Zealand. Sib, — 21, Thistle Street, Edinburgh, 2nd September, 1872. I regret exceedingly that I had not the pleasure of seeing you when in London last week, and that circumstances prevented me from remaining there until your return. A considerable time ago I wrote to the Superintendent of Otago for his advice and instructions as to the maintenance of the Agency for the Province here, as that was indispensable from the change which had taken place in regard to emigration, and it was only in the course of last month that I received a communication from His Honor in reply. As the letter is one of considerable importance, and its contents quite unexpected by me, I naturally feel considerable difficulty on the subject, and think it best that you should be acquainted with its terms so far as material. I therefore enclose an excerpt from it, and after you have considered it, I shall be glad to hear your views on the subject. You will readily believe that it would be extremely unpleasant to me to be put in any way in collision with you on the subject of emigration ; but it is proper that I should state that, in the event of my being unable to make any arrangement with you, I am authorized by His Honor to make separate arrangements for the despatch of one vessel monthly from the Clyde. It appears to me, however, that the withdrawal of all vessels from the Clyde is the chief source of complaint; and if this should bo resumed by you, it is not improbable that all parties would be satisfied, assuming that they could be despatched at sufficiently short intervals. It would afford me great pleasure if you could see your way to make some such arrangement as would remove His Honor's objections. Ido not know how far it is consistent with your own instructions to adopt or sanction the whole plan proposed by Hie Honor, which, of course, would be most satisfactory; but if it is not, I trust some such arrangement may be made as will meet his views satisfactorily, and I would be very glad to communicate such to him. I have, &c, John Auld. Sic,— 21, Thistle Street, Edinburgh, 10th September, 1872. I am anxious to hear from you in regard to my last communication, enclosing extract from the Superintendent's letter to me. I have another letter from him on the same subject two days ago, and I should like to be able to write to him explicitly by the first out-going mail. A personal interview with you may not be necessary, but if you desire it, or deem it necessary, I shall be prepared to go South. I have, &c, Dr. Featherston. John Atjld. Sib,— 21, Thistle Street, Edinburgh, 20th September, 1872. Not having heard from you in reply to my two last letters, I assume that you decline to make any arrangement to give effect to the Superintendent's expressed views, and thus, consequently, I am shut up to make separate arrangements for the passage of emigrants from the Clyde. I have, &c, I. E. Eeatherston, Esq. John Auld. Sic,— Cotfield House, Gateshead, 22nd September, 1872. I must apologize for not having sooner acknowledged your last two letters, but owing to family events I have been frequently out of town. As you have only given me extracts from the letter addressed to you by the Superintendent of Otago, I am not in a position to notice the misrepresentations of which you apparently have been guilty. But I beg to assure you that I have neither the wish nor intention to interfere with any instructions the Superintendent may give you, as Agent for the Provincial Government of Otago. I have, &c., John Auld, Esq., W.S., Edinburgh. I. E. Featheeston. Sib,— 21, Thistle Street, Edinburgh, 23rd September, 1872. I have to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of yesterday's date, which I regret to observe negatives all idea of any arrangement being made by you for carrying into effect the proposal contained in His Honor's letter of 3rd Juno to me, and of which proposal 1 sent you a full copy; or even of admitting an interview to consider that proposal. In your letter you are pleased to say, "As you have only given me extracts from the letter addressed to you by the Superintendent of Otago, I am not in a position to notice the misrepresentations of which you apparently have been guilty." This extraordinary statement has taken me not a little by surprise, and, notwithstanding that our previous communications have beeu uniformly pleasant, I must take leave to state that the offensive insinuation you make against me is unfounded and uncalled for, and I utterly repel it. I was under no obligation whatever to give you a full copy of His Honor's letter, or even an extract from it. It was enough for me to state his proposal accurately, and, to prevent any mistake, I gave it to you in his own words. With the rest of the letter you had no concern; but you were made aware that it contained instructions to me to organize a separate emigration from the Clyde to Otago in the event of your declining to agree to the proposal made, and of which you had a full copy. What connection these instructions had with any alleged misrepresentations I cannot conceive. They refer to a matter of the future and not of the past, and I had not the least intention of consulting you how I should carry my instructions into effect. lamat a loss to know on what ground there was any call

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on me to communicate them to you. But as you have now declined to agree to the proposal submitted to you, I have not the least objection to communicate my instructions to you, and I therefore enclose a copy of the remaining part of the letter. As it is perfectly obvious that any instructions which concerned me only could afford you no aid in judging of the proposal, and could not assist you in noticing the misrepresentations with which you charge me, I have to call upon you to state on what grounds you make or insinuate so gross a charge against me, and what are the misrepresentations to which you refer. In justice to yourself, I can only suppose you have written me without having my letters before you, unless perhaps that of Friday, the 20th instant. I have, &c, Dr. Featherston. John Auld.

No. 32. Memoeandum No. 45, 1872, for the Agent-General, London. I heeewith forward for your information copies of telegrams which have passed between His Honor the Superintendent of Otago, the Immigration Officer of Dunedin, and this Office, relative to the quarantining of the emigrant ships " Christian McAusland " and " Palmerston." Copies of the usual reports on these ships will be transmitted to you as soon as received. I have already called your attention to the great importance of providing more efficiently than has hitherto been the case for the thorough ventilation of all ships taken up for the conveyance of immigrants. Its importance is illustrated by the sickness which has occurred on board these two vessels. It is evident that the chances of eradication of any disease which has been introduced or broken out on board any vessel are greatly reduced when there is an absence of side ports or scuttles on the lower deck, as was the case with these two vessels. G. M. Wateehouse, (for the Hon. Minister of Immigration). Immigration Office, Wellington, 18th December, 1872. Note.—The enclosures to this Memorandum are unimportant, the facts being embodied in the reports subsequently transmitted to the Agent-General.

No. 33. Memorandum No. 46, 1872, for the Agent-Geneeal, London. I heeewith enclose for your information copy of a memorandum by the Immigration Officer at Dunedin, in reply to certain queries by the Hon. Mr. Reynolds with reference to the immigration requirements of the Province of Otago. I have to direct your special attention to the portions of the Memorandum respecting the period of the year at which immigrants should arrive in the Colony, and to the desirableness of limiting the number of married couples with large families. The Immigration Officer's suggestions in these respects are applicable not only to the Province of Otago but to the whole Colony. G-. M. Wateehoitse, (for the Hon. the Minister of Immigration). Immigration Office, Wellington, 19th December, 1872.

Enclosure 1 in No. 33. The Hon. W. H. Reynolds to Mr. 0. Allaw. Sib, — Custom House, Dunedin, 19th November, 1872. Referring to our conversation on this date, I will thank you to furnish me with an exhaustive report of the following: — Ist. As to the working of the present Immigration system in the Province. 2nd. As to any suggestion you may be in a position to make, from your long experience, to secure the convenience of immigrants prior to their embarkation, and on arrival in this Province. 3rd. The number and class of immigrants you consider could be absorbed in the Province during the ensuing twelve months, including those already on their way hence. 4th. As to the working of the labour exchange, together with any suggestions as to making it more efficient. sth. As to the most effectual means to be adopted to secure the regular payment of immigrants' promissory notes. In addition to the foregoing, I will be glad to receive any suggestions from your department in this Province. I have, &c, Colin Allan, Esq. William H. Reynolds.

Enclosure 2 in No. 33. Mr. C. Allan to the Hon. W. H. Reynolds. Sib, — Immigration Office, Dunedin, 29th November, 1872. In reply to your letter of the 19th inst., asking me to furnish you with a report on certain subjects connected with the Immigration scheme, and first as to its working in this Province, I have the honor to state that, since I have entered upon the duties of this office under the General Government, it has been my constant endeavour to promote and encourage to the fullest extent the system of nominated passages by settlers in the Province, convinced as I am from a long experience, that the best and most useful immigrants have hitherto been introduced into this Province through thi*.

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scheme. The great object in any scheme of immigration is to secure a class of people who are likely to settle down as useful colonists, by making this country their home, and the nominated scheme is calculated to promote this object. This system had been working very successfully until it was interrupted by the action of the Agent-General in making London the port of embarkation for Scotch, and Irish emigrants proceeding to this Province, instead of Glasgow, as formerly. Now that it is again intended to resume emigration from Glasgow, I hope that confidence will be restored, and that the nominated system will be extensively taken advantage of by the settlers of the Province. With a view to eifect this end, however, it is necessary that the regulations should be constantly before the public eye, by means of advertisements in the newspapers circulating in the most populous districts, or byplacards widely distributed. The ships conveying immigrants under the Government regulations, and chartered by the AgentGeneral, were the "William Davie," "Hydaspes," and " May Queen," the number introduced being equal to 337^ statute adults. The immigrants, upon the whole, were suitable for the requirements of the Province, and, with few exceptions, I had not much difficulty in getting them placed. These exceptions were families with children, who are not as a rule easily disposed of, chiefly because runholders and farmers have not as yet seen the necessity of building comfortable cottages on their stations and farms for accommodating families. In selecting emigrants for New Zealand, it is very undesirable to assist families whose children are of tender age, as employers of labour will not engage them if they can at all avoid it, and the emigrants themselves, being dispirited by seeing that they are overlooked, write home damaging letters, to the hurt of the Colony. The present regulations have been received with favour in this Province, and would have been very successful had the Agency in Scotland been continued in its former state of efficiency, supplemented by the machinery set in motion by the Government for inducing a larger stream of emigration to leave the British shores. 2nd. The greater number of the most suitable emigrants for New Zealand being procured in the country districts of Great Britain and Ireland, and many of them never having been far away from the homes of their youth, I would strongly recommend that in the case of families and single women, particularly when a certain number are selected in a district, they should be intrusted to a responsible person, who would accompany them to the port of embarkation, and see to their comfort there. I would also suggest that at the regular ports of embarkation depots should be established, presided over by an experienced matron, to receive the emigrants on their arrival to join the ship laid on for conveying them to our shores. I have long been impressed with the necessity of having an organization in the Home country, such as I have indicated, from representations made to me, especially by females, of the predicament in which they found themselves on arrival in a large city, without friends or acquaintances to receive them. On the arrival of the immigrants in port they are received by me on board ship, conveyed to Dunedin, and lodged in barracks. During the spring and summer months the demand for their services is very brisk, but after harvest it often becomes slack, and families are not so easily placed. In such circumstances it is very desirable that some employment of a public character, such as reclaiming land, or making a tramway or jetty, should be available near Dunedin, on which to employ the immigrants at a reasonable wage, until permanent work could be provided for them. It would prevent much of the grumbling and dissatisfaction that new comers frequently indulge in if they are allowed to remain idle in barracks. 3rd. The number of immigrants which I computed could be easily absorbed during the current twelve months is as follows :— Single men — Adults. Farm labourers ... ... ... ... ... ... 600 Flaxdressers ... ... ... ... ... ... 25 Gardeners ... ... ... ... ... ... 50 Eopemakers ... ... ... ... ... ... 25 Coal miners ... ... ... ..: ... ... 50 750 Single women — Farm servants (dairymaids) ... ... ... ... ... 500 Domestic servants ... ... ... ... ... ... 500 — 1,000 Married couples ... ... ... ... ... ... 100 200 Total ... ... ... 1,950 Of this number 337 statute adults already arrived, and there are at present afloat 1,132$ in the following ships, viz. : — "Palmerston" (Germans) ... ... ... ... ... 228 adults. " Christian McAusland" ... ... ... ... ... 288£ "Zealandia" ... ... ... ... ... ... 267 " Charlotte Gladstone" ... ... ... ... ... 350 Total ... ... 1,133 i Leaving 579 of the number still to arrive before the end of the season. If the number of labourers in these ships consigned to Messrs. Brogden is taken into consideration—their labour being only available for railways —we have still nearly 1,000 of all classes to arrive. This Province being chiefly pastoral and agricultural, it is most desirable that the bulk of the emigrants selected should be men and women brought up and inured to country labour, for as a rule, after their arrival, their services are available without any trouble.

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It is not desirable to have many immigrants arriving during the months of June, July, and August, as the weather is then generally broken, the days short, and steady labour not easily procured. I would have continued this report at further length, had I not been interrupted by the arrival of the ships " Christian McAusland " and " Palmerston," now in quarantine. As to numbers 4 and 5 of the queries asked, I have the honor to refer you to my reports to the Hon. the Minister of Immigration, dated as per margin. I have, &c, Colin Allan, The Hon. W. H. Reynolds, Wellington. Immigration Officer.

Labour Exchange, 15th October. Promissory Notes, (Sth November.

No. 34. Memorandum No. 48, 1872 for the Agent-General, London. I have already addressed you in reference to the correspondence between Mr. Auld and the Superintendent of Otago, and from that correspondence, as well as from other sources, you will have learnt that the Provincial Government of Otago have instructed Mr. Auld to reopen the Scotch Agency on their account, and to forward emigrants direct from Glasgow. I trust that the very explicit instructions you have received, both by telegram and letter, upon this subject, will have resulted in your having taken over the agency as conducted by Mr. Auld. Should you not have done so, I have now, on the part of the Government, to instruct you to adopt this course, also to authorize you to pay Mr. Auld any moneys he may have advanced, as well as to provide for any liabilities he may have incurred, in connection with the resumption of emigration to Otago on behalf of the Provincial Government. G. M. Waterhouse, (for the Hon. the Minister of Immigration). Immigration Office, Wellington, 20th December, 1872.

No. 35. Memorandum No. 49, 1872, for the Agent-General, London. Referring to my Memorandum No. 42, 1872, of the 17th instant, reporting the arrival of the "Jessie Eeadman "at this port, I now enclose the usual report of the Commissioners upon that vessel. You will observe that attention is again directed to the inadequacy of the cooking accommodation. John Hall, Immigration Office, (for Minister of Immigration). Wellington, New Zealand, 21st December, 1872.

Enclosure in No. 35. Report by the Immigration Commissioners on the Ship " Jessie Headman." Sib,— Wellington, 17th December, 1872. We have the honor to report that we inspected the ship " Jessie Readman," which arrived from London on the 14th instant, with 335 passengers, 84 days out. We have much pleasure in stating that we found the immigrants looking remarkably healthy, particularly the children ; all appeared in excellent spirits ; they had no complaints whatsoever to make, and expressed themselves perfectly satisfied with the ship and the treatment they had received on the , voyage, and spoke in very eulogistic terms of the kind attention shown to them by tho captain, and also by the surgeon-superintendent. We found all the compartments scrupulously clean, and showing evident signs of having been kept so during the voyage. The provisions appear to have been served out with regularity, and also to have been of good quality. The condensing apparatus is reported to have worked well, and to have been kept in operation every day throughout the voyage except Sundays, and tho supply of water has been abundant. The galley accommodation is too small for a vessel carrying so large a number of passengers. The ventilation of the vessel is remarkably good, and to this circumstance the surgeon-superin-tendent mainly attributes the good state of health in which the passengers have arrived, and have enjoyed throughout the voyage. The hatchways and combings to the temporary ventilators on the deck arc not high enough to keep the sea from washing below in rough weather, and are not constructed sufficiently strong ; the ladder-ways also ought to be provided with stronger hand-rails, and to be boarded at the back. With the exceptions named above, the arrangements for the comfort and accommodation of the passengers are very complete; and very great credit reflects upon the surgeon-superintendent for the ability he has shown in the discharge of his duties, and we strongly recommend him for further employment should he desire it. One death (that of an infant from brain disease) and three births occurred during tho voyage. We have much pleasure in recommending tho payment of all gratuities. We have, &c, Alexander Johnston, M.D.,"\ J. Hackworth, In, . . A. F. Halcombe, { Comm.ss.oners. John Hallidat, j The Hon. Minister for Immigration, Wellington.

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No. 36. Memorandum No. 50, 1872, for the Agent-General, London. Referring to Memorandum No. 45, 1872, of the 18th instant, I now forward copy of the report of the Commission appointed to board emigrant ships on their arrival at Port Chalmers,'stating that the single men passengers by the " Christian McAusland," and the ship herself, had been admitted to pratique on the 10th instant, I have to direct your special attention to the remarks of the Commissioners with reference to the hospital accommodation, as well as to the imprudence of sending a large number of families with young children in one ship. G. M. Waterhouse, Immigration Office, (for the Hon. the Minister of Immigration). Wellington, New Zealand, 31st December, 1872.

Enclosure in No 36. Report by Immigration Commission on the Ship " Christian McAusland." Sir, — Port Chalmers, 16th December, 1872. "We have the honor to report that, acting under orders of the Board of Health, we this day admitted the ship " Christian McAusland," and also the single men per said ship, to pratique. From the report furnished by the surgeon-superintendent, Mr. Concanon, it appears that there were thirteen cases of scarlet fever during the voyage, none of which, however, proved fatal. There were sis deaths from other causes, five being infants and one an adult, the latter having died from congestion of the brain. The Board of Health having given instructions that the fittings, bulkheads, and bunks, should be removed, with a view to the thorough fumigation of the ship, previous to her being admitted to pratique, we are not in a position, from ocular demonstration, to report on this part of our duty, but from representations made by Captain Tilly and Pilot Kelly, we learned that the requirements of the Passenger Act were fully complied with. The ventilation to the " 'tween deck " was carried through the main deck, there being eleven ventilators abaft the mainmast, eight between the main and foremast, and four before the foremast. We believe that, by those means, the ventilation was sufficient to satisfy the requirements of the Act. We would recommend that, in future, the hospital should be in one of the deck-houses, instead of being, as in this case, in the 'tween decks ; as, in the event of an infectious disease breaking out on the passage, there would be less risk of its spreading among the emigrants. The Glasgow ships carrying emigrants for many years to this port have always had, the hospitals on deck, and to this may be attributed in a great measure their immunity from sickness on board. The cooking range was examined, and found fully equal to its requirements. The condensing apparatus was also in full working order, and could condense 500 gallons per day, if required. We have no hesitation in saying that the ship was in every respect well found, and no complaints were made by any of the immigrants as to the quantity and quality of the provisions, or against any of the officers who were appointed to carry out the provisions of the Act. We would suggest that, in future, it would bo prudent to distribute families having young children among several ships, instead of having too many in one ship. We have, &c, David O'Donoqhue, Wm. Thomson, The Hon. the Minister for Immigration, Colin Allan. Wellington.

No. 37. Memorandum No. 1, 1873, for the Agent-General, London. Herewith is forwarded copy of a report upon the ship " Pleiades" by the Commissioners appointed to board emigrant ships on their arrival at the port of Lyttelton. G. M. Waterhouse, (for the Hon. Minister of Immigration). Immigration Office, Wellington, 3rd January, 1873.

Enclosure in No. 37. Report by the Immigration Commissioners on the Ship " Pleiades." The Commissioners report that the immigrants arrived in good health ; they expressed themselves grateful for the care and attention of the captain, surgeon, and officers of the ship. Two births occurred during the voyage; no death, nor had any disease prevailed during the Toyage. The provisions were good, sufficient, and regularly served. The preserved meat having the Canterbury brand was reported of most favourably. The condenser was quite inadequate, only distilling 28 gallons a day ; but a full allowance of water carried in tanks had been supplied during the passage. The Commissioners have pleasure in reporting favourably on the cleanliness of the single women and single men's compartments, but regret they cannot apply the same remarks to the space allotted to the married people.

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The Commissioners consider the double berths in the single women's compartment objectionable; and desire to express their opinion of the insufficiency of the immigrants' galley, both on account of size and want of protection to the deck from fire. Wm. Donald. John F. Eotjse. Fredk. D Gibson. Lyttelton, 30th December, 1871. J. E. March.

No. 38. Memorandum No. 4, 1873, for the Agent-General, London. Referring to my Memorandum No. 41, of the 17th ultimo, respecting the contract entered into by you with Messrs. Shaw, Saville, and Co., I have to inform you that charges amounting respectively to £108 4s. 6d., demurrage for six days on the ship " Christian McAusland," and £212 155., demurrage for twelve days on the " Palmerston," have been sent in. Under the existing charter-party, the Government has no option but to admit these claims; but I take the opportunity of again impressing upon you the desirability of increasing the number of lay days in cases of quarantine to at least fourteen days from the date of arrival in port, in all future contracts with shipowners. G. M. Waterhottse, (for the Hon. Minister of Immigration). Immigration Office, Wellington, 10th January, 1873.

Enclosure in No. 38. Mr. C. Allan to the Under Secretary, Immigration. Sib, — Immigration Office, Dunedin, 20th December, 1872. I forward by this mail a claim sent in by Messrs. G. G. Eussell and Co., agents for the ship " Christian McAusland," amounting to £108 4s. Cd., for demurrage at the rate of 4|d. per ton per day. Having seen a copy of the charter-party as between Messrs. Shaw, Saville, and Co. on the one hand, and the Agent-General on the other, I am in a position to state that the claim must be acknowledged. The same document also provides that in the event of the ship being put in quarantine, the charterers have to provide for the immigrants for five clear days, after which the provisioning devolves on the Government. As this is the first charter-party I have seen in reference to the conveyance of emigrants to New Zealand, and as you may not have a copy beside you, I have thought it my duty to inform you that such^a document was in existence. To say the least of it, it is very favourable to the charterers. I have, &c, Colin Allan, The Under Secretary for Immigration, Immigration Officer. Wellington.

No. 39. Memorandum No. 5, 1873, for the A gent-General, London. Herewith I forward for your information copies of the reports of the Commissioners appointed to board immigrant ships on their arrival in this Colony, viz.: —Ship " Chile," Napier; "Agnes Muir," Auckland, and Immigration Officer's report on " Agnes Muir." G. M. Watertiouse, (for the Hon. Minister for Immigration). Immigration Office, Wellington, 11th January, 1873.

Enclosure 1 in No. 39. Eepoet by the Immigration Commissioners on the Ship "Agnes Muir." Sib, — General Government Offices, Auckland, 27th December, 1872. "We have the honor to report the arrival on the 24th instant of the ship " Agnes Muir," from London, with 135 passengers, of whom seventy-eight souls, equal to sixty-seven adults, were Government immigrants. Two births in this class occurred during the voyage, making the total eighty souls. Shortly after her arrival we visited the ship at the Heads, and the usual inquiries by the Health Officer having been satisfactorily answered, went on board and made inspection of the several compartments in which the immigrants were lodged. We found these compartments clean, well arranged, and ventilated. We found the surgery to be conveniently situated, and sufficiently supplied with medicines, &c. the bathroom in the single women's compartment, in good working order, and the hospitals roomy and comfortable ; the water-closets also clean. The cooking stoves we found to be sufficient. But there was no condensing apparatus ; there was however, a sufficient supply of water. The provisions were examined, and found to be of excellent quality. The immigrants being mustered, were asked if they had any complaints to make; the answer

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was that they had no complaints to make ; that they had been well treated during the voyage, and that the officers of the ship, from the captain downwards, had been attentive and kind. Under these circumstances, we have pleasure in recommending that the usual gratuities may be given to the captain and officers. We have, Ac, Daniel Pollen, ~\ I. J. Burgess, Harbour Master, > Commissioners. T. M. Philson, M.D., Health Officer, ) The Hon. Minister for Immigration, Wellington. Enclosure 2 in No. 39. Eeport by the Immigration Officer on the Ship " Agnes Muir." Sib, — General Government Offices, Auckland, 31st December, 1872. I have the honor to report the arrival of the ship " Agnes Muir" from London, on the 2-lth instant, with assisted immigrants equal to sixty-seven statute adults. The passengers were landed on the evening of that day and taken into barracks. The single women who did not join friends found employment at once, at wages varying from 10s. to 12s. per week. Seven single men and seven families are still in barracks; the general suspension of work during the Christmas holidays prevented them from obtaining immediate employment. I enclose a return of the nationalities of the immigrants ; also an extract from the report of tlie surgeon, in which ho recommends that in immigrant ships the single women's compartment should be provided with an iron grating for the hatchway for purposes of ventilation. I have, Ac, Daniel Pollen, The Hon. Minister for Immigration, Wellington. Immigration Officer.

Sub-Enclosure 1 to Enclosure 2 in No. 39. RETURN of NATIONALITIES arrived in Ship "Agnes Muir," at Auckland, on the 24th December, 1872.

Sub-Enclosure 2 to Enclosure 2 in No. 39. Extract from Eeport of Surgeon-Superintendent, Ship "Agnes Muir," on Ventilation. Tnis answered very well. I beg to suggest, though, that all emigrant ships should be provided before starting with iron gratings for the hatchways of the single women's compartment, so that while in the tropics they may be fixed every night over the open hatchways, and fastened with a padlock and chain, and removed in the morning ; this allows the wooden hatches to be left up all night. We were fortunately enabled to use such a contrivance, as the "Agnes Muir" has previously taken out emigrants from Glasgow to Otago, and had the gratings onboard; the young women found this a great boon in the hot weather. I mention this because I think it probable that ships which have not previously carried emigrants may not possess such appliances.

Enclosure 3 in No. 39. Eeport by Immigration Commissioners on Ship " Chile.' Sib, — Napier, 2nd January, 1873. The Commissioners have the honor to report the arrival of the " Chile" in the Ahuriri Eoadstead on Sunday, the 29th instant, 107 days out—commander, Captain Burch. The condition of the vessel, in all particulars in which the Commissioners were requested to inquire, was most satisfactory. 5—D. 1.

Country. Ad Its. Chile Iren. Infi ints. Remarks. England icotland reiand M. 10 5 e r. 1.7 12 18 M. 5 1 1 F. 3 1 1 M. 4 F. Total... 21 87 Recapitulation ( )f Adults:— ales 3males ... male children = ... female ditto 24 37 8* 2* 1VJ 7 5 Total 07

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The appearance of the immigrants, as regards cleanliness, &c, was such as requires no further comment than for the Commissioners to express their entire approval of the evident care taken by the Captain and Dr. Macan in the supervision of the immigrants, both as to health and comfort, and in support of which no better evidence can be adduced than the testimonials presented to the captain and officers of the ship. Dr. Macan's report, containing the particulars of the births and deaths on board, is enclosed. The Commissioners regret the record of so many deaths, but, after careful inquiry, have arrived at the conclusion that the doctor had used every precaution to prevent the spread of the disease (measles). I have, &c, The Hon. the Minister for Immigration, G-. T. Fannin, Wellington. (on behalf of the Commission). Sub-Enclosure to Enclosure 3 in No. 39. Eepoet of Sukgeon-Supeeintendent of Ship " Chile." I hate to thank Captain Burch and his officers for their ready help, under all circumstances, in all that could add to the comfort and well-being qf the passengers. Captain Burch has at all times given immediate attention to any suggestion I made. Mr. Scott (first officer), was kind enough to give up his berth for a confinement case (my own being also occupied for a similar one) at a time when I was anxious to preserve all parturient women from chance of infection. My most serious difficulty was in securing the assistance of an efficient nurse out of the married women on board. Twenty had infants to attend to, and of the others, those who were not lately married had either large families to look after (in two cases, five children) ; or if not, incapacitated by seasickness, or iYorn other causes declined the situation. Mrs. Dean, however, volunteered to assist her friend Mrs. Bayley in her confinement, and as I found her active and attentive I appointed her nurse, though I should have preferred an older woman who had herself borne children. She has since discharged her duties efficiently. The only cases of insubordination were followed by such a decided amendment in the conduct of the offenders that I wish them to be passed over. The constables were appointed as soon as possible after starting, and though at first they found their duties strange, had plenty of time to become acquainted with them, and discharged them actively and attentively, duly superintending the cleaning of the various compartments, the serving out of provisions, &c. There was no occasion to appoint any cook's assistant, the emigrant cook, with the man shipped as cook's mate, being all the galley would accommodate. The provisions and water have been regularly served out, and have been of excellent quality. I have taken every opportunity of having the bedding on deck; the bottom boards being fixtures could not be brought up ; the decks have been scraped or holystoned every day, and windsails used; scuttles opened whenever the weather permitted it. I have also regularly visited 'tween decks, more especially the married compartment, several times a day ; my regular times were, before breakfast (between 7 and 8 a.m.), and in the evening 7 p.m. I afterwards adhering to these times as strictly as the large amount of sickness on board would allow me. The portion of deck underneath the bunks was whitewashed three times during the voyage, and would have been more frequently done, but the amount of lime was only sufficient to do it that number of times. Disinfectants were freely used, and especially I would record my approval of Calvert's carbolated lime powder, which was of valuable assistance to me. Except during rainy weather, I had little difficulty in preserving dryness in the 'tween decks : then the necessary traffic up and down the ladders gave some trouble. However, by the occasional use of swing stoves and pounded holystone (sand was all used for holystoning), they were kept as dry as possible. Muster and divine service has been held every Sunday, weather permitting. In the warm latitudes the captain had awnings spread, and in bad weather weather-clothes to protect those who were able to be on deck. Continual attention has been given to securing the separation of the single women from the other passengers, and, as the ship had no poop, a double rope was stretched across from rail to rail, with an interval between. School was not held for some time, as, owing to the amount of sickness, I wished the children to be on deck as much as possible. Mr. Malcolm also had a severe attack of diarrhoea, which prevented him from holding school from the Bth to the 24th November. This will account for the deficient attendance marked in his book. The watch bill and list of sweepers have been regularly made out and the duties discharged. I have reason to speak highly of the schoolmaster, matron, and constable. Owing to the head of each family being legally allowed to form a mess, the messes have been much more numerous than seems to me advisable, and consequently the difficulty of cooking much increased. I may say I have had no sickness among the single women, and have constantly endeavoured to carry out the various regulations with regard to them; so much so, that it would be only amongst them that I should deem I was held as much in dislike as respect. The medical comforts have been regularly issued in accordance with my instructions, my last injunction from the Medical Inspector at Gravesend being that they were intended to be used, and I have expended them freely. I have also had from the captain preserved meat in lieu of salt for many of the sick, and several tins oi' essence of beef from the cabin stores —an article, or at all events Liebig's extract in lieu of it, which would be a useful substitute for some of the preserved soup in the medical comfort list. The luggage was brought on deck five times during the voyage.

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Of course I feel that the experience I have gained in this my first charge of an emigrant ship h.is been of much service to me; that there have been occasions during the voyage when such experience would have rendered my task much more easy to be performed; but I can confidently hope that the highly creditable state in which the ship came in, especially considering the large number of children (nearly seventy) in the 'tween decks, with the universal good feeling and, on the whole, good state of health of the emigrants, will be sufficient to assure the Commissioners of my efforts in the discharge of my duties. James John Macan, Surgeon-Superintendent, ship "Chile."

No. 40. Memorandum No. 7, 1873, for the Agent-General, London. In forwarding to you the enclosed copy of the report of the Commissioners appointed to board Immigrant ships on their arrival at Lyttelton, on the ship " Crusader," the Government desires to direct your special attention to the several portions of that report which refer to the accommodation provided for the married people, the injudicious treatment of the single women by the matron, the inferiority in physique of the married people, the want of an hospital for the single women's compartment, and the defective cooking arrangements. As your attention has already been called to many defects and omissions of a similar nature in other ships, it only remains for me to refer you to my previous communications in which suggestions are made and instructions given for the better conduct of immigration to this Colony. Immigration Office, Wellington, G. M. Waterhofse, 13th January, 1873. (for the Hon. Minister for Immigration).

Enclosure in No. 40. Eeport of the Immigration Commissioners on the Ship " Crusader." The Commissioners have to report that on their visit to the above vessel they found the health of the immigrants generally good, the cleanliness of the various compartments creditable, and the arrangements well carried out, with one exception: in the married people's compartment was a sort of cul-de-sac between the end of the provision room and the vessel's skin on the port side, which was both dark and ill ventilated ; in this locality the children generally exhibited a cachectic appearance, and several had suppurating glands in the neck ; it is right, however, to state that the family appeared to have strumous proclivities. A few cases of hooping-cough existed. The provisions had been good in quality, well cooked, and regularly served out; the supply of water ample and good. The immigrants in all compartments expressed themselves as well satisfied, and spoke highly of the kindness of the captain, surgeon-superintendent, and officers of the vessel. The conduct of the immigrants had been generally good ; but in the single women's compartment the matron complained of various minor acts of insubordination on the part of the girls. The Commissioners inquired into the matter, and report that although such acts had occurred, the matron's treatment of those under her care had not been judicious, or such as to secure cheerful compliance to rule. The class of immigrants in the single men's and women's compartments was satisfactory. Of the married people, however, the Commissioners cannot speak favourably, as in physique generally they were much below most other shipments. The hospitals were well lighted, ventilated, and furnished, but between decks. There was none provided in the single women's compartment. The Commissioners again beg to draw the attention of the Government to the fact that the bringing of young girls suffering from severe indisposition among men, women and children is often extremely objectionable; it would be much better for the hospital for unmarried females to be in their own compartment, and a separate one for the married women, to be placed on deck, where a deck house exists. The bathroom was well fitted up, and had worked satifactorily ; the closets had acted well. The distilling apparatus (Chaplin's) had performed its duty satisfactorily, distilling 300 gallons in twelve hours. The cooking arrangements were defective, in that there was only one galley, of medium size, for both passengers and immigrants, giving very limited space for the cooking operations. ¥m. Donald. John F. House. Eredk. D. Gibson. Lyttelton, January 7, 1873. J. Edwin Marsh.

No. 41. Memorandum No. 8, 1873, for the Agent-General, London. Enclosed I beg to forward copy of the report of the Commissioners appointed to board immigrant ships on their arrival at Port Chalmers, on the admission of the ship " Palmerston " to pratique. Immigration Office, G. M. Waterhouse, Wellington, New Zealand, 13th January, 1873. (for the Hon. Minister for Immigration).

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Enclosure in No. 41. Eepoet by the Immigration Commissioners on the Ship " Palmerston." Sib,— Port Chalmers, Dunedin, 23rd December, 1872. We have the honor to report that, acting under orders of the Board of Health, we this day admitted the ship " Palmerston " to pratique. From the report furnished by the surgeon-superintendent, Dr. Bordt, we learn that scarlatina and typhoid fever broke out on the passage, principally among the children, but none of the cases proved fatal. There were thirteen deaths from other diseases, chiefly pneumonia and dysentery, three of the number being adults, and the remainder infants. We minutely examined the ship, and found her scrupulously clean, and as to accommodation, both below and on deck, admirably adapted for conveying emigrants. She has two hospitals aft—one for men and one for women —both having a door opening to a bathroom adjoining. The ventilation of the hospitals is by a large skylight and two portholes, one on each side of the ship. The single women's compartment is ventilated by a skylight with open sides, a wooden ventilator somewhat like a chimney and fireplace for conveying off the foul air, and a hatchway by which access is had to the compartment. The married people's compartment is separated from the single women's by a strong bulkhead, the ventilation being carried by three hatchways, six side ports, and two deck ventilators. The single men's compartment is separated by a bulkhead from the married people's, the ventilation being carried by hatchway, one deck ventilator, and two portholes. Wo have no hesitation in saying that no emigrant ship ever entered this port better fitted in every respect for the conveyance of emigrants than the ship " Palmerston." On account of her great length and her flush deck, the space allotted to the immigrants for purposes of airing and exercising was far in excess of that required by the Imperial Act. Her galley is very large, and capable of cooking for 700 passengers. The expedient employed in flushing the water-closets is worthy of imitation in immigrant ships. A large tank on the skids amidships is supplied with water by a force pump, from which two leaden pipes, one on each side, are conveyed along the tops of the bulwarks ; a branch pipe with a cock leads into each of the water-closets, which, when used, are thoroughly cleansed from all impurities by the force of the water from the cock. The captain, surgeon-superintendent, and officers of the ship seem to have performed their respective duties with kindness, yet with a degree of firmness approaching to military discipline in carrying out the rules and regulations made for the health and comfort of the immigrants, who acknowledged with gratitude the kindness shown to them on the passage. We have, &c., Colin Allan, "\ Immigration Officer, f ■ • David O'Donoghue, f Commissioners. William Thomson, ) The Under Secretary for Immigration, Wellington.

No. 42. Memorandum No. 9, 1873, for the Agent-General, London. Referring to that portion of Public Works Memorandum No. 37, of 16th March last, which relates to the selection of a proper staff of medical officers for emigrant ships coming to the Colony, I have to inform you that the Government have decided, in order to secure the services of thoroughly competent medical men, to allow the sum of £50 for the return passage to England in all cases when it shall appear that these officers have performed their duties satisfactorily. Dr. Elphinstone, surgeon-superintendent of the " St. Leonards " on her voyage to Canterbury last year, and Dr. Husband, surgeon-superintendent of the "Jessie Eeadman " on her recent voyage to Wellington, having made application for this payment on account of their return passage, you are requested, upon their reporting themselves at your office and expressing their readiness to undertake respectively the charge of another ship, to pay them the said amount of £50, and to avail yourself of their services upon the earliest opportunity. You will also be good enough to pay the same amount upon application to the widow of Dr. T. Dry, late surgeon superintendent of the " Glenmark." Although Dr. Dry had not, owing to the unfortunate loss of the ship in which he sailed, the opportunity of reporting himself prepared to take charge of another emigrant ship, yet as there can be little doubt that had he reached England he would have so done, the Government will not avail themselves of the sad calamity which befel him to deprive his family of the gratuity to which otherwise he would doubtless have become entitled. Immigration Office, Wellington, New Zealand, G-. M. Waterhoitse, 9th January, 1873. (for the Hon. Minister of Immigration).

No. 43. Memoeanditm No. 11, 1873, for the Agent-Geneeal, London. I herewith forward for your information copy of the report of the Commissioners appointed to board immigrant ships on their arrival at Port Chalmers, on the ship " Zealandia." As this vessel had landed immigrants at the Bluff before arriving at Port Chalmers, a copy of the report of the Commissioners at that port will be sent to you when received. Immigration Office, G. Matjeice O'Eoeke. Wellington, New Zealand, 17th January, 1873.

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Enclosure in No. 43. Eepobt by the Immigbation Cosimissionees on the Ship "Zealandia." Snt,— Dunedin, 18th January, 1873. We have the honor to report that the ship " Zealandia," arrived in port on the 4th instant, after ft very favourable passage from London. The ship came into port in fine order, and the immigrants were fully satisfied with the treatment they received on the voyage. As the Commissioners at Invercargill will furnish a report on the various matters connected with the ship on her arrival at the Bluff, it is not necessary for us to make any lengthened statement. We can only add that the surgeon-superintendent, Dr. Yorath, and the captain and officers of the ship, seemed to have performed the duties devolving upon them with prudence and firmness. We have, &c., Colin Allan, Wm. Thompson, David O'Donoghtje, M.D., Commissioners.

No. 44. Memorandum No. 13, 1573, for the Agent- Genebal, London. I fobwaed herewith copies of statements made before the Under Secretary for Immigration, by three persons who paid their own passages by the ship " Jessie Eeadman," on her recent voyage to this port, and, on the understanding that they should have better accommodation than was provided for the Government immigrants, paid a higher sum for their passages, but after embarking found that the promises previously made to them were not fulfilled. The Government very much regret the action of Messrs. Shaw, Saville, and Co. iv this matter, as if such a practice is allowed it is likely to act very prejudicially with regard to the Colonial Immigration arrangements, and I must request that in future contracts, whether with Shaw, Saville, and Co. or any other firm, a special clause be inserted, providing that no extra passengers shall be taken in vessels chartered to convey Government immigrants, with the exception of saloon passengers. G. Matteice O'Eobke. Immigration Office, Wellington, 16th January, 1873.

Statement of E. Majob. I applied to Shaw, Saville, and Co. about the middle of August, for a steerage passage for myself, my wife, and my two boys—one twelve and the other ten years old—and paid £63, contract ticket annexed; I also paid £18 passage money for Hannah Binder, female servant. I sent a deposit by post ten days before the ship started, receipt appended, and the balance at Shaw Saville's office. 1 put in letters from Shaw, Saville, and Co., relative to passage, in answer to inquiries of mine. I understood, from the prospectus forwarded to me, that I should have for the money paid an enclosed berth for myself and wife. I went on board on 20th September, about an hour before the ship left dock. I found no special accommodation marked off for me. My wife saw the surgeon, who said there were no arrangements for paid passengers, but provided accommodation for her for the night, until Shaw Savillo's agent came on board. Mr. Sutherland came the next afternoon ; lat once asked him where my berth was. He said I must find a berth among the emigrants in the 'tween decks. I complained loudly before the captain and surgeon, and then Mr. Sutherland proposed that my wife and myself should have a small cabin in the deck-house. After Mr. Sutherland had left, the doctor told me that we could not have this cabin, but must do the best we can on the emigrants' deck. My servant was then taken away and put with the single women, and my boy, just twelve years old, with the single men. During the inspection I had no opportunity of complaining to the Inspecting Officer but my ticket had the block torn off by one of Shaw Saville's agents. We were treated in every way as Government emigrants during the voyage, but only one berth was available for myself, my wife, and boy of eleven years old. The prospectus I refer to, set forth that the ship " Jessie Headman " had splendid accommodation for cabin and third-class passengers, and said nothing about being taken up for Government emigrants. I was living in Jersey, and had written to Shaw, Saville, and Co. with regard to a passage to New Zealand, who then sent me the prospectus, which I have lost. E. Majoe.

Messrs. Shaw, Saville, and Co. to Mr. E. Majob. The Passengers Line of Packets for New Zealand, &c, Sic, — Offices, 34, Leadenhall Street, E.C., London, 9th August, 1872. In reply to your favours of 31st July and 6th instant, we beg to inform you that the lowest passage money for your family, 3^ adults, will be £63. The vessel for Wellington is the " Jessie Headman," sailing 30th instant. A deposit of half passage money is necessary on securing the berths. We delayed answering your letter on account of date of sailing of the vessel not being fixed. We have, &c, Mr. E. Major, 38, Pembroke Terrace, Shaw Satille, and Co. David's Place, St. Heliers, Jersey.

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Messrs. Shaw, Saville, and Co. to Mr. E. Majob. The Passengers Line of Packets for New Zealand, &c, S ra _ Offices, 34, Leadenhall Street, E.C., London, 15th August, 1872. We are in receipt of your favour of 13th instant, and in reply beg to inform you that since writing we have postponed the sailing date of the " Jessie Eeadman" until 20th September; your luggage will be in time if alongside on that date. By return, we shall be pleased to receive a deposit on account of your passage money. We are, &c, Mr. E. Major, 58, Pembroke Terrace, Shaw, Saville, and Co. St. Heliers, Jersey.

Messrs. Shaw, Saville, and Co. to Mr. E. Majoe. The Passengers Line of Packets for New Zealand, &c, Sib,— ' Offices, 34, Leadenhall Street, E.C., London, 24th August, 1872. We are in receipt of your favour of 22nd instant. The passage money for your family will bo £18 per adult, half price being charged for children between 1 and 12 years of age. If you wish to engage passages per "Jessie Eeadman," sailing 20th September to Wellington, you should at once furnish us with the names and ages of your family, also a deposit of half passage money, on receipt of which we will return you the requisite contract ticket. If you will send us the particulars of your luggage, or a bill of lading when you forward it from Jersey, we will see to its conveyance from the Custom House Quay to the East India Docks. Waiting the favour of your reply, We remain, &c, Mr. E. Major, 58, Pembroke Terrace, Shaw, Saville, and Co. St. Heliers, Jersey.

Messrs. Shaw, Saville, and Co. to Mr. E. Majoe. The Passengers Line of Packets for New Zealand, &c, Sib— Offices, 34, Leadenhall Street, E.C., London, sth September, 1872. We have the pleasure to acknowledge receipt of your favour of 3rd instant, handing us a remittance of £30 on account of your passage money to Wellington, per " Jessie Eeadman," for which vessel we return you herewith the requisite contract ticket. We have received the bill of lading for your luggage, which shall have our due attention. We have, &c, Mr. E. Major, 58, Pembroke Terrace, Shaw, Saville, and Co. David's Place, St. Heliers, Jersey.

Statement of S. D. Phaser. On the 19th September I applied to Shaw, Saville, and Co., at their office, for a steerage passage in the " Jessie Eeadman," to Wellington, for which. I paid £17. They did not tell me that there were Government emigrants going out by her; they said there were steerage and saloon passengers. On the 20th September I went on board the ship in the Docks. I had no opportunity of inquiring about my accommodation at that time, as there was so much confusion and hurry on board. After the ship arrived at Gravesend I found that the vessel was a Government emigrant ship, instead of what had been represented to me by Shaw, Saville, and Co. When Mr. Sutherland came on board I complained to him that there had been no accommodation provided for me as a steerage passenger. He said that if I would bo satisfied for a day or two until things got straight, I should then have proper accommodation. After we had been out three days at sea I asked the doctor to see that proper accommodation was given me aa a steerage passenger. He replied, " that he was very sorry to say that there was no more accommodation for me than the Government emigrants, and that I had been swindled." During the rest of the voyage I was treated the same as the Government emigrants. his Simon D. x Feaseb, Witness to mark—A. Grimstone. mark.

Statement of C. Jones. I applied to Shaw, Saville, and Co., for a steerage passage in the " Jessie Eeadinan." When I applied to Shaw, Saville, and Co., they sent me a prospectus, at the same time informing me that there were a few steerage and saloon passengers. I then went to Shaw Saville's office and paid £18 for a steerage passage ; they told me I should have to lind my own bedding, tins, plates, &c. I went on board in the Docks on the day the vessel sailed, and I found, after the vessel had left, that there was no accommodation provided for me as a steerage passenger. I complained to the doctor, and threatened to go off' with the pilot. He said it was a very bad case, but he thought I had better stay on board. When Mr. Sutherland came on board at Gravesend, I complained to him. He said, "JTou must go down there," (meaning the tween-decks,) " and find a bunk for yourself." On the voyage I was treated just the same as the Government emigrants. C. Jones.

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No. 45. Memobandum No. 17, 1873, for the Agent-Geiteeal, London. I fobwabd herewith for your information copies of the under-mentioned correspondence : — 1. Eeport of Immigration Officer, Canterbury, on immigrants per ships " Pleiades" and " Crusader." 2. Certificate by Immigration Officer, Canterbury, of numbers of immigrants landed from the ships " Lady Jocelyn," "Pleiades," and "Crusader." 3. Letter from Immigration Officer, Canterbury, pointing out that clause 22 of contract with Messrs. Shaw, Saville, and Co., relative to stowage of immigrants' luggage, is not properly carried out. Immigration Office, G. Maueice O'Eoeke. "Wellington, New Zealand, 21st January, 1873.

Enclosure 1 in No. 45. Immigeation Officer's Eepoet on Immigrants per Ship " Pleiades." Date of Arrival.— 2Bth December, 1872. Number Landed. —16 families = 45^ statute adults. 22 single men = 22 „ 33 single women = 33 „ Total, 120 souls = 100J „ Number Engaged. —All who were open for engagement were immediately employed, with the exception of two married men, one of whom had met with an accident on board which prevents his working at present; the other, Arthur Petersen, a Norwegian, came out with the understanding that he was to receive an appointment as schoolmaster in the North Island among his own countrymen. Character of the Immigrants. —Good. What Wages were given. Married Couples — Earm servants, £52 to £60 per annum and found. £70 and house. Single Men— Farm servants, £50 per annum. Bakers, 40s. to 455. per week, with bread. Single Women— General servants, £20 to £30. Nurses, £25. Sick nurse, 30s. per week. Present Demand of the Labour Market. The demand for farm labourers is always much greater at this season of the year than at any other, and consequently many employers were disappointed in obtaining men. The number of applications received at this office before the arrival of the ship was for 61 men and 119 single women. The number actually for engagement was very small—namely, 9 men and 12 single women, the others had friends here and went to them on arrival. There is a very large demand for all classes of labour. The building trade is very brisk, and a number of carpenters by each ship would find ready employment. J. E. Maech, Immigration Office, Christchurch, 17th January, 1873. Immigration Officer.

Enclosure 2 in No. 45. Immigration Officer's Eepoet on Immigrants, per Ship " Crusader." Date of Arrival. —sth January, 1873. Number Landed. —26 families = 71 statute adults. 40 single men = 40 „ 37? single women — 37-J- „ Total, 175 souls = 148-J- „ Note.—ln addition to the above, the ship brought 6 married men with their families, and 3 single men, in all 22 souls, equal to 19 statute adults, under engagement to Messrs. Brogden and Son. These immigrants were not landed at Lyttelton, but were forwarded by steamer to the Bluff, the expense being shared equally by the Government and Messrs. Shaw Saville. Number lingaged. —All who were open for engagement found situations immediately, with the exception of one married man, a soldier. The two men with their families, from the last ship, " Pleiades," are also still in barracks. Character of the Immigrants. —Good. Note.—l must except the matron to the single women, whose character appears to be very indifferent, and' who was altogether unfitted for the duty.

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What Wages were given. Married Couples — Farm Servants, £60 per annum and found, with £5 bonus at end of twelve months; £70 per annum with cottage and garden. Farm Labourers, £52 per annum and found, with ss. per week extra during harvest; one was engaged at £50 per annum. Carpenters, 9s. per day. Single Women — Cooks, £30 per annum. General Servants, £25 to £30. Housemaids, £25. Nurse, £30. Girls to assist in house work, £15 to £18. Present Demand of the Labour Market. —My remarks on the immigrants by the last ship (the "Pleiades") still apply. The supply of farm labourers, both single men and married couples, was quite unequal to the demand, and many employers were again disappointed. Applications were received for upwards of 100 single women. The number of servants actually open for engagement was ten.' General Remarks. —Some of the immigrants by this ship were German, and some Danish ; these people do not agree well together, and it seems an objectionable plan sending them by the same ship. J. E. March, Immigration Office, Christchurch, 17th January, 1873. Immigration Officer. 0

Enclosure 3 in No. 45. Ship " Lady Joceltn." Number shipped ... ... ... ... ... ... ... 129 Number landed ... ... ... ... ... ... ... 129 Total chargeable to the Government, 129 statute adults. I hereby certify that all the conditions and stipulations of the agreement entered into between the General Government of New Zealand and Messrs. Shaw, Saville and Co., for the conveyance from London to Canterbury of the above-named immigrants, appear to have been in all respects duly fulfilled and observed. J. E. March, Immigration Office, Christchurch, 16th January, 1873. Immigration Officer. Note.—ln addition to the number (129 statute adults) landed at Canterbury, the " Lady Jocelyn '' conveyed 52 statute adults under agreement with Messrs. Brogden and Son, who were forwarded to Dunedin.

Enclosure 4 in No. 45. Ship " Pleiades." Number shipped ... ... ... ... ... ... 100} Number landed ... ... ... ... ... ... 100J Total chargeable to the Government, 100J statute adults. I hereby certify that all the conditions and stipulations of the agreement entered into between the General Government of New Zealand and Messrs. Shaw, Saville, and Co., for the conveyance from London to Canterbury of the above-named immigrants, appear to have been in all respects duly fulfilled and observed. J. E. March, Immigration Office, Christchurch, l(jth January, 1873. Immigration Officer.

Enclosure 5 in No. 45. Ship " Crusader," Adults. Number shipped... ... ... ... ... ... ... 148J Less deaths ... ... ... ... ... ... ... Number landed ... ... ... ... ... ... ... 148 Total chargeable to the Government, 148 statute adults. I hereby certify that all the conditions and stipulations of the agreement entered into between the General Government of New Zealand and Messrs Shaw, Savilio, and Co., for the conveyance from London to Canterbury of the above-named immigrants, appear to have been in all respects duly fulfilled and observed. J. E. March, Immigration Office, Christchurch, 16th January, 1873. Immigration Officer. Note.—ln addition to the number (148) statute adults landed at Canterbury, the " Crusader " conveyed nineteen statute adults under agreement with Messrs Brogden and Son, who were forwarded to Dunedin.

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Enclosure 6 in No. 45. Mr. J. E. Mabch to the Undee Seceetaet for Immigration. Immigration Office, Christchurch, Sib, — Canterbury, New Zealand, 17th January, 1873. Under the contract with Messrs Shaw, Saville, and Co., for the conveyance of emigrants to New Zealand, it is stipulated (clause 22) that " a proper space shall be set apart in the hold of the ship for luggage." Instead of this being done, I invariably find the immigrants' luggage in all parts of the vessel, and it is generally two or three weeks after the arrival of the ship before it is all delivered. I should be much obliged if you would bring this subject under the notice of the Agent-General, with the view of having this clause strictly enforced. I have, &c, J. E. Mabch, The Under Secretary for Immigration, Wellington. Immigration Officer.

No. 46. Memorandum No. 21, 1873, for the Agent-Genebal, London. Eefeebing to my Memorandum No. 11, 1873, dated the 17th ult., I now enclose copies of reports by the Immigration Officer and Commissioners upon the " Zealandia," on her recent arrival at the Bluff. Immigration Office, G-. Matjeice O'Bobke. Wellington, New Zealand, 4th February, 1873.

Enclosure in No. 46. Mr. W. H. Peaeson to the Hon. the Ministee for Immigeation. Sib, — Immigration Office, Invercargill, 16th January, 1873. I have the honor to enclose reports of the Commissioners and Immigration Officer on the condition of the immigrant vessel " Zelandia," on her recent arrival at the Bluff. I have, &c, The Hon. the Minister for Immigration, "Walter H. Peabson, Wellington. Immigration Officer. Immigbation Officeb'b Eepobt on Immigrants per Ship " Zealandia." The immigrant vessel " Zealandia" arrived at Bluff Harbour on the 28th of December, 1872, at 3 p.m. She landed at the Bluff 184 passengers, including children, for Messrs. Brogden and Sons. For the Government 13, as follows: —One family, man and wife; one single man, ten single women. Most of these being nominated, at once proceeded to their friends, and doubtless in time will take engagements. The demand for labour in the district is not by any means satisfied, though most of the Messrs. Brogden's immigrants landed have been employed privately. Fifty single women would be absorbed at once, at from £25 to £32 a year, and there are many inquiries for single men and married couples for farm labour and pastoral requirements. Walteb H. Peabson, Immigration Office, Invercargill, 15th January, 1873. Immigration Officer. Eepobt of Commissiokees on Ship " Zealandia." Immigration Office, Invercargill, 15th January, 1873. The immigrant vessel " Zealandia " arrived at Bluff Harbour on the 28th December, 1872, at 3 p.m., seventy-five days out. From inquiry, the Commissioners learned that the health of the immigrants during the voyage had been very good ; that the provisions were good, and had been served out in the married people's, single men's, and single women's compartments in accordance with the dietary scale, and to the entire satisfaction of the surgeon-superintendent. That the supply of water was ample, the distilling apparatus having worked well. That the conduct of the immigrants during the voyage was in the married and single women's compartments very good, that of the single men being generally good; and that the immigrants were all of the labouring class, those landed at the Bluff being principally for the Messrs. Brogden. From personal investigation, the Commissioners ascertained that the ship in all its compartments was thoroughly clean. That the compartments were arranged according to contract, as also the hospitals. That the bathroom, with proper appliances, had been provided in the single women's compartment, and that there were two closets. There were no complaints made. The surgeon-superintendent reported one birth and two deaths during the voyage, both infants, one five days old, the other three months. The plan which was adopted of separating the single women from the rest of the ship's company, by accommodating them in a compartment abaft the saloon (a bulk-head intervening), cannot be too strongly mentioned, as admirable and successful. 6—D. 1.

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The Commissioners have much pleasure in testifying to the thorough cleanliness of the ship, and the efficiency of its appointments, and in recommending the following gratuities to be paid to the officers: — The captain, £25 ; the chief officer, £10; the purser or officer who served out provisions, £5. J. B. Geet, Acting Harbour Master. Feancis Alex. Monckton, Surgeon and Health Officer. Waltee H. Peaeson, Immigration Officer. P.S. —There were 232 passengers on board the " Zealandia," of whom 197 were landed at the Bluff, 184 for Messrs. Brogden and Sons, and 13 for the Government. Although the circular to Immigration Officers of 21st ultimo makes no mention of the gratuity to be paid to surgeon-superintendents of immigrant vessels, as the Agent-General in his communication of 16th October last mentions that the gratuity of £50 will be paid to Mr. Yorath, surgeon-superintendent of the " Zealandia," on the recommendation of the inspecting officers, the Commissioners have much pleasure in recommending the payment of this gratuity, as they entertain a high estimate of his capacity and zeal. Waltee H. Peaeson, The Hon. the Minister for Immigration, . Immigration Officer. Wellington.

No. 47. Memoeandum No. 24, 1873, for the Agent-Geneeal, London. I foewaed herewith copy of a telegram from the Superintendent of Otago, requesting that Mr. Seaton may be instructed to select some work-people in Britain for Mr. Burns's woollen factory in Otago, and I shall feel obliged by your instructing Mr. Seaton accordingly. Immigration Office, G. Matjbice O'Eoeke. Wellington, New Zealand, 12th February, 1873.

Enclosure in No. 47. His Honor J. Macandeew to the Hon. the Colonial Seceetaet, Wellington. (Telegram.) February 11, 1773. Me. Bttens desires to engage a number of work-people in Britain for his woollen factory. He wishes to intrust their selection to Mr. Seaton ; will you be good enough to direct Mr. Seaton to act in this matter ? Burns will write to him. Eeply. J. Macandeew.

No. 48. Memoeandttm No. 25, 1873, for the Agent-Genebal, London. Eefeebing to my Memorandum No. 13, 1873, of the 16th ultimo, I have now to inform you that the instructions relative to the conveyance of private passengers by emigrant ships under charter to the Government have been revoked, and it is left to you to decide whether it is desirable to allow private passengers in those ships. The Government, however, trust that whatever arrangements you may make, the private passengers will not have similar grounds of complaint to those by the " Jessie Eeadman" on her recent voyage to this port. Immigration Office, G. Maueice O'Eoeke. Wellington, New Zealand, 13th February, 1873.

No. 49. Memobandttm No. 27, 1873, for the Agent-Geneeal, London. I enclose herewith for your information copy of a very interesting letter by the Rev. Mr. Ogg, who has recently arrived in the Colony, and has had some experience in emigration matters, on the subject of promoting emigration from the Shetland Islands. Tou will learn from Mr. Halcombe's Memorandum (copy enclosed) that Mr. Ogg has been in communication with the Eev. Mr. Barclay on this subject. Immigration Office, G. Matjbice O'Eoeke. Wellington, New Zealand, 14th February, 1873.

Enclosure 1 in No. 49. The Eev. C. S. Ogg to Mr. A. F. Halcombe. Sib, — Wellington, 24th January, 1873. I take the liberty of writing a few lines on the scheme for obtaining emigrants from a group of islands with which I am acquainted, " the Shetland Islands," forming the most northerly county of Scotland.

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1. It would be very unwise to settle people from a remote place such as the Shetland Islands in a special settlement, such as I see has been contemplated at Stewart's Island. It must be remembered that a Shetlander, unless he has been out of his native islands, has never seen a tree, scarcely a plough, that he is very ignorant, therefore, of a great many of those arts which would be absolutely necessary in a new settlement. 2. The Shetland Islands are not to be confounded with the Hebrides or Western Islands, as Dr. Featherston seems to have done. Portree, the capital of the Isle of Skye, is more than 300 miles from Lerwick, the capital of Shetland, and the existence of small-pox in the former place need not excite apprehensions in the latter. The charge of ignorance cannot be laid against the Shetlanders, nor of unwillingness to go from home, since as sailors they visit every part of the world. 3. The population of the Shetland Islands is about 33,000. The people are not of Celtic origin, but of the race of Northmen ; they are pretty well educated ; the female population largely exceeds the male ; the men are fishermen and sailors, but are accustomed to work on their small patches of ground when, on shore. Men and women can all handle the spade, which is their only implement of husbandry; the women are accustomed to hoe, to attend to cattle, to milk cows, to clip sheep, to spin, to knit, to carry burdens, since there are very few carts and fewer roads on the islands. The climate of the Islands is damp but not cold, the houses of the people are bad, damp, with cold earthen floors, and do not offer much encouragement to cleanliness. The Shetlanders, I think, are very clever and docile and apt to learn ; a little training would make the girls into very good servants, and without any training at all, I think, would make very good wives for men who had small holdings with sheep and cattle needing attention. 4. I think that, if proper measures are taken, a considerable number of emigrants for New Zealand could be got from Shetland. Several of the proprietors of land on the Islands are anxious to get rid of their tenants, and to turn the land into sheep pastures ; also the people in several of the parishes have recently had some of their privileges curtailed or taken away. There is a good deal of agitation in the minds of the Shetlanders at present, on account of the resolutions of the Truck Commissioners ; and if the movement is improved by the agents of the New Zealand Government, a great many people might be induced to emigrate. 5. I would be happy to be of service in promoting the cause. I know a number of ministers of the Established Church in Shetland, and if you were to send Mr. Barclay to the Islands, I would be glad to write letters to them recommending this project. I would also be glad to assist in drawing up instructions for Mr. Barclay's guidance, suggesting to him what persons he should call upon, and what parishes and islands he should especially visit. If it is to be done it ought to be done at once, and by your agent at home, with all his might; but I think it would take him from six weeks to two months to do the thing well. I cannot, of course, say what success would attend the efforts of your agent; but I think if he could speak to them well and enter a little into their difficulties, he would be able to bring from the Islands not less than 1,000 souls, perhaps double that. Many of the Shetlanders are not ignorant of New Zealand. I remember about four years ago, crossing the Atlantic in a ship mostly manned by Shetlanders, and some of them told me that they intended, when they had saved a little money, to settle in New Zealand. I am, &c, A. F. Halcombe, Esq. Chas. S. Ogg.

Enclosure 2 in No. 4-9. Memorandum for Hon. Mr. O'Korke. The TJev. Mr. Ogg, of Wellington, read to me yesterday a long letter sent by him to the Rev. Mr. Barclay, with reference to the prospects of a large migration from the Shetland Islands to this Colony. The latter contained full information as to the condition of the population of those Islands, and the most likely places therein to obtain immigrants. It referred Mr. Barclay to many influential residents in the Shetlands likely to assist an emigration, and it drew a comparison between the advantages to the emigrant of settling in the Colony of New Zealand as against Canada, to which colony a considerable number of the Shetland Islanders had moved some years ago. The comparison was most favourable to this Colony; and as Mr. Ogg was for some years in charge of a parish in one of the Shetland Islands, then acted for several years as pastor to the Canadian settlement of Shetlanders, and is now able to speak from actual experience out here, his letter is likely to have great weight. I would therefore beg to suggest that the attention of the Agent-General should be directed to the fact that Mr. Barclay has been placed in possession of this valuable information, with a view to his taking some action thereupon. A. Foi/LETT HALCOMBE, February, 1873. Immigration Officer.

No. 50. Memorandum No. 28, 1873, for the Agent-General, London. I forward herewith copy of a correspondence between the Superintendent of Auckland and this Government, on the subject of establishing a special settlement in the valley of Victoria, Mongonui. The proposal, as you will observe, originated in the Auckland Provincial Council, and being approved of by the Superintendent, a correspondence ensued between His Honor and Mr. Samuel Dunn, of the Wade, near Auckland, who is desirous of inducing members of the Moravian brotherhood to join together for the purpose of forming a settlement in that part of New Zealand. The Superintendent, in order to encourage a settlement of this class in the northern portion of the Province of Auckland, has informed Mr. Dunn that each statute adult emigrant will be entitled to receive forty acres of land in a block of 10,000 acres, which he proposes to set apart for this body of emigrants under " The Auckland "Waste Lands Act, 1870," (commonly known as the Homestead Act).

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The land is described by the Superintendent as "10,000 acres of good agricultural land, principally bush. It is situated from fourteen to seventeen miles from the harbour of Mongonui, to which a steamer runs weekly from Auckland. A good main road has been formed from Mongonui through the block to Kaitaia Settlement, and the Provincial Government are preparing to execute a minor triangulation of it —(a major triangulation has already been executed by Captain Heale) —for the purpose of throwing it open for settlement under what is known as the Homestead Act (The Auckland Waste Lands Act, 1870)." It is the desire of the Government that you should endeavour to the utmost to promote this scheme of immigration, and to offer as liberal terms to emigrants desiring to avail themselves of this project as you are offering to any other class of emigrants. The proposal to give them land on arrival is an inducement held out independently of any assistance they may receive from you. I am not acquainted with Mr. Dunn, and cannot say whether he is likely to go home to organize this scheme of immigration ; but the remuneration offered, viz., the ordinary capitation allowance, and a free saloon passage in the vessel that takes the emigrants to New Zealand, ought to tend to procure the services of a person of respectability to collect the emigrants, and take charge of them on the voyage. The Colonial Secretary's letter to the Superintendent of Auckland, dated the 14th instant (copy of which is enclosed), will acquaint you with what the Government desires to be done to carry out the proposals of the Superintendent, and the Government rely that, as far as lies in your power, your best services will be given to promote the enterprise. I forward herewith six copies of the Land Act referred to above. Immigration Office, G. Matjbice O'Eoeke. Wellington, New Zealand, 14th February, 1873.

Enclosure 1 in No. 50. His Honor T. B. Gillies to the Hon. the Colonal Secbetabt. Sib, — Superintendent's Office, Auckland, 2nd December, 1872. I have the honor to forward a copy of an address presented by the Auckland. Provincial Council, recommending the establishment of an immigrant settlement at Victoria Valley, Mongonui, on such terms as may be agreed upon between the General and Provincial Governments. The Provincial Government will gladly co-operate with your Government in this matter, with the view of giving effect to this recommendation, and any unappropriated Provincial lands in that locality ■will be available for the purpose of settlement. I have, &c, Thomas B. Gillies, The Hon. the Colonial Secretary, Wellington. Superintendent. Sub-Enclosure to Enclosure 1 in No. 50. Session XXVIII. Extract from the Journals of the Auckland Provincial Council, Thursday, 2%th November. 1872. Addeess No. 11. Sesolved, —That a respectful address be presented to His Honor the Superintendent, requesting him to invite the General Government to establish a settlement of immigrants in the Victoria Valley at Mongonui, on such terms as may be agreed on between the General and Provincial Governments. That His Honor be requested to represent to the General Government that the Victoria Valley is suitable for agricultural purposes, and that it is desirable that in the selection of immigrants to be located |in the valley, the Government shall endeavour to procure such settlers as will be likely to avail themselves of the agricultural capabilities of the district. True extract. G. Maitbice O'Eoeke, His Honor the Superintendent. Speaker.

Enclosure 2 in No. 50. The Hon. G. M. "Watebhouse to His Honor T. B. Gillies. Sib, — Colonial Secretary's Office, "Wellington, 11th December, 1872. I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your letter, No. 4047, 1872, of the 2nd instant, forwarding the copy of an address presented by the Auckland Provincial Council, recommending the establishment of an immigrant settlement at Victoria Valley, Mongonui, on such terms as may be agreed upon between the General and Provincial Governments. In reply, I have to request your Honor to be good enough to favour the Government with information as to what quantity of agricultural land at Victoria Valley is at the disposal of the Provincial Government, and also how far it is available for immediate occupation. I have also to request your Honor to state how many and what description of immigrants the Provincial Government is desirous to see introduced; as also what provision it is proposed by your Honor to make for the supervision and care of the immigrants after their arrival. I have, &c, G. M. Wateehoitse, His Honor the Superintendent, Auckland. (for the Colonial Secretary).

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Enclosure 3 in No. 50. His Honor T. B. Gillies to the Hon. the Colonial Seceetabt. Sib, — Superintendent's Office, Auckland, 30th December, 1872. I have the honor to acknowledge receipt of yours of 11th instant, No. 395, relative to the establishment of an immigration settlement at Victoria Valley, Mongonui. In reply, I have to inform you that there are at the disposal of the Provincial Government in that district at least 10,000 acres of good agricultural land, principally bush. It is situate from fourteen to seventeen miles from the harbour of Mongonui, to which a steamer runs weekly from Auckland. A good main road has been formed from Mongonui through the block to Kaitaia Settlement, and the Provincial Government are preparing to execute a minor triangulation of it (a major triangulation has already been executed by Captain Heale), for the purpose of throwing it open for settlement under what is known as the Homestead Act ("The Auckland Waste Lands Act, 1870"). For such a district the immigrants required would be from twenty to thirty small-farmers, who, with their families, would take up say 100 to 400 acres each, with sufficient capital to erect houses and bring the land gradually into cultivation. Each such family, to be successful, should have a capital, of say, from £400 to £1000. Employment would thus be given to a certain amount of labour, say sixty labourers without or having a trifling capital. Sufficient land would thus be left for extension of holdings, for the natural aggregation of other settlers to the district, and the prospect of industrious labourers becoming small landowners. Although a fine district, I would deprecate the planting it with mere labourers without capital, a course which would only cause disappointment and distress, there being no market for labour in the district. In reference to your inquiry as to " what provision it is proposed to make for the supervision and care of the immigrants after arrival," lam somewhat at a loss to understand the question. As I understand the present immigration scheme, the Provincial Government have been relieved of these duties as they have been of the means of performing them, and the General Government have undertaken them, so that I can hardly suppose that you suggest that the Provincial Government should provide for the supervision and care of those immigrants apart from the provision which no doubt your Government will make in regard to all immigrants brought out. I presume, therefore, that what you desire is, suggestions as to what provision ought to be made by your Government in respect to these matters. I would suggest that as soon as possible after arrival in Auckland, the Immigration Officer here should put them on board the steamer to Mongonui with their luggage, and accompany them ; that meanwhile an energetic settler at Mongonui, such as Captain Butler, should be appointed to take charge of them there, and convey them to their locations and aid them by advice, and enlist the assistance of the present settlers on their behalf. A surveyor should also accompany them to lay off their several allotments ; but little beyond this would be required to lay the foundation of a flourishing settlement. Provisions and supplies they could get at Mongonui. In connection with this subject, I annex copy of a letter received from a Moravian settler here, proposing to form a Moravian settlement in that locality. From the well-known character of the Moravians as settlers, I desire to encourage them as much as possible, and I annex copy of my reply to the applicant. Should I have erroneously stated anything in connection with the Government immigration scheme, I shall feel obliged by you at once advising me; and I shall feel further obliged by your advising the Agent-General by first mail to give every assistance and encouragement to any application which may be made to him on behalf of this class of settlers. I have, &c, Thomas B. Gillies, The Hon. the Colonial Secretary, Wellington. Superintendent. Sub-Enclosure to Enclosure 3 in No. 50. Mr. S. Dunn to His Honor T. B. Gillies. Sib,— "Wade, 12th December, 1872. I have the honor to state that, as a member of the Moravian body, and knowing the anxiety and intention of its chief members, with whom I am connected, to form a settlement in New Zealand, I would solicit your interest in behalf of such intention, and trust you will be pleased to furnish me in reply with such information as your Honor may deem fit to facilitate this undertaking, and enable me to set its advantages before my friends with as little delay as possible. I would also request information on one or two points for our guidance, viz.:—lf a sufficient number of families are found to join the party to complete one ship, will such a ship be found for the immigrants of the Moravian Society from London ? What would be the expense per head ? "Would the ship be chartered by the Government to land the said immigrants at Eussell, with a view of settling in the Victoria Valley ? AVould accommodation be found for them at Russell for a few days to prepare for the settlements ? What quantity of land could be guaranteed to the party, and on what terms ? I have, &c. His Honor the Superintendent, Auckland. Samuel Dunn. Sub-Enclosure 2 to Enclosure 3 in No. 50. His Honor T. B. Gillies to Mr. S. Duircf. Sib, — Superintendent's Office, Auckland, 30th December, 1872. I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your letter dated the 12th instant, and regret that I have been unable sooner to reply. I shall be glad to further in every way the planting of a Moravian Settlement at the Victoria Valley, and have been in communication with the Minister for Immigration on the subject. The following information will, I trust, be such as to enable you at once to write to your brethren to form a settlement in the locality mentioned.

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There are at least 10,000 acres of good agricultural land in and around the valley, principally timbered. It is from fourteen to seventeen miles from the port of Mongonui, to which a steamer runs weekly from Auckland ; a good road has been formed from Mongonui right through the valley to Kaitaia. The land can be taken up free of charge, except the cost of laying off the sections at the rate of forty acres per adult, sufficient being reserved for extension of holdings. The immigrants can have free passages on application to Dr. Feathersfon, Agent-General, 2 Westminster Chambers, Victoria Street, Westminster. In the event of sufficient offering to fill a ship, say 200, a ship would be laid on specially, either for Eussell or Mongonui. If that number offered, the block would, be set apart solely for Moravian settlers. To make the settlement a success there should be from twenty to thirty of the settlers possessed of a small capital, say £400 and upwards. Of course, if all had smaller capital the result would be similar. They should arrange to arrive here between January and March, so as to get housed before winter, and to prepare ground for spring crops. The climate is warm, suitable for growing the vine, tobacco, maize, &c, as well as the ordinary English crops. Any further information I shall be happy to afford, and shall be glad to hear of your success. I have, &c, Thomas B. Gillies, Samuel Dunn, Esq., The Wade. Superintendent.

Enclosure 4 in No. 50. The Hon. G. M. "Wateehouse to His Honor T. B. Gillies. Sic, — Colonial Secretary's Office, Wellington, 14th February, 1873. Adverting to correspondence which took place between your Honor and the Colonial Government in December last, upon the subject of establishing a special settlement of Moravians at Victoria Valley, I enclose for your information a memorandum by my colleague the Minister for Immigration, which will convey to your Honor the views of the Government upon this question. I have only to add that should your Honor be of opinion that Mr. S. Dunn can influence the establishment of a Moravian Settlement, the Government will be glad to give effect, as far as lies within their province, to any arrangement that may be arrived at between yourself and that gentleman, within the limits set forth in Mr. O'Rorke's Memorandum. I have, &c, His Honor the Superintendent, Auckland. G. M. WATEEnotrsE. Sub-Enclosure to Enclosure 4 in No. 50. Memorandum for the Hon. the Colonial Secbetaey. I was obliged to defer replying to the letter of His Honor the Superintendent of Auckland, of the 30th December ultimo, on the subject of establishing a Moravian Settlement in the Victoria Valley, Mongonui, until the arrival of the " Nebraska," on the 7th instant, as I desired to furnish him with the latest information to hand on the subject of immigration from the United Kingdom. I may observe that, owing to the detention of the November mail, no letters were received here in January from the Agent-General, but last week I received his November and December letters. The point on which I was anxious to give His Honor definite information was whether the AgentGeneral had felt it necessary, under the authority conveyed to him last November, to offer free passages to emigrants to this Colony. The Government in that month instructed the Agent-General that if the supply of the number of emigrants which he was directed to send out to the Colony could be expedited by granting free passages, he was to do so. Up to the present date no advices have been received from the Agent-General to show that he has been under the necessity to offer free passages in order to fill his ships. And the question further arises, would it be right to offer free passages to capitalists of from £400 to £1,000, whilst all other immigrants have to contribute to the cost of passage according to a fixed scale ? It is my desire to meet His Honor's proposal in the most liberal spirit, and the correspondence will be forwarded to the Agent-General with instructions so to deal with it. I have reason to hope that the additional inducement of forty acres of good land for each statute adult which is offered by His Honor in his letter to Mr. Dunn, for the encouragement of the class of immigrants he recommends, may prove successful. It will be necessary for Mr. Dunn to acquaint his friends with the regulations for assisted emigration to this Colony, and to direct them to put themselves in communication with the Agent-General, who will be directed, if a sufficient number, say 200 as is proposed, should offer, to send them either direct to Mongonui, or, as His Honor seems to prefer, to the Bay of Islands. If His Honor, after consultation with Mr. Dunn, should think proper to appoint any person at home to organize the movement, and he induces the number of statute adults His Honor named to emigrate for the purpose of founding a settlement in Victoria Valley, the Government will direct the Agent-General to furnish him with a free saloon passage in the vessel which brings the immigrants, in addition to the ordinary capitation allowance. I observe that His Honor recommends that the immigrants should arrive here between January and March, so that there will be ample time to convey any further directions he may wish to make on the subject before embarkation. I presume that it is a sine qua non that twenty or thirty families should be possessed of capital from £400 to £1,000. The Government will no doubt cheerfully comply with His Honor's request, and advise the AgentGeneral by the outgoing mail to give every assistance and encouragement to the emigration of this class of settlers. Lands and Immigration Office, Wellington, Q-. Maueice O'Kobke. 12th February, 1873.

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No. 51. Memoeandum No. 29, 1873, for the Agent-General, London. Immigration Office, "Wellington, 14th February, 1873. I hate had under consideration your letters received in the present month, of dates ranging from 14th November to 12th December ultimo, covering printed list of vessels, and detailing number of emigrants forwarded from 29th July, 1871, to 17th November, 1872. Prom this list it appears that you had despatched—

Vessels. Souls. Between 1st January, 1372, and 15th November, 1872, 29 containing 5,904 On 22nd November, " Himalaya," ... ... 1 „ 115 On 29th November, "Durham," ... ... ... 1 „ 75 On 11th December,"Euterpe," ... ... ... 1 „ 92 32 „ 6,1S6

Deducting from this number 2,000 sent out by Messrs. Brogden, it would seem that you have succeeded in forwarding about one-half the number which the Government thought requisite for the Colony when Mr. Gisborne's Memorandum of 25th November, 1871, was drawn up. The number of arrivals then fixed as being required for 1872, exclusive of those forwarded by Messrs. Brogden and Sons and of nominated emigrants, was 8,000. lam perfectly free to admit the difficulties you must have to contend with in re-establishing confidence in New Zealand as a field for emigration among the emigrant classes, and I am quite alive to the keen competition that is going on for emigrants throughout the United Kingdom. I feel it my duty, however, to note the circumstance, in consequence of the numerous complaints with which the Government are on all sides beset, with regard to the dearth of labour in all parts of the Colony at the present season. But before proceeding with that topic, I wish to express my gratification at two matters in your letters before me. In your circular of 10th December ultimo, addressed to the various sub-agents, you inform them that at that date you had five vessels under engagement to embark emigrants for New Zealand in the month of January, and four in the month of February. This forms a most agreeable contrast to the solitary vessel that was despatched in each of the respective months in 1872. I cannot but think that if you send out an average number of emigrants in those nine vessels almost in the depth of winter, that as the spring draws on you will be able largely to increase the supply. The other subject to which I shall look forward with interest, is such a report on emigration, matters as you appear to allude to in your letter of 12th December, 1872, when, in referring to the tender sent in by Patrick Henderson, and Co., of Glasgow, you state that upon that and other points you purpose addressing the Government at the end of the year. It is unnecessary for me to tell you with what avidity a full report upon the subject of emigration to New Zealand would be perused, not only by the Assembly, but by the Colony at large. I have also to request that you will furnish the Government with a report, to be laid before the Assembly when it meets, upon the results of your efforts to induce emigration to New Zealand, for the quarter ending 31st March next, and its prospects for the quarter ending in June next. I have already stated that the arrivals of emigrants in 1872 fell short of those ordered, by one half. In the Hon. the Premier's Memorandum of November last, he directed you to endeavour to have 8,000 emigrants landed during 1873 ; but taking into consideration the increasing demand for labour, and the deficiency of 4,000 on the arrivals expected last year, I have to request you to make good that deficiency this year by 2,000. In doing so, until further advised, increase the number allotted to the several Provinces by about 25 per cent. Early in December last a circular was addressed to the various Superintendents, requesting them to express their views on the amount of emigrants proposed to be introduced this year, and the distribution of them amongst the various Provinces. Copies of their replies are forwarded to you by the present mail, but I will briefly summarise the contents. To the Province of Auckland it was proposed to send 800 ; on which the Superintendent remarks that that number is entirely disproportionate to the number for the whole Colony, and that it is capable of absorbing a much larger number of a judiciously selected class of immigrants. To the Province of Hawke's Bay it was proposed to send 600, but the Superintendent prefers a claim for 800. To the Province of Wellington 1,000 were allotted; but, in expectation of certain works being undertaken, they desire to have the number increased to 2,000. Province of Taranaki, pending the acquisition of land, desires to receive 150 emigrants. Province of Nelson at present appiies for 100 young unmarried women. Province of Marlborough seeks to obtain 100. Province of Canterbury, to which is allotted 2,250, sends in a claim for 300 for Timaru. Province of Otago had 3,250 allotted ; on which the Superintendent remarks that the Province can absorb a much larger amount of immigrants than are likely to be obtained, provided they are ablebodied and willing to work. A promise has also been made to the people of Invercargill to send a ship direct there, with 300 immigrants, in the course of the current year. I think Invercargill and Timaru are entitled to get the amount of emigrants they desire, and I request you to supply them, deducting them from the number allotted to Otago and Canterbury respectively. In the cases of Nelson, Marlborough, and Taranaki, it is only right that these Provinces should participate in the immigration now going on to the Colony. Emigrants for Nelson and Marlborough might be sent in the same ship to Nelson, and those for Taranaki might be transhipped at Auckland. The details of management must be left altogether in your hands.

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I have looked over the list of sub-agents furnished in your letter of 4th October, 1872, and also the list of newspapers in which you insert advertisements concerning emigration to New Zealand. It appears that of your 116 sub-agents the apportionment is as follows : —To England, 34; to Wales, 1; to Ireland, 8; to Scotland, 73. Whether this is the most judicious apportionment that could be made for the promotion of emigration, I can only judge of by the results ; and seeing that last year their efforts only secured one-half the emigrants the Colony required, I would strongly suggest a reapportionment of these officers. Tour advertisements in the newspapers again are—ln English papers, 75; in Welsh, 8; in Irish, 15; in Scotch, 28. I would have passed over this were it not for what appears a great oversight on your part. You advertise in six Belfast papers, five Londonderry Dapers, and a few papers in adjoining counties, to the exclusion of such places as Dublin, Waterford, Cork, Limerick, Gralway, &c. This is one of those things which gives rise to dissatisfaction out here, and it, to my mind, cannot be justified. I am the more surprised at this, as you had an agent (Mr. Farnall) for Ireland, for several months before the return was made up, who ought to have known that his duties as such should not have been limited to advertising in one particular district. I trust, however, that your having, in pursuance of instructions issued in November last, established a Central Emigration Agency for Ireland in Dublin, the objections here noted will have been removed. You have not informed the Government who your agent is in Dublin, or how he is working. I desire to be informed on these points in your reply to this Memorandum. It has occurred to me that, if sufficient Irish emigrants offered to fill a vessel, it might be a saving of expense to ship them direct from the nearest Irish seaport; but while I mention it, Ido not desire to interfere with the exercise of your own discretion with regard to the most suitable port of embarkation for such emigrants. I mentioned in the early part of this Memorandum, that I was aware of the competition to which you were exposed in procuring emigrants for New Zealand. As an instance, I may refer to what came under my eye yesterday. In perusing a west of Ireland newspaper I read the Queensland AgentGeneral's advertisements, in which he offers " Free passages to agricultural labourers, married and single, and to female domestic servants, without undertakings to repay the cost of passage." With such competition as this, I can well understand the difficulties you have to contend with. Of course you have power under the instructions of November last to offer equally advantageous terms, but I do not suppose you will take advantage of that power so long as you can fill your ships with emigrants who are contributors to the cost of their passages. It is hardly necessary to remind you that, both in the interests of the emigrants as well as of the Colony, it is desirable that the arrivals here shall be in greater numbers per month when winter is over than during that season; there is always comparative slackness in the labour market duringjthe winter months. I cannot conclude without expressing my very great regret, in which I am joined by my colleagues, at hearing by the telegrams of your illness last month; but more recent telegrams, lam gratified to say, are much more favourable. Gr. Matjeice O'Eoeke.

No. 52. Memokandum No. 30, 1873, for the Agent-G-e:nteea:l, London. Heeewith is forwarded for your information copies of a letter from the Immigration Officer at Dunedin, and my reply, on the subject of the settlement of the Scandinavian immigrants by the ship " Palmerston." Immigration Office, Gr. Maueice O'Bobke. Wellington, New Zealand, 14th February, 1873.

Enclosure 1 in No. 52. Mr. C. Allan to the Undeb Secbetaey for Immigbation. Sie, — Immigration Office, Dunedin, 31st January, 1873. The Scandinavian immigrants per ship " Palmerston," from Hamburg, having now been disposed of, I have the honor, for the information of the Honorable the Minister for Immigration, to submit the following report on the character of the immigrants, their suitability for supplying the requirements of the Colony, and other suggestions that may be useful in the event of any future shipments from the same sort. The classification of the emigrants embarked at Hamburg was as follows:— Adults. Married couples, with their children ... ... ... ... 147 Single women ... ... ... ... ... ... ... 49 Single men ... ... ... ... ... ... ... 32 Total landed ... ... ... ... 228 Nationalities— From Denmark ... ... ... ... ... ... ... 70 From Norway ... ... ... ... ... ... ... 50 From Germany ... ... ... ... ... ... ... 108 Total 228

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The ship sailed from Hamburg on the 29th July ultimo, and arrived in Port Chalmers on the 6th December, thus making a passage of 130 days. On her arrival she was placed in quarantine, in consequence of having had scarlet and typhoid fever on board during the voyage. The immigrants were admitted to pratique on the 23rd December, and on the same day received into the Dunedin Immigration Barracks, after which date they were open for engagement. The single men and women were easily disposed of, the former at wages averaging from 12s. to 15s. per week with board and lodgings, and the latter at from £20 to £25 per annum. I have not, however, been so successful in placing the married immigrants, as farmers and runholders are generally disinclined to employ men with a family of children, and appeared much more so in their case from the fact that they were entirely ignorant of the English language, and consequently could not be made to understand what they were required to do by their employers. There were twenty-eight families engaged for farms and stations, at from £30 to £45 per annum, with full rations for their children. The remaining families being in barracks, provided for at the Government expense, and there being little or no demand for them, I applied to Mr. J. Smith, Messrs. Brogden's agent, to give them a contract on the Southern Trunk Railway, which he readily agreed to, but before accepting the offer they deemed it advisable to depute two of their number, in whom they had confidence, to visit the work and report. I took the liberty of employing a conveyance, and accompanied them, with an interpreter, in order that they might clearly understand the nature of the work they were expected to perform, and other minor matters of which it was necessary that they should be informed. Having decided upon accepting Mr. Smith's terms, I have had to incur the expense of conveying them and their families in waggons "to the locality where they were to be employed, fifteen miles distant from Dunedin, and also to purchase timber to make frames for the tents in which they and their families were to lodge. In incurring these expenses without authority, I hope the Government will give me credit for doing what I thought to be for the best in the circumstances, and more advantageous than having a number of men, women, and children maintained in barracks at the public expense. The immigrants were chiefly composed of Danes, Norwegians, and German-Poles, there being only about fourteen Germans proper among the number. They appeared to belong to the poorer classes, as was evident from the scantiness of their wardrobe. Although the experiment of introducing them into this Province as farm servants to supplement the labour market has not been altogether so successful as might have been expected, yet I feel gratified in being able to state that those sent to the railway are doing well and making good wages ; and I have had reports from their employers in other parts of the country which are equally gratifying. It was, however, rather imprudent to send 100 families in one shipment to this Province, with a view to their being readily absorbed among the settlers as farm servants. Thirty families at one time, with a number of young men and women, would be sufficient for our requirements. I feel confident that the immigrants per "Palmerston" would be most successful if they were located together in a special settlement, as their plodding habits and fertility of resources would enable them to overcome difficulties ; and their ambition being less extravagant than that of people from the Home country, their wants would be more easily supplied. I may state that I addressed a letter to His Honor the Superintendent of Otago, asking if the Government would be inclined to sell them land in the township of Greytown, on the Taieri Kiver, near their contract on the railway, with a view to forming a Scandinavian settlement there, and I am glad to state that my proposition was favourably entertained by the Government, as may be seen on perusal of the report of the same in the Morning Star, of yesterday's date. In any future shipments of Scandinavians to the Colony, I would respectfully suggest that English ships should be employed to convey them to their destination, and English teachers, both male and female, be engaged to instruct them in the English language on the voyage. The aptitude of foreigners to learn English is well known; and if such means as I refer to were used, they would acquire such a knowledge of the language as would be of incalculable benefit to them on their arrival in the Colony. I cannot speak too highly of their quiet, steady, and unobtrusive character as a class. They are very industrious, and always appeared very willing to do anything required of them. During their sojourn in barracks they cheerfully conformed to the regulations made for preserving order. I have, &c, The Under Secretary, Colin Allan. Immigration Office, "Wellington.

Enclosure 2 in No. 52. Mr. C. E. Haughton to Mr. C. Allan. Sib, — Immigration Office, "Wellington, 12th February, 1873. I have the honor, by direction of the Hon. Minister for Lands and Immigration, to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of the 31st ultimo, and in reply to inform you that Mr. O'Rorke has perused it with great satisfaction, and he considers you have shown great judgment in the manner in which you procured employment for the large body of foreigners who arrived in Otago by the " Palmerston." You also appear to have exercised a wise discretion in removing from the Barracks those immigrants who could not obtain employment in the ordinary way from the settlers to the railway ■works, and the expenditure incurred on that account, though without authority, will be approved; as a rule, however, except in cases of extreme urgency, authority should be obtained by telegraph. The Government trust that His Honor the Superintendent will be able to give effect to your suggestion as to the advisableness of land being offered for sale in the vicinity of the works on which these immigrants are now employed, with a view to their permanent settlement in the locality. A copy of your letter will be transmitted to the Agent-General for his information. I have, &c, C. E. Haijghton. 7—D. 1.

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No. 53. Memoeandum No. 31, 1873, for the Agent-Genekal, London. Herewith is a memorandum (copy) forwarded to the Government by Dr. Concannon, late surgeonsuperintendent of the ship " Christian McAusland," to which I desire to direct your particular attention. You will observe from the doctor's remarks that the character of the emigrants by that ship was so intrinsically bad as to justify the assumption that even ordinary care was neglected in their selection, whilst the medical examination would appear to have been a perfect farce, many of the women being scrofulous, and others consumptive. I need hardly impress upon you the great mischief, irrespective of the waste of money, which the introduction of such classes of persons entails upon the Colony. G. Matjeice O'Eoeke. Immigration Office, Wellington, New Zealand, 14th February, 1873.

Enclosure 1 in No. 53. Remarks on Voyage in Ship " Christian McAusland," with Immigrants, from London to Otago f by Wm. Concannon, Esq., M.D., Surgeon-Superintendent. The voyage, inasmuch as no casualty occurred, may be called a prosperous one; and considering the immense amount of sickness on board, the low physique of the people and the unhealthy condition in which they came on board, the mortality was small, being confined to one adult and four young infants. I may observe that out of thirteen cases of scarlet fever, some of which were of a serious character, none terminated fatally. The people as I have already remarked, are of a very bad class, with of course exceptions, and are the most obscene and dissatisfied lot I have ever in a varied experience been connected with. Many of the women are scrofulous, have diseases of arms and joints, and pulmonary affections are not uncommon. How they could (if they did) pass any skilfully conducted medical examination puzzles me. Their health was much tried by twenty-eight days passed in the tropics, the thermometer considerably over 80°, calm alternating with rain and fog ; however, we at last arrived at cooler weather, which somewhat braced up their exhausted energies. Owing to the ignorance and stubbornness of many, I had much difficulty in getting the rules observed, such as related to sweeping of decks, airing of bedding, keeping watch, and the like ; however, at length we got them into a little better training. Finding, however, it was futile to try and prevent the single men from smoking below, I asked the captain to stop all sale of tobacco to them. With respect to the single girls, after the first two or three weeks their conduct was fair, but they all through required a great deal of watching, and some strictness. The cooking arrangements (after some changes which the captain made in the cooks) were most admirably conducted. The ship has throughout been kept in a well-ventilated and cleanly condition, several fresh sources of ventilation having been constructed during the voyage. Divine service was conducted by me whenever the weather admitted of it. Disinfectants have been energetically employed ; and in fact, the emigrants, taken collectively, are now in much better health than when they left England. I may add that Captain Tilly has throughout most kindly and cordially co-operated with me in all matters relating to the ventilation, health, or welfare of the passengers, and the supervision of the single women. Observations and Suggestions. In accordance with a request contained in my instructions, I venture to make the following suggestions. I trust my doing so will not be considered presumptuous, as I have now been surgeon of several vessels, in varied climates, and with different classes of passengers ; and many of the suggestions are on such things as can only be noticed at sea, when in attendance on large numbers of people. At this time things seemingly trivial add much to the convenience and comfort of passengers ; and I would state that, contrary to the provisions of the charter, much water and many provisions were stored under the single girls' hatch, thereby necessitating the weekly and bi-weekly presence of members of the ship's company in the single girls' compartment; also entailing the continual presence of the matron in the " 'tween decks," and constantly taking her away from the supervision of the girls exercising on the poop. The passengers' luggage was bundled aboard in the most promiscuous manner. Single girls' boxes in the main and single men's hatches, and vice versa. This entailed the greatest confusion in sorting the boxes at sea, and several of the single girls' chests could not be found for some weeks after we left. In this case I would suggest that the luggage of each class of passengers should be marked with some distinguishing mark, and stowed under the hatch of its own compartment. With respect to the hatches on deck, their construction is most inconvenient: opening as they do at each side, they are much more likely to ship water; when it rains, they must be shut down; and also the ingress and egress is not only difficult but dangerous, the ladder requiring to be shifted from side to side, according to whichever is the lee-side of the vessel. Now, if these hatches were made opening fore and aft, covered at the top, and with small doors level with the deck, the expense would be little greater, and much discomfort done away with. And this is by far the most important subject I wish to observe on. I think that in any vessel carrying such a large number of steerage passengers, there ought to be no first-cabin passengers, and certainly no second ditto, for the following reasons:—• Stay of infectious disease breaking out; place for holding school; undivided attention of all people to emigrants and their stores : for, in the first case, were the cabin empty, the hospitals could be held there, as in the Government ships, and a cage of infectious disease breaking out could be at

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once taken aft and isolated, which can never be done with an hospital situated as at present in the midst of the passengers, with open ventilators, door opening and shutting, and the mothers of children having communication with them. In fact, were it not for the look of the thing, so far as secluding the patients, I might just as well have left all cases of fever in their berths as take them there. Such casea occurring as did actually occur on board this ship, the hospital full of infectious disease—a young woman gets inflammation of the knee joint, a married woman threatens miscarriage in her confinement—no physician will move such cases into the infected hospital, but as the least of two evils treats them in their berths, amidst noise, confusion, and publicity. Now, were the cabin empty, space could be found for all emergencies. Fever could be isolated and stayed at perhaps the first case. The hospital nurse would be confined to the hospital, and not perpetually running out to gossip, carrying contagion and infection on her whole person. Then, again, although I appointed a good and efficient schoolmaster, no regular school could be held; the ship was so crowded that there was absolutely no available space for the purpose, were there none but the captain and surgeon in the cabin, this would at once supply the difficulty. I may also add another, though trivial reason for my remark : i.e., an ignorant and unreasoning lot of agricultural people are made doubly discontented and dissatisfied at only viewing the cabin victuals, live stock, and fresh meat, &c, which they are unable to obtain. In ships of this class, the number of cabin passengers would seldom exceed six, so it would be no great sacrifice. It is my deliberate opinion that had small-pox broken out instead of scarlatina, in the crowded, state of this vessel, the passengers would have been more than decimated. I may add that the captain fully agrees with me in these remarks. I would suggest that, in arranging the ventilation of each compartment, care should be taken to have an opening such as will admit of free exit and entrance of air at the ends of each compartment, so as to permit a constant current. We found the want of this arrangement in the married compartment entailed much closeness, so much so that the captain had another opening made at one end. With regard to medicines and medical comforts, the scale of medicines is insufficient; and although liberty is given to the ship's surgeon to order more, yet an inexperienced man never can think of what he will require until at sea; a case of illness occurs, and he finds he has not the medicine he requires. There should be a jar of methylated spirit for a spirit lamp, particularly in these days, when a physician tests the urine pretty nearly as often as he feels a pulse in all lung and febrile diseases; for this I had to use my brandy. Among the medical comforts, mustard and sugar should be included, and, if I might venture to suggest, there ought to be, in an extreme case, some means of the surgeon getting a little fresh meat; for example, one girl after the acute inflammation had subsided, and it was necessary to keep up what little strength she had. She being unable to digest salt meat; and could not eat preserved. The thin soup of the medical comforts was insufficient for her support, and the only way I could obtain fresh meat for her was by going without my own dinner for weeks. My reason for stating this fact is to support my suggestion that a sheep and a few fowls should be put extra to cabin stores, so that the surgeon would be entitled to at least one daily portion of fresh meat, for the use of any convalescent from acute disease. I would suggest that the water-closets for married women should be amidships, so as to deprive them of a constant excuse for coming aft, talking to single girls, carrying letters and messages for them, and exciting them to insubordination against the rules specially appertaining to the single women. With regard to the goods and stores, they were all good of their kind; but I would observe, that most of the single women are young girls who have been in service, and accustomed to be fed from their employers' tables. They find it very hard to stomach the salt beef so often, and I would suggest that they get preserved meat more frequently than on the scale, particularly as it is as cheap or cheaper than salt provisions. The absence of any place for putting men in punishment, such as a strong cabin in the deck-house or elsewhere, makes many of the men insubordinate and unruly. Were there such a place, the very fact of its presence would make it easy for the captain or surgeon to keep the men in subjection, although it probably might never be required to be used. As lam on this subject, I may observe that if any man was prosecuted for not obeying the rules of the ship, and a report of such prosecution and conviction sent home, and copies put up in each ship leaving, it would have a very salutary effect over the people; that is, if the Government mean to send any more passengers of the class we have been attending on. These observations are necessarily imperfect, but if anything in them proves at all useful to my employers I shall be satisfied. Wm. Concannon, M.D., Surgeon " Christian McAusland," Hampshire Artillery.

No. 54 Memokandtjm No. 38, 1873, for the Agent-General, London. In forwarding the enclosed report of the Immigration Commissioners at Auckland upon the ship " Warwick," I feel sure that you will agree with me in regretting that the condition of the ship should

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have been so unsatisfactory as to call forth the expressions of opinion embodied in those portions of the report which relate to the ventilation and fittings of the emigrants' deck. Immigration Office, Wellington, New Zealand, G. Matjeice O'Koeke. 11th March, 1873.

Enclosure in No. 54. Eepoet by Immigeation Cohmissionees on Ship " Warwick." Sic,— General Government Offices, Auckland, 13th February, 1873. We have the honor to report that the ship " Warwick," from London, arrived here on Monday, the 10th instant, with 204 passengers, of whom 163 souls, equal to 135J statute adults, are Government immigrants. We met the ship near the North Head, and, the usual inquiries made by the Health Officer having been satisfactorily answered, we went on board and proceeded with our inspection. In the immigrants' quarters we became instantly aware of the defectiveness of the arrangements made for ventilation; the air below was close, and the smell offensive. In the compartment for single women we observed that when the few small portholes were closed and the booby-hatch shut, air could be supplied only by two little ventilators fixed in the hatch itself, and that one of the ship's boats was laid on skids directly over and covering the ventilators. In the single men's compartment the arrangements for ventilation were but little better. The fittings in each compartment appeared to have been badly planned, and the bed-places were small and closely packed. The captain, the surgeon, and the officers appear to have done all that they could to enforce cleanliness, and to preserve the health of the passengers; but pure air is an indispensable condition of health, and we were not, under the circumstances, surprised to learn that although only two deaths had occurred—one from typhoid fever and one from peritonitis —there had been much sickness during the voyage. We found the surgery to be sufficiently furnished, and the hospitals of fair size, but close and ill ventilated. The closets were in order. There was a condensing apparatus, in good condition, and there had been an abundant supply of water during the voyage. The passengers' cooking stove was found to be too small for the number of people, and some inconvenience had been felt on that account. We inspected the several kinds of provisions, and found them to be of excellent quality; and on making inquiry of the immigrants as to their treatment during the voyage, they expressed themselves satisfied, and stated that the surgeon, the captain, and his officers had been uniformly kind and attentive to them. We have pleasure, therefore, in recommending that the usual gratuities may be given to these officers. We have, &c, Daniel Pollen. T. M. Philson, M.D., Health Officer. I. J. "Btjbgess, Chief Harbour Master.

No. 55. Memobanditii No. 39, 1873, for the Agent-Geneeal, London. Hebewith is forwarded report of the Immigration Commissioners upon the ship " Forfarshirc," which arrived at Wellington upon 2nd March. I feel sure you will agree with me iv regretting the very serious character of the conclusions arrived at by the Commissioners relative to the way in which the contract has been in this instance carried out by Messrs. Shaw, Saville, and Co.; and I cannot but express my dissatisfaction at the evidently perfunctory manner in which the duties of inspection of this and other ships have been carried out by the officers of your Department. The Government consider the case of the " Forfarshire" so flagrant as to justify proceedings under the penal clauses of " The Passengers Act, 1855," and the Attorney-General has been instructed accordingly. Immigration Office, Wellington, New Zealand, G. Matjeice O'Eoeke. 14th March, 1873. Enclosure in No. 55. Eepoet of the Immigeation Cohmissionees upon the Ship " Forfarshire," which arrived in Wellington on Sunday, the 2nd March, 1873. Wellington, 7th March, 1873. On arrival of the ship at her anchorage, the Immigration Commissioners proceeded to board her, and after looking round the decks, determined, as it was then getting dark, to meet on board the following morning and make a thorough inspection.

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The surgeon-superintendent reported seven deaths during the voyage, six being young children and one adult; and three births. The ship left Gravesend on the 15th November, 1872, with 496 souls on board, composed of Government immigrants") .. „ Brogden's people j ...... Saloon passengers ... ... ... ... ... ... 10 Second-cabin passengers ... ... ... ... ... ... 6 Intermediate passengers ... ... ... .... ... ... 23 Crew ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... 44 i Total ... ... ... ... ... ... 496 On Monday, the 3rd March, 1873, soon after 9 o'clock a.m., the Commissioners were on board. Before beginning the inspection they asked the surgeon-superintendent for his medical journal, &c, and were surprised to find that he had only kept it up to the 19th November, 1872, up to which date it appears that no sickness of importance had occurred. The inspection began with the single women, who were mustered on the poop ; they all appeared to be in good health, cheerful, and contented, and spoke in high terms of the treatment they had received both from the captain and the surgeon-superintendent. The single men were then mustered on the forecastle, and with the exception of two or three who looked rather delicate, and whom the surgeon said were only lately out of hospital, were all in good health and spirits, and quite satisfied with the treatment they had received while on board the ship. While on the forecastle, the attention of the Commissioners was drawn to a powerful-looking man who was manacled by one hand to the winch or capstan. The surgeon reported him as being one of Brogden's men who had become insane during the voyage. This unfortunate was very restless, and at times very noisy; and the Commissioners fearing that some accident might happen to him, sent on shore for a strait-jacket, and obtained the assistance of the police in order to remove him at once to a more quiet retreat. No complaints were made by the single men. The Commissioners then proceeded to muster the married people and children on the main deck. The adults appeared to be in good health and spirits, but the children generally were pale, badly nourished, and dirty, many of them showing symptoms of want of ventilation and water, some of them having nasty scrofulous-looking abscesses, <fee, &c. Here again the people appeared satisfied with the treatment received, and many spoke in high terms both of the captain and surgeon-superintendent. But when all had passed in review, several came forward with a very serious complaint of the scarcity of water throughout the voyage; and from statements made by them, the Commissioners came to the conclusion that only about two-thirds of the legal allowance had been issued, and that great inconvenience and some suffering had resulted. While making this complaint, these poor people also stated that there had been a great scarcity of soap, as of water, which accounted for their unwashed and untidy appearance. Upon making inquiry, the captain stated that, in consequence of defective tanks, he had lost about three weeks' supply of water by leakage; also that the condensing apparatus was defective, having several tubes in the boiler burst, and that actually, on arrival in port, he had only two days' supply of water on their limited scale, and not more than one ton of coal on board. The Commissioners do not think it necessary to dilate upon this state of affairs in a ship carrying such a cargo, and at the termination of an average passage. In explanation of the scarcity of soap, the captain said that only about 25 per cent, of the proper allowance had been put on board ; through some neglect the soap had not been shipped. The Commissioners then proceeded to inspect the vessel. They found the poop partitioned off into three compartments, which were occupied by private passengers. This arrangement is very inconvenient, and injurious to the interests of the Government immigrants; the poop deck being the only place allowed to the single women for exercise, they are at once and' constantly thrown into the company of the young men who are private passengers. The Commissioners strongly urge the discontinuance of the practice of passengers being allowed in emigrant ships, and the propriety of utilizing the poop accommodation for hospitals, baths, and other conveniences, at present most improperly placed below. On proceeding to the single women's compartment, it was found to be clean, but perceptibly stuffy and close to the senses, evidently in want of ventilation. There were six side-lights or scuttles measuring 5 in. by 3 in., which were permanently closed, and stopped all round with white lead, thus preventing the through current of air for which they were placed there. In this compartment there were two openings or hatches which were covered in wet weather, and thus rendered useless as ventilators when most required. There was a bath and a water-closet. The matron said the latter was only open during the night, the single women being required to use the females' latrine on deck during the day. There were G3tV adults in this compartment, the measurement being—length, 42 ft. 3 in.; breadth, 26 ft. 3 in. j height,"? ft. 2 in. In the married people's space, the stuffy close atmosphere almost amounted to stench, although the decks were apparently clean, being well scraped and swept. In this compartment there were ten side-scuttles, 5 in. by 3 in., but closed and stopped with white lead. Nearly all the children looked out of health. There was no bath or closet convenience, and the women, whether during the night or in dirty weather, were obliged to resort to the latrine on deck. The single men's compartment was fairly clean, but close and stuffy as the others ; there were eight sidelights, 5 in. by 3 in., but closed and stopped with white lead, and two patent ventilators. The number of adults, 143, and the measurement being—length, 117 ft.; breadth, 32 ft.; height, 7tV ft. The hospitals were in the 'tween decks, and were both dark and close ; but as the Commissioners have already in former reports expressed their opinion as to the impropriety of this position, there is no necessity for further comment here. On deck the latrines for males and females were simply abominable, both in construction and capacity; the ingress and egress being in the most public part of the ship, making their necessity »

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serious dread and anxiety to women possessed of the slightest feeling of decency. The hatchways and ladders were of the cheapest and most inconvenient description, being low booby hatches and ladders without backs or hand rails, offering no protection or assistance to persons passing up and down. The cooking galley and apparatus appeared to be commodious and efficient, but the water condenser had been damaged by the bursting of some tubes in the boiler, which very much impaired its capacity. The deck was crowded by a large building measuring 7 feet by 8 feet by 6 feet 2 inches, erected for the accommodation of a quantity of birds, directly in opposition to the terms of contract which provides for the upper deck being kept quite clear for the use of immigrants, excepting the space occupied by spare spars and long boat. The Commissioners are of opinion that under very adverse circumstances the captain has brought his ship into port in good order and discipline; the people on board all speak highly of his general management and kindness. How far he is personally responsible for proceeding to sea with so inadequate a supply of water and fuel must rest with the Government; but under this proviso, the Commissioners are happy to recommend in his case the usual gratuity offered to captains of immigrant ships who have fulfilled their duties satisfactorily. The Commissioners regret that they cannot report so favourably of the surgeon-superintendent. His diary was not kept after the 19th November, 1872, so that there is no history of the sick cases, and no information given as to the sanitary steps taken during the voyage, such as rates of temperature in the different compartments, ventilation, airing of bedding and clothes, &c, &c. But as the passengers all appear to be well satisfied with the treatment and care of them, and the Commissioners believe that his professional duties generally were performed with ability and kindness, they think that a reduction of twenty-five per cent, on the amount of gratuity usually given to surgeons in charge of immigrants on arrival in the Colony would be sufficient to show the Government's disapproval of the neglect that has occurred in this case of the regulations laid down by the Agent-General, according to clause 18 in the conditions of contract made by him with Messrs. Shaw, Saville, and Co. The Commissioners recommend that all other usual gratuities be paid, as they believe that the duties of the different officers have been performed faithfully. Alexander Johnston, M.D. John Hollidat. A. Follett Halcombe. J. Hackwoeth.

No. 56. Memorandum No. 40, 1873, for the Agent-General, London. Herewith is forwarded report of the Immigration Commissioners uj)on the ship " Charlotte Gladstone," which arrived at Port Chalmers upon the 16th February ; also copy of notes by Dr. O'Donoghue, one of the said Commissioners. As in consequence of a memorandum sent in by the surgeon-superintendent of the ship to the Board of Health, the Government have appointed a Commission to investigate the statements contained therein, I defer any remarks until their report has been considered. Immigration Office, Wellington, New Zealand, G. Maukice O'Korke. 14th March, 1873.

Enclosure 1 in No. 56. Kepoet by Immigration Commissionebs on Ship " Charlotte Gladstone." Sic, — Immigration Office, Dunedin, 27th February, 1873. "We have the honor to report that the ship " Charlotte Gladstone," from London, with G-overnment immigrants equal to 301^ statute adults, arrived in port on Sunday, 16th instant, after a passage of 106 days, her passage being prolonged by having called at the Cape of Good Hope. The report of the surgeon-superintendent, which was handed to the Immigration Officer and Commissioners alongside, having shown that typhoid fever prevailed on board on the passage; that there were seventeen deaths from that and other diseases; that there were fifteen sick then, and some dangerously ill, —it was resolved to place the ship in quarantine, and await the orders of the Board of Health as to further proceedings relative to the passengers. In the meantime, however, we thought that no time should be lost in taking action in the matter, and, having called upon His Honor the Superintendent, as Chairman of the Board of Health, we received his sanction to the removal of the sick and the convalescents at once to Quarantine Island, which was effected the same day as carefully as possible, Dr. Bakewell, the surgeon-superintendent, having been put in charge of the patients. The captain of the ship received instructions, pending the meeting of the Board of Health, to thoroughly fumigate the ship, clothing, &c. The Board having met on the 17th, the action of His Honor the Superintendent was approved of, and it was resolved by a majority, that, should no new case of sickness in the meantime arise, the ship should be admitted to pratique on Wednesday, the 19th instant. It was also resolved that about sixty of the young men be removed to the Island, in order to give more room to those on board for washing and airing their clothes. To complete the cleansing and fumigating, the Board, as an additional precaution, detained the ship until Thursday, the 20th, when, after proper medical inspection, she was released, and the immigrants conveyed to Dunedin on the following day. The Commissioners, accompanied by the Immigration Officer of the port, examined the .chip thoroughly, and found her exceedingly clean in every compartment, and well ventilated. She is

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above the average height, viz., 7 feet 9 inches in her between decks, and her large beam and lofty sides render her well adapted for the conveyance of emigrants. The following are the notes as taken down during inspection:—Female Compartment—Under poop, remarkably clean, bunks well fitted, ventilation by two shafts through deck and three sideports. Married People's Compartment —Bunks athwart ship—bunks in all cases should be fore-and-aft —ventilation by two side-ports on port side ; two skylights to open and shut as required ; two hatchways and windsails through both during voyage and in port. All the berths are fifteen inches from the deck. Hospital for Married People—Below deck, containing seven berths; ventilation by one side-port, and hatchway above. Note.—All hospitals in emigrant ships should be on deck. Single Men's Compartment—Tolerably clean, well fitted.; ventilation by two ventilators through deck, four side-ports, and two hatchways. Single Men's Hospital—Ventilation by hatchway. In addition to the hospital below deck, when sickness became serious, there was a tent-hospital erected on top of the house, where many of the sick were removed. The cooking-galley appeared in good order, and suitable for the requirements of the passengers. The Condenser—The boiler gave way on the voyage, but was repaired four days after, and, as there was plenty of water in tanks, the passengers got their usual allowance during that time. The condenser is Normandy's Patent, and can condense 400 gallons in twenty-four hours, the average being 350 gallons daily. The water-closets were properly made, and evidently kept very clean. The surgeon-superintendent attributes the large amount of sickness that prevailed on the voyage to the sickly condition of many of the immigrants when they embarked, to overcrowding, and the difficulty of getting the married people to keep their compartment clean. We append to this report a return of the deaths during the voyage, equal to 10^ statute adults, and of the sick and convalescents on arrival in port. During the course of inspection the immigrants were very pointedly asked if they had any complaints to make either against the officers of the ship, or about the quality or quantity of the provisions supplied, and they all with one accord answered in the negative. We, as Commissioners, are perfectly satisfied that the Passengers' Act has been fully complied with. We are, &c, David O'Donoghue, } Wm. Thomson, > Commissioners. Colin Allan, ) Eetubn of Sick on board the Ship " Charlotte Gladstone," on the Voyage from London to Otago, 16th February, 1873. Suffering from typhoid fever, 11; from phthisis, 3 ; from wound in leg, 1. Convalescents from fever, 7—all of whom are suffering from debility after fever, and require careful looking after for a time, and nourishing diet. I should not consider them now as infectious cases. Eobt. H. Bakewell, M.D., Surgeon-Superintendent. Eetttbn of Deaths on Board the Ship " Charlotte Gladstone," on the Voyage from London to Otago. From dysentery, 5; from typhoid fever, 7; from tuberculosis, 2 ; from rupture, 1; sudden (infant), 1; total, lti souls, equal to 10-J- statute adults. Eobt. H. Bakewell, M.D., M.E.C.S., Surgeon-Superintendent. There have been 38 cases of typhoid (including the above) among the emigrants, and 19 cases of febricula or ephemeral fever. There have been also 3 cases of typhoid among the crew, making 41 cases of typhoid and 19 of febricula, or 60 cases of fever altogether.

Enclosure 2 in No. 56. Eepoet by Immigration Offices on Ship " Charlotte Gladstone." Sic, — Immigration Office, Dunedin, Ist March, 1873. I regret to have to report that three deaths have occurred on Quarantine Island since the arrival of the " Charlotte Gladstone." • The first, named Preston, a married man. was seized with fever early on the voyage ; afterwards he was afflicted with melancholia, his mind being so disordered that the surgeon-superintendent was afraid he would commit suicide; the second was a child, two years old, who died from convulsions; and the third a young man, named Blandford, who died yesterday morning of consumption. The men were Messrs. Brogden's. The other patients are doing well, and the convalescents are expected to be released to-day. I have, &c, The Under Secretary, Immigration, Colin Allan, Wellington. Immigration Officer.

No. 57. Memoeandum No. 41, 1873, for the Agent-Geneeal, London. Herewith are forwarded reports by the Immigration Officer and Immigration Commissioners upon the ship " Himalaya," which arrived at Lyttelton on the 3rd instant. You will note the impropriety of a boy of thirteen years of age being domiciled with the single women, and the remarks with regard to the closet in the same compartment. Immigration Office, "Wellington, New Zealand, G. Maueice O'2obke. 14th March, 1873.

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Enclosure 1 in No. 57. Immigration Officer's Eepoet on the Ship " Himalaya." Bate of Arrival.— 3rd March, 1873. 19 families = 48 statute adults. *26 single men = 26 22 single women = 22 „ 117 souls =96 „ Number 'Engaged. —Of this shipment, only seven families, fourteen single men, and ten single women were open for engagement, the others went to friends. Situations were at once found for all the single women, and for all the single men with the exception of one, an engineer, and he will probably be engaged to-morrow. The married men have all found employment with the exception of one, Samuel Hagan, who wishes to join his friends in Otago, to which Province he states he applied to be forwarded. Character of Immigrants. —The immigrants in each compartment were well selected and suitable to the requirements of the country, and their conduct has been good throughout, with the exception of the matron to the single women, who was suspended by the captain and surgeon during the passage for gross misconduct. She appears to have been quite unfitted for the position in which she was placed. What Wages were given. Married Couples, £60 to £70, and found. Married Men— Farm servants, £75 per annum, house only. Farm servants, £40 to £50 per annum, and found. Labourers, £35 to £40 per annum, and found. Single Men— Ploughmen and farm labourers, £35 to £40 per annum, and found. Grooms, £35 per annum and found. General labourers, £30 per annum, and found. Boys, £10 to £18 per annum and found. Tailors, Bs. per day. Eopemakers, 7s. per day. Miners, 7s. per day. Engineers, 9s. to 10s. per day. Single Women— Housemaids, £25 per annum. General Servants, £20 to 30 per annum. Nurse girls, £10 to £12 per annum. Present Demand of Labour Market. —The harvest being now over, the demand for farm labourers is not so great as it was, but it is still in excess of the supply, ploughmen especially being much needed. The men accustomed to mining work found ready employment, as did also the ropemakers, the latter especially being in great demand. There were no carpenters by this ship ; a considerable number would have at once met with engagements at good wages. Masons, plasterers, and painters are also much wanted, as a considerable amount of work in the building trade is now being carried on. * Similar remarks to those made on previous shipments still apply as to the demand for single women ; more than six times as many applications were received as there were single women for engagement by this ship. J. E. Maech, Immigration Office, Christchurch, 13th March, 1873. Immigration Officer.

Enclosure 2 in No. 57. Commissioners' Eeport on the Ship " Himalaya." The Commissioners report that on their visit to the " Himalaya " they found the immigrants in good health. Whooping-cough (seven cases) had occurred on the voyage, having broken out shortly after sailing, and had disappeared a fortnight before arrival. Two births had taken place on board, and two deaths, both infants. The compartments, with the exception of the single men's, were not so cleanly kept as is generally the case. Some reason was given for this in the single women's, from one of the ports having been left open on the night before arrival, and a quantity of water having entered, making the deck sloppy. The class of immigrants, on the whole, appeared very well suited to the requirements of the Province, their physique being good, and conduct generally throughout the voyage satisfactory. The Commissioners regret, however, to report that the matron appointed in London had, on the night of 24th December, grossly misconducted herself by having illicit intercourse with one of the passengers upon the ladder leading into the single women's compartment. The captain and surgeon-superinten-dent, having inquired into the matter, very properly disrated her, and appointed in her place Sarah A. Hulme, who performed the duties of matron satisfactorily to the end of the voyage. The Commissioners instituted an inquiry, taking the evidence of several witnesses of the occurrence, and found the charge fully substantiated. They have also to remark that a boy, aged thirteen, was domiciled with the single women. The provisions were good, and had been well cooked and regularly served. The condenser (Normandy's) had worked well, distilling 250 gallons in twelve hours. There had been no scarcity of water on board. * One of these single men arrived per ship " Cissy."

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The closets had acted satisfactorily, with the exception of that in the single women's compartment. The escape pipe from this had not sufficient fall, and was connected with the outfall pipe from the bath; in consequence of this, in the rolling of the vessel, the contents of the closet pipe frequently were forced up through the valve into the bath, causing great annoyance and discomfort. The Commissioners have to cnll attention to an irregularity which they consider very unadvisable; namely, that three of the able seamen of the ship were berthed in the single men's compartment. The immigrants expressed themselves satisfied with the treatment they had received on the voyage from the captain, surgeon, and officers of the ship. Feedk. D. Gibson. John T. Eotjse. Lyttolton, sth March, 1873. J. Edwin Maech.

No. 58. Memoeandttsi No. 42, 1873, for the Agent-Geneeal, London. Heeewith is forwarded copy of a letter from Mr. March, Immigration Officer at Christchurch, having reference to the bedding supplied to emigrants. Complaints have reached the Government from Auckland and Wellington to much the same effect; substance of very offensive character having been found in the mattrasses. The suggestion of Mr. March, I think, therefore, is worthy of consideration. Lands and Immigration Office, G. Matjeice O'Eoeke. Wellington, New Zealand, 14th March, 1873.

Enclosure in No. 58. Mr. J. E. Maecii to the Undee Seceetaey for Ihmigeation. Sib, — Immigration Office, Christchurch, Canterbury, 11th March, 1873. As several complaints have been made to me from time to time respecting the bedding which is provided for emigrants under the present contract, I think it would be desirable to bring under the notice of the Agent-General.the advisableness of modifying to a certain extent the existing regulations. It appears that, under the present arrangements, emigrants are required to pay a certain sum for bedding, whereas in many instances they have bedding of their own, which they are obliged to part with, often at a sacrifice. Another complaint is that the quality of the bedding supplied is very inferior. I would suggest, therefore, that emigrants should be allowed to provide their own bedding, under proper inspection, and that only those should be compelled to purchase who are without. I have, &c, The Under Secretary for Immigration, J. E. Maech, Wellington. Immigration Officer.

No. 59. Memoeandum No. 43, 1873, for the Agent-Genebal, London. Heeewith is forwarded an extract from a letter written by the Eev. Charles Ogg, of Wellington, to the Eev. James Barclay of Tell, Shetland, with reference to forwarding fifty single women from that neighbourhood to Wellington. Tou will be good enough to send a copy to whoever may now be acting as your agent in the north of Scotland, requesting him to make it public, and also to afford the Eev. Mr. Barclay every assistance, especially in arranging for the transmission of the emigrants to the port of departure. Their expenses you are authorized specially to defray, taking promissory notes for the amount bo advanced. Immigration Office, Wellington, New Zealand, G. Matjeice O'Eobke. 14th March, 1873.

Enclosure in No. 59. Exteact from Letter from Eev. Chas. Ogg, Wellington, to Eev. J. Baeciay, Shetland. One of my reasons for writing to you at present is to ask you to interest yourself in getting some of your parishioners to improve their position by emigrating to this Colony. I especially ask you to bring the matter of emigration under the notice of the young women of Tell, as we are greatly in need in New Zealand of girls who would take the position of domestic servants, with farther prospects to which I need not refer. I want you to try and send us here, from Yell, fifty girls between the age of sixteen and thirtyfive. That number can obtain situations at once in this town. We could easily at a day's notice place in good situations in Wellington and the neighbourhood 100 girls, if we could only get them; but I mention fifty that I may not exaggerate, and because fifty are probably as many as could be obtained from your island. 2. The wages paid in Wellington to servant girls vary from 10s. to 15s. a week, with board and lodging, of course. B.— D. 1.

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Some young and rather green hands may have to take Bs. a week until they get older and more experienced, but the above is without exaggeration the rate of wages, and at this moment fifty girls could be placed in Wellington at the above wages, which will appear large to Shetland ideas. 3. The Government are so anxious to introduce young and respectable females into the Colony that they give them a free passage from London to New Zealand, provide a matron to look after them, a doctor to see to their health while on board, and make arrangements for them when they land. They will moreover, in the event of a number of girls coming from Shetland, advance the sum necessary to carry them to London for embarkation, and ask them to pay this portion of the expense out of their wages when they are placed in situations in the Colony. The passage from London to New Zealand is free ; the above advances to carry the girls to London will be made at my suggestion, to girls of good character, recommended by you. 4. The voyage from London to New Zealand is a mere nothing; it is one of the smoothest and most pleasant passages that could be made; it is a far calmer and safer voyage than one across to America. 5. The city of "Wellington contains about 9,000 inhabitants, and is rapidly increasing; it is a very healthy place, fanned by strong breezes ; it lies on the shores of a fine inland bay surrounded by hills, and which looks very like a Shetland voe. 6. The climate of Now Zealand is of all the Colonies the best fitted for a Shetland constitution; you have sea breezes, and now and then strong winds, which purify the air. No snow falls here except upon the mountains; the winter is therefore extremely mild, and the heats of summer are not greater than they are frequently in Scotland. The climate is most healthy and delightful, and is really one of the finest in the world. 7. Should any of the girls whom this letter may induce to try her fortune in New Zealand resolve to go home again, she need only have to practise a little economy with her wages in order to enable her to do so. A Scotchwoman who was servant to a friend of mine here went home the other week with £170. From £26 to £30 a year are more than double what a Shetland girl ought to spend. Any money saved can be put into a Savings Bank at 4 per cent. 8. I would recommend some of the girls who come here to bring with them their spinning and knitting implements. This is a great wool country ; and though they could not make a great living by spinning, &c, they could fill up odd time with it, and many a mother would be glad to do the household work while the Shetland servant lassie spun and knitted a few pairs of stockings for the gudeman and the bairns. 9. Though I write this letter chiefly to invite female immigrants, yet I may say at the same time that there are very good openings in New Zealand for young men and married couples. The wages of labourers in Wellington at present are 7s. a day of eight hours ; and married couples get £70 a year, with house and food, to go up the country to take charge of sheep and work on farms. If a man not far past middle life could come here, with some sons and daughters to help him, he would do well. Please try to send along with the girls a few respectable married couples. Any respectable married man coming in charge of the girls would be paid for his trouble. I have no doubt the girls and young men who may come out to New Zealand in answer to this invitaton would be anxious after a time to induce their fathers and relations to follow them. Young men can get £6 a month on the coasters; and a boat's crew or two could be employed profitably in Wellington in catching fish for the consumption of the town, where they bring a good price. 10. Some persons have been deterred from emigrating to New Zealand because they have heard of troubles with the Natives ; but these troubles, which were produced by bad management, will never break out again. Moreover, the Natives are confined to a small portion of the North Island, 200 miles from Wellington; no trouble has ever occurred with them here. Moreover, the Natives are good and obliging when they are well treated. Their numbers are rapidly diminishing. 11. I shall be glad to see any of your parishioners who may come here in answer to this invitation. I will show them all the attention and give them all the assistance in my power. Situations will be provided for the girls as soon as they land. As soon as I know of their coming, I will do my best to find for them kind, considerate families, who will take a little pains and trouble to initiate them into the ways of the Colony. This is a far better opening for the girls than going to Edinburgh as servants. 12. You will be able, I think, to say to your people that they can place reliance upon what I have written, but a number of the Yell people will remember me. I conclude by hoping that you will do your best to bring this offer under the notice of the people of Yell. New Zealand is the most beautiful and healthy of all the Colonies ; the wages of labour are high in it; and from its insular situation and mild climate, it is peculiarly fitted to become a home for emigrants from the Shetland Islands. I have, &c, Chas. S. Ogo, Minister of St. Andrew's Church, Wellington, N.Z.

No. 60. Memokandttm No. 48, 1873, for the Agent-General, London. It has been represented to the Government that in the allocation of the number of emigrants proposed to be sent to the Colony this year, the Province of Auckland does not receive a fair share. I nave therefore to request that, pending future instructions, you place that Province on a par with the Provinces of Otago and Canterbury as regards the distribution of emigrants throughout the Colony. This instruction is not to have the effect of diminishing the numbers already ordered for the other Provinces during the current year. Immigration Office, "Wellington, New Zealand, Gr. Maueice O'Eoeke. 15th March, 1873.

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No. 61. The Hon. J. Vogel to Dr. Featheeston. (Telegram No. 75.) Auckland, 18th March, 1873. Goteenment desire this year 3,500 emigrants to Auckland instead 1,000, adding 2,500 to total number authorized. Kind immigrants Auckland principally requires agricultural labourers. Female servants small settlers. Julius Vogel.

No. 62. Memorandum No. 49, 1873, for the Agent-Genebal, London. I hate to acknowledge the receipt of your letter (No. 17, 1873) bearing date the Bth January ultimo, in which you inform the Government of your having opened in the previous month an Emigration Office in Dublin, in pursuance of instructions conveyed to you in November last. I desire to express my gratification at the promptitude with which you acted in the matter, and my approval of the appointment you have made of Mr. Mason, as Chief Immigration Agent. The fact of your having authorized the appointment by Mr. Mason and Mr. Farnall of local agents in the several counties removes the objections to which I had to refer in my memorandum of last month on the subject of your not giving sufficient publicity in Ireland to the question of emigration to New Zealand. Your endeavour to engage the " Great Britain " to convey emigrants to the Colony commends itself to the Government, who sympathise with you in your disappointment at the negotiations having finally broken off. The Government are satisfied that it was not through any lack of exertion on your part that the matter was not accomplished. In conclusion, you state " that had the experiment (of running the ' Great Britain' to New Zealand) been tried and been moderately successful, you have little doubt that a line of auxiliary screw steamers would have been laid on between Liverpool and Dunedin." The Government have to-day carefully considered that paragraph of your letter, and they trust that you will lose no opportunity of endeavouring to charter steamers instead of sailing vessels for the conveyance of immigrants to New Zealand. An extra charge of one or two pounds per head should form no obstacle. Tour letter under reply shows you are fully alive to the subject, so that the advantages derivable therefrom need not be dilated on. The Government had, when considering this suggestion of yours about employing steamers, the advantage of the presence of Mr. E. B. Cargill, formerly member of the House of Representatives, with whom you are acquainted. He has for many years represented Patrick Henderson and Company of Glasgow, in Otago, and is now on his way to England. The Government have requested him to see you, and to press upon you the advisability of if possible coming to terms with that firm for the conveyance of emigrants from Scotland and the North of Ireland, direct from the Clyde, by a line of steamers which they contemplate establishing, should you offer sufficient inducement. Government believe that a regular line of steamers would draw to New Zealand a larger portion of the emigration which at present flows from the United Kingdom than it is likely to receive under the present system. Your present charg3 of £5 per head would not debar you from competing with America, to which I understand this is the regular fare for emigrants by steamer. This matter is also urged upon the Government by the Otago Executive, as is shown by Mr. Macandrew's letters to the Colonial Secretary and Mr. Auld, forwarded herewith. I now leave this most important matter in your hands, believing that Mr. Cargill's visit to England by the same mail which takes this Memorandum is most opportune. lam aware that there have been some differences between yourself and Messrs. Patrick Henderson and Company and Mr. Auld; but I feel satisfied that if Mr. Cargill submits a reasonable proposal to you on the subject of establishing a line of steamers from Europe to New Zealand, you will eagerly embrace such proposal, and thereby confer a signal boon upon this Colony. G. Maubice O'Boeke. Immigration Office, "Wellington, New Zealand, 15th March, 1873. P.S.—I enclose, in addition, a letter from the Superintendent of Otago, requesting that your guaranteed emigrants might be despatched from the Clyde in vessels under contract with the Provincial Agent, Mr. Auld. I think the request should be granted, whenever it suits the convenience of emigrants. G. M. O'E.

Enclosure 1 in No. 62. His Honor J. Macandrew to the Hon. the Colonial Seceetaby. Sib, — Superintendent's Office, Dunedin, 12th March, 1873. Some time since I advised you that the Provincial Agent, Mr. Auld had entered into a contract for the monthly despatch of emigrant ships to Otago direct from the Clyde. I omitted at the time to request that you would be good enough direct the Agent-General to forward guaranteed passengers from Scotland and the North of Ireland by this line, the Clyde being the most convenient port of embarkation for such. Perhaps you will be good enough to give directions accordingly by the out-going mail. I have, &c, The Hon. the Colonial Secretary, "Wellington. J. Macandbew.

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Enclosure 2 in No. 62. His Honor J. Macandrew to the Hon. the Colonial Seceetart. g IEj Superintendent's Office, Dunedin, 12th March, 1873. Enclosed I have the honor to forward copy of a letter addressed by me to Mr. Auld, British Agent of the Province, relative to the establishment of a steam line via the Cape of Good Hope. I believe the line indicated was recommended to the favourable consideration of the Government by the House of Eepresentatives last Session, in accordance with the resolution of the Select Committee on Immigration. I have requested Mr. E. B. Cargill, who represents Messrs. P. Henderson and Co. here, and who proceeds to England to-morrow, to wait on you with a view of endeavouring to place the matter in such a position as that the Agent-General may be directed to co-operate therein. Mr. Cargill will be able to explain that in all probability the only subsidy which will be required to induce his principals to establish a suitable steamer line will be a definite number of immigrants guaranteed for each voyage, for a given time —a number which there can be little difficulty in securing, if the Colonial Government will reciprocate my views and co-operate with the Province in the matter. The enclosed letter sufficiently explains my views on this subject. It is impossible to overestimate the beneficial results to this Province, as well as to the Colony as a whole, which are involved in the establishment of a line such as I have indicated ; and I trust that such arrangements may be made as shall induce Mr. Cargill's friends at once to take the matter in hands. I have, &c, J. Macandrew, The Hon. the Colonial Secretary, Wellington. Superintendent. Sub-Enclosure to Enclosure 2 in No. 62. His Honor J. Macandhew to Mr. J. Atjld. Province of Otago, N.Z., Sib, — Superintendent's Office, Dunedin, 21st November, 1872. Referring to my letter of yesterday's date in reference to immigration, I omitted to direct your attention to the importance of endeavouring to arrange for the establishment of a steam line to Port Chalmers direct, via the Cape of Good Hope. Some two or three years ago Messrs. P. Henderson and Co. were disposed to entertain the question of building steamers suitable for this trade, capable of carrying 800 passengers, and making the voyage in 45 days. One great drawback at that time to the success of such an undertaking was the want of facilities in the Colony for cleaning the ships' bottoms. The completion of the Graving Dock removes that obstacle ; and although the increased price of iron, should it be maintained, will no doubt add considerably to the cost of the ships, as compared with what it might have been two years ago, still lam persuaded that such a line will pay. Nothing but steam is likely to divert towards New Zealand any portion of the stream of immigration which is crossing the Atlantic, and with vessels of the capacity above indicated, people could be brought here quite as cheaply as by sailing vessels. There can be no doubt, also, that the shortening of the voyage would lead to thousands of capitalists and employers of labour visiting and settling in New Zealand. The largely increasing exports would secure good freights home, without detention. Probably this year the Provinces of Otago and Canterbury will despatch fully laden for the United Kingdom some thirty sailing ships of large tonnage. I shall be glad if you will place yourself in communication with Mr. Galbraith on this subject. I believe that the Government-assisted emigrants which would be sent by steam would, even at present rates, constitute a sufficient subsidy to render the proposed line a success. I need only add that, in as far as the Provincial Government of Otago is concerned, such an undertaking will receive every support, and there can be little doubt that it will meet with similar encouragement at the hands of the Colonial Government. You may intimate to Mr. Galbraith that the proposal was submitted by me lately to the Select Committee of the House of Representatives on Immigration ; that it was received with much favour, and unanimously recommended to the attention of the Government. I would strongly urge^him to take the initiative at once, casting his bread upon the waters, resting assured that it will be returned before many days. I have, &c, J. Macandrew, John Auld, Esq., W.S., Edinburgh. Superintendent of Otago.

No. 63. . Memorandum No. 50, 1873, for the Agent-General, London. Herewith I forward, for your information, copy of a very satisfactory report by the Commissioners on the ship " Durham," which arrived at Auckland, with emigrants, on the 4th instant. I also enclose copy of Mr. Friberg's report for the month of February, on the progress made by the Scandinavian immigrants in the Seventy-Mile Bush, Hawke's Bay Province. Immigration Office, Wellington, New Zealand, G. Maurice O'Eohke. 20th March, 1873.

Enclosure 1 in No. 63. Report by Immigration Commissioners on Ship "Durham." Sir, — General Government Offices, Auckland, sth March, 1873. We have the honor to report the arrival of the ship "Durham," from London, on the 4th March instant, with Government immigrants, sixty-seven in number, equal to fifty-four statute adults.

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Three deaths and two births occurred during the voyage, and there had been several cases of measles amongst the children; the last case one month since. Our inspection showed the ship to be clean and in good order, the fittings in the departments occupied by the immigrants to be convenient, and the ventilation to have been sufficiently provided for. The condensing apparatus was not used, there being an ample supply of water. The provisions were examined, and found to be of excellent quality. The immigrants stated that they had no complaints ; that they had been well treated in every respect; and that the surgeon, captain, and officers of the ship had been attentive and kind to them. We beg leave to recommend that the usual gratuities may be given to these officers. We have, &c, Daniel Pollen, "\ T. M. Philson, M.D., i Commissioners. T. J. Bueoess, Chief Harbour Master,)

Enclosure 2 in No. 63. Mr. B. E. Fbibeeg to His Honor J. D. Oemond. Sic, — Norsewood, Seventy-Mile Bush, 6th March, 1873. For the month of February I have the honor to report as follows : — At Norsewood the weather has been during the greatest part of the month most unfavourable for road work, a circumstance that accounts for the small earnings of the men. They were paid to-day £26 Is. 6d. for days' work, and £159 6s. for piece work, in all £185 2s. The average earnings amount to very little more than £3 per man (against last month's average of £6 11s. Gd.) At Dannevirk, where the dry and open soil allowed the water to pass through quickly, thus enabling the men to resume work almost immediately on cessation of a rainfall, the rain has not interfered to so great an extent with the road work ; day labour was performed to the amount of £7 45., and piecework for £133 6a., in all £140 10s., thus giving the twenty settlers an average of good £7 per man. During the month one birth has taken place, and one death. This being the fourth instance of death occurring within a short time in the same locality (when, besides, five persons were confined to their beds), I considered it absolutely necessary to engage the services of a medical man; and not being in a position again to pay a charge of £5 per visit, I have secured the services of a doctor for a period of three months, to visit the settlement regularly once a week, and in case of accident, when written to. For his remuneration and for medicines, the emigrants and others engaged in the bush subscribe half a crown per month. I have, &c, J. D. Ormond, Esq., B. E. Feibebg. General Government Agent, Napier.

No. 64. Memoeandtjm No. 54, 1873, for the Agent-Gestebai,, London. Herewith are enclosed for your information copies of two Memoranda by the Eev. W. Sewell, M.A., who arrived in Wellington per " Forfarshire," on board of which ship he performed the duties of chaplain and schoolmaster. Many of Mr. Sewell's suggestions appear worthy of consideration, especially as being the result of recent and thorough experience. It has for some time struck me, and these memoranda further influence mo in the same direction, that the conditions of the charter-party with Messrs. Shaw, Saville, and Co., the letter of which is so rigidly and economically adhered to by that firm, are not sufficiently liberal towards the emigrants for so long a voyage, and that modification, even should it involve a little additional expense, is desirable. Immigration Office, Wellington, New Zealand, G. Maueice O'Eoeke. Ist April, 1873.

Enclosure 1 in No. 64. The Eev. W. Sewell to the Hon. G. M. O'Eobke. Sib,— "Wellington, New Zealand, 20th March, 1873. Having twice occupied the semi-official post of schoolmaster and chaplain on board emigrant ships bound from London to New Zealand, I venture to address you in reference to some points touching on the subject of immigration. It seems that there would be manifest convenience if the New Zealand Government chartered her own ships. Pending such an arrangement, the Government should take under her own charge all passengers on board emigrant ships from stern to bows, whether assisted emigrants or others. The Agent-General should be instructed to see that all the proper arrangements bo carried out as per contract faithfully. Saloon passengers, many of whom are young and inexperienced in sea life, need some court of appeal for their protection or redress. The Agent-General in England would provide this up to the time of departure, and the Now Zealand Government would provide it, if required, on arrival in the Colony. All passengers would thus be amenable to the regulations laid down by the New Zealand Government. The question may be asked, " Should there be different classes on board? " I answer, at present there must be, inasmuch as the importations into the Colony are not sufficient to admit of each class being provided with a ship exclusively to themselves. I would

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however have two and only two classes—saloon passengers and steerage. The saloon passengers, associating with the captain and officers of the ship, would form a select circle among themselves ; and as there frequently happens to be ministers and other gentlemen with wives and daughters among them, they would frequently help to give a higher tone to the men and women in various ways brought under their notice. In many ways they might assist the schoolmaster in the discharge of his duties ; and in the providing wholesome amusements, such as concerts, &c, on board, their services might be invaluable. I do not think that there is much fear lest too great intimacy arise between the single girls and young persons in a higher grade of life, as all their communications would be in public, and any infringement of the regulations would be instantly checked by the captain or others in authority. As regards second-class passengers, if possible I would have none, —for either they would associate with the first-class, in which case they had best be in the saloon, or they would associate with the steerage passengers, in which case they had best be in the steerage part of the ship. If possible, the hospitals for men and women should bo under the break of the poop on either side (starboard and port). The patients would thus be removed from the noise inevitable in the crowded " 'tween decks," and would be more under the doctor's own surveillance. Nest to the hospitals might be placed the surgery, doctor's cabin, and stewards' and officers' cabins ; and the medical department might be entirely separated from the saloon. I would have no married women with their children in the single girls' compartment. Care should be taken that the surgeon be provided with an immediate supply of compounds, as there is rarely time, space, or quiet for him to compound his simples when at sea. The schoolmaster, as appointed in the regulations, is a dead letter. Some person (clerical, if possible) should be provided with a cabin in the saloon, who should, as far as possible, carry on scholastic and parochial work as best he could. The regulation insisting on four hours' schoolwork a day is nugatory, as no place as a rule can be assigned for school, and the greater part of the work is done below —often by candlelight —when children write, read, &c, by the side and with the aid of their parents. Owing to the number of souls on board, and the length of the voyage, all possible care should be taken that the cargo with which the ship is freighted be of a safe description, and not calculated to interfere with the comfort of those on board. The Agent-General should be careful to see that the tanks are plentifully supplied with fresh water for the voyage, and that the distilling apparatus be sound and in good working order. Any infringement of the stipulated articles of contract made between the Agent-General on behalf of the passengers, and the brokers engaged in the fittings and provisioning, &c, of the ship, would come under Article 35, page 9, in the Conditions of Contract drawn up by the New Zealand Government in re Immigration. I simply make these suggestions, as being abstractedly to my mind the best, apart from the considerations which do not properly come within my province. I have, &c., The Hon. G. M. O'Rorke, ¥m. Sewell. Immigration Office, Government Buildings.

Enclosure 2 in No. 64. The Eev. W. Sewell to the Hon. G. M. O'Roeke. Sib,— 'Wellington, 27th March, 1873. In addition to what I before said, in letter to you on the subject of immigration, I would further add — In the contract ticket issued by Shaw, Saville, and Co. to passengers, the agreement runs thus : — " I further engage to land the person aforesaid, with his luggage, at the last-mentioned port free of charge." Owing to various circumstances, it is often impossible for a passenger to see his luggage safe on shore (if stowed in the hold), as at times the Government officer (for reasons best known to himself) orders the luggage to be discharged after dark. The shipping agents allow luggage of all sorts to be put promiscuously on board of steamers bound for other ports. Luggage wrongly put on board of such vessels is consigned to some port unknown to the owner of the luggage. No notice is taken at either port, (without inquiry of the owner,) as regards the right destination of such luggage. Such luggage may be at the port at which delivered (whether right or wrong) for six months or more, and if not recovered by the owner is disposed of to pay the cost of room rent. Under such adverse circumstances a new and young colonist (without frignds to advise) would be in great difficulty. Therefore— (I.) All passengers must have their names, &c, distinctly painted on each article of luggage as follows:— A.B. (Passenger's Name.) CD. (Name of Ship.) E.F. (Port whither ship is bound.) G.H. (Ultimate destination of luggage.) (2.) All unclaimed luggage to be returned to the agents to whom the ship was consigned, without further order. (3.) Or, if the owner's residence be known, be forwarded to him at the address painted on the luggage. The expense of this last might fall on the owner himself. I have, &c, Hon. G. M. O'Rorke, William Sewell. Immigration Office, Government Buildings.

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No. 65. Memorandum No. 55, 1873, for the Agent-General, London. Herewith is forwarded copy of the report of Dr. Pollen, Immigration Officer, Auckland, upon the ship " Warwick," with enclosures; and I desire to call your attention to the general summary of the voyage by the surgeon-superintendent, Dr. Payne, and more especially to his remarks upon the appointment of matron and the position of the hospitals. Advice of the arrival of this ship, with copy of the report of the Immigration Commissioners, was forwarded by the San Francisco Mail leaving 11th March, 1873. Immigration Office, Wellington, New Zealand, G. Maurice O'Borke 3rd April, 1873.

Enclosure 1 in No. 65. Dr. Pollen to the Hon. G. M. O'Eoeke. General Government Offices, Sib,— Auckland, 13th March, 1873. I have the honor to report the arrival of the ship " Warwick," on the 10th February last, from London, with assisted immigrants, 103 souls, equal to 135j statute adults. A return of the nationalities of the immigrants is annexed. Two births and one death occurred amongst them during the voyage. The immigrants were landed on the 11th, and taken to the Barracks. The official list of, and the promissory notes given by them were not received here until the 17th—seven days after the arrival of the ship; and I was not able, in consequence, to get the new stamps on the promissory notes cancelled by the givers in the usual course. Some delay must now necessarily take place before all the notes can be put into proper form, in consequence of the dispersion of the people. Of the single women, all those who had not friends to receive them found immediate employment at the current rate of wages, viz. from Bs. to 12s. per week. Difficulty was experienced in finding employment for married men with families, who had not been accustomed to or were unfit for manual labour, and there were several of that class in this shipment. In one instance, I was obliged to provide rations after an emigrant and his family had left the Barracks, in order to save them from starvation, the Provincial authorities having refused to give any assistance. The Immigration Commissioners have already reported unfavourably of the arrangements on board the " Warwick " for ventilation and for the accommodation of the passengers ; and I beg leave to call attention to the suggestions made in the report of the surgeon-superintendent (copy of which is enclosed) relative to the appointment of matrons, and to the position of hospitals in ships carrying many passengers. I have, &c, The Hon. Minister for Immigration, Wellington. Daniel Pollen.

Enclosure 2 in No. 65. Ship " "Warwick " from London to Auckland. —General Summary of the Voyage. IToit a summary of this nature to have any merit it must be concise, and this therefore will be my aim. We left the Dock on the Ist November, and dropped down the river to Gravesend, where the inspection took place next day. November 3rd we started, and dropped the pilot on the Bth at the Wight. We sighted Madeira on the 18th, crossed the line on 4th December, sighted Trinidad on the 12th, and then saw no more land till we made the Three Kings on the 6th February, and finally anchored off the Lighthouse on 9th February. Now as to the events of the voyage, as lying within my province : — Looking back, and unmoved by little matters which might have ruffled me at the time, the general conduct of the emigrants has been very good. My own great difficulty was occasioned by the lamentable choice of a matron on the part of Mr. Ottywell, the Agent-General's representative; not but ■what the girl has done her best, but her extreme youth —18—ought alone to have prevented her appointment ; and notwithstanding that she was seconded by an assistant, she has been of very little use on deck. Below, she has certainly kept things clean ; but above, the whole work of keeping those girls off the deck and from the fore part of the ship has devolved practically upon me, which, considering that there has been a great deal of sickness on board, was no very easy matter. Many girls, the majority, were docile enough, but some of them gave me a deal of trouble. It appears to me that a married woman should be selected as matron, one from 35 to 40 years of age, with her husband on board ; the latter to act in capacity of constable to fetch their food and assist her on deck, but of course not to live with her. The next matter in importance, if not the very first, is a pioper site for the hospitals. I trust the Commissioners will excuse me if I say that a more improper site could scarcely have been selected than those they now occupy, right among the healthy. Quiet is nature's great restorative. Quiet! sleep ! how can either be obtained in the midst of awful noise in the 'tween decks, but far more especially in the fore-hatch ? We have had two deaths on board: the second steward, of enteric fever, and a free steerage passenger, from peritonitis, of which more anon. Of the steward I would now speak as far only as applies to this topic. Here is a case demanding imperatively the utmost quiet, and, if on no other grounds, ought to be separated from the common room of those in full enjoyment of health and spirits. At one time, lam confident, his life could have been saved, could I only have obtained quiet. At a time when the brain was in the highest state of excitement, when the slightest noise startles and alarms your patient, what chance has any medical man when such a fearful row is going on, to all intents and purposes, in his very room ? Laughing, shouting, loud talking, now a form

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knocked down, and there lies your patient, evidently being killed by the noise you have no power to prevent. The hospitals ought to be on deck, and, as far as this ship is concerned, ought to occupy the space now held by the second-class passengers ; there they would be more come-at-able, and, which is of much greater importance, there and only there could they have been kept quiet. This man came on board very weak and delicate, but without any actual disease. He was taken ill on the 6th December, and died on the 20th. The steerage passenger died more through his own obstinacy than-anything else. He came on board with gonorrhoea, fourteen days old, but never mentioned it to me till the 9th November, the day after the pilot left. It was then twenty-three days old. Wished him to abstain from meat for a few days (as he could not get preserved meat every day, a tin spoils on the second day); lie persisted in using salt meat, although I gave him arrowroot and milk ; he was moreover very irregular in using medicaments. Well, inflammation of the bladder, bowels, and stomach set in, obstinate and intractable vomiting, finally peritonitis and death. Next in order comes the cooking range, which is totally inadequate for its duties, and has been the cause of much trouble. The school has been a failure. I appointed a schoolmaster according to instructions, but there was no suitable place where school could be held except the quarter-deck. This did very well in the warm weather ; but as we got further south, what from cold or rain or the rolling of the ship, or from seas washing over her, weeks often elapsed without any school at all. The mess tables could not be used —they were wanted. A table was made by the ship's carpenter, and broken almost as soon as made. One woman was confined of a stillborn child on 20th December, the day the steerage passenger died ; unfortunately craniotomy had to be performed to save the mother's life. Another woman was confined of a female child on the 12th January, who was named Annie Oceanica Warwick. I think the absence of free steerage passengers from amongst the emigrants would be desirable if it could be so managed. They have paid their passage money, and think it a great hardship to be subjected to the same discipline as the emigrants, and are always the first and loudest in grumbling. Finally, as the voyage is now practically at a close, I can honestly say that I have done my best to attend to the wants and comforts of the passengers under my care ; while, on the other hand, so far as I possibly could, I acted up to the very letter and spirit of my instructions, and I believe with very fair success. I have, &c., Martin Henry Payne, 9th February, 1873. Surgeon-Superintendent, " Warwick."

No. 66. Memorandum No. 56, 1873, for the Agent-General, London. I transmit herewith copy of a Memorandum to the Cabinet by the Hon. the Minister for Public Works, pointing out that it is absolutely necessary, in order to the proper carrying on of the works undertaken by the Government, that the full number of emigrants you have been instructed to send out should be despatched during the coming season. The Cabinet entirely coincide in the opinion expressed in this Memorandum ; aud I have to request that you will immediately inform the Government by cable and post what number approximately you expect to be able to despatch. Immigration Office, Wellington, New Zealand, G. Maurice O'Eorke. 4th April, 1873.

Enclosure in No. 66. Memorandum for Cabinet. In the Despatches to be sent home to the Agent-General by the outgoing mail, I think it is absolutely necessary that the Agent-General's attention should be specially directed to the present state of the labour market in New Zealand, and that he be informed that, with the full expectation that the number of emigrants which he has been instructed to send out will be forwarded during the coming season, the Government have entered into contracts which will provide employment for these immigrants, and that he be instructed by return mail to inform the Government whether he will be able to send out anything approaching the number asked for, as, if not, it will be necessary by the time the AgentGeneral's replies arrive to take steps, by retarding the works or otherwise, to prevent the serious disturbance of the labour market, which will inevitably occur in the Colony during next summer when the shearing and farming season comes round. The only thing which has kept the rates of labour from rising to rates ruinous to the various interests in the Colony during the season just ended, has been the shipment of so much labour by Messrs. Brogden; and as it appears that they have ceased sending men out (at all events for the present) it is ali the more necessary for the due carrying out of the various public works that the emigrants ordered should be sent out, and imperatively necessary that the Government be reliably informed at the earliest possible date of the capability or otherwise of the Agent-General to comply with their instructions. Public, Works Office, Wellington, Ist April, 1873. Edward Eichardson.

No. 67. Telegram to the A gent-General.—Sent 12th April, 1873. Government prohibit contract with Saville, whose arrangements are unsatisfactory. You are not to call for tenders ; when you do, Saville persuades off opposition. Do not let Saville know when you want ships, but arrange for each, as wanted, privately, through respectable owners or brokers. TeE

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them and all your officers not to communicate with Saville. Do not stipulate for London as port embarkation. No agreement for steamers unless to New Zealand direct. " Brechin Castle " offered return with emigrants £14 10s.; better than any ship Saville's. Do not employ Buller; Assembly not tolerate; if not back in time, loses appointment. Immigrants wholly insufficient. Government instruct you make monetary conditions at least as liberal as Queensland, and more so if requisite. Obtain number ordered. You may withhold all monetary restrictions you think proper, maintaining conditions of selection, good health, and suitability. Prohibition respecting winter arrival withdrawn. Vogel.

No. 68. Memorandum No. 59, 1873, for the A gent-General, London. Herewith is forwarded report of the Immigration Commissioners upon the ship " Glenlora," which ship arrived at Wellington upon the 11th March, 1873 ; also the report of the proceedings in the Resident Magistrate's Court upon the prosecution instituted against the ship by the Emigration Officer under " The Passengers Act, 1855," which resulted in the captain being amerced in a fine of £25, with costs, in each case. These enclosures speak for themselves ; and it is only necessary that I should add that it is anything but satisfactory to the Government to find that the repeated remonstrance of Mr. Waterhouse and myself, with regard to the inefficient inspection of ships and selection of emigrants, are not only not attended to, but seem not to be considered worthy of notice in your correspondence. Immigration Office, Wellington, New Zealand, G. Maurice O'Borke 12th April, 1873.

Enclosure 1 in No. 68. Eeport by Immigration Commissioners on Ship " G-lenlora." "Wellington, 14th March, 1873. "We have the honor to report, for the information of the Government, that on the 11th instant we visited the ship " Glenlora," Captain Culbert, while anchored at the Heads. On coming alongside the vessel we were informed that the surgeon-superintendent, Dr. L'Estrange, had died upon the voyage; but learning from the captain that the general health of the passengers was good, we proceeded on board for the purpose of inspection. We found, on inquiry, that the " Glenlora " had left London on the 7th August, 1872 ; was dismasted on the 10th October, in latitude 41° 45' S., longitude 23° 47' E., during a hurricane; that she had put into Mauritius on the 15th November, 1872, and had sailed thence for New Zealand on the sth January, 1873. Shortly after leaving Mauritius she fell in with the barque " Der Fuchs," dismasted and in a sinking state, and took on board the crew of that vessel, consisting of Captain Fuchs and nine sailors, and four Lascars, the crew of a Mauritius pilot boat, who happened to be on board when the " Der Fuchs " had cast off from her moorings at the Mauritius on the approach of the hurricane in which she was disabled. This unexpected addition to the passengers of the "Grlenlora," and her somewhat protracted voyage from the Mauritius, had made the provisions run short, and we found that for several days before coming in the whole of the passengers and crew had been living chiefly on rice. As, however, a signal had been made that the ship was short of provisions, the agents of the vessel had sent in the boat which conveyed us a supply of fresh meat, bread, and vegetables. We ascertained that three deaths had taken place throughout the voyage—namely, Dr. L'Estrange, one baby born on board, and Louisa Hendley, six months, at Mauritius ; and one birth; and that there were on board at the time of our visit— Government immigrants as follows :—

Thirteen families, containing ... ... 44 souls = 32 statute adults. Seventeen single men ... ... ... 17 ,, = 17 ,, Eleven single women ... ... ... 11 „ = 11 „ " Glenlora's" crew ... ... ... ... 28 „ = 28 „ Crew of " Der Fuchs" ... ... ... 14 „ = 14 „ Cabin passengers ... ... ... .„ 4 „ = 4 „ Total ... ... ... 118 „ = 106

Since leaving Mauritius both the passengers and crew had suffered from the " Mauritius fever," an agueish low fever, which reduced the patients to a state of great debility, but which does not appear to be infectious. On visiting the single women's compartment, which was situated in the stern cabins on the poopdeck, we found that it was light, airy, and commodious ; but we found that the bath room, which, under the contract with Messrs. Shaw, Saville, and Co. is to be provided for the use of the single women, had throughout the voyage been made use of by the cabin passengers and the officers of the ship, and that shortly after leaving the Mauritius the single women had been entirely debarred from its use by orders of the captain or chief-officer of the ship. We found also that there was a door opening upon the bath-room from the saloon cabin, over which the matron or person in charge of the single women had no control. Both the married people's compartment and that of the single men was well-fitted, convenient, and well ventilated with patent ventilators, and we consider the arrangements generally satisfactory as regards the accommodation afforded to these two classes of the immigrants. 9—D. 1.

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Very serious, and apparently well-founded complaints were made by the married people, that the preserved milk, sago, and other articles which are especially provided under the terms of the contract for the use of the young children, were not supplied excepting for a short time after leaving England, and since revictualling at the Mauritius. That those articles had been short served was acknowledged by the captain and purser, but was attempted to be accounted for by the assertion that the surgeonsuperintendent, at the commencement of the voyage, had ordered a larger quantity of these articles to be served out than the contract allowance. We are, however, of opinion that there is not sufficient evidence of this to account for the subsequent deficiency. We are unable to recommend the payment of the usual gratuity to Captain Culbert; and as the matron was dismissed from her post by the surgeon-superintendent in the early part of the voyage, as being unfitted for its duties, we are unable to recommend any gratuity in her case also. We desire, however, to express our great satisfaction with the conduct of the ship's steward, Mr. Haddock, who, from the testimony of all on board, appears to have been most active and unwearied in his exertions on behalf of the sick after the death of Dr. L'Estrange. Most fortunately Mr. Haddock was able to bring a special knowledge to this work, he having studied for some time as a medical student, and he appears to have done good service in treating the patients suffering from the Mauritius fever and other ailments. We therefore recommend that his services should, receive special acknowledgment by a gratuity of £15. We have also great pleasure in recommending the first mate, Mr. Brown, for the usual gratuity ; and also the purser who served out the stores, Mr. Livingston. In conclusion, we desire to press upon the notice of the Government the necessity of prohibiting the conveyance of cabin passengers in immigrant ships where single women are being brought out to the Colony by the Government. We would point out that the spirit of the contract, by which the right to make use of the poop deck is secured to the single women, is thereby necessarily infringed, as the cabin passengers are always allowed also to make use of it; and in this case it appears to us that as no sufficient reason is alleged for depriving the single women of the use of the bathroom, the only conclusion to be drawn is, that it was taken away for the convenience of the chief cabin passengers. We consider that the bathroom to be provided for the single women should be kept for their exclusive use ; and that no circumstances can justify their being deprived of so necessary a provision for their health and cleanliness, and that prohibition of its use involves a breach of the contract with Messrs. Shaw, Saville, and Co. We are also of opinion that the failure of necessary provision four days before the arrival of the " Glenlora " in port is not sufficiently accounted for by the additional demand made on the stores for the supply of the crew from the " Der Fuchs," and that the captain of the " Glenlora," and her agents, were not justified in allowing the ship to leave the Mauritius with so slender a provision against the contingency of a lengthy voyage. We have, &c, Alexander Joiinston, M.D.A A. FOLLETT HALCOMBE, ( <~l • • T n r Commissioners. J. Hackwobth, ( John Holliday, ) The Hon. the Minister for Immigration, Wellington. Mr. A. F. Halcombe, — The single women, per ship " Glenlora," whose names are appended, wish me to inform you that, on the 22nd January, 1873, they were told that they could no longer use the " bathroom," and the door leading out of their cabin to it was locked. One of the single women complained about it to the captain, who told her he would have her put in irons. Before that date, they were obliged to use the same water as the saloon passengers or mates had used, the pumps being removed after a certain hour. The single women also kept their provisions and tins in the bathroom, and when it was taken away they were told to keep them under their beds, which they refused to do, saying they would tell the Immigration Agent on their arrival at Wellington ; the captain then had two little shelves put up at the side of the cabin door. E. Eedwakd, Matron. (Signed by six Single Women.) Immigration Barracks, Wellington, 14th March, 1873.

Enclosure 2 in No. 68. Province of Wellington, in the ~) Colony of New Zealand, > to wit. ) Tiie information of Huntly John Harry Eliott, of the City of Wellington, a Government Emigration Officer, duly appointed under the provisions of " The Passengers Act, 1855," who cometh before me, George Sisson Cooper, Esq., one of Her Majesty's Justices of the Peace in and for the Colony of NewZealand, this 31st day of March, 1873, and informeth me that within the space of twelve calendar months last past, to wit, on a certain day between the 19th day of February last and the 11th day of March aforesaid, on Ihe high seas, William Culbert, then being the master of the ship " Glenlora," now lying in the Port of Wellington, on the voyage of the said ship from the Port of London to Wellington aforesaid (such ship being a passenger ship within the meaning of the said Act, and the passengers on board such ship being divided into messes), unlawfully did neglect to comply with the provisions of the 35th section of " The Passengers Act, 1855," by not issuing to Edward Filer, then being the head-man for the time being of a certain mess of such passengers, consisting of eight statute adults and one-half statute adult, the weekly allowance of provisions which he was entitled to receive on behalf and for the use of all the members thereof according to the dietary scale marked B, set

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forth in the said 35th section, that is to say, the allowance of wheaten flour, of beef, of pork, of preserved meat, of tea, of butter, and of vinegar, according to the rates for each statute adult mentioned in the said scale B, contrary to the form of the statute in such case made and provided. H. J. H. Eliott. Taken before me this 31st day of March, 1873. Q-. S. Coopeb, A Justice of the Peace for the Colony of New Zealand. Huntly John Harry Eliott, Complainant, and William Culbert, Defendant. This is to command you to appear without fail on the Ist day of April next, at eleven o'clock in the forenoon, in the Resident Magistrate's Court, in the City of Wellington, before me or other the Magistrate or Justices of the Peace then and there present, to give evidence on the complaint of Huntly John Harry Eliott against William Culbert, the master of the ship " Glenlora," for breach of "The Passengers Act, 1855." Dated this 31st day of March, 1873. G. S. Cooper, A Justice of the Peace for the Colony of New Zealand. To Dennis Day, Tailor, Wellington. Note.—The same form of summons was served on the other witnesses. The deponent, Edward Filer, on his oath states: —l am a carpenter, a passenger by the " Glenlora," and held a contract ticket. Arrived at Mauritius, lived on board the hulk " Joshua Bates." For the first ten days drew rations; afterwards Is. Gd. per day. Arrived in Mauritius on the 15th November, and sailed on the sth January; drew rations for ten days only. On fifth week after leaving Mauritius we were put on allowance of one pint of pickles instead of allowance of vinegar. I was head man of No. 4 mess, 8^ in mess; allowance was for mess. I complained of deficiency of pickles with the other captains of mess. It was said they were not on board. On February 18th the captain stated that on account of picking up the crew he must put us on half allowance of meat. I produce my contract ticket. The short allowance of meat continued till we reached Wellington; we had before we arrived. A cask of pork was opened and found bad, and thrown overboard. No meat was issued instead; there was no more on board. Arrived in Wellington on March 11th. On the Friday previous was the weekly issue. On that day got no meat. Flour was issued; one-half pound to each adult. We had been receiving three pounds. We had half allowance of coffee next day, no tea, no butter ; the quantities had been gradually diminishing. The butter we received on the previous issue day had been refused by the crew ; it was black and dirty. The captain allowed married women ■with children one bottle of porter each for four days. The captain allowed half a pound of rice to each adult, because we could not eat the biscuits. I asked the captain for wine to strengthen my wife ; instead of that he gave us the porter. By Mr. Izard.~\ Made no complaint of provisions before leaving the Mauritius; the crew of the " Fox " was picked vp —ten of the crew and four Malabars. We were not put on short allowance until after this. We were becalmed off the Island of Bourbon for three days ; we had fine weather otherwise. The captain said when we were put on short allowance, that we might have rice and molasses, or sugar or oatmeal. The captain on the 18th told us that he was obliged to reduce allowance on account of the extra souls. Meat was served daily; the other provisions weekly, on Fridays. Re-examined: After four weeks from England, the biscuit got mouldy from being kept in bags. Defence. This deponent, Edward Livingston, on his oath states : —ls third mate of " Glenlora." It was my duty to serve out provisions to head men. Sailed from Mauritius, January Gth ; up to February 19th served rations up to scale of contract ticket. Rations were inspected previous to leaving Mauritius. I showed them the provisions in the storeroom and they were satisfied. Picked up " Fox's " crew (14) ; they were rationed on scale of our crew. Had bad winds from Mauritius; cannot speak to average length of voyage. W Tas present on 19th when complaints were made ; there were ample provisions on board for an average voyage ; certain things were offered to the passengers in lieu of deficiency ; I always served out provisions ; I referred complaints to captain. By Mr Reid!] We took in some stores at Mauritius; I know what stores came on board the ship. The inspectors merely saw the stores; I showed them no list; the pork was not in this store ; Bait meat was in the fore-hold; they did not go there; the captain was not present; everything was in the store except water and salt meat. We bore up for Twofold Bay for provisions ; the wind headed us, and we could not get there. About a week before we reached this, the quality of the biscuit was eatable ; there may have been weavils in it; the sailors had their own stores of biscuits. The captain ■was always to be got at; I decline to answer whether he was drunk. I served the shipwrecked men from the crew's stores; when put on short allowance, all hands were put on ; Lascars did not eat meat —they eat rice, biscuit, and sour vinegar; we had about ninety-eight adults on board, without including the shipwrecked crew. Re-examined : I took the word of ten passengers that the supply was sufficient; the crews' biscuit was kept in tanks. This deponent, William Culbert, on his oath states —Is master of " Glenlora." Put into Mauritius ; subsistence money allowed. At Mauritius bought provisions, as per account of A. Gillon and Co., receipted; also took on board provisions, as per account of Renault Bros., from 4th January. General average voyage from Mauritius to Wellington six to seven weeks. I was nine weeks and one day ; was becalmed several times. On 19th February diminished the rations because I was afraid of getting short; tried to run for Twofold Bay when I found I was running short. The land was 150 or 160 miles off. Offered passengers rice, molasses, sugar, oatmeal; gave married women some porter out of my own stores. There were provisions enough on board for an ordinary passage of six weeks ; would not have got any clearance without it.

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By Mr. Beid. —Collector of Customs told so; got no official communication; cannot say how much provision was on board; the stores had been overhauled at the Mauritius. Had about 100 souls on board. In general, we take in a little more than for an average voyage ; the provisions bought at Mauritius were put on board. Ean about 100 miles towards Twofold Bay; ran towards New Zealand for five or six days after. Allowed a bottle of porter for two days to each of the women; medical stores were all consumed previously. The vessel was chartered ; I knew nothing of provisions put on board in London. Medical stores were under control of doctor as long as he lived; I had nothing to do with them.

No. 69. Memorandum No. 60, 1873, for the Agent-Geneeal, London. I forward herewith copy of the Immigration Officer's report of the arrival of the ship " Durham " at Auckland, with 55 statute adults, on the 4th ultimo. I have to specially direct your attention to that portion of the report referring to the matron, and to the absolute necessity of appointing elderly females, capable of maintaining order, and not inexperienced young females, as matrons on board vessels conveying Government emigrants. This is the fourth time that complaint has been made as to the conduct of the matron, as will be gathered, in addition to the enclosed report, from the reports on the " Himalaya," " Warwick," and " Glenlora." I trust you will take such steps as to prevent a recurrence of such complaint. The incompetency or misconduct of the matron cannot but have a damaging effect oil the character of those committed to her charge. Immigration Office, Wellington, New Zealand, G. Maueice O'Koeke. 12th April, 1873.

Enclosure in No. G9. Dr. Pollen to the Hon. the Minister for Immigration. Sic, — General Government Offices, Auckland, Ist April, 1873. I have the honor to report the arrival of the ship " Durham," on the 4th March, with assisted immigrants, 69 souls, equal to 55^- statute adults. As soon as the inspection was completed and the promissory notes restamped in the usual course, the people were landed and taken to the Barracks. Three of the families were for Messrs. Brogden. Of the others, all were received by friends or found employment at current wages, except two men with families, who expected to find places as pointsmen or clerks on a railway line, and, being unfitted for manual labour, have found difficulty in getting places. The matron appointed for the single women's compartment was a very young girl, without experience or the power of maintaining her authority; and as the surgeon-superintendent declined to give her the usual certificate for gratuity, on the ground of incompetency, I nave made no payment to her. I have, &c, The Hon. the Minister for Lands and Immigration, Daniel Pollen, Wellington. Immigration Officer.

No. 70. Memorandum No. 61, 1873, for the Agent-Geneeal, London. By the last San Prancisco Mail I forwarded report of Immigration Commissioners upon the ship " Forfarshire," and informed you further that the Government consider the matter of complaint alleged therein so important as to justify proceedings being taken under " The Passengers Act, 1855." I now forward copy of the proceedings instituted against the ship by the Immigration Officer, which resulted in the captain being amerced in a fine of £12 10s., with costs, on each of the four charges preferred against him. The evidence taken before the Court leaves no room for doubt that there must have been very culpable negligence on the part of the Inspecting Officers in London, which, had the ship unfortunately made a protracted voyage, would most certainly have resulted in very terrible consequences from the want of water, of which there was neither a sufficient quantity on board nor the means of condensing, the apparatus being out of order, and the supply of coal altogether insufficient. The letters written home by immigrants who have had to endure all the miseries of a long passage under the circumstances detailed in this and other cases, must of necessity materially militate against emigration to the Colony. I would be glad if you would report fully to me what is your system of inspecting the vessels and emigrants previous to departure. Immigration Office, Wellington, New Zealand, G. Matjeice O'Boeke. 12th April, 1873.

Enclosure in No. 70. Province of Wellington, in the} Colony of New Zealand, > to wit. ) The information of Arthur William Follett Halcombe, of the City of Wellington, a Government Emigration Officer duly appointed under the provisions of " The Passengers Act, 1855," who cometh before me, William McLeod Bannatyne.. Esquire, one of Her Majesty's Justices of the Peace in and for the

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Colony of New Zealand, this 21st day of March, 1873, and informeth me that within the space of twelve calendar months last past, to wit, on a certain day between the 9th day of January last and the 2nd day of March aforesaid, on the high seas, James Fox, then being the master of the ship " Forfarshire," on the voyage of the said ship from the Porb of London, in England, to the Port of Wellington, in the Province aforesaid (which said ship was then a passenger ship within the meaning of the said Act, and is now lying at the Port of Wellington aforesaid), unlawfully did neglect to comply with the requirements of the 35th section of the said Act, by not issuing to one Thomas Webb (then being the headman for the time being of a certain mess of passengers on board the said ship), on behalf of the members of the said mess, the allowance of water which he was entitled to receive for the use and on behalf of the members of such mess, that is to say, an allowance of pure water for every .statute adult member of such mess at the rate of three quarts of water daily for such number, exclusive of the quantity by the said Act specified as necessary for cooking the articles therein required to be issued in a cooked state, contrary to the form of the statute in such case made and provided. A. FoLLETT HALCOMBE. Taken before me at Wellington aforesaid, this 21st day of March, 1873. W. M. Bannattke, A Justice of the Peace for the Colony of New Zealand. Arthur William Follett Ilalcomhe, Complainant, and James Fox, Defendant. This is to command you to appear without fail on the 22nd day of March instant, at 11 o'clock in the forenoon, at the Resident Magistrate's Court, in the City of Wellington, before me or other the Magistrate or Justices of the Peace then and there present, to answer the complaint of Arthur William Follett Halcombe, a Government Emigration Agent, for a breach of the 35th section of " The Passengers Act, 1855." Dated this 21st day of March, 1873. W. M. Bajwattne, A Justice of the Peace for the Colony of New Zealand. James Fox, the Master of the ship " Forfarshire," Wellington. Admitted by Mr. Travers that Mr. Halcombe is authorized to prosecute ; that the ship is a passenger ship within the meaning of the Act. This deponent, Thomas Underwood, on his oath states: —l was a passenger on board the " Forfarshire," last voyage. I produce a contract ticket which I got on board. The number of my mess was 14. James Simpson was the head man of mess; there were 8f in the mess —eight adults, and one child. Water was issued by Mr. Lloyd ; unless when he was ill, the head man got the water from Lloyd. In the hot weather we only got half a gallon each. I saw the water when Simpson brought it down; he always brought it down when he got it, and measured it in a hooky pot. The highest water I ever got was half a gallon for myself. In the cold weather I only got one quart daily. Three days before arrival in Wellington I only got one quart. On February 18th had only one quart; each person in the mess had only one quart each on that day. Got 1^ pint of tea or coffee on that day for self and wife, morning and evening; the others in the mess got the same. Did not measure the water. Did not see Mrs. Davis measure it. When we got hot water at galley we gave an equivalent iv cold water. By Mr. Travers.~\ We took what Simpson gave us; he measured it out to the mess. We got li pint of tea or coffee in the morning, and same in the evening, for self and wife ; got a teacup each, not full. We only got about 85 quarts on leaving England ; did not complain to the captain. This deponent, John Hughes, on his oath states : Was a passenger by " Forfarshire," and in same mess with last witness. Simpson drew rations. I did so when he was sick, for the whole mess. Drew water about two months before landing ; got between seven or eight quarts for the mess ; measured in the hookey pots, said to hold half a gallon. The water was measured to us in half a gallon cup. As soon as we got the water, we measured it out. I gave to each person about a quart imperial. Got not quite 4fJ gallon pots from issuer. We never got full supply of water all the voyage ; therefore, on February 28th, did not get supply; in warm weather, spoke to captain. He said ho would give us some more if he could; next morning we got more. We got about a pint of tea or coffee, morning and evening, for self, wife, and child ; cook said he could not give more. During the last fortnight went to cook with our water, and asked for more tea or coffee. He gave us a little more; we never got three quarts of water all the way out. By Mr. Travers.~\ The ship was healthy; was not short any other way. Defence. This deponent, Bobert Winder, on his oath, states: —I am chief officer. The tanks in hold were filled. Water inspected by Emigration Officer, or by some person from him, about two days before ship sailed. Passengers came on board afterwards. Had a condenser on board. It was inspected by Emigration Officer and passed. It was used throughout the voyage. Cannot say how much water it gave. Had an engineer to attend to it—Williams. He is on board. Ship pumped several times in Channel. Had bad weather. Then supposed that tanks were affected. Examined them and found them deficient in quautity of water. Attribute this to working of tanks in bad weather. Had a good deal of water when we arrived here. Crew twenty or thirty. There was not enough left to supply fully during voyage. Had forty-three tanks, 400 gallons. On arrival had over one large tank full of 1,600 gallons, built into vessel. Attribute shortness of water to leakage of tanks and non-efficiency of condenser. Had 500 people on board. By Mr. Reid.^ Relied on help of distilling apparatus. It was Gravely's. Saw surveyor get up steam of condenser. About a month or six weeks out, condenser got out of repair. I don't know what it condensed daily. We had coals and wood. Had to saw up wood, so as to save coal. Tanks

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were over the coals, which were not very get-at-able. Have coals on board now; one or two tons. Had about fifty-five tons of coal. Condenser was not damaged in storm in Channel. Had some five days' •water on arrival. Cargo delivered in good order. Henry Williams, sworn : —ls engine-driver, had charge of condenser. Understand it. Could not do repairs well at sea. Apparatus kept at work, except a week or two for repairs; tubes leaked. "Was not new-. It was inspected and passed. Began to leak six weeks out. It gave 400 gallons in fourteen hours when working. After repairing, it fell off, but made up by working longer. Had no stoppage for firing. By Mr. Seid.~\ "Worked seven years in "Wigram's yard. Have pulled machines to pieces and put them together. Saw Government Inspector examining condenser. He asked me if I understood it. Could not repair it properly at sea. Had all the tools for the purpose. Got out of repair half-way out. Was never short of coals, but sometimes used wood. Could not get at coals down in hold. Had always plenty of fuel.

No. 71. Memoeaitotjm No. 62, 1873, for the Agent-Geneeal, London. Bt the last mail via San Francisco, I forwarded to you report of the Immigration Commissioners upon the ship " Charlotte Gladstone," and informed you that a Commission had been appointed to investigate the statements made by the surgeon-supormtendent, in a memorandum furnished by him to His Honor the Superintendent of Otago, as Chairman of the Board of Health. 1 now forward you the report of the Commission, with the evidence on which it is based, and desire to inform you that the Government concur generally in the opinions expressed by the Commissioners with regard to this ship ; and I would especially call your attention to sections 2, 3, 5, 6, and 7 of the report, and the conclusion, arrived at, viz. that the mortality and sickness on board were to be accounted for by — First. The weak, underfed, and dirty condition of some of the immigrants ; and secondly, the disgraceful material of the bedding supplied. The Commissioners further express a decided conviction that the system of shipping emigrants in England for New Zealand is faulty, and that most of the evils which have occurred in the case of the " Charlotte Gladstone " are attributable to this faulty system. This fully bears out what I have already in previous Memoranda felt it necessary to remark, that great carelessness, to say the least of it, has been the rule rather than the exception on the part of the officers responsible for ascertaining that the immigrants are properly selected, are subject to bona fide medical inspection, and that the fittings and stores of the ship are in accordance with the provisions of the Passengers Act and the charter-party. G. Matjeice O'Eoeke. Immigration Office, "Wellington, 12th April, 1873.

Enclosure 1 in No. 71. G-. F. Bowen, Governor. To Chaeles CnEisTOPnEE Bowen, of Christchurch, and James Pillans Maitiand, of Tokomairiro, Esquires, Greeting: — Wheeeas a ship or vessel called the " Charlotte Gladstone " hath recently arrived at Port Chalmers, in the Colony of New Zealand, having on board certain passengers, immigrants, and other persons, among whom fever and other infectious diseases and sickness prevailed to a great degree while on board such, ship : And whereas it is expedient that an inquiry should be held into the origin, outbreak, and existence of such diseases and sickness amongst such passengers, immigrants, and other persons as aforesaid, and also into the several matters and things hereinafter particularly mentioned : Now therefore I, Sir George Ferguson Bowen, the Governor of the said Colony, reposing great trust and confidence in your knowledge and ability, by and with the advice and consent of the Executive Council of the said Colony, and in pursuance and exercise of every power and authoritj enabling me in that behalf, do hereby appoint you, the said Chaeles Chbistophee Bowen and James Pillaxs Maitland to be Commissioners for the purpose hereinafter mentioned, that is to say: To inquire into the origin, outbreak, and existence of any infectious or other disease, and all sickness on board the said ship " Charlotte Gladstone," during the voyage of that ship from England to Port Chalmers, and particularly into the compliance or non-compliance by all and every the persons or person liable or chargeable in that behalf with the law relating to or affecting passenger ships, in so far as the same affects the said ship " Charlotte Gladstone," and such passengers, immigrants, and other persons as aforesaid, and with the fitness of the said ship for the conveyance of immigrants, and the provision made for the medical and other treatment of such immigrants, and into the actual medical or other treatment of persons affected with any infectious disease, or ill with any other disease or bodily ailment whatever; and generally in the premises to hear and inquire into all and singular the circumstances, connected with or affecting the selection of and suitability of the persons brought out as immigrants in the said vessel, whether wholly or partly at the public expense, and the medical or other inspection of such persons before or after such selection or embarkation on board the said vessel; and, generally, into the fitness of the accommodation provided for such immigrants on board the said vessel and their treatment thereon, from the time of their departure from Great Britain till their arrival in New Zealand, and into all other matters of complaint contained in a certain report dated the thirteenth day of February last, made by one Robert H. Bakewell, Esquire, the surgeon of the said vessel, addressed to His Honor the Superintendent of Otago; and for better effecting the purposes of

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this Commission, you and each of you are hereby empowered and authorized to call before you such persons as you shall judge likely to afford you any information on the subject of this Commission, and to inquire of and concerning the premises by all other lawful means and ways whatsoever. And this Commission shall continue in full force and virtue; and you the said Commissioners, or either of you, may from time to time, and at any place or places, proceed in the execution hereof, and of every matter and thing herein contained, although the inquiry be not regularly continued from time to time by adjournment. And, lastly, that you do, with as little delay as possible, report to me under your hands, your opinion resulting from the said inquiry of the several matters and things herein net forth. Given under the hand of His Excellency Sir George Ferguson Bowen, Knight Grand Cross of the Most Distinguished Order of Saint Michael and Saint George, Governor and Commander-in-Chief in and over Her Majesty's Colony of jNTew Zealand and its Dependencies, and Vice-Admiral of the same, at Wellington, this seventh day of March, in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and seventy-three. William Fox, Approved in Council. Presiding. FoESTEE GOUINO, Clerk of the Executive Council.

Enclosure 2 in No. 71. Dr. Bakewell to His Honor J. Macandrew. On board the " Charlotte Gladstone," Sib, — Near the Snares, 13th February, 1873. Our near approach to land warns me that I must attempt at least a brief report on the causes of the extraordinary amount of sickness and mortalit}' on board this unfortunate vessel. I must ask to be allowed to defer any report on other matters until I have a little recovered my health. At present lam suffering extreme pain, greatly aggravated by the necessity of sitting up in bed to write the draft of this report. 1 have been suffering for some weeks past from abscess in the pelvis,* which caused me the most excruciating pain, so much so that I have only been enabled to go about my work by the help of continual doses of opium. It may serve to give some idea of what I havo suffered if I state that I have been obliged to consume during the past three weeks about ten ounces of laudanum. This will, I hope be a sufficient excuse for the style of my report. I find that up to to-day there have been registered 384 cases of illness among the emigrants, including three or four among the second-class passengers, and that there have been sixteen deaths among them, and one among the crew, making a total of seventeen. The causes of this extraordinary sickness and mortality have nearly all been preventible. The deaths have, except three, all been caused by diarrhoea assuming a dysenteric form or by typhoid fever. Although we have had measles, sore throats, and thrush epidemic, no death has originated from any of these causes. As regards measles, of which I shall treat when I have concluded ray remarks on the fever and diarrhoea, it was remarkable to me how favourably the children had it; not one suffered from bronchitis or pneumonia, and many not even from the symptoms of catarrh, for they had it in the tropics. We have had about ninety-four cases of diarrhoea, chiefly among the children.f We have had fifty-seven cases of fever among the emigrants,]; and three among the crew, making in all sixty. Of these, eighteen were cases of febricula or ephemeral fever —cases originating in the same poison germ acting on a healthier constitution, or one less fitted for the nutrition of the poison germ. Of these, eight cases have proved fatal—one of them being a sailor, the remainder emigrants. All the emigrants were adults, with the exception of one child who has died to-day. This child seemed to bo devoured by intestinal worms, of which he passed large numbers by the mouth and rectum. In discussing the causes of the mortality, we have to consider two points : first, the cause of the diseases ; secondly, the causes of the mortality from these diseases. First, as to the causes of the diseases, they are various. A. The people themselves, when they embarked, were the most sickly, unhealthy, underfed lot of people I had seen for many years. I made this remark to the inspecting medical officer, Mr. Humphreys. Ho replied that they would improve on the voyage. This was a mistake. So far from improving oil the voyage, the most unhealthy have died, and the remainder have been almost constantly suffering under one form or other of zymotic disease. They have been drawn, apparently without any kind of medical selection from the lowest class of agricultural labourers. They comprise a large number of consumptive persons ; many others who have been chronic invalids, and who have avowedly come out for the benefit of their health ; and the sickliest lot of children I ever saw, even in the out-patients' room of a London hospital. Pale, wan, flabby, scrofulous, and anemic, among all the fifty-three children there were not a dozen who would pass muster as robust or healthy. Many of these children came on board suffering from diarrhoea, all came from the very nests and haunts of epidemic ; all belong to that class amongst which epidemic diseases always begin, rage most fiercely, and prove most fatal. Illnourished, insufficiently clothed, these wretched children were piled into a compartment crowded with far more than its proper number, and this leads me on to the second cause of the mortality. * Which lias Bince broken —17th February. t I intend in a subsequent report to separate the children's cases from those of the adults. The former alone are fatal. Many if not most of these assumed a dysenteric character, blood and mucus being passed with much tenesmus. Of these five proved fatal—all being children weakly in themselves, and with one or both parents constitutionally weak. t P.S.—Up to the lGth.

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B. Over-crowding. —The Passengers Act requires for each adult 18 superficial feet clear: each child above one year and under twelve is reckoned as half an adult; each child above twelve is reckoned as an adult. By the wisdom of Parliament, a child under a year old is supposed not to require any breathing space at all; at least it is allowed none. We were berthed for 318 statute adults : 168 single men, 46 single women, and 104 married couples and children. The total length of the " 'tween-decks " appropriated to the emigrants is 1,503 feet, the average width is 32 feet 3 inches ; this gives a total area of 4,843 superficial or square feet. From this has to be deducted a storeroom for tho food of some birds sent out to the Canterbury Acclimatization Society, and which is very improperly situated in the " 'tween decks." This place is 5 feet by 5, and would thus be a deduction of 25 square feet from the area appropriated to the emigrants, leaving a net area of 4,818 square feet; this, divided by 18, gives a quotient of 267iJ, the total number of statute adults we ought to have carried, and fifty less than the number we brought. Now 18 superficial feet, with " 'tween decks " 8 feet high, gives a space of 144 cubic feet for each adult, an amount which every one knows is not half the very lowest requirements of the common lodging-houses. AVhen, however, we come to diminish this very inadequate quantity by one-sixth, and when into one compartment above seventeen children under one year old are thrust without any provision for their breathing, it is evident that every condition was present to generate disease, and that disease must occur. But this was not all, though not only were the people unhealthy to begin with, the children especially being sickly, but the berths were all placed so as to be closed completely at one end by the sides of the ship or by the bulkhead, leaving one opening for the eutrance of air. In the married compartment, even this opening was closed by a curtain. To this fatal curtain I attribute most of the deaths among the children. The habits of the people of the class from which these emigrants are taken is to shut themselves iv as closely as possible at night, with ever}- door and curtain closed round their beds. In spite of all remonstrances, they persisted in doing this on board ; and thus two adults and, in seventeen cases, an infant as well, were shut up all in a closed box 3 feet wide, 3| feet high, and 6 feet long, containing at the outside 83 cubic feet; or, deducting the space occupied by their bedding and their bodies, probably not more than 56 feet. In this worse than " Black-hole of Calcutta" they have been thrusting themselves every night, and, not content with the curtains, many hung up clothes the more effectually to exclude every access of fresh air. Of course, if the whole of the emigrants had drawn these curtains, they would all have been found dead in their berths together the morning afterwards. A considerable number —perhaps half —not only left the ends of their berths open, but slept with their heads at the open end. C. Another thing which contributed to the origination and spread of disease was the dirty habits of some of the emigrants. I had the greatest difficulty in getting the married compartment cleaned properly, and it was not- until I threatened to change the berths of all the dirty people and put them all on one side, and divide them into new messes, to be called " Dirty Mess " No. 1, 2, 3, &c, that I succeeded in getting proper cleanliness. Even this, however, could only extend to the washing of the decks and berths, and airing of the bedding. lam sorry to say that as regards personal cleanliness the exhortations I gave were fruitless. I believe that not one of the married women has had the whole or the greater part of her body washed for nearly three months. I set apart two hours in tho afternoon twice a week during which the married women were to have all the compartment to themselves, and all the men were to go on deck, so that the women might wash themselves all over at least twice a week. I regret to say that except on the first day, when I myself cleared the men out of the place, the women have never once availed themselves of this opportunity. The prejudices of the people against fresh air are so great, that even in the tropics, although we had awnings spread over the main deck, only a minority could be induced to sleep on deck, the majority preferring the hot berths below. Nevertheless the relief afforded by this detachment sleeping ou deck was so great that it put an end to the diarrhoea as an epidemic, for not only did those children who slept on deck recover rapidly, but those below, having a purer air to breathe, improved. To show how completely these children were poisoned by foul air, I may mention the case of Henry Smith. This child had been long suffering from diarrhoea; one night the child seemed so low that the parents thought he was dying, and sent for me. I had before begged them to take the child on deck at night; the father was willing, but the mother would not consent, protesting that she would not have her child " killed" by the night air. However she placed the child under the skylight, where the night air came down on him more than if he had been under an awning on deck. The result was that at 3 a.m., when I went below to see whether the child was dead or alive, I found it so much better that the parents had put it into the berth, and gone to bed themselves. In spite of this example of the benefit of the pure air, the mother would never take it upon deck after nightfall, and in a week the child died —killed simply and solely by foul air. D. Cause of the Epidemics. —l cannot attribute them to the water ; the tank water was rusty and dirty in appearance, but I have no reason to think that this water, which was delivered by one of the London AVater Companies, had received any previous sewage contamination. I tried to make microscopical examinations of it, but on the few occasions when I had leisure to use the microscope, I was unable in consequence of the rolling of the ship to make any examination of sufficient accuracy. It is pretty clear, however, from the mode in which the epidemic gradually grew and developed itself, that no agency acting so universally as the water could have been at fault. The typhoid epidemic was much more extensive among the single men than any other class, there having been among the cases a large majority of single men, although they do not form onehalf of the emigrants. This I believe to have been owing to the fact that the fore-hatchway affording the principal entry for air to their compartment, was situated between the two water-closets for men, and just in front of a pigstye, which at the first part of the voyage was very offensive; afterwards, on my urgent remonstrances, it was washed out more frequently. The indraught of air, as the vessel went forward, would of necessity draw in the emanations from these sources. Now, when it is remembered that there were upwards of 200 men, and only six closets, or rather two closets with three seats each, it must be obvious that some persons are constantly using the closets, and therefore that foecal smells must be constantly proceeding therefrom. The construction of the closets is the worst I ever

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saw—flat and shallow, there is no fall by which the soil can reach the sea without being washed down. Such were the causes to which I attribute this sickness. E. The mortality is easily accounted for. In proportion to the number of cases it is not large. As will be seen by the accompanying diagram, there were 384 cases of sickness registered. This is not inclusive of many cases occurring during the first fortnight of the voyage, as I was told that only cases of sickness requiring admission to hospital were to be recorded. I found, however, that the amount of sickness became so alarming that it was necessary to keep an accurate record of all cases, slight and severe. Not that I put down every person who applied for an aperient, but every case requiring a prescription has been registered since the 16th of November. Now, there have been sixteen deaths, being at the rate of 41G per cent, of the registered cases of sickness. Considering the nature of the epidemics, and the extreme difficulties under which a physician on board an emigrant ship labours as to the treatment of cases, the want of skilled nursiug, the want of proper food, and the continual movement and noises of the ship depriving the sick of rest, my only wonder is that so many have recovered. I must take upon myself to say that it has only been by an amount of constant attendance, day and night, which has nearly killed me. I have worked pretty hard during most of my professional life, but never as I have done during this voyage. I made a point of visiting bad cases always once or twice during the night, thus keeping the night-nurses on the gui vive. As to the particular cases, two of the children who were suffering from tuberculosis would probably have died at home. The mother of one of them was in an advanced state of consumption when, she embarked, and was suckling an infant of four months. I urged her to wean the infant, telling her that if she did not she would kill both the child and herself. She obstinately refused until she was reduced to death's door, when she weaned the infant, who caught the prevailing epidemic, and died of it. She has only been kept alive by the greatest care through three attacks of tubercular enteritis, and a constantly advancing tubercular disease of the lunga. She is just alive, and that is all. Another child (Mockfird) was, the mother states, declared to be consumptive by the doctor who attended it before embarkation. It was saturated with tubercle. Of the seven typhoid cases, a mortality of 123 per cent, on the 57 cases of fever among the emigrants, two would probably have died if treated on shore. One of these, Alfred Evans, came from a consumptive family ; he was attacked in the course of the disease by double pneumonia, which proved fatal. Evcn'on shore, if his life had been prolonged a few weeks, cheesy degeneration of the effused matter would in all probability have taken place, and he would have died, as so many do, of pulmonary phthisis, after typhoid fever. The other was a man who had suffered from frequent epileptic seizures before embarkation. He was attacked several times during the fever with cpileptiform seizures, and died in one of them. On post-mortem examination the brain and its membranes were found highly congested ; the arachnoid was scmi-opaquo, and a large quantity of serum effused beneath it and in the ventricles. The choroid plexuses were gorged with blood. The rest of the body was not examined as I was very ill at the time. The remaining cases proved fatal from the rolling and movement of the ship, and the want of proper food, &c. jf' 7. Preventive and Itemcdial Measures ialcen. —As soon as the epidemic of typhoid declared itself, the bedding was ordered to be taken on deck every day when the weather would permit, and the people were encouraged to wash their clothes every day. The berths and deck were all washed over with disinfecting fluid once a week, and disinfecting powder (carbolate of lime) sprinkled all over the decks every day. Special measures of disinfection were also taken as often as our stock would admit, such as fumigating with the vapours of carbolic acid, and generating chlorine gas in the compartment by the action of acids on chloride of lime. I was unable to use disinfectants as largely as I could have wished, on account of the smallness of the stock. They had been largely used during the first part of the voyage on account of the diarrhoea, and I was afraid of running short for the hospitals and waterclosets. For this reason mainly, when tho captain informed mo that he was short of coals and water, and would probably have to put in at the Cape for them, I wrote to him officially, strongly urging him to do so, in order to procure additional medical comforts, which were nearly exhausted : medicines, of many of which wo were quite out; and a large supply of disinfectants. We obtained 500 lbs. of chloride of lime and several gallons of carbolic acid at tho Cape. Tho former, however, disappointed me. Most of the jars were wet and very feeble indeed. Tho carbolic acid was, as long as it lasted, daily sprinkled under all the berths by means of a largo syringe, and the tables, forms, and decks were washed with the chloride. Basins full of the latter were kept constantly in tho hospital, and tho gas was frequently generated during the day by the addition of a little acid. By these means the spread of the disease has been greatly checked. A few days after leaving the Capo there was a large outbreak of fever, all of which had been in a state of incubation before we reached tho Cape; yet when the disinfectants had had lime to act, the next batch of cases was very much smaller, and only four required admission to hospital. Since then we have had no more except to-day,* when there aro two cases of which the diagnosis is at present doubtful. As soon as I had arrived at an absolute diagnosis in the first case of typhoid —John Chandler, — a caso which was certainly marked at first by the occurrence of a measles rash, there being measles at tho time among the single men, he was placed under a tent in the forecastle, both for the purpose of isolation and of giving kiin purer air than ho could have in the 'tween decks. The other cases, as they occurred, were placed with him. As the weather became rougher, it wan necessary to move tho tent to the roof of the house amidships in which the petty officers live. This, though not so good a situation as the forecastle, answered very well so long as the weather was fine and warm, and the number of cases in the tent did not exceed five. Of the first eleven cases only t>ne died —Alfred Evans, whom I have before alluded to. 1 never saw typhoid cases go on so well. None of their temperatures exceeded 40 Cent., and only rarely did they reach beyond 896 at night. When one of the single girls was attacked (L7th February), I asked the captain to rig out one of the boats as a tent for her. The case went on very well indeed, though the fever was a severe one, and the temperature for many days reached 40 C. in the mornings. Nevertheless she recovered without a bad symptom. * Written on tlu draft cm the 14th. I.S. 16th. The diagnosis il now confirmed as that Oi t/phoid. 10—D. 1.

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Afterwards, when the number of cases increased beyond all that we could possibly crowd in the tent, I was obliged (there being no other available space), to put the men in the 'tween decks, under the main hatchway. An hospital was built up there, and partitioned off from the single men's and married compartments, with a separate entrance. In this were twelve beds. The females were placed in the female hospital when the weather became too rough and cold for them to remain in the boat. In all the hospitals disinfectants were constantly and most abundantly used, and the strictest orders given (and I believe complied with) to place chloride of lime in the pan of the night stool before it was used. I have often been in the hospitals when patients have been using the stool, and never found any smell. The stools were thrown overboard immediately. The treatment adopted has been one with which I have had great success previously. It is that recommended by Dr. King Chambers, of St. Mary's, in his " Clinical Lectures." In an epidemic of typhoid at Trinidad, out of ninety cases treated by this plan, I only lost three. This epidemic and its treatment formed the subject of a paper of mine, read before the Royal Medical and Chirurgical Society of London, in November, 1868. I had previously treated of the causes of fever and other zymotic or germ diseases in a paper read before the same Society in 1857, entitled a " Statistical Inquiry into the Causes of Fever, Small-pox, Measles, and Scarlatina." The causes of the (in my practice) unusual mortality I attribute to the want of rest for the patients owing to the corstant motion of the vessel, and to the want of a proper diet. G. The measles epidemic afforded a curious and interesting proof that the normal incubation period (if such a term may be used) of germ diseases is modified very greatly by the intensity and dose of the poison. Two children, both of whom had just had measles —from one the rash had hardly disappeared —were admitted on board in the docks, and remained on board two days, mixing with all the other children, my own included. The disorder and confusion during the two days in dock were beyond all description; there was neither order nor discipline. Of all thrown in contact with them, only three of my own children caught the disease (the eldest had had measles previously) ; and a fortnight after we left England (the supposed normal incubation period), three of my children had measles rash. Although they were kept rigorously isolated in their cabin, and not allowed even on the poop until all danger of infection had passed, yet, a fortnight after they were attacked, eight children in the steerage were seized with the disease. Subsequently, at quite irregular times, twenty-two others were attacked. The last case occurred about five weeks ago. Thus, while the dose of contagion was moderate and diluted, it acted at the normal period; but when it became stronger, it varied in duration from eight to twelve days. None of the measles cases had any medicine ; none were fatal. I treated them with nothing, unless the mothers were unusually clamorous, when I gave the children some coloured water —a teaspoonful for a dose. After the rash had gone in, I gave all the children from one to three ounces of wine daily for a week. Their convalescence was all that could be desired. Owing to the unusual pressure of the typhoid epidemic and the fearful amount of sickness on board, I was obliged to suspend all school work, and the schoolmaster, a medical student who chanced to be coming out steerage, assisted me as dispenser. It would have been physically impossible for me to get through the work, and dispense as well. I saw on an average about fifty patients a day during all except the first week of the voyage. My time was occupied from half-past 9 till halfpast 12 or 1, or even later sometimes, in visiting and prescribing. I had writing to do in the afternoon, and in the evening my rounds used to occupy me from an hour to two hours. The wcjrk was most exhausting, owing to the amount of stooping in the tents, climbing, and clinging for one's footing. I trust the New Zealand Government will take these circumstances into consideration, and grant me some additional remuneration. When I undertook the duties of surgeon-superintendent, I of course understood that the number of passengers taken would be in accordance with the Act of Parliament, and not that 318 statute adults would be crammed into a space intended for 208. I also was informed that a careful medical examination was made of each person before he embarked, and that the emigrants were therefore picked lives. Instead of this, I found a miserably unhealthy lot of people. If they had come from the class of ordinary immigrants there would have been very much less sickness, as it is evidently the fact that, with two exceptions, all the serious cases were among the single men and married people, and not among the single girls. Had I known what I should have had to go through in anxiety of mind and hard work, no remuneration that could have been offered would have induced me to undertake the duties. I have had to go round when so ill that I could hardly crawl, and to get up at night when so worn out with fatigue and illness that no fee that could have been offered would have tempted me out of my bed. The illness from which I suffered was a most trifling one at the commencement, and might have been stopped at once by a day or two of rest ; but I could not get this, and consequently inflammation and abscess followed. At one time I was seeing patients very few of whom were so bad as myself. I had to engage to pay nurses to attend the fever cases. I was obliged to take this responsibility upon myself, after consultation with the captain, because we tried volunteer nursing as long as we could get a volunteer. I myself nursed for one night in order to encourage the others. The account of these nurses I will send in certified in a day or two. There are many other points which I shall have to notice in my subsequent report. I have, Ac, • Eoeeet H. Bakewell, M.D., To His Honor the Superintendent of M.E.C.S. Eng., &c, &c. the Province of Otago.

Enclosure 3 in No. 71. Repobt of the Commissionees appointed to inquire into Sickness on board the Ship " Charlotte Gladstone." Sic, — Custom House. Dunedin, 20th March, 1873. In conformity with instructions conveyed to us in a commission under the hand of His Excellency the Governor, dated 7th March, 1873, we have inspected the ship " Charlotte Gladstone,"

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now lying at the Railway Wharf, Port Chalmers, and have held an inquiry at Dunedin into the cause of sickness on board that ship during the vo3'age from Englaud to Port Chalmers, and into all matters referred to us for inquiry affecting the " Charlotte Gladstone," and the immigrants on board her. We have examined all available witnesses likely to throw any light on the subject, and append the evidence* taken by us, together with copies of the reports of the Surgeon of the ship, of the Immigration Commissioners at Dunedin, and of the Emigration Officer at Port Chalmers. We have now the honor to report as follows : — 1. The " Charlotte Gladstone," a wooden ship of 1,301 tons register, is unusually well adapted for carrying immigrants, owing to her dryness, her unusual height between decks, and her great breadth of beam. 2. The accommodation provided for immigrants was sufficient to meet the requirements of the Passenger Act, and ample openings for ventilation were provided; but the manner in which the berths were built against the sides of the vessel prevented the passage of such a free current of air as is necessary in a crowded ship. The minimum allowance of berth room under the Act, viz. eighteen inches for an adult, and three feet for a married couple (no extra allowance being made for a child under one year old), is not sufficient for reasonable comfort, decency, or health. In cases of illness, the want of room might prove very fatal. 8. The provisions put on board were good, except the medical drugs, which were very bad. These ought to be obtained from Apothecaries' Hall, or some establishment whose reputation would be a guarantee for their quality. 4. The water was good, and supplied in sufficient quantities, although the distilling apparatus was out of order at times on the voyage. 5. The bedding supplied to the immigrants was infamous refuse, apparently from dust heaps having been put up in clean ticking. Some of the immigrants thought that there was vermin in it, and one man positively swore that two days after sailing he threw his bedding overboard, as it was swarming with vermin. There is no doubt that many of the beds were thrown overboard early on the voyage, and that those who threw them over preferred sleeping on the boards of the bunks to keeping the beds. Every kind of disease might lurk in such material as these beds were made of. The blankets also were very bad. 6. The ship was not ready for passengers on the day fixed for embarkation, and cargo was received after they were on board. This is contrary to the conditions of contract between the Agent-General and Messrs. Shaw, Saville, and Co. ; but the confusion on board an emigrant ship on sailing appears insuperable from the system of embarking immigrants without collecting them previously at a depot. 7. The medical inspection was insufficient. It appears that, iv the case of nominated and selected emigrants, all that is required is a certificate from some medical man whom the emigrant may choose, before the contract ticket is given. And in the case of the Brogden emigrants, the medical examina-, tion was conducted by a medical man appointed by Messrs. Brogden, who examined the men only. The women and children of these emigrants do not appear to have been medically examined at all before embarkation. There is no examination of the emigrants collectively by any medical officer appointed by the Agency. The examination on board at Gravesend by the medical officer appointed by the Emigration Officer appears to be too much a matter of form. 8. The nominated and selected emigrants were a respectable and healthy set of people ; but those sent out for Mr. Brogden belonged, on the whole, to an inferior class, many of them of an underfed and sickly appearance, and with habits and manners which made them very unwelcome associates to the better class of emigrants. 9. The discipline on board was not sufficiently strict; many of the emigrants had very dirty habita, and lounging in the berths during the day was allowed in too many cases. There were one or two instances in which women kept their berths for several days, to the great discomfort and annoyance of their neighbours ; and it was usual for some of the single men to lie down in their berths during the day with their dirty boots on. The surgeon does not appear to have known how to manage the emigrants, or to keep them under necessary discipline, and the captain was not strict enough in enforcing it. 10. The measles that broke out on board early on the voyage were of a peculiarly mild type, and engendered no after bad effects; the serious illness and mortality on board were caused by diarrhoea assuming a dysenteric form, and by typhoid fever ; 16 deaths occurred among the immigrants on the voyage, and 4 in quarantine after arrival at Port Chalmers, Of these 20 persons who died, 10 were children; only 2 of these died of typhoid fever, the rest from the effects of diarrhoea and other causes. Of the 10 adults, 8 died of typhoid fever, the 2 others from other causes. One seaman died of typhoid fever. The surgeon reports 57 cases of fever amongst the immigrants, and 3 amongst the crew. It is, impossible to trace the outbreak of fever to any one cause ; but the following predisposing causes are sufficient to account for the illness on board, and for the mortality which ensued upon its outbreak: — The weak, underfed, and dirty condition of some of the emigrants. The disgraceful material of the bedding supplied. The presence on board of the pigs which were provided for the cabin table. Although efforts were made to keep the pig-styes clean, these pigs were a serious nuisance to the single men, as the styes were close to the hatchway opening into their compartment, and the effluvium was carried below. The pigs' dirt from the decks was also carried down on the men's boots. A strong Impression prevails amongst the emigrants that much of the illness was due to the presence of these pigs on board. The dirty habits of the emigrants, and the want of discipline, which should have been very strict in such a crowded ship. * The evidence is not printed, but laid upon the Table in manuscript for the information of Membors.

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11. The treatment of the invalids appears to have been as good and careful as possible under the circumstances. No complaint is made of any of the officers of the ship ; and the captain did his best to meet all the suggestions of the surgeon. The passengers appear to have had confidence in the surgeon, and he certainly devoted himself to his duties conscientiously and laboriously. Owing to ill health, and consequent depression, he was inclined to bo nervous about the state of health of the ship, and we think he failed in maintaining the strict discipline necessary ; but his medical treatment of the cases on board appears to have been good, and he spared no exertion, so far as his health would allow, in attending to his patients. The conclusions we have arrived at, after considering the evidence before us, is, that the system of shipping emigrants in England for New Zealand is faulty, and that most of the evils that have occurred in the case of the " Charlotte Gladstone," are attributable to the faulty system. In the first place, there ought to be a depot at the place of embarkation, where the emigrants should be collected at least a couple of days before they go on board, where the surgeon should take charge of them, and where they could be thoroughly inspected. If this depot could be established at Plymouth, and the emigrants put on board ship after the passage down the Channel, it would bo a great advantage, as ships always leave the docks more or less in a state of confusion. Under no circumstances should cabin passengers be allowed to be carried in emigrant ships. The presence of a different class of passengers interferes with the discipline necessary when so large a number of people are collected in a small space, and withdraws an undue proportion of the space required for exercise and hospital accommodation. JS ro hospital should be between decks. The best place for hospitals is under the poop, or in a deck-house. The absence of cabin passengers would obviate all necessity for carrying live stock, except a few sheep and poultry for invalids. Pigs ought not to be taken on board at all. More berth room should be allowed to each emigrant. In the case of married people the accommodation supplied is not only scanty, but is not sufficient for decency. The emphatic testimony of a respectable witness, who was an old settler in Otago, and who came out as a passenger in the " Charlotte Gladstone," is corroborated by what we have heard from other emigrants. He stated that friends of his, respectable married people, who wished to emigrate, declared, when they saw the arrangements for married people, that nothing would induce them to undergo such an ordeal; and he was satisfied that no respectable married woman, if she knew what was before her, would ever emigrate so long as the accommodation was such as is now provided. We believe this, and beg to urge upon the Government the advisability of providing at a slightly increased cost, a separate compartmant or cabin for each family. The cost need not be great, and the advantage of such an improvement would be incalculable. Finally, we beg to suggest, that so long as emigrants arc sent out by a private firm to meet the requirements of public works, they should be sent out separately from the emigrants nominated in the Colony or selected by the Agent-General. The former are gathered up from all quarters, without inquiry into their antecedents, and belong very often to the lowest classes of the community at home; whereas the latter generally belong to a respectable class of people, and suffer very acutely from indiscriminate association with a class beneath them in every respect. We have, &c, The Hon. the Minister for Immigration, Chas. C. Bowen. AVellington. James P. Maitland.

No. 72. Memoeandtfm No. G4, 1873, for the Agent-Geneeal, London. I foewaed herewith copy of a letter from Mr. ~F. A. Krull, agent for the ship " Brechin Castle," now in this port, in which he offers that vessel to the Government for charter to bring emigrants and cargo from London. As this ship has every facility for the accommodation of passengers, the Government request that you will give the offer (should it be repeated in London) your favourable consideration. Immigration Oißce, Wellington, New Zealand, G. Malice O'Koeke. • 14th April, 1873.

Enclosure in No. 72. Keull and Co. to the Undeb Seceetaet for Immigeation. Sib— Wellington, 9th April, 1573. The general dissatisfaction -which the service of Shaw Saville's line is giving, and the means that firm is reported to use in preventing other owners of vessels coming to these waters, has induced Captain Smith, of the splendid vessel the " Brechin Castle," 1,000 tons register, to offer his ship to load in London for any port of New Zealand on the following terms, viz.: —To bring 400 emigrants at £14 10s. per adult, and £2,000 freight for 900 to 1,000 tons of measurement and weight of goods which she carries. The superiority of the " Breehin Castle " over any vessel which has hitherto arrived with passengers is so palpable that it needs no comment. As Captain Smith has telegraphed to his owners his acceptance of a charter from Lyttelton, it would be necessary for him to telegraph in case of your accepting his offer, as otherwise the owners, Messrs. Gregor, Turnbull, and Co., Glasgow, might make other arrangements for the vessel. We have, &c, The Under Secretary, Immigration Department, Ketjll and Co. Wellington.

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No. 73. Memorandum No. 65, 1873, for the Agent-General, London. The various circumstances embodied in the reports of the Immigration Commissioners upon the ships which have arrived in the Colony under the administration of the London Agency, have led me to the conclusion that the charter-party might be materially modified in the direction of insuring the health and increasing the comfort of the immigrants. You will observe that the necessity of this is very fully borne out by the memorandum of the surgeon-superintendent of the " Charlotte Gladstone," " Forfarshire," and other ships, which conveyed a large number of immigrants, and which have been forwarded to you with other papers. Leaving the question generally to your own discretion, with a knowledge of tho sufferings and discomfort which have been almost universal in the ships engaged under the existing charter-party, I would especially point out certain matters which should without delay be remedied. 1. In ships of the character which seem to be exclusively employed in our service, the emigrants' deck should be considered for purposes of measurement for statute adults as the " lower passengers deck" of" The Passengers Act, 1855," and 18 clear superficial feet of deck allowed for each adult. 2. The hospitals should be on deck, either in the poop, round-house, or deck-house. 3. The issuing-room should not be on the "passengers' deck." It has been found impossible to keep the compartment in which the issuing-room is situated at all even decently clean, with 40 or 50 men tramping backwards and forwards several times a day. 4. Section 6 of the charter-party should be strictly enforced, and the ship in every way ready for the passengers twenty-four hours before their embarkation. 5. There should be a bathroom for the use of the married women and children. 6. The scale of rations should be altered, and salt provisions only issued twice a week ; Australian and New Zealand preserved moat is quite as cheap, and much more nutritious. Potatoes should be more frequently issued, and lime juice not only in the tropics, but during the whole voyage. Tho dietary scale for children should be as liberal as possible, and a small quantity of live stock should bo provided to be at the disposal of the surgeon-superintendent in case of sickness. I need scarcely refer to the case of the prosecution of the " Glenlora " to impress upon you the necessity of a close inspection of all stores shipped, any rubbish being apparently considered by the contractors as good enough for emigrants. 7. In the case of the "Bebington," your attention was especially called to the report of the Eoyal Commission appointed to inquire into the deaths on board that ship. I desire especially to impress upon you the necessity of carrying out the recommendation of the Commission re the supply of medical comforts, the alteration in the scale of medicines, and the desirability of all medicines and surgical appliances being obtained from Apothecaries Hall. 8. It appears to me very necessary, in order to protect the interests of the Colony, that to proportion of the passage money should be pa\ rable in the Colony after the arrival of the vessels. Under the present system we are entirely at the mercy of the contractors, having only, in case of serious lapses such as have occurred on board the " Forfarshire" and " Glenlora," a remedy against the captain personally, who, in the first instance mentioned at all events, was entirely exonerated from blame. Immigration Office, Wellington, New Zealand, G. Maueice O'Horke. 12th April, 1872.

No. 74 Memorandum No. 66, 1873, for the Agent-General, London. Herewith is forwarded copy of a letter from Mr. James A. Waleott, agent for Messrs. Gibbs, Bright, and Co., with reference to the conveyance of emigrants per steamers, via Cape of Good Hope. You have been already informed, in telegram of 12th April, that the Government think it desirable that all emigrants for New Zealand should come direct. Immigration Office, New Zealand, "Wellington, G. Maurice O'Rorke. 12th April, 1873.

Enclosure 1 in No. 74. Mr. James A. Walcott to the Hon. tho Minister for Immigbatioit, Wellington. Sic,— Wellington, 28th Mareli, 1873. I have the honor, on behalf of Messrs. Gibbs, Bright, and Co., of Liverpool, and other gentlemen .associated with them in the formation of a company to run a line of full-powered steamers between England and Australia, to submit for your consideration the following proposal for conducting immigration between England and New Zealand. The gentlemen above referred to, propose to build a fleet of six steamers of s,oooitons each, to be fitted with all the most modern improvements in machinery, so as to steam the distance between Liverpool and Melbourne in 40 to 42 days, and to be provided with accommodation for a large number of passengers. It is proposed that one of the steamers should leave Liverpool«very month, and on arrival in Hobson's Bay they would be met by branch steamers to convey the immigrants for other Colonies to their respective destinations. The Company would be prepared to conduct the immigration between England and New Zealand at a low through rate of passage money, and with the view of meeting any objection that might be raised on the ground of the vessels stopping at an intermediate port, would agree to forego payment of the passage money of any immigrants who left the ship at Hobson's Bay. I may be permitted to point out to you that the advantages offered by steamers of the class above

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mentioned would be very great indeed, and would, I believe, altogether remove the prejudice that now exists amongst the labouring classes at home to making a long sea voyage. The Government would also be saved the expense of providing doctors, matrons, &c, as these ships would be complete in all their arrangements, and every convenience that experience has shown to be necessary or conducive to the safety and health of a large number of passengers would be provided. I may also be allowed to mention that vessels of the class proposed could not possibly find profitable employment in the New Zealand trade alone ; and I venture, therefore, to express the hope that if in other respects such an arrangement can be made as shall meet the views of the Government, the mere fact of these steamers stopping at Melbourne will not be regarded as an insuperable objection. Should the proposal I have had the honor to submit fail to meet the views of the Government, I shall be prepared to submit to my principals any counter proposals; or if the negotiation is left in the hands of the Agent-General, I have every confidence that he could conclude an arrangement with my friends Messrs. Gibbs, Bright, and Co. I have, &c, James A. Walcott, (of Bright, Brothers, and Co., Dunedin).

Enclosure 2 in No. 74. The Hon. G. M. O'Eorke to Mr. J. A Walcott. Sic,— Immigration Office, Wellington, 12th April, 1873. I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of the 28th March, offering, on behalf of Messrs. Gibbs, Bright, and Co., of Liverpool, to convey Government immigrants to New Zealand by a line of steamers running from Liverpool to Melbourne, and transhipping the New Zealand immigrants from Melbourne to New Zealand by a branch steamer. Your proposal has been submitted to the Cabinet, by whom it has been decided, after mature consideration, that Government emigrants to New Zealand must be conveyed thither direct from the port of embarkation, and that on no account could the touching at an intermediate port in Australia be sanctioned. I have, &c, James A. Walcott, Esq., of Bright Bros, and Co., G. Maurice O'Eorke. Dunedin.

No. 75. Memorandum No. 67, 1873, for the Agent-General, London. Herewith: is forwarded a letter from Mr. E. W. U'Ken, under cover of a Memorandum from His Honor the Superintendent of Otago, and I have to request that you will be good enough to give effect to the recommendation of His Honor. Immigration Office, Wellington, New Zealand, G-. Maueice O'Eorke. 12th April, 1873. Enclosure in No. 75. Mr. E. W. U'Een' to His Honor J. Macandeew. Sir,— Dunedin, Ist April, 1573. I beg to ask your kind assistance in having my wife and family brought from England to Dunedin. Myself and three sons have been in this Province five years ; and although wo have not been fortunate in business, we believe in the future of the Colony, and desire the remainder of our family to be hero with us. They consist of eight persons, namely, wife age forty-five; three daughters, from thirteen to nineteen; one son, fourteen; two daughters and one son, six to ten; and one son, twenty-four, who goes home to conduct them out. I wish to have them kept together as a family, that the young women may be under the immediate care of their mother and brother, instead of being separated on board ship. They will be prepared to pay the ordinary amount as Government emigrants, and the cost of partitioning oft' their berths from the general steerage, but have not cash to pay passage as superior class. If it be deemed any advantage, I have no doubt but that my son's representation of the Province, coupled with the position we formerly held in England, I having employed nearly 200 men over twenty years, would induce many families to come here. My son, Eobert Wells U'Een, leaves by the ship " City of Dunedin," bound for London, and expects to sail in a few days. He will call at the Immigration. Office, Westminster, on his arrival, before going to Cornwall where his mother and family reside. I have, &c, His Honor J. Macandrew, Esq., Superintendent of Otago, E. M. U'Een. New Zealand. Memorandum by Mr. Macandrew. As the persons proposed to be brought out are resident in Cornwall, it would be more convenient for them to embark at London or Portsmouth than from Glasgow. Perhaps, therefore, the Minister for Immigration will be good enough to advise the Agent-General so as to comply with the request

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herein contained. Ido not know how far the request may be compatible with the regulations, but would strongly advise that if necessary the regulations should be stretched in order to comply. Bth April, 1873. J. Macandeew.

No. 76. Memorandum No. 68, 1873, for the Agent-Generax, London. Herewith: is forwarded copy of a Memorandum which I felt it my duty to address to the Cabinet re the perfunctory manner in which the Emigration Officers in London appear to perform their duties Copies of the evidence in the cases of the " Forfarshire " and " Glenlora " have been transmitted to" His Excellency accordingly. Immigration Office, Wellington, New Zealand, G. Maukice O'Eorke. 12th April, 1873.

Enclosure in No. 76. Memorandum for the Cabinet. As it appears to me, from the evidence given in the liesident Magistrate's Court in the recent prosecutions against the masters of the ships " Forfarshire " and " Glenlora," that the Emigration Officers in the United Kingdom performed their duties in a very perfunctory manner, I recommend that copies of the evidence in each of these cases should be forwarded to|His Excellency the Officer Aministering the Government, with a request that he will transmit the same to the Imperial Government. Immigration Office, Wellington, 3rd April, 1873. G. Maurice O'Eorke.

No. 77. Memorandum No. 70, 1873, for the Agent-General, London. Herewith is forwarded copy of a letter from His Honor the Superintendent of Hawke's Bay, relative to a Prussian settler, named C. H. Knaup, who has proceeded to Europe with the purpose of introducing beetroot-growers and sugar-boilers into that Province. I have to request that you will afford Mr. Knaup and his friends every assistance in your power, and, if necessary, advance the requisite funds, in accordance with Mr. Ormond's proposals. Immigration Office, Wellington, New Zealand, G. Maurice O'Roeke. 12th April, 1873.

Enclosure in No. 77. His Honor J. D. Ormond to the Hon. the Minister for Immigration. Sir, — Superintendent's Office, Napier, 3rd April, 1873. A Prussian settler from this Province named Charles H. Knaup, proceeded to Europe a month or two ago, with the intention of returning with several families of his relations and friends whose occupation has been that of beetroot-growers and sugar-boilers. He proposes to carry out that industry in this Province, and I shall be obliged if the Government will instruct the Agent-General to give Mr. Knaup and his friends every assistance in his power. As tho Province is especially adapted for beetroot-growing, and the establishment of such an industry is most desirable, I shall be willing, if necessary, to pay out of Provincial funds any unusual expense which may have to be incurred in bringing these people from Prussia to the immigrant ship ; the money to be repaid by the immigrants, and promissory notes taken for it. Ido not, however, expect that unusual aid will be necessary, as Knaup represented to me that he expected his friends would be in a position to pay necessary expenses, and also to purchase and bring out the necessary plant for carrying on their business. Should the Agent-General find they are not in a position to purchase the necessary plant, seed, &c, I should desire he would cause the same to be purchased at the cost of this Province, and sent out consigned to the Province, on the understanding with the immigrants that the plant, &c., would be at their disposal, subject to security for the return of the outlay within a reasonable time. I have, Ac., J. D. Ormond, The Hon. Minister of Immigration, Wellington. Superintendent.

No. 78. Memorandum No. 71, 1873, for the Agent-Geneeal, London. Herewith is forwarded copy of remarks submitted by His Honor the Superintendent of Auckland on the subject of the class of immigrants most suited for that Province. I agree with His Honor that the small-farmer class would be a most desirable acquisition ; and the offer of grants of land—forty acres for every person eighteen years of age and upwards —ought to be an inducement to that class i 0 emigrate to Auckland. But at the same time 1 must point out that, failing to obtain this class, you must not consider that you are authorized to discontinue sending the ordinary class of emigrants ■which you have been directed to forward to this and other parts of the Colony. His Honor's lette r j s submitted to you as an indication that, if obtainable, the class of emigrants he suggests for his Provi nce is to have the preference. You will observe certain discrepancies in the letter, when touching upon th

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labouring classes, which I confess lamat a loss to explain. For instance, His Honor states : —" These considerations account for the fact that a large quantity of mere labour cannot be rapidly absorbed— a few hundred could be at once in the settled districts extending from Auckland to and including the Waikato ; but it would take time ere the filtration to the out-districts could take place." But a little further down the following view is expressed:—" I have no doubt that the Province is capable of absorbing as great a number of labour immigrants as any other portion of the Colony of the same population;" and finally, "of first-class agricultural labourers also several hundreds would find immediate employment, as well as a steadily increasing number." I am thus explicit on the point in order that you may not be misled into the idea that this Government desires any reduction to be made in the 3,500 immigrants ordered for the Province of Auckland for the current year. I quite concur in His Honor's views that the greatest care is requisite in the selection of the immigrants. Those able and willing to work, and of good character, cannot fail to command employment at present in the Colony. In another Memorandum I have intimated to j'ou that you are no longer required to restrict emigration so that immigrants should only arrive in the spring and summer months. Immigration Office, Wellington, 14th April, 1873. G. Maubice O'Eoeke.

Enclosure 1 in No. 79. His Honor T. B. Gillies to the Hon. the Colonial Seceetaey. Sir, — Superintendent's Office, Auckland, 22nd February, 1873. In pursuance of the promise contained in my letter to you of the 30th December ultimo, I have now the honor to lay before you some remarks on the subject of immigration to this Province. I should have sooner done so, but considerations of health necessitated my absence from Auckland for a time, and since my return public duties prevented my indulging in the reduction of my views to writing. To explain my ideas fully and accurately would occupy too much of my time and yours ; aud I would therefore ask you to consider the following remarks rather as a summary than as a full exposition, and as applicable to immigration to the Province of Auckland specially. Each Province has its own peculiarities as to its capacities for receiving and absorbing immigrants, and it is only upon a thorough knowledge and appreciation of these peculiarities that any successful system of Colonial immigration can be carried on. The peculiarity of this Province (I speak from some little knowledge of all the Provinces) is its special adaptation for the location of small settlers, in contra-distinction to (on the one hand) the settler who has capital and the desire to acquire large estates, in order to amass wealth, and to (on the other hand) the mere labourer, whose sole capital is his muscle, and who for years must depend on the capitalist for employment. Not that either of these two classes would, in judicious numbers, fail to find successful outlets for their energies, especially the latter, but that the peculiarity of this Province as distinguished from all other portions of New Zealand, is its adaptability for the small settler—the man who, having sufficient capital to tide over the first year or two of a settler's life, aims not at making a fortune, but at creating by his own industry a comfortable home for himself and his children after him. This peculiarity arises from two causes: First, the geographical features of the country; and, secondly, from the position of its lands available for European settlement, as related to the lands still held by the aboriginal owners. Both of these causes have largely influenced the character of the settlement of this Province hitherto, and must continue to do so. The geographical features to which I refer are —(1.) The absence of large continuous tracts of really good lands for settlement. There exists a large quantity of good settlement land, but scattered in small patches, with very inferior land between; (2) the existence of these settlement lands in the neighbourhood of navigable streams, estuaries, bays, or harbours with which the Province abounds; (3) the great north and south length of the Province, compared with its width —extending as it does over nearly five degrees of latitude, more than one-third the length of the whole Colony; (4) the timbered character of the country, and the almost entire absence of naturally grassed lands. These features have caused, and will still necessitate, attempts to proceed in an irregular and isolated manner, rather than in a more systematic manner. Here again the acquirement of lands from the Natives has been as irregular as the natural features, and with similar consequences. A block of a few thousand acres here, and another of a few thousand there (and these interspersed by Native reserves), has been the rule, without any continuity of purchase. And these isolated blocks have seldom had more than a small proportion of good settlement land in each. These, and other almost as important causes, to which I cannot at present advert, have caused the settlement of the Province to take the form of scattered isolated settlements. I need only enumerate Ahipara, Kaitaia, Mongo, nui, Wangaroa, Hokianga, Waimate, Kawakawa, Russell, Wangarei, Waiau, Albertland, WaipuMangawai, Omaha, Matakana, Mahurangi, Puhoi, the Wade and several other settlements less isolated, ".11 north of the city of Auckland, whilst such isolated settlements are scarcely less numerous around the coast to the south, the interior being (except the Waikato) possessed by the Natives. These considerations account for the fact that a large quantity of mere labour cannot be rapidly absorbed. A small quantity — i.e. a few hundreds—could be at once absorbed in the settled districts, extending from Auckland to and including the Waikato ; but it would take time before the filtration to the out-districts could take place. On the other hand, these conditions are eminently favourable to the location of small settlers dependent on their own family exertions rather than on hired labour, and the formation of small special settlements of immigrants united together by common ties of local origin, or of social or religious views. The variety of climate, of scenery, of lands, and of water, is such as to present inducement to every variety of taste. Every encouragement should therefore be given to the small settler class in your immigration arrangements for this Province, especially such as are familiar with bush work aud fishing. As to labour immigration, I have no doubt that this Province is

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capable of absorbing as great a number of labour immigrants as any other portion of the Colony of the same population ; but these would require to be introduced with greater care, and more gradually than to other Provinces, otherwise a glut of the labour market, with its attendant evil consequences, would result. Of female servants, both town and country, a large immediate number and a continuous stream could be absorbed. Of first-class agricultural labourers, also, several hundred would find immediate employment, as well as a steadily increasing number. A small number of experienced miners would find ready employment on the gold fields, coal mines, and other similar industries; whilst a few labourers having a knowledge of special trades, such as vine, tobacco, hop, beet &c. culture, and their further processes, would meet with ready employment. Ordinary mechanical artisans are not much required, though good hands will always find employment, especially those who have a knowledge of peculiar branches of their respective trades. I would respectfully urge upon the Government the necessity for greater care being taken than hitherto in the selection of the special classes of immigrant:-', suitable for special localities, and for maintaining a continuous stream to this Province, rather than furnishing large numbers at irregular periods. Some attention should also be paid to providing for their arrival iv the spring and summer months in greater numbers than at other periods, labour being then in more request. The supervision of single women on board ship should also be specially attended to. The arrangements on board the last arrival here, the " Warwick," were anything but conducive to morality. I shall not further detain you by pointing out the capabilities of the Province as a field for capitalists, as that class are generally able to judge for themselves. Should you desire my views more in detail on any particular point, I shall bo glad to furnish them. I have, &c, T. B. Gillies, The Hon. the Colonial Secretary, Wellington. , Superintendent.

Enclosure 2 in No. 78. The Hon. G. M. O'Eoeke to His Honor the Superintendent of Auckland. Sic, — Immigration Office, Wellington, 14th April, 1873. I have the honor to inform you that I have forwarded to the Agent-General copy of your remarks on the class of immigrants that your Honor deems most suitable for the Province of Auckland, and I have directed him, in pursuance of those remarks, to give the preference, in selecting immigrants for your Province, to the small-farmer classes. At the same time I thought it right to inform him that, if he could not obtain the particular class of immigrants you desired, he was to make up the number ordered (3,500) out of the ordinary class of emigrants which he distributes throughout the rest of the Colony. In regard to immigrant labourers to Auckland, your observations appear to me contradictory. First, you state, " These considerations account for the fact that a large quantity of mere labour cannot be rapidly absorbed. A small quantity, i.e. a few hundreds, could be at once absorbed in the settled districts extending from Auckland to and including the Waikato." Second, A little further on your language is, " I have no doubt that this Province is capable of absorbing as great a number of labour immigrants as any other portion of the Colony of the same population." I have acted on this latter opinion, and requested the Agent-General not to let the Province of Auckland fall short of the number of immigrants previously ordered. With regard to the labour market being glutted, I think it would be the duty of the General Government, on being requested to do so by the Provincial authorities, to stop emigration to Auckland, in order to prevent such evil consequences arising as you apprehend. This, of course, can be done much more'speedily now by cable than it could a short time ago. I have, &c., His Honor the Superintendent, Auckland. G. Maurice O'Koeke.

No. 79. Memorandum No. 72, 1873, for the Agent-General, London. Hating addressed various Memoranda to you by the outgoing mail on particular subjects, I now desire to address you on general subjects relating to the present state of immigration to this Colony. I regret to have to state that a feeling of very great; uneasiness pervades not only the Government but the public at large at the paucity of immigrants arriving in comparison with the number ordered. lam very loth to have to make such frequent complaints on this head, but it is only right that you should be apprised of the difficulties which the Government foresee impending over the Colony unless it receives a largo accession to its population by means of immigration during the present year. It is the opinion of the Minister of Public Works, as you will learn from a Memorandum drawn up by him and approved of by the Cabinet, that unless something like the number of immigrants ordered are landed here this year, a stoppage of the public works will probably ensue, and you have been requested to acquaint the Government, by cablegram, whether you are of opinion that you will be able to land the requisite number in the Colony during the year. In order that there may be no doubt as to the number expected, I place it before you, with the distribution among the Provinces. I think it also requisite to do this as the number has been considerably increased since it was originally fixed at 8,000. It now nearly reaches 13,000, as follows: — 11—D. 1.

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Auckland 3,500 Taranaki ... ... ... ... ... ... •■■ 150 Hawke's Bay ... ... ... ... ... ... ... 750 "Wellington ... ... ... ... ... • ... ... 1,250 Nelson ... ... ... ... ... ... ... 100 Marlborough ... ... ... ... ... ... ... 100 Canterbury ... ... ... ... ... ... ... 2,812 Otago ... ... ... ... ... ... ... 4,062 12,724

It is the opinion of the Government that this number of immigrants is absolutely required to save the scheme of Public Works from jeopardy during the year. Increased exertions on your part are indispensable to enable the Colony to meet the demands on the labour market, not only on account of public works, but also to enable the ordinary agricultural and pastoral pursuits of settlers to be carried on with reasonable prospects of success. "Writing from such a distance, it is impossible for me to gauge the difficulties you have to contend with in inducing a stream of emigration to this Colony, but I am informed, by gentlemen recently returned from Australia, that Lhe Queensland Government have no difficulty in procuring any amount of emigrants they require. A special cablegram has been sent to you urging upon you to offer as liberal terms, if not more so, than they do, in the shape of free passages to suitable classes of immigrants. This authority was given to you five mouths ago, and has been repeated since; you have not hitherto availed yourself of it; and in now directing you to keep yourself on a level with competing colonization bodies, I have only this instruction to give, that the grant of free passages should carry with it a very stringent supervision of the emigrants, with regard to capability of work, health, and character. In addition to this remission of cost of passages, the Government propose by the next Suez Mail to submit to you a scheme of making free grants of land to the extent of £20 to those immigrants who pay the cost of their own passage. When the scheme is matured the substance of it will be sent to you by cablegram, so that you will be in a position to act on it by the time you receive this. Turning to another subject, I observe by the accounts you recently furnished to the Treasury, that you have increased the salary of Messrs. Birch, Parnall, and Seaton, from 18s. per diem to £700 per annum. You have not favoured the Government with any explanation of your reason for doing so, and in addition to this, you have granted back pay to these gentlemen from their arrival in England, to the following amounts: —To Mr. Birch, £175 11s. Id.; to Mr. Seaton, £170 18s. Bd.; to Mr. Farnall, £114 ss. sd. In the absence of any explanation from you of the reasons for more than doubling their original salaries and granting this back-pay, I can only say that these increases of pay are unsatisfactory to the Government, and are sure to be so to the House of Representatives. These gentlemen went home, as I understand it, primarily on private business, with a recommendation that you should avail yourself of their services during a temporary stay in the United Kingdom. Any obligation that may have been incurred by the Government in recommending, and by you in employing them, has, in the opinion of the Government, been now fulfilled, and the Government devolves upon you the responsibility of saying whether you consider the services of these gentlemen as emigration agents should be retained. Salaries of £700 per annum will not be passed. If you desire to retain their services at the salaries you originally fixed, and report from time to time the results of those services, the Government, if satisfied with the benefits accruing to the Colony from their exertions, would not decline to listen to recommendations based on the advantages obtained. If these gentlemen are engaged in any important scheme of emigration, as I learn from His Honor the Superintendent of Auckland Mr. Farnall is at present, and of which I have advised you by this mail, I do not desire that he or any of them should be stopped short in accomplishing their respective objects, if, in your opinion, they are likely to succeed. What the Government desires is, that their Agent-General should bear the whole responsibility of the conduct of immigration, leaving to him the power of appointing or removing sub-agents. Salaries of £300 a year and upwards should receive the sanction of the Government. Tou will have learned by cablegram of an offer made by the representative of the firm of Gibbs, Bright, and Co., at Dunedin, Mr. Walcott, to convey emigrants for New Zealand by way of Melbourne, transhipping emigrants thence by steamer to New Zealand. He proposed, as a safeguard against our emigrants being intercepted at Melbourne, that pnyment should be only made for the passages of those landed in this Colony; but the Government are of opinion that no proposal to carry emigrants to this Colony by steamers should be entertained, unless they were borne direct from the port of embarkation. This, I may observe, is in accordance with the views you expressed in your letter communicating to the Government your report on your endeavour to charter the " Great Britain " for the conveyance of Government emigrants to New Zealand. The Government entertain a strong opinion against the stoppage of vessels conveying their emigrants at intermediate ports, and desire that, in accordance with the views you have expressed on the subject, you will refuse to treat with any steam shipping company, unless they run direct to New Zealand. The only other matter I shall allude to is, that the Government see the force of your representation that if you are debarred from landing emigrants in New Zealand during the winter, your operations will practically be reduced to sending out emigrants during six months of the year, on account of the indisposition of emigrants to leave home during the winter months, and the prohibition of sending them out during the spring months, which would involve their landing here during our winter months. This restriction on the despatch of emigrants is now removed, as you have before this learned by cablegram of 12th April instant. G-. Matteice O'Eobke.

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No. 80. Memorandum No. 74, 1873, for the Agent-Geneeal, London. Herewith is forwarded copy of a letter addressed by the Superintendent of Auckland to the Colonial Secretary, under date 4th April instant, respecting a body of immigrants with whom Mr. Farnall has been negotiating. The leader of the body, which consists of from forty to fifty families of the farmer class, is represented to be a gentleman of means and position, and the whole party to be possessed of sufficient capital to enable them to start independently of Government aid beyond the ordinary land grants to immigrants in the Province of Auckland. " The Auckland Waste Lands Act, 1870," copies of which I furnished when writing to you on the subject of establishing a settlement of Moravians at Mongonui, permits every person eighteen years of age and upwards to occupy forty acres of land, the maximum to one family being limited to 200 acres. The occupier is bound to survey his land, and must continue in hona fide occupation for three years, and have one-fifth of his land then cultivated. He is then entitled to his grant. The General Government proposes, if the Superintendent is unable to set apart 10,000 acres of first-rate land for the projected settlement, to undertake the task. They think that Tauranga would form a very eligible site, as the land is good, harbour good, distance from the Thames Gold Fields short, and steamers running regularly to and from Auckland. I propose a block of 10,000 acres in order that these immigrants may have ample room of choice of selection, and would endeavour to enlarge the block to, say, 20,000 acres, if I thought the first body would bo supplemented by the relations or friends of the pioneer immigrants. I most earnestly entreat you to leave no stone unturned to accomplish this project of emigration which Mr. Farnall has brought under the notice of the Superintendent of Auckland, and by him so warmly approved. Immigration Office, Wellington, New Zealand, G. Maubice O'Roeke. 14th April, 1873.

Enclosure in No. 80. His Honor T. B. Gillies to the Hon. the Colonial Secbetaey. Sic, — Superintendent's Office, Auckland, 4th April, 1873. I annex the copy of a letter just received from Mr. Farnall relative to the immigration of a very valuable body of settlers to this Province, together with a copy of my reply thereto. The importance of obtaining and settling on good land such a large body of practical settlers can scarcely be over estimated, and I think you will agree with me that no niggardliness in regard to grants of land should be allowed to interfere with the prospect of obtaining them. From private information, I have reason to believe that the movement of so many families hinges greatly on the one leader, and it seems to me that a special grant of land beyond 300 acres would be well bestowed on such a person. This could only be done, so far as I can see, by the Governor taking the lands which might be selected by these immigrants under section Cl of the Act of 1871, and then making regulations for their occupation on the special conditions agreed upon under section 65 of the same Act. In like manner, should these immigrants desire to settle on confiscated lands at Tauranga or elsewhere, these lands could be proclaimed waste lands under section 22 of the Act of 1870, and then retaken and regulations made under the above sections of the Act of 1871. I shall feel obliged by your informing me, as soon as possible, whether your Government arc prepared to give effect to the wishes of the Provincial Government in this matter, as intimated in my letter to Mr. Farnall, so that I may inform him by next mail. I may add that I have reason to believe that the immigrants referred to would be ready to embark in July or August first, and have all but made up their minds to come to the Province of Auckland, the main attraction to them being the Homestead law of 1870. I have, &c, . Tiiomas B. Gixlies, The Hon. the Colonial Secretary, Wellington. Superintendent. Sub-Enclosure to Enclosure in No. 80. Mr. Faenall to His Honor the Superintendent of Auckland. Sic,— 24 Corporation Street, Belfast, 6th February, 1873. I. have been in communication with a gentleman of some standing and influence in this country who has made \ip his mind to emigrate to New Zealand, but has not quite decided in what Province to settle. He will be accompanied by forty or fifty families of the farmer class, all of them with sufficient means to settle down and commence farming on their own account; an Episcopalian clergyman and a doctor will also be of the party. The gentleman I refer to is desirous of knowing what terms in the shape of land grants will be allowed him and his party should he ultimately decide upon settling in the Province of Auckland. I have informed him that, under the terms of " The Auckland Waste Lands Act, 1870," each adult will be allowed forty acres in the Province of Auckland, provided that no family claims more than 300 acres, and I have explained the terms under which Crown grants will be issued for land so selected. He and those going with him are quite satisfied with thess terms, but would like to have their land in one block, and he considers that he is entitled to a large selection. You will oblige me, therefore, by informing me whether the Provincial Government of Auckland are prepared to offer terms of this nature to a gentleman emigrating from this country and settling in the Province of Auckland, and who takes with him a certain number of families. I have addressed the Agent-General on this subject, but

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have not yet received a reply; and as I imagine that this is a question that directly affects our own Province, circumlocution may be avoided by addressing myself at once to you. I have, &c, His Honor the Superintendent, Auckland. Haeey Wabneb Paenall.

No. 81. Mejioeanduxi No. 79, 1573, for the Agent- Geneeal, London. I forward herewith copy of a letter from the Superintendent of Canterbury, transmitting a resolution passed by the Timaru and Gladstone Board of Works, requesting that a vessel should be sent direct to Timaru with from 200 to 300 emigrants every six months, and I shall feel obliged if you will take such steps as you may deem necessary for complying with the resolution—such emigrants to be deemed a portion of those allotted to the Province of Canterbury for the current year. Immigration Office, Wellington, New Zealand, G-. Maueice O'Eoske. 22nd April, 1873.

Enclosure in No. 81. His Honor W. Holleston to the Hon. the Colonial Seceetabt. Superintendent's Office, Sib,— Christchurch, Canterbury, N.Z., 26th March, 1873. I have the honor to' forward, for the information of the General Government, copy of a letter from the Timaru and Gladstone Board of Works, respecting immigration to Timaru. I have, &c, W. Eolleston, The Hon. the Colonial Secretary, Wellington. Superintendent. Sub-Enclosure to Enclosure in No. SI. Mr. E. IT. Tate to the Provincial Seceetaet, Christchurch. Sib,— Timaru and Gladstone Board of Works, 14th March, 1873. I have the honor to hand you copies of resolutions passed at the last meeting of the Board respecting immigration. With reference to the second, respecting the state of the Immigration Barracks, I may explain that this refers to the old Immigration Barracks, which is in a very dilapidated condition. The old hospital is at present used for the Immigration Barracks, and is arranged to accommodate twenty adults comfortably ; but if so many as two hundred immigrants arrive at once, it will be necessary to use both the present and the old barracks. lam informed that sixty adults can be housed in the present barracks at a pinch ; it will therefore be necessary to provide further accommodation. The following is the text cf the resolutions referred to above : — " That this Board is of opinion that from two to three hundred emigrants should be forwarded direct to Timaru every six months, after the shipment to arrive in November next." "That the attention of the Provincial Government bo drawn to the present disgraceful state of the Immigration Barracks in Timaru." I have, &c, Ebwaed H. Tate, The Provincial Secretary, Christchurch. Secretary.

No. 82. Memoeandttji No. 80, 1873, for the Agent-Geneeal, London. I foewaed herewith the report of the Immigration Commissioners upon the ship " Lutterworth," which arrived at Port Chalmers on the sth instant. I am sure you will be pleased to learn that the Commissioners were satisfied with the fittings and ventilation of this vessel, although they had reason to find fault with the galley as being rather small for the number of passengers on board. You have been already informed by cablegram of the arrival of this vessel. Immigration Office, "Wellington, New Zealand, G. Maueice O'Eoeke. 22nd April, 1878. Enclosure in No. 82. Eepoet by Emigration Cojimissionebs on Ship " Lutterworth." Sib, — Immigration Office, Dunedin, 12th April, 1873. "We have the honor to report that the ship " Lutterworth " arrived in port on the sth instant, after a passage of 85 days. She brought equal to 98 statute adults, consisting of 89 males, 7 females, and 4 children ; one adult male died on the passage, from liver disease. The ship arrived in port in fine order, and, on inspection, we found her well fitted and ventilated in every compartment. Wo were fully satisfied that all the requirements of the Act were complied with, and, on inquiry, the immigrants had no complaints to adduce as to the provisions supplied, or against the officers who were intrusted with the carrying out of the regulations on the voyage. We, however, had reason to find fault with the passengers' galley, as being rather small for cooking for the number on board ; but as the cook

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assured us the provisions were always cooked at the regular hours appointed for meals, and the immigrants made no complaints, we did not think it necessary to take any further notice of the matter. The immigrants, who were all selected by Messrs. Brogden, appeared to us a better and more orderly class than those imported in previous ships. They were not allowed to land in Dunedin, being transhipped in a steamer under the inspection of the Immigration Officer, and conveyed under his charge to Moeraki on the coast, to be employed on the railway now being made by Messrs. Brogden from Oamaru to that port. We have, &c, David O'Donoghue, 7 ■ ■ The Under Secretary, W.Thomson, } Commusioners. Immigration Office, Wellington. Sic, — Immigration Office, Dunedin, 13th April, 1873. We hereby testify that the captain and officers of the ship " Lutterworth " have performed their duties most satisfactorily on the voyage from London to Otago, and that they are entitled to the gratuities assigned to them. We have, &c, David O'Donoghtje, ~\ Wm. Thomson. V Commissioners. The Under Secretary, Colin Allan, ) Immigration Office, Wellington.

No. 83. Memoeandum No. 81, 1873, for the Agent-Geneeal, London. I foewaet) herewith report of the Immigration Commissioners upon the ship "Euterpe," which arrived at Port Chalmers on the 4th instant. You will be pleased to learn that the Commissioners were so well satisfied with the appearance of the emigrants and the state of the vessel. You have been previously informed by cablegram of the arrival of this vessel. Immigration Office, Wellington, New Zealand, G. Maubice O'Boeke. 22nd April, 1873.

Enclosure in No. 83. Eepoet by Immigeation Comhissionees on Ship "Euterpe." Sic, — Dunedin, 14th April, 1873. "We have the honor to report that the ship "Euterpe," from London, with Government immigrants, arrived in port on the 4th instant, having made a long passage of 119 days. She brought equal to 78 statute adults; one child, five years of age, being the only death during the voyage. On inspection we found the ship and immigrants in excellent order, the former being very clean and well fitted in every respect, and the latter well satisfied with their treatment on the voyage. The ventilation in the several compartments was all that could be desired. The immigrants by this ship were partly nominated in the Colony and partly selected by the Agents of the Government in the Home country. They were quiet and orderly, and evidently well suited for the requirements of the Colony. There were three births on the passage, all the infants doing well. We have, &c, David O'Donochue,") Colin Allan, > Commissioners. The Under Secretary, Wm. Thomson, ) Immigration Office, Wellington. Sic,— Immigration Office, Dunedin, 13th April, 1873. We hereby testify that the captain and officers of the ship "Euterpe" have performed their duties most satisfactorily on the voyage from London to Otago, and that they are entitled to the gratuities assigned to them. We have, &c, David O'Donoghue, ") Colin Allan, C Commissioners. The Under Secretary, Wm. Thomson, ) Immigration Office, Wellington.

No. 84. Memorandum No. 82, 1873, for the Agent-Geneeal, London. Eefebbing to my Memorandum No. 74, of the 14th instant, with reference to Mr. Farnall's proposal to send out emigrants for a special settlement to be formed within the Province of Auckland, I nowforward copy of a cablegram, signed by the Hon. Premier and His Honor the Superintendent of Auckland, which has been transmitted to Mr. Farnall. Immigration Office, Wellington, New Zealand, G. Maitbice O'Boeke 22nd April, 1873.

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Enclosure in No. 84. (Telegram.) Auckland, 21st April, 1873. Faenall, Corporation Street, Belfast, Ireland.—lmmigration proposal approved. Hasten departure. Provincial or General Government provide land. Homestead terms ; increasing maximum to three hundred acres as you represented in error. Also allow promoter five hundred; each member of his family forty. TnoiiAS B. Gillies, Superintendent. Julius Vogel.

No. 85. Memoeandtjm No. 84, 1873, for the Agent-Genebal, London. I foewabd herewith copy of a letter from the Superintendent of Canterbury, covering a communication from Mr. C. Nees, with reference to the introduction of immigrants into that Province from Alsace, Lorraine, Savoy, &c. The remarks of Mr. Nees, appear to be sensible and suggestive, and I think are worthy of consideration. If no international difficulties interpose, I should desire that you would take the necessary steps to initiate emigration to New Zealand from the Provinces named. Immigration Office, Wellington, New Zealand, G. Maueice O'Eoeke. 22nd April, 1873.

Enclosure in No. 85. His Honor W. Eolleston to the Hon. the Colonial Seceetaet. Superintendent's Office, Sib, — Christchurch, Canterbury, New Zealand, 26th March, 1873. I have the honor to forward a copy of a letter which has been addressed to me by Mr. C. Nees, conveying suggestions with regard to the introduction of a certain class of immigrants into this Province from Alsace, Lorraine, Savoy, &c. I have, &c, W. Eolleston, The Hon. the Colonial Secretary. Superintendent. Sub-Enclosure to Enclosure in No. 85. Mr. C. Nees to His Honor W. Eolleston. Sic, — Barratt's Hotel, Christchurch, 18th December. Permit me to suggest to your Honor a well-considered plan for the introduction of the most suitable class of emigrants for this Province. I refer to the mixed race of German and French in Alsace, Lorraine, Savoy, and Belgium, reputed to be the best farmed countries in the world. The people of Alsace and Lorraine have by proclamation permission to emigrate, if dissatisfied with the change of Government. There are at present a few of these people in New Zealand, and they are without exception the most industrious and prosperous citizens that have settled here. The places quoted by me supply the best and most attached family servants to visitors attending the baths of Germany and France, and are very much superior through their industrious habits and better education, speaking German, their mother tongue, and French by compulsion of the last Government. I would suggest the following plan for your Honor's consideration, and I have not the slightest doubt it will be found to work successfully : —Give to dl female servants from thirteen to thirty-five years a free passage, and advance passages to labourers, artisans, and navvies ; this will facilitate the girls to come; and take from the male emigrants bills for their passages, indorsed by parties of sis and upwards. This will prevent defaulters, and has been tried successfully in Victoria by Messrs. Cornish and Bruce, through their agent, Mr. Liebman, who went to Germany and brought out large numbers of workmen, and some of these are at present the most prosperous in Victoria. If you should entertain my suggestion, and would require more information about this matter, I will be glad to wait upon your Honor at any time you may appoint. I may remark that I have had many years' experience in these Colonies, and have always been a large employer of labour of this class. I have, &c, His Honor the Superintendent of Canterbury. C. Nees.

No. 86. The Hon. W. H. Eeynolds to Dr. Feathebston. (Telegram.) Wellington, 3rd May. Foewaed hundred coal miners, Otago, immediately ; send Napier ships direct, three, at intervals —send vine-growers. #*#####** Beynolds.

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No. 87. Memorandum No. 86, 1873, for the Agent-General, London. I transmit herewith copy of a telegram from the Superintendent of Otago, and request that you will assist Mr. James Pollock in procuring and sending to the Colony the fifty coal miners required by his eon in Otago. Immigration Office, Wellington, sth May, 1873. G. Maueice O'Roeke.

Enclosure in No. 87. His Honor J. Macandeew to the Hon. the Colonial Seceetaet. (Telegram.) Dunedin, sth May, 1873. Me. Pollock, coal-pit proprietor here, has written to his father, Mr. James Pollock, coalmaster, Bo'ness, Linlithgowshire, requesting him to engage fifty coal miners. Please advise Agent-General to instruct Seaton to see Pollock and arrange about passage fares, so that men may bo shipped at once, and if necessary be sent free. The Hon. the Colonial Secretary, "Wellington. J. Macandeew. Note. —A cablegram was subsequently sent to the Agent-General, instructing him to send 100 coal miners to Otago.

No. 88. Memorandum No. 87, 1873, for the Agent-Geneeax, London. In order that the subject of nominated immigration may be brought prominently under notice, the Government have decided to grant bonuses in accordance with Regulations, copies of which are enclosed for your information. A circular forwarding copies of the Nominated Regulations has also been addressed to all Ministers of religion, Resident Magistrates, Mayors, and others throughout tha Colony, who are brought into contact with the public. Immigration Office, "Wellington, sth November, 1872. G. Maubice O'Roeke. Note. —Copies of these Regulations, &c, are laid upon the table for the information of Member

No. 89. Memorandum No. 89, 1873, for the Agent-Genebal, London. I transmit herewith copy of correspondence with His Honor the Superintendent of Hawke's Bay, with reference to the immigration requirements of that Province. You have already been instructed to forward 750 emigrants to Hawke's Bay for arrival during the current year; and on the 2nd instant a cablegram was transmitted, requesting you to forward that number by three ships, at intervals, direct to Napier. I have now to request that you will carry out, so far as possible, the wishes upon the subject of His Honor the Superintendent of Hawke's Bay, and that you will further inform me what steps, if any, have been taken to send out the vine-growers referred to in your letter of the 19th April, 1872. Immigration Office, "Wellington, sth May, 1873. G. Matjeice O'Roeke.

Enclosure 1 in No. 89. His Honor J. D. Ormond to the Hon. the Colonial Secretary. See,— Superintendent's Office, Napier, 24th April, 1873. On the 24th December last I had the honor to address you on the subject of Immigration, and the receipt of my letter was acknowledged on the 4th January ; but I have heard nothing further aa to the intentions of the Government with respect to immigration to this Province. In my letter of the 24th December, I asked that instructions might bo given the Agent-General to send an immigrant vessel to Napier direct once every three months, and that fifty single women should form part of the number, the remainder to be made up of ordinary and nominated immigrants. Very few Government immigrants have come to Napier since September last, when two vessels arrived the same day. The Messrs. Brogden sent a shipment of immigrants here by the " Chile" in December, but some of them were removed to other places, and the rest employed on the works Messrs. Brogden are engaged upon, so that they were not available for employment as ordinary immigrants. Government immigration may therefore be said to have ceased for some months, and the want is very severely felt, more especially as regards single women for domestic service ; and this is the more complained of, as previous to the General Government assuming the duties of immigration the Province had arranged for and kept lip a regular and suitable supply of that class of immigrants. Seeing that I have no advices of any immigrants on the way, I fear it will yet be a long time before we get the much wanted addition to our population, and I therefore write to urge the Government to telegraph instructions to the Agent-General to send a shipment here as soon as possible, to be followed by a second ship to arrive in November. lam satisfied that if the Agent-General laid on a direct ship, there would be

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no difficulty in filling up with cargo for this port, and railway iron could also be brought advan tageously. Whilst on the subject of immigration, I would again call to the attention of the Government that nearly a year ago the Agent-General advised he was about to send to Hawke's Bay a few families of vine-growers, and sent in advance a box of rooted vines. These last have been cared for and considerably added to from stock here. I also reserved for the location of the expected immigrants a very suitable block of land at Wangawehi, and still keep this open, as I am satisfied, if vine-growing will answer anywhere in New Zealand, it will in the locality I have selected. Nothing further has, however, been heard of the immigrants, and I would point out that if this industry is to be started they should be sent out without delay, as if they arrived here after the spring the vines could not bo moved or a start made for another year. In conclusion, I trust the Government will see the way to give immediate instructions for sending out immigrants to this Province. I have, Ac, J. D. Ormond, Superintendent.

Enclosure 2 in No. 89. The Hon. G. M. O'Eorke to His Honor J. D. Ormond. Sib, — Immigration Office, Wellington, 2nd May, 1873. I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of the 24th instant to the Hon. the Colonial Secretary, in which you state that you have not been made acquainted with the intentions of the Government with respect to immigration to the Province of Havvke's Bay. In reply, I forward for your Honor's information extracts from Memoranda recently written to the Agent-General with reference to immigration to the several Provinces, from which it will be seen that he has been instructed to forward 750 immigrants during the current year to Hawke's Bay; and a telegram will be sent to-day requesting him to despatch this number in three ships direct to Napier, at intervals of a month. No information has been received from the Agent-General respecting the vine-growers since his letter of the 19th. April, 1872, but I will telegraph to him to state what has been done in this matter. I have, &c, His Honor the Superintendent of Hawke's Bay. G. Maurice O'Eorke.

No. 90. Memorandum No. 90, 1873, for the Agent-General, London. With reference to Scandinavian and German immigration, I desiro to remind you that in Mr. Waterhouse's Memorandum No. 19, of 23rd November last, you were informed that although the Government had learned from several private sources that the arrangements made by you with a firm, in Germany for a supply of immigrants have fallen through, yet no official intimation had been received that such was the fact. From the printed returns forwarded from your office, it appears that up to present advices 1,916 German and Scandinavian immigrants have been forwarded, although the Government were led to expect from your letter of the 10th November, 1871, that 8,000 immigrants would be sent from Hamburg, Christiania, Gothenburg, and Copenhagen during the following two years. I have to request you therefore to inform me whether the contracts referred to are still in force; and if so, whether the number of emigrants arranged for are likely to be introduced within the time specified iv the contracts. G. Maurice O'Eorke. Immigration Office, Wellington, sth May, 1873.

No. 91. Memorandum No. 03, 1873, for the Agent-General, London. I herewith enclose copy of a letter from Mr. Christophersen, Consul-General for Sweden and Norway, on mission to Australia, who recently visited the Scandinavian settlement near Masterton, with a request that you will cause inquiry to be made as to the alleged over-payment demanded from the Norwegian immigrants before they left London. I have also to request that you will inquire into the statement of Mr. Hefty, an emigrant by the " Forfarshire," with reference to the £40 which ho expected would be remitted to him through your office. G. Maurice O'Borke. Immigration Office, "Wellington, 7th May, 1873. Note. —This money has since been received and handed to Mr. Hefty.

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Enclosure in No. 91. Mr. Cheistophebsen to the Hon. G. M. O'Roeke. Sib— Wellington, 24th April, 1873. I have the honor to bring before your notice several facts which, during my visit to the Scandinavian settlement near Masterton, were stated to me by emigrants brought out by the "Forfarshire." 1. Several of the Norwegian emigrants complained that, when signing their contract-ticket in London, they were compelled to sign for a higher amount, to be paid to the Government in the Colony, than agreed on with the Agent at Christiania. In proof of this Hans Svensen, who came out in the above-named vessel, showed me a receipt, signed the 23rd October, 1872, by the Emigration Agents, Gunnestad and Co., of Christiania, stating that he had paid to them, for passage to New Zealand, Norw. Spdlr. 28, 15s. (about £4 10s.), and signed promissory note for £20, whilst his passenger's contract-ticket shows that in London he had to sign, for the passage of himself and 1£ statute adults, £35 in promissory notes, of which £25 are to bo repaid to the Government. Other emigrants made statements to the same effect, but they were not able, at the moment, to produce the documents bearing on the case. 2. At Christiania the emigrants were told that single girls were brought out free of cost, but, before admitted on board tho vessel in London, single girls had to sign promissory notes for their passage. 3. One of the emigrants, J. Tr. Hefty, showed me a letter from Mr. Hansen, of Christiania, dated December 15th, 1872, informing him that, in order to insure greater security, Mr. Hansen had made arrangements to send through the Agent-General of tho Colony in London about £40, which amount would be delivered to him at his arrival at "Wellington. However, no such sum has been delivered to him, and nobody here has been able to give him any information on this subject. 4. On landing at "Wellington the emigrants were sent to the Barracks, being told that their luggage would be sent after them ; however, when it was distributed it was found that several bags and trunks were missing, and these have not since been found. The emigrants, stating that they have lost their small and only property, without any fault or negligence on their part, expressed the hope that they would get compensation for their loss. Hoping you will excuse the liberty I take in thus drawing your attention to these statements, I have, &c, W. CHEISTOPnEESEN, Consul-General for Sweden and Norway, on mission to Australasia. The Hon. tho Minister for Immigration, Wellington.

No. 92. Memoeandttm No. 99, for the Agent-Genebal, London. Heeewith is forwarded copy of a letter just received from the Superintendent of Hawke's Bay, and I have to request that with regard to emigration to that Province you will be guided so far as possible by the wishes expressed therein by His Honor. Immigration Office, "Wellington, 10th May, 1873. G. Matjeice O'Eobke. Enclosure in No. 92. His Honor J. D. Osmond to the Hon. the Ministee for Immigeation. Sib, — Superintendent's Office, Napier, 7th May, 1873. I beg to acknowledge the receipt of your letter No. 280, of the 2nd instant, informing me that instructions were being sent by telegraph to the Agent-General to despatch 750 immigrants by three direct ships to Napier, at intervals of one month, and I conclude that the first vessel was to leave as soon after the receipt of your instructions as the Agent-General could arrange. I have to thank you for your prompt attention to the representations I had the honor to make on this subject. Eeferring to the vine-growers the Agent-General may send out as proposed in his letter of the 19th April, 1872, I would, ask you to put a limit on the number, and I should think about ten to twelve families would be sufficient to send to one locality. Desirable as it is to promote new industries, it must be borne in mind that vine-growing is an industry which cannot be developed in a day or a year, and that a large number of that class of immigrants would not be easily provided for. Whilst pointing this out, I am very anxious to get a sufficient number of that class of immigrants to start vine growing at the Mahia Peninsula. In the instructions that go to the Agent-General by mail, I trust the necessity of sending at least fifty single women by each ship will be urged on him; and should there be any difficulty in obtaining suitable immigrants of this class in the United Kingdom, I should have no objection to women suitable for domestic service being obtained from Norway, as the women immigrants that came to this Province rom Christiania last September have proved a very desirable addition to the population. I have, &c, J. D. Oemokd, The Hon. the Minister for Immigration, Wellington. Superintendent.

No. 93. Memobandttm No. 104, 1873, for the Agent-Genebal, London. I ioewaed herewith for your information copy of a report by the Immigration Officer at Dunedin, with reference to the Scandinavian immigrants introduced into the Province of Otago. Immigration Office, Wellington, 20th May, 1872. G-. Maueice O'Eoeke. 12—D. 1.

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Enclosure in No. 93. Mr. C. Allan to the Undee Secretary for Immigration. Sic, — Immigration Office, Dunedin, lGth May, 1873. With reference to your telegram re Scandinavian immigrants, having referred to them at length in my report forwarded to you per last mail, I have little further to add. I may state that I have had most gratifying reports from their employers in different parts of the Province, as regards their diligence and industrious habits. I have no doubt another shipment would be hailed hero with much satisfaction. I have, &c, Colin Allan, The Under Secretary, Immigration Office, Wellington. Immigration Officer.

See Reports of Immigration Officers.

No. 94. The Hon. G. M. O'Eoeke to Dr. Featheeston. (Telegram.) 26th May, 1873. You have full power to dispense with Seaton, Birch, and Farnall, if useless, as you report. O'Eoeke.

No. 95. Memorandum No. 10G, 1873, for the Agent-Geneeal, London. Herewith is forwarded copy of the report of the Immigration Commissioners on the ship " Parsee," which vessel arrived at Auckland on the 7th instant. Immigration Office, Wellington, 28th May, 1873. Edward Biciiaedson, (for Minister for Immigration).

Enclosure in No. 95. Eepoet by the Immigration Commissioners on the Ship " Parsee." Sib, — General Government Offices, Auckland, Bth May, 1873. We have the honor to report that the ship " Parsee," from London, arrived here yesterday, the 7th instant, with 99 passengers, of whom 74 souls, equal to 69i statute adults, are Government immigrants. We boarded the ship at her anchorage immediately on arrival, and the usual inquiries having been made by the Health Officer and satisfactorily answered, we proceeded with the inspection. The ship was found clean and in good order, and everything had been done for the comfort and health of the passengers ; the compartments for the married people, as also for the single women and men, were convenient and well-ventilated. The condensing machine which is on board was not required to be used, there having been sufficient fresh water on board for all purposes ; the provisions were examined, and proved to be of excellent quality. There was not a shadow of complaint on board : all the immigrants spoke in the highest praise of the captain, surgeon, and ship's officers. In conclusion, we beg to recommend that the usual gratuities may be given to the officers. We have, <fee., Daniel Pollen. T. M. Philson, M.D., Health Officer. I. J. Burgess, Chief Harbour Master. The Hon. the Minister for Immigration, Wellington.

No. 96. Memorandum No. 110, 1873, for the Agent-Genebai, London. Hebewith is forwarded attested copy of the agreement entered into upon the 29th Alay, 1873, between Her Majesty the Queen and the New Zealand Shipping Company (Limited) for the conveyance of immigrants and freight from London to New Zealand. You have been already advised of the arrangements by cablegram dated 3rd June, of which a copy is appended. Immigration Office, Wellington, 3rd June, 1873. G. Maueice O'Eoeke. Note.—The Agreement will be printed and laid upon the table as a separate paper.

3ee No. 100.

No. 97. The Hon. J. Vogel to Dr. Featiieeston. (Telegram.) Wellington, 3rd June, 1873. Goyeenment regret Saville's ships still employed. Saville's arrangements so unsatisfactory, Government positively determine you do no more business with them or their agents. To enable compliance with this instruction Government contracted for absolute period with New Zealand Shipping Company.

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Copy precis contract forwarded you through Reuter. Government instruct you give effect contract described in precis, and cordially work with Company. If disagreement arise refer to Colony. Dietary scale according Saville's first contract. If anything extra desirable, supply at Colony's expense. " Wild Duck," " Parsee," " Woodlark" arrived. Former unsuitable : drugs bad ; medical comforts deficient. Let ship's doctor inspect hospitals, drugs, medical comforts, some days before starting. Julius Vogel.

No. 98. The Hon. J. Vogel and the Hon. E. Bichaedson to Dr. Eeatherston. (Telegram.) Wellington, 4th June, 1873. Government and Now Zealand Shipping Company have entered into agreement, to take effect upon your receipt of this, extending to thirty-first January, 1874, for carriage of all cargo and immigrants, Auckland, Wellington, Lyttelton, Port Chalmers, exceptions being existing contracts, ships from Clyde for Scotch emigration and cargo ; New Zealand Freight Company's ships to Auckland, and steamers direct to any port. Contract same as Saville's, March 1872, except dietary of children, medical comforts and medicines —these on scale of March last. Limitation of one ship per month withdrawn. London port of departure. Emigrants may embark Plymouth. Company to despatch ships on six weeks' notice, stating approximate number emigrants, description and quantity of cargo; Minimum number of emigrants each ship one hundred and fifty adults, maximum four hundred. Eate, fourteen pounds ten shillings per statute adult, payable in London. Ships may be sent direct to Nelson and Bluff at same rates, if reasonable number emigrants and cargo available. One ship to Napier and one to Tauranga if possible—forty shillings extra per statute adult. Eate cargo, dead weight, twenty-five shillings ; measurement forty to forty-five shillings. Special cargo by arrangement. Napier cargo ten shillings extra. Half freight payable upon signing bills of lading, balance on arrival. Primage five per cent. Submit to Company's agent all contracts in force. Optional to Company within fourteen days to decline contract if these interfere with agreement. Edwaed Bichabdson. Julius Vogel.

No. 99. Memoeandum No. 116, 1873, for the Agent-Genebal, London. Herewith is forwarded report of the Immigration Commissioners upon the ship " Wild Duck," which arrived in Wellington upon 20th May ultimo ; also report upon the same ship by the SurgeonSuperintendent, and memorandum by the Immigration Officer at this port. I regret to observe that these documents are simply repetitions of many which have been sent in by Immigration Commissioners and other officers of the Department for some time past, and disclose the continued and apparently habitual disregard of anything like real inspection of either emigrants or ships at the port of London. In the case of the " Wild Duck," the ship herself was manifestly unfit for the conveyance of emigrants, and was fitted and provisioned with that regard for strict economy, and carelessness for the health and comfort of the passengers, which distinguish Messrs. Shaw, Saville, and Co. The leakage of the top sides, to be expected in so old a wooden vessel, kept the beds in the married people and single women's compartment almost constantly wet; and with regard to the hospital arrangements, no one who has inspected them can avoid agreeing with Dr. Diver, when he says (vide his report herewith) that he was " quite disgusted with them," and that " they were not fit for the purpose at all." The Government entirely coincide in the views expressed by the Commissioners and the Immigration Officer, a copy of whose memorandum to the Under Secretary has been specially directed to be forwarded to you; and they desire that you should take the matter into your very serious consideration. It is evident that the selection of the ship was in the first place most injudicious, and that there has been a positive neglect of duty on the part of the officer or officers who were supposed to inspect the arrangements for the berthing, victualling, and despatching of the emigrants. The medical inspection would appear to have been of the feeblest kind; and, as in the case of the " Charlotte Gladstone " and other vessels, many persons physically incapacitated for work have been forwarded to the Colony. You will be good enough to cause an inquiry to be made, and report to the Government the name of the Despatching Officer in the case of the " Wild Duck," and any particulars which it may be in your power to afford relative to the medical inspection of the emigrants. In conclusion, I would impress upon you the fact that letters written home by immigrants who have been made miserable throughout the passage by causes entirely remediable, do more to retard emigration than all the costly advertisements, peripatetic lecturers, and highly paid agents do to advance it. Immigration Office, Wellington, 4th June, 1873. G. Matteice O'Bobke.

Enclosure 1 in No. 99. Bepoet by Immigration Commissioners on Ship "Wild Duck." Sib, — Wellington, 27th May, 1873. We have the honor to report the arrival of the ship "Wild Duck," at midnight on the 20th inst., with 84-j statute adults, Government immigrants ; one emigrant having died on the Bth May. Early on the 21st the vessel was visited and the emigrants mustered for inspection. We regret to say that on the whole the appearance of the immigrants did not favourably impress us; many

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of them, especially in the married people and single men's compartments, appeared to be dirty in person, badly clothed, and poor in physique. We found one girl in hospital, suffering from phthisis. She appeared to be in an advanced stage of that disease, and in our opinion should never have been selected as an emigrant. On being questioned, she stated that she had been ill for a long time, and that her doctor in England told her a sea voyage might do her good. On inspecting the ship we found all the compartments dark and ill ventilated, and complaints were universal as to the dampness of the beds, caused by the bed-places being fixed against the sides of the ship. Tho hospitals were also dark, ill-ventilated, and in every way unsuitable, being in fact more like prisons than places for the treatment of sick persons. In our opinion this vessel is totally unfit for the conveyance of emigrants to this Colony. It is quite true, no doubt, that she was duly inspected and passed by the proper officers before leaving England, but it appears evident that these officers are satisfied with a bare compliance with the requirements of the Passengers Act, the provisions of which are sufficiently liberal for short voyages. But if emigration to this Colony is to be made attractive, something more than a meagre compliance with the law should be the leading principle in the arrangements entered into by the Agent-General. We would point out that clause 21 of the printed contract with Messrs. Shaw Saville states that " The single women shall have the use of tho poop deck for exercise " —no mention being made of the rights of cabin passengers. In the instructions issued by the Agent-General to captains of emigrant ships, it is stated that " If there are cabin passengers, a reasonable space must be allotted to single women, and tho captain must prohibit familiarities, &c." The impropriety of allowing single women and cabin passengers to mix together on the poop is apparent, and on reference to the surgeon-superinten-dent's journal it will be found that this caused him a great deal of extra trouble. We attach a report from tho surgeon-superintendent, and would direct especial attention to his remarks with reference to tho hospitals, cooking galley, short supply of medical stores, bad quality of bedding, position of storeroom, &c. The payment of all the gratuities is recommended. Captain Baillie and Surgeon-Superintendent Diver appear to have been especially attentive, and we consider the latter gentleman eminently qualified to take medical charge of another emigrant ship to this Colony, should he desire to do so. We have, &c, Alexandee Johnston, M.D., "\ J. Hackwoeth, / „ . . John Hollidat, f Comnnssioners. H. J. H. Eliott, ) Immigration Officer, Sub-Enclosure to Enclosure 1 in No. 99. Report by the Surgeon-Superintendent of Ship " Wild Duck." The conduct of the emigrants generally has been good. The single girls also except three or four, who have upset the whole lot, and occasionally given us some trouble. In consequence of being assaulted by one of the sailors, I thought it necessary for my own protection and for the maintenance of order to appoint an extra constable, which I did. On March Bth, a single woman complained that she had lost various articles of clothing. I had the married people's and single women's quarters searched without effect. I have no evidence that the articles were lost on board. May 8. —A single woman died suddenly of heart disease and old age. She is stated as being 55 ; lam sure she is nearer if not over 70. She received attention and medical comforts since the 14th of February daily. All my constables, except one, have acted well, and fully deserve their pay. The matron has had many difficulties to contend with, in consequence of my insisting upon the orders being strictly carried out. She has done her work very well, considering that she is unused to such duties. lam quite disgusted with the hospital arrangements. I need say nothing about them as they have been examined here, except that in my opinion they are not fit for the purpose at all. There are five berths, when there only ought to be two in such a small space. One porthole was blocked up entirely because the sea spurted in at least a yard, and consequently the light was shut out. He other was fastened, and could not open because of tho fastenings being out of order. The bunks and bedding were very seldom dry, and flooring also. The storeroom was a few feet from the hospital, and had to be arrived at by going through tho married people's quarters and past the hospital; in fact, the people waiting for stores surrounded the hospital door. The hospital should, in my opinion, be under the poop, with skylights to open when necessaiy, and should be looked after as a matter of the greatest importance, instead of as a matter of very little importance, by what I see. It may be presumption on my part to say so, but I think from what I have observed that the vessel was not properly inspected with respect to the comfort-3 of the sick (in case there should be any) before leaving London. I would suggest that the hospital's furniture, plates and dishes, knives and forks, and all necessaries, should be seen and certified by a responsible person ; also the medical stores and milk, all of which we ran short of before tho voyage was over; and I had to get stores from the captain. My assistant can certify to this, as he had tho serving out of the medioal comforts, according to my directions. Many if not all of the beds have been more or less wet during the voyage, owing to the water coming in through the walls of the ship. The water-closets arrangements, valves, &c, should be most perfect, as it is difficult if they are below watermark to get them repaired at sea; and once or twice we have had trouble. I think, also, that it should be certified that there is the proper quantity of charcoal and hot sand. This is absolutely necessary to remove damp, which is very injurious on board ship. We had only two small bags of charcoal, which we made do as well as we could. In fact,, everything should be certified before leaving, as it cannot afterwards be rectified.

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With respect to the captain and his chief officer, I have had from them the greatest assistance. The captain especially has supported me in everything, and done his very best to fulfil the conditions of the contract, and I cannot speak too highly of him in every respect. Heuey Wir. DrvEH, L.E.C.R, M.R.C.S.E., Late Recruiting Surgeon, lI.M. Army. The condenser broke down on the Ist of May, see page 87, Journal, but there were no complaints. I think the cook-house should be properly inspected before leaving (in all ships), as in this one there was hardly sufficient room (so I was always told) to cook for so many — i.e. ovens, boilers, &c. The " surgeon's " cabin should be fitted for him with a fixed writing board, and paper, &c, so that he may be able to attend to his books and any correspondence without disturbance. The bedding should be carefully inspected before going on board, for I am told they were nearly all very damp. This, I think, is most important, as it is dangerous to health. The bedding was also very bad, in my opinion.—H. W. D.

Enclosure 2 in No. 99. Memobandtjm for Mr. Hattghtoit I deem it my duty to bring under notice the following notes which I have made from time to time, after conversations with the captain and doctor of the ship " "Wild Duck:"— 1. The medicine chest was not procured from Apothecaries' Hall, as has been frequently impressed upon the Agent-General, and which he states in his letter of the March, No. 150 will be the case in future contracts. Many important medicines were either not supplied at all or were short. The surgeon had no opportunity of inspecting the medicine chest, as it did not arrive on board until the day the ship sailed. 2. There were only 40 tins of preserved milk, whereas there should have been at least 130. This is a very important matter, for nothing is more damaging to emigration than for parents to think that their children will not receive proper nourishment during the voyage. The quantity of milk, and such medical stores as are generally required for young children, should be proportionate to the number of children on board each ship, and not according to the number of statute adults. 3. The supply of charcoal and sand for drying purposes was quite insufficient, and there was no wood from which to make charcoal. 4. The porter and port wine were short. 5. It appears desirable to appoint the snrgeon-superintendeut of an emigrant ship ten days or a fortnight before the vessel sails, and it should be his duty to inspect all medical stores, beds, &c, as they coino on board. Of course he would expect to be remunerated for this; but when the advantages 'of having everything inspected and properly put away under the surgeon's own supervision are considered, the question of remuneration is trifling. 6. There was no officer from the Agent-General's Department to talk over matters with the captain or surgeon. The former only received his instructions quarter of an hour before the vessel sailed, whicK were handed to him with the remark that he would have plenty of time to study them before he reached New Zealand. It would appear desirable that the Agent-General should have a proper officer to thoroughly explain the most minute matters to the surgeons, who, generally, are men who have not had any experience in emigrant ships. Owing to the want of some such explanation, it takes a surgeon three or four weeks before he really finds out what is required of him. 7. It was not in the ship's articles that the officers and seamen of the vessel were not to communicate with the female immigrants, although it is so required by clause 20 of the contract. 8. There was no baker on board, as required by clause 8 of the contract, and the space in the cooking galley was totally insufficient. 9. Some accommodation should be provided to enable surgeons to perform the large amount of writing required of them. H. J. H. Eliott, Immigration Office, Wellington, 27th May, 1873. Immigration Officer.

No. 100. Memoeandum No. 119, 1873, for the Agent-Geneeal, London. In acknowledging the receipt of your letter of 18th March, 1873, relating to the arrangements of your Department, I must in the first instance express my regret that you should have so entirely misconceived the instructions of the Government relative to the employment and remuneration of Emigration Agents accredited to you from the Colony. With regard to Messrs. Birch and Seaton, nothing can he plainer than the terms of Mr. Reeves' Memorandum No. 69, 1872, wherein he says- — " I have to request that you will pay these gentlemen upon the same system as that adopted by you for other agents, viz. in proportion to the actual work done. Mr. Ormond's instructions were equally clear with regard to Mr. Farnall; under date 25th January, 1572, he writes—" You will observe, as in the case of Messrs. Birch and Seaton, the remuneration to Mr. Farnall is made contingent on your being able to avail yourself of his assistance, and on the character of the services rendered." I am at a loss to understand how, in the face of these memoranda, and the constantly reiterated instructions of the Government that in these and similar matters you were to exercise the very fullest discretionary power, you should now state that out of the total amount of the expenses of your Department, £0,300, " £3,700 has been incurred by the General Government without any reference to yourself, by the creation of offices in which you had no voice, and which in your judgment were, in the majority of cases, wholly unnecessary."

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It is the desire of the Government that you should fully understand that, in accordance with the rules of the public service, they look to you for the efficient and economical working of your own Department, and they cannot therefore but express their dissatisfaction that you should have retained in your employment, and, upon your own authority, increased to a considerable extent the salaries of gentlemen whose services you have distinctly stigmatised as " useless," and whose appointments you considered " wholly unnecessary." It appears to me that your proper course would have been, when not satisfied with the necessity for the employment of Messrs Birch, Seaton, and Farnall, or with the way in which they performed such duties as were entailed upon them, to have at once dispensed with their services, placed at their disposal, if required, the money for their return passages to the Colony, and reported the circumstances under which you took this action to the Government. I may further remark that it was not until receipt of your telegram, dated 25th April, 1873, that I was in any way made aware that you were dissatisfied with the gentlemen referred to ; and lat once, to remove all possible doubt from your mind as to the view entertained by the Government with regard to the absolute discretion allowed you, despatched the following cablegram :—" You have full power to dispense with Seaton, Birch, and Farnall, if useless as you report." Before leaving this subject, I would remark that I have been very much struck with the statement you make on the subject of the salaries and allowances you have granted to Messrs. Birch and Seaton. You say —" It was only on their distinct and repeated assurance that they had been promised by the Government a salary of at least £350 a year, and a travelling allowance of 20s. per diem for every day in the year, that you very reluctantly agreed to pay them the salary named above (£350), and travelling allowance of £350 a year in addition." This is so much at variance with what was generally understood in the Colony with regard to the visit of these gentlemen to Europe, that I must request you, if they are still in England, to call upon them to state when and by what member of the Government such promise was made. With regard to the Eev. Mr. Barclay, I am glad that you consider his services likely to be eventually useful in the way of stimulating emigration to this Colony. I shall be obliged if you will forward me some copies of his " Notes on New Zealand," and inform me whether the pamphlet has been published by authority, and at the Government expense, and also whether it is distributed gratis. The appointments of an Accountant and Shipping Agent, and the general scale of office salaries of your Department (Schedule C) are approved ; and with regard to your arrangements generally, I wish to reiterate that the Government desire you to exercise the utmost discretionary power in the performance of your duties, the arduous and responsible character of which they fully appreciate. Immigration Office, Wellington, 4th June, 1873. G. Maueice O'Eoeke.

No. 101. Memobandtjm No. 123, 1873, for the Agent-Geneeal, London. Heeewitii I forward copy of the report of the Commissioners on the emigrant ship " Woodlark," which arrived at Auckland on the 31st ultimo. Immigration Office, Wellington, 17th June, 1873. G. Matjbice O'Jloeke.

Enclosure in No. 101. Eepoet by Immigeation Commissionees on Ship " Woodlark." Sib, — General Government Offices, Auckland, 3rd June, 1873. We have the honor to report that the ship " Woodlark," from London, arrived here on the night of Saturday, the 31st May, with 125 passengers, of whom 116 souls—equal 100 statute adults — are Government immigrants. We boarded her at the anchorage, and found all well; and then proceeded with our inspection. The ship was found clean and regular, and the health and comfort of the passengers seem to have been studied in every particular ; the comjiartments of the married people, single women, and men were all well ventilated, and sufficient room for the number on board. The provisions were all of good quality, and there was a sufficient quantity of fresh water for the whole voyage. There was one death on board by drowning; a boy of 11 years old accidentally fell overboard and was not seen again, although every effort was made by captain and crew. In conclusion, we beg to recommend that the usual gratuities may be given to the officers. We have, &c, T. M. Philson, Health Officer. I. J. Bttegess, The Hon. the Minister for Immigration, Wellington. Chief Harbour Master.

No. 102. Memoe-OWM No. 125, 1873, for the Agent-Genebal, London. It having been represented to the Government that many valuable immigrants might be introduced into this Colony from Wales, I have to request that you will take the necessary steps for bringing before the public of that portion of the United Kingdom the advantages New Zealand offers as a field for emigration. In the printed list of local agents forwarded, I observe that there appears to be only one (Mr. Presßwell, of Merthyr Tydfil) appointed for Wales. Immigration Office, Wellington, 18th June, 1873. G. Maueice O'Eobke.

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No. 103. Memoeandum No. 129, 1873, for the Agent-General, London. Heeewith is forwarded copy of the report of the Commissioners upon the ship " Michael Angelo," which vessel arrived at Port Chalmers on the 28th May. Copy of a report by Dr. O'Donoghue, the medical member of the Commission, is also enclosed. Immigration Office, Wellington, 2nd July, 1873. G. Maueice O'Eobke.

Enclosure 1 in No. 103. Eepoet by Immigbation Commissioners on Ship " Michael Angelo." Sib, — Immigration Office, Dunedin, 2nd June, 1873. "We have the honor to report that the ship "Michael Angelo" arrived in port on the 21st May, having made the passage from London in eighty-six days. She brought Government immigrants equal to 136^ statute adults, 72 \ of the number being for Canterbury. The immigrants arrived in excellent health, there being very little sickness and no deaths on the passage. The whole of the passengers expressed themselves as fully satisfied with their treatment on board, the provisions being good, and the water abundant. "Wo have, &c. Colin Allan. Wm.. Thomson. The Under Secretary, Immigration Office, "Wellington. Datid O'Donoghue. Sib, — Immigration Office, Dunedin, 2nd June, 1873. We hereby testify that the captain and officers of the ship " Michael Angelo" have performed their duties most satisfactorily on the voyage from London to Otago, and that they are entitled to the gratuities assigned to them. We have, &c, Colin Allan, David O'Donoghue, Wm. Thomson, The Under Secretary, Immigration Office, Wellington. Commissioners.

Enclosure 2 in No. 103. In Be Ship "Michael Angelo.". As an opportunity was not afforded me of examining any other, I can speak only as to that portion of vessel allotted to the married folks. It was a dark, comfortless, midships section, with no sidelights. The passengers complained of its being wet, and insufficiently lighted at night. The hospital in this compartment was damp, badly ventilated, and dark. One patient (just after confinement) stated that it was always wet, and frequently had some inches of water on the floor (deck). It was undoubtedly badly situated for its proper purpose, and in event of disease breaking out, would (under the circumstances reported) have been useless. The surgeon stated that a mild attack of measles occurred during the voyage; that he was insufficiently supplied, amongst other things, with night-light candles; that the captain lent him every assistance. I heard no complaints about the officers of the ship. Speaking generally, though there was no sickness on board, and the passage was so far successful. I am of opinion that the vessel might have presented a cleaner appearance, considering the small number of passengers she brought out. Dated O'Donoghue, Immigration Commissioner.

No. 104. Memorandum No. 130, 1873, for the Agent-G-eneeal, London. Befebeing to my Memorandum No. 28, of the 14th February last, I forward herewith for your information, copy of a further correspondence witli His Honor the Superintendent of Auckland, with reference to the proposed Moravian Settlement to be established at the Victoria Valley, Mongonui. Immigration Office, Wellington, 21st June, 1873. G. Maitbice O'Eobke.

Enclosure 1 in No. 104. His Honor T. B. G-illies to the Hon. the Colonial Secbetaey. Sib, — Superintendent's Office, Auckland, 21st February, 1873. I have the honor to acknowledge receipt of your letter of 14th inst., covering Memorandum by the Minister for Immigration, and in reply to my letter of 30th December last, and previous correspondence as to the formation of a Moravian settlement at the Victoria Valley, near Mongonui. I regret to find that the authority given to the Agent-General to grant free passages to immigrants seems to have been limited to a discretionary authority to that effect, to enable him "in case of

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necessity to fill up his ships." Such a class of immigrants I can scarcely think would be beneficial to the Colony. The suggestion contained in the following paragraph from the Memorandum of the Hon. Minister tor Immigration is not, I think, warranted by anything contained in my correspondence : the question arises, " Would it be right to offer free passages to capitalists of from £400 to £1,000, whilst all other immigrants] have to contribute to the cost of passage according to the fixed scale which I append ?" Apart altogether from what ought to be the answer to such an abstract question, I submit that if free passages are to be given at all, they could not be better bestowed than upon a body of settlers of from 100 to 200 of such character as the Moravians have proved themselves all over the world, wholly irrespective of their possession or non-possession of capital. My suggestion as to possession of capital applied only to twenty or thirty persons out of some 200, and referred to the conditions which would insure a successful settlement, rather than to a sine qua non of free emigration. Permit me further to remark, in reference to the fixed scale appended, that the system of taking a promissory note for double the amount which would be received in cash, cannot fail to be injurious to the immigration system, unless it is clearly understood that this " double " amount is in the nature of a penal bond, which will be satisfied upon payment of the original amount with ordinary interest. And whilst on this subject, you will, I trust, pardon my suggesting the necessity for having the terms upon which the Government immigration is conducted being made clear and intelligible. Scarcely a week passes without applications to me for information on the subject, which I regret to say I cannot give. I have had, and have seen, letters of a similar purport from England, from persons who have vainly endeavoured to obtain the necessary information. It may be my stupidity, but I really cannot ascertain with any certainty what are the existing Government Immigration Regulations ; how then can the average English immigrants or Colonial friends be expected to know them ? A copy of your letter, and of the memorandum &c. annexed, I will transmit to Mr. Dunn, and will, so far as I am able, endeavour to give practical effect to the views and wishes of the Government in the matter. I have, &c., Thomas B. Gillies, The Hon. the Colonial Secretary, Wellington. Superintendent.

Enclosure 2 in No. 104. The Hon. G. M. O'Boeke to His Honor T. B. Giilies. Sib, — Immigration Office, Wellington, 21st June, 1873. In reference to the correspondence which has taken place between your Honor and the General Government on the subject of establishing a special settlement of Moravians in Victoria Valley at Mongonui, I would feel obliged if you would inform me whether the scheme is likely to be carried out. Tour last letter on the subject, dated 21st February, while it seemed rather to disapprove of the terms offered by the Government for the conveyance of this body of Moravians to New Zealand, yet, aa it closed with stating that you would communicate the terms to Mr. Dunn, and that you would, as far as you were able, endeavour to give effect to the views and wishes of the Government in the matter, induced me to refrain from entering into controversy with your Honor on certain portions of your letter not particularly affecting the special matters in hand, my desire being that no conflict of opinion between us should have a tendency to mar the success of the scheme of Moravian settlement of which your Honor is the author. It is right that I should however observe upon what appears to me the very erroneous construction you put on certain words of mine in the Memorandum to which you were replying. You express your regret that the authority given to the Agent-General as regards granting free passages was only "to enable him in case of necessity to fill up his ships ;" the inference from which would be that only the lowest class of emigrants would thus be obtained. But that is not a fair deduction from my language, which was as follows : —" The Government in that month (November) instructed the Agent-General that if the supply of the number of emigrants which he was directed to send out to the Colony would be expedited by granting free passages, he was to do so." He was iv fact authorized to abolish all charges, and not merely, as you seek to imply, to grant free passages for the mere sake of filling ships. Having informed you of the instructions given to the AgentGeneral quoted above, I added that there had been no advices from him to show that he had been under the necessity to offer free passages. "With regard to the difficulty your Honor complains of in understanding the terms on which the Agent-General conducts the Government immigration, I may state that, under cover of my Memorandum, I despatched to your Honor a bound set of the Emigration Regulations, page 49 of which should, I think, have made the charges clear as they stood at that date. Since that they have been altered, and are as follows : — Married couples, £5 per adult cash, or £10 promissory note. Single women, free. Single men, £8 each, or £4 cash and £8 promissory note. I have only further to add that if you refer to your letter of the 30th December, 1872, you will see that I only followed your directions in requiring that of the 200 people proposed to be sent out there should be twenty or thirty families, or one-half of the whole party, possessed of the prescribed capital of £400 to £1,000, and not merely twenty or thirty persons, as you state in your letter under reply. I have, &c, His Honor the Superintendent, Auckland. G. Matjbice O'Eoeke.

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No. 105. Memorandum No. 131, 1873, for the Agent-General, London. Befeering to Memorandum No. 71, of the 14th April last, I forward herewith for your information copy of a further correspondence with His Honor the Superintendent of Auckland, on the subject of immigration to that Province. Immigration Office, "Wellington/23rd June, 1873. G. Matjeice O'Eoeke.

Enclosure 1 in No. 105. His Honor T. B. Gillies to the Hon. G. M. O'Eoeke. Sib,— Superintendent's Office, Auckland, 18th April, 1873. I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your letter No. 223, dated the 14th instant, and to thank you for the instructions given to the Agent-General as to the selection of immigrants for this Province. In reference to the passages quoted from my last letter, which you appear to consider contradictory, I regret that I have not made my meaning clear to your mind. In the first paragraph quoted, I was speaking of the rapidity of absorption of large bodies of immigrants; in the second, I spoke of the capacity for absorption. Keeping in view that distinction, the intention of my remarks was to deprecate the landing at irregular intervals of large masses of mere labourers, but at the same time to encourage the sending of an equal number under a more steady continuous system. Permit me further to remark, that if the Provincial authorities are expected to advise the General Government so as to prevent a glut of the labour market, they must be kept much more fully advised than they have hitherto been of the amount and character of the immigration coming forward from England. I hare, &c, The Hon. the Minister for Immigration, "Wellington. Tjiomas B. Gillies.

Enclosure 2 in No. 105. The Hon. G. M. O'Eoeke to His Honor T. 13. Gillies. (No. 414.) Sib, — Immigration Office, "Wellington, 23rd June, 1873. I have the honor to inform you that a copy of your letter of the 18th April ultimo, explanatory of the discrepancies which appeared to me to exist in your letter of the 22nd February ultimo, has been forwarded to the Agent-General. I must leave to the Agent-General, in despatching emigrants to the Colony, to judge of the question you raise with regard to the Province of Auckland's rapidity of absorption and capacity of absorption of immigrants. My only object in drawing the Agent-General's attention to what appeared to me discrepancies in your remarks was, lest he should, on the strength of your expressions, reduce the number (3,500) to be despatched to the Province of Auckland during the current year, or discourage immigration in any way to the Province. I quite agree with your Honor that a continuous stream of immigration is far preferable to the landing of large masses of immigrants at a time in the Province ; but at the present rate of emigration to the Colony, I do not apprehend that you will experience the dangers you seem to foresee. I am aware that full information as regards the number of immigrants expected to arrive in Auckland is telegraphed to your Honor the day it reaches this office ; and it will be my earnest endeavour to keep you fully apprised of the number and character of immigrants that may have taken shipping for that Province, in order that you may at all times be in a position to cope with any difficulties that may arise from such a glut of the labour market as you refer to. I hare, &c, His Honor the Superintendent, Auckland. G. Matjeice O'Eobke.

No. 106. Memorandum No. 132, 1873, for the Agent-General, London. Eefeeeing to Memorandnm No. 79, 1873, of the 22nd April, I herewith enclose for your information, copy of a further correspondence with His Honor the Superintendent of Auckland, with reference to Mr. Farnall's proposal to send out immigrants for a special settlement in that Province. Immigration Office, Wellington, 23rd June, 1873. G. Matteice O'Eoeke.

Enclosure 1 in No. 106. His Honor T. B. Gillies to the Hon. G-. M. O'Eorke. Sir,— Superintendent's Office, Auckland, 17th April, 1873. I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your letter No. 226, dated the 14th instant, and to thank you for the proffered co-operation of the General Government in locating the settlers proposed to be sent out by Mr. Farnall. I regret that the copy of my reply to Mr. Farnall was not attached to the correspondence. It is now sent herewith. I thank you also for pointing out the error in the statement of the maximum grant of land under the Homestead Act. 13—D. 1.

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I have had an interview with the Hon. Mr. Vogel on the subject of your letter, and have despatched a cablegram, of which a copy is enclosed. I concur generally with your remarks as to the land required for such a body of settlers, and will be glad to be informed where the General Government have from 10,000 to 20,000 acres open for special settlement. The Provincial Government have only the Victoria Valley, near Mongonui, fit for such a purpose, but the Mangakahia Valley (which it is proposed to purchase) would also be an excellent location. I would suggest that no absolute decision as to a place of location should be made until the immigrants arrive and select for themselves. Such a course would, I think, afford them greater satisfaction, and remove a heavy responsibility from the Government. I have, &c, Thomas B. Gillies, The Hon. the Minister for Immigration, "Wellington. Superintendent. Sub-Enclosure to Enclosure 1 in No. 106. His Honor T. B. Gillies to Mr. H. "W. Farnall. Sik,— Superintendent's Office, Auckland, 4th April, 1873. I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of sth February, relative to the proposed emigration of a considerable body of settlers from the North of Ireland, as described by you, and have to'thank you for at once communicating with me thereon, as well as for the interest displayed by you in promoting the welfare of the Province by directing such a valuable class of emigrants to it. In reply to your inquiries, I may state that the information given by you as to the allowance of land to settiers under " The Auckland Waste Lands Act, 1870," is correct, and I would be prepared to set aside a special block for these settlers, wherever they might select out, of Provincial lands. As you are aware, the lands south of Mercer are under the administration of the General Government, not of the Provincial Government; but I have very little doubt but the General Government would consent to give similar terms in respect of these lands to such a body of settlers ; and I will at once communicate with them on the subject, and write you by next mail. As to giving a larger free grant to the leader of the party than 300 acres, the Provincial Government would willingly do so if they had power by law, but it can only be done hi concert with the General Government, by the latter making regulations for the purpose, which they have power to do. On this subject also I shall at once communicate with them, and let you know the result by next mail. I may assure you that the Provincial Government are most anxious to encourage such a body of settlers as you describe, who are specially adapted for settlement in this Province; and everything that lies in the power of the Provincial Government will be done to meet the views of these settlers, and to enable them to settle on such a block of good land as may afford comfortable homes for themselves and their families. I have, &c, Thomas B. Gillies, H. "W. Farnall, Esq., 21, Corporation Street, Belfast. Superintendent.

Enclosure 2 in No. 106. His Honor T. B. Gillies to the Hon. J. Vogel. Sik, — Superintendent's Office, Auckland, 17th April, 1873. Herewith I send you a copy of] the cablegram, as arranged, in reference to Mr. Farnall's immigrants. I write the Agent-General by this mail, with copies of the whole correspondence. I have, &c, Thomas B. Gillies, The Hon. J. Vogel, Auckland. Superintendent. Sub-Enclosure to Enclosure 2 in No. 106. His Honor T. B. Gillies to Mr. H. "W. Farnall. (Telegram.) Auckland, 17th April, 1873. Emiorattox proposal approved. Hasten departure. Provincial or General Government provide land. Homestead terms, increasing maximum to 300 acres, as you represented, in error. Also allow promoter 500; each member of his family forty. Thomas B. Gillies, Superintendent.

Enclosure 3 in No. 106. The Hou. G. M. O'Eobke to His Honor T. B. Gillies. (No. 415.) Sic, — Immigration Office, "Wellington, 23rd June, 1873. In reply to your letter of the 17th April last, on the subject of a body of immigrants proposed to be sent out by Mr. Farnall, I quite agree with your Honor that at the present stage it is not necessary to fix the location, but I think if either the General or Provincial Government were sure that the offer

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made through Mr. Farnall to this body by your Honor and the Premier's cablegram of the 21st April was accepted, one or other Government should be prepared to place them on land immediately on arrival. I cannot imagine that any difference can arise between the two Governments on the subject. The Victoria Valley, near Mongonui, is, as I am aware, pledged to Moravian settlers, and the Mangakahia Valley, to which you refer, is not yet acquired. 1 regret to say, that although the Government has received later letters from Mr. Farnall than that of his to you of sth February, no further allusion is made to the subject of these immigrants. This Government has certain lands at Tauranga available for settlement; but I think the question of location may be allowed to stand over till we hear of the embarkation of these immigrants, when I propose the place of settlement shall be arranged after conference with your Honor. I have, &c, His Honor the Superintendent, Auckland. G. Maueice O'Eoeke.

No. 107. Memorandum No. 133, 1873, for the A gent-General, London. I herewith forward copy of a report by the Immigration Officer at Christchurch upon the arrival of the ship " Edwin Fox" at Lyttelton, on the 29th ultimo. As there was fever on board, the vessel was placed in quarantine, and the passengers lauded. The ship has been admitted to pratique to-day. Immigration Office, Wellington, N.Z., 2nd July, 1873. G. Maurice O'Eoeke.

Enclosure in No. 107. Eepoet by the Immigration Officer on Ship " Edwin Pox." Immigration Office, Christchurch, 30th June, 1873. I have the honor to report that on Friday last the " Edwin Fox" was signalled as being outside the Heads. The Acting Health Officer, Captain Gibson, and myself left Lyttelton in a small steamer at 3 p.m., and after going nearly to the Pilot Station, we saw the vessel several miles outside the Heads. Night coming on, we did not deem it advisable to go to her. On the following morning we again left port, and found she was still five miles outside. The steamer went out, and the Commissioners found that sickness had prevailed during the passage; that there had been four deaths. Two of these were from fever; one from consumption; and an infant from thrush. The Commissioners also ascertained that three cases of fever still existed on board, and the Acting Health Officer recommended the vessel to be anchored off the quarantine ground, and the immigrants to be landed at the Quarantine Station. I at once made all the necessary arrangements for temporary fittings to be placed in the compartments at the station, and ordered the requisite bedding, &c. The vessel came up to her anchorage late on Saturday. Early yesterday morning (Sunday), I took over to the Quarantine Station the bedding, fittings, &c.; and by 2.30 p.m. all arrangements were complete. I had the immigrants landed immediately after in the ship's boats; but as the ship was some distance from the Station, I deemed it advisable to engage the service of a small steamer to tow the boats. This expense must be borne by the ship. All the immigrants were landed by 5 p.m., and lam pleased to report that they appeared very grateful for the provision made for them. Should no fresh cases break out, Ido not anticipate they will be long in quarantine. There is, however, no doubt that fever (more or less) has been in each compartment of the ship. A married and a single man died of fever ; and on the arrival of the vessel one of the single women was also attacked. All the clauses bearing on quarantine of the Public Health Act have been strictly complied with. I shall visit the Station daily, and will report by telegram the result of my visits. I think it only right that I should inform the Government of the very valuable assistance rendered me by the Port Officer, Captain Gibson. J. E. March. Immigration Officer.

No. 108. Memobandum No. 134, 1873, for the Agent-Geneeal, London. Eeferrinq to Memorandum, No. 129, 1873, of the 2nd instant, I herewith forward copy of a further report upon the "Michael Augelo," by Messrs. Allan and Thomson, members of the Commission for boarding Emigrant Ships on arrival at Port Chalmers. Immigration Office, Wellington, 4th July, 1873. G-. Maueice O'Eoeke. Enclosure in No. 108. Eepoet by Immigration Commissioners on Ship " Michael Angelo." Immigration Office, Dunedin, 25th June, 1873. With reference to Dr. David O'Donoghue's special report on the ship " Michael Angelo," we have to state that an opportunity was afforded him to inspect the ship in company with us, and that it was no fault of ours if he did not avail himself of it. We inspected every compartment of the ship, accompanied by Mr Monson, the Immigration Officer of the port, and put the following

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questions to each class in their respective compartments, viz.:—How were you getting on during the voyage ?—Very well. Did you get your provisions and water ?—Tes. Were they properly cooked, and served out at the proper times ?—Tes. Have you any complaints to make ?—None whatever. We admit that the married people's compartment was somewhat damp, but on inquiry as to the cause the occupants informed us that on account of the stormy weather encountered on making the land, a sea broke in on the ship's quarter, by which some water got down the hatchway, and that the compartment had no time to get dry since. With respect to what Dr. O'Donoghue asserts as to the compartment being dark and comfortless, we are satisfied that it was equally comfortable and well-lighted as that in other ships, there being a large hatchway and a large ventilator through the deck, with a large skylight on the top, the latter of which also lighted and ventilated the hospital. From the general expression of satisfaction on the part of the whole of the immigrants with the treatment they had received, the Commissioners were satisfied that the provisions of the Passengers' Act were fully complied with. We may be permitted to say that it would tend greatly to regularity in the proceedings of the Commissioners and in the framing of the reports on the several ships, if Dr. O'Donoghue would accompany the other Commissioners on every occasion when making their official inspection of the ships, and be a witness to the answers given to the questions asked, on which the reports must necessarily be founded. Colin Allan, 7 n ■ • Wm. Thomson, j Commissioners. The Under Secretary, Immigration Office, Wellington.

No. 109. Memorandum No. 135, 1873, for the Agent-Geneeal, London. In reference to your letter No. 188, of date the 31st March, adverting to the question of the distribution of the emigrants you collect, among the various Provinces, I have the honor to inform you that it is the desire of the Government that you should adhere to the instructions conveyed to you in the Hon. Mr. Waterhouse's Memorandum, No. 27, of 27th November, 1872, and in my Memorandum, No. 79, of April 22nd, 1873, and take care that the proportion of emigrants allotted to the several Provinces should be as nearly as possible as directed by the Government. The cost of immigration being now borne by the Colony, instead of by the Provinces, it would be manifestly unfair to allow too great a preponderance of immigrants to be granted to any particular section of the Colony at the expense of the whole. My own opinion is, that you will not, during the current year feel your operations restricted by carrying out the wishes of the Government. In the present aspect of the flow of emigration to New Zealand, it would be exceedingly gratifying were you to report that you had shipped the number of emigrants that was ordered for even one or two of the larger Provinces, even though you were consequently obliged to close the door upon further applications for assisted passages to such Provinces, until the issue of fresh orders by Government at the close of the year. It is not the desire of the Government that you should attempt to divert the stream of emigration away from any particular Province; but if you have fulfilled your orders for specific Provinces, there does not appear any hardship in requiring subsequent applicants either to pay for their passages, or to give promissory notes for the amount, as you may think fit, or accept assisted passages to Provinces where there is an opening. I cannot agree with you that it is immaterial at what port the immigrants are landed, as custom proves that, almost invariably, the Province where immigrants arrive continues to be their permanent residence. In the case of single men, there is a tendency to be more or less nomadic, in pursuit of either new gold fields or of employment such as they cannot find in the neighbourhood of their homes. Immigration Office, Wellington, Ist July, 1873. G. Mattbice O'Eoeke.

No. 110. Memorandum No. 136, 1873, for the Acent-Genebal, London. With reference to your letter of the 18th March last, on the subject of the cost of maintaining your present staft' of officers, I addressed you briefly on the 4th June last. But on a reperusal of your letter, I find questions raised by you to which I feel it necessary to more fully advert. In your letter under reply you divide your officers into two classes —those appointed by the General Government and yourself ; and having thus classified them, you endeavour to prove that of the total cost of both sets of officers, considerably more than half—viz. £3,700 per annum—is to all intents and purposes wasted, and that practically, were it not for the interference of the General Government in appointing unnecessary, or, as at other times you designate them, "costly and useless" officers, you would have been able to conduct your Department at an expense of £2,600 per annum. Tour language is: That of the total amount of expenses, £6,300, " a sum of £3,700 has been incurred by the General Government, without any reference to myself, by the creation of offices in which I had no voice, and which, in my judgment, were in the majority of cases wholly unnecessary." It is not an ordinary state of affairs for a Government to have to defend itself from the attacks of its own officers; but seeing that you take credit to yourself for whatever is economical in the conduct of your agency, whilst you attribute all its waste and extravagance to the Government, it is right to consider whether your apportionment of praise and blame is correct. In the first place I will refer to the case of Mr. Morrison, to whom, as you state, you paid the sum of £600, in accordance with your instructions, as compensation for the abolition of his office, and at once reinstated him at the same charge per annum —with this difference, that you substituted the term

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honorarium for salary. I cannot view this transaction in the light of an economical disposition of public funds. With regard to the officers specified in Schedule B of your letter, imposed on you by the General Government. I am satisfied that a reference to the Parliamentary Papers will preclude you from detaching yourself at least from that very important phase of the question —the remuneration of these oflicers. The first Immigration Agent sent home was Mr. Fribcrg ; and for this officer's travelling expenses and capitation allowances the Government is wholly responsible, and you are exempt from from either praise or blame in the matter. But here your irresponsibility, as regards those named in Schedule B of your letter, ceases. The terms granted to Mr. IViberg were —passage money home, £80, and 18s. per day travelling expenses, and 10s. capitation allowance on each approved adult emigrant. It would nave been hardly necessary to have dwelt on this appointment of Mr. Friberg, as it was of such short duration, were it not that it furnished you with a precedent on which you undertook to fix the remuneration of Messrs. Birch, Seaton, and Farnall. I am ready to admit that the circumstances under which Messrs. Birch, Seaton, and Farnall were commissioned to you were such that it was almost impossible for you to decline to employ them; but with regard to their pay, the whole responsibility rests with you. The terms on which Messrs. Birch and Seaton were appointed were conveyed to you under cover of the Hon. Mr. Gisborne's Memorandum, No. 51, of 27th November, 1871, and are stated as follows in the enclosure (the Under Secretary's letter of 21st November, 1871, addressed to Messrs. Birch and Seaton) : —" The Government has not fixed the scale of your remuneration; but the Agent-General will be instructed to determine it for such services as you may perform, &c, &c. It is however to he distinctly understood that such payment will depend on the fulfilment of your duties to the satisfaction of the Agent." In your reply you inform the Government of the rate of pay you granted in the following words : —" Pending instructions from you, I have agreed to give them the same remuneration as you have given to Mr. Friberg, viz. 18s. per diem for travelling expenses, and 10s. for every statute adult emigrant selected by them and approved by myself." In this same letter you apprise the Government that you are of opinion that Messrs. Birch and Seaton appear to be labouring under some misconception with regard to the terms and conditions on which they were sent horne —although I cannot see how they could have misunderstood the terms of their appointments ; and you further state that the field of emigration was so fully occupied by your 120 local agents, that you experienced considerable difficulty in availing yourself of their services. To these statements you received an immediate reply, in terms most explicit. The Hon. Mr. Eeeves, writing on behalf of the Government, on the 6th of June, 1872, says, —" I have to request that you will pay these gentlemen on the same system as that adopted by you for other agents, viz., in proportion to the actual work done. The rate of remuneration will be left to your discretion, as you must necessarily be the best judge of the value of their services, and of the current rates for which you can obtain similar services in England. I must also ask you to determine whether it is for the public benefit that their services should be retained for a longer period than, say, one year; and in the event of your decision being adverse to their continuance, you are authorized to terminate the engagement." lam not aware that you took any notice of the above instructions. While the responsibility of originally appointing Messrs. Birch, Seaton, and Farnall rests upon the shoulders of the General Government, the fixing of their pay as clearly rests with you. I wish I could leave the matter here. The rate of pay being up to this time in accordance with that granted to Mr. Friberg, objection could not be taken by the Government to the amount. But what was the course pursued by you in reference to these gentlemen ? Instead of terminating their engagements if you considered them unnecessary, or of paying them according to results as directed, I find that at the end of last year, without reference to the Government, you more than doubled the pay of each of them, by raising their several salaries to £700 per annum, and, to crown all, you distributed a sum of £460 amongst them as back pay for a year and a half previously. You have done this whilst you have been denouncing these officers as costly and useless. I shall not pursue this branch of the subject further, beyond condemning your attempt to transfer the liability of incurring this expenditure of £2,100 per annum from yourself to the General Government. The appointment of the Eev. Peter Barclay I shall pass over, with the admission that you were bound in the terms of your instructions to employ him. In his case the salary you have granted is moderate, and as you have expressed your approval of the services he has rendered, he does not come within the category of wholly unnecessary officers. In another Memorandum I shall have occasion to allude to Mr. Mason. I have only to add, with regard to the appointment of Mr. Smith as Shipping Agent, that if he is the same gentleman you despatched to look after the emigrants on board the " Edwin Fox" when she was disabled, I think, judging from the attention and diligence he displayed at Brest in looking after the emigrants, that you have succeeded in engaging the services of a very excellent officer. I am not a little surprised to find in the schedule of officers imposed on you by the General Government, the name of Mr. W. L. Buller, and to learn that his salary of £400 per annum forms a portion of the expenditure of £3,700 per annum which you allege has been incurred by the General Government without any reference to yourself, by the creation of offices in which you had no voice, and which, in your judgment, " were in the majority of cases wholly unnecessary." An opinion has for some time prevailed that you were to some extent a consenting party to Mr. Buller's mission to England, and that opinion is borne out by a reference to the official records, where it is stated, both you and Mr. Buller being then in this Province, that you had agreed to utilise his services while in England in a secretarial capacity. I might quote in corroboration of your being a party to the detention of Mr. Buller in England, your earnest recommendation in favour of an extension of leave to that gentleman, addressed to the Government on the 2nd of May, 1872, and your telegram of 9th April, 1873, requesting to be allowed to retain his services at the rate of £400 per annum until the end of August, 1873. In the face of these documents, you will scarcely maintain that Mr. Buller has been attached to your Department against your will. Indeed, I might add that you have retained him

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in your office since the 21st December last in defiance of the positive instructions of the Government not to employ him. Immigration Office, Wellington, sth July, 1873. G. Maukice O'Rorke.

No. 111. Memorandum No. 137, 1873, for the Agent-General, London. Referring to my Memorandum No. 133, 1873, of 2nd instant, I herewith transmit copy of an interim report upon the ship " Edwin Pox," which has been received from the Commissioners at Lyttelton. Immigration Office, Wellington, sth July, 1873. G. Maurice O'Rorke.

Enclosure in No. 111. Interim Report by Immigration Commissioners on Ship "Edwin Fox." The undersigned visited the ship " Edwin Vox " previously to the taking down of the 'tween deck fittings, and report — 1. The condenser acted well through voyage. 2. The rations as sampled were very satisfactory as regards quality. 3. The arrangements of the ship do not give the Commissioners satisfaction. 4. The berths were after the old pigeon-hole fashion, athwart-ships, and the ends close to the ship's lining, affording neither provision for decency in dressing and undressing, nor escape from the effluvium from bilge-water. 5. Cargo was stowed between the several compartments between the single men and the families, and between the families and the single women, so that ventilation fore and aft was impossible (by louvres). There was an hospital (so called) for single women, but the bath and water-closet were in it—a most objectionable arrangement. Wm. Donald, Health Officer. John Bouse, Surgeon,

No. 112. Memorandum No. 139, 1873, for the Agent-General, London. "With reference to your letter No. 213, of 11th April last, in which you discuss at great length Mr. Waterhouse's Memorandum relative to the quarantining of the ships " Christian McAusland" and " Palmerston," I desire to remark, in the first place, that the case of the ship "Bebington," which was then fresh in the mind of Ministers, naturally led to the presumption, when two ships were reported as being placed in quarantine wdth fever on board at Port Chalmers, that a similar neglect of proper means of ventilation might not improbably have been the stimulating cause. The report of the Commissioners upon the " Christian McAusland" to some extent bears out this idea ; for they confine their remarks upon ventilation to the expression of a "belief" that " the ventilation was sufficient to satisfy the requirements of the Act," whilst they admit that they were unable to board the ship until all "the fittings, bulkheads, and bunks had been removed." With regard to the " Palmerston," there is no doubt that a mistake was made by the local agent, upon which a portion of the Hon. Mr. Watcrhouse's remarks were founded. I am not inclined to discuss with you whether perfect ventilation can be secured in the absence of side ports or scuttles; I believe this depends very much upon the construction of the ship, the number and position of the hatchways and ventilators. The "Jessie Eeadman" has very large hatchways, well protected from the weather, and has no permanent bulkheads {i.e., is not built in compartments). The different classes of emigrants can therefore, in this and similar ships, be divided for all practical purposes, by bulkheads not reaching to the deck above, and thus a free current of air is almost continuous between the several hatchways. Without, therefore, further questioning your premises, I am inclined to agree with your conclusion, " that no vessels ought to be deemed suitable for the conveyance of emigrants in which the ventilation cannot be made perfect independently of scuttles ;" but at the same time I think it right to remind you that the absence of anything like perfection in this matter has been the subject of comment by the Commissioners in the case of the large majority of our emigrant ships; and I agree with the Hon. Mr. Waterhouse, that side ports or scuttles are very desirable in emigrant ships, for the purpose of "light" as well as "ventilation." Immigration Office, Wellington, 4th July, 1873. G. Maurice O'Robke.

No. 113. Memorandum No. 141, 1873, for the Agent-General, London. Enclosed are copies of a letter from the Belgian Consul-General at Melbourne, and my reply, on the subject of immigration to this Colony. I think the questions he discusses are highly deserving of consideration, and I trust, if you concur in the views expressed in my reply to Mr. Beethre, you will take steps to give as much publicity as possible in Belgium and the Continent generally (if it has not been already done) to the terms on which you offer passages to person emigrating to New Zealand.

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1 believe the introduction of skilled artisans and agriculturists inio the Colony from Belgium cannot fail to have a most beneficial effect; and if it be as Mr. Beethre states, that Antwerp would be the most convenient port of embarkation for immigrants from South Germany, you may be enabled there to procure a class of emigrants conversant with special industries such as vine-growing, manufacture of sugar from beetroot, and others, at present undeveloped here, which your intimate knowledge of the climate and capabilities of the Colony will suggest to you. Immigration Office, Wellington, N.Z., 27th June, 1873. G. Matjeice O'Eoeke.

Enclosure 1 in No. 113. Mr. Beeihee to the Hon. the Colonial Secbetaey. Sib,— Melbourne, 28th May, 1873. The conditions on which emigrants can come out to New Zealand are very liberal, and of such a nature that I may venture to say that, if they were properly expounded on the Continent of Europe, they would no doubt make a favourable impression upon the masses. Several shipments of German emigrants that have come out to the Colonies tend to support this view. Still, the flow has not been so free as one would have expected under the circumstances. In looking into the question to find a rational cause for this fact, I have come to the conclusion that it is due to the expenses, discomfort, and difficulties that are unavoidable to immigrants that have often to travel several hundred miles before reaching their port of shipment. The efforts hitherto made to obtain emigrants from the Continent have been almost exclusively confined to Germany. When one considers that by far the largest number of emigrants from Germany come from the South, and that they have to move northward to Hamburg, Bremen, Liverpool or London to be able to embark, one is not far off the real reasons that regulate the movement of emigration to Australia in these quarters. The voyage to Liverpool or London is particularly fraught with great difficulties and hardships, in the numerous changes of direction that are to be encountered and overcome, as well as in the necessity for the use of foreign languages. To all the four ports above named the expenses are great, but particularly to the English, to reach which the emigrants have to lay out nearly as jmuch for their transit from their abode as for the voyage to Australia itself. It is true that they find some compensation in the superiority of the English passenger ships over all others. On the other hand, should they ship from Bremen or Hamburg, they have to be content with an unusually long passage, and all the risks, dangers, and inconveniences that attend a protracted voyage, particularly for females and children, of which the recent fate of the " Alardus," is but a mild illustration. If it be thus possible to find a shipping port that could exempt intending emigrants from the drawbacks I have just mentioned, it might be admitted that humanity would be greatly benefited, while emigration would derive from it a corresponding impetus. This port, I beg to state for the consideration of the Government of New Zealand, will be found in Antwerp. By its central position it is the natural terminus of all the Continental railways, and particularly so of the lines that connect it with South Germany, from which it is only distant a day's journey without breaks. The tongue that is there spoken (Flemish) is derived from the German, and the expenses of travelling to, or of temporary residence at this town, compare most favourably with those of any other route. As an indication that Antwerp is the natural outlet for emigrants from the southern parts of Germany, I may note here, from official records, that in 1871 about 11,000 emigrants shipped for Liverpool and Glasgow, and that this number was composed of 6,000 Germans from the South, the balance being Swiss and natives of Alsace and Lorraine. The question of ships, on the other hand, being of paramount interest to emigrants, I have no hesitation in saying that English ships would be easily obtainable in Antwerp, where all port charges are exceedingly moderate, and there are always some hundreds of tons of freight obtainable for Australia. By the same official records already mentioned, it is established that, on an average, 900 sailing ships and 1,300 steamers, navigating under the English flag, out of a total of 5,104 ships of all nations, annually visit the port of Antwerp. Should you think, after perusing the above, that I have made out a case worthy of the attention of the New Zealand Government, I shall be much obliged if you will take an early opportunity to bring the question under consideration; and should the Government look upon the matter in the same light, and deem it advisable to frame instructions accordingly to the Agent-General in London, I may venture to surmise that the Belgian Government would afford all the support in its power towards th o carrying out of the plan, on being requested to do so. You will no doubt perceive that I have remained silent on Belgium itself, as a fair field for obtaining emigrants, being the most densely populated country of Europe. Its population is composed of a frugal, hard-working, and saving people, skilful in almost every branch of agriculture and industry. Living under a most paternal rule, and institutions equal in freedom to those of Great Britain, the inhabitants are, however, very much attached to their native country, and are very unwilling to leave it. Could they be induced to do so, no better elements for colonization could be available, and it might be a further inducement to consider the question I have tried to explain. I have, &c, Gusxave Beethee.

Enclosure 2 in No. 113. The Hon. G. M. O'Eobke to Mr. Beethee. Sib, — Immigration Office, Wellington, New Zealand, 28th June, 1873. I have perused with very great pleasure your letter of 28th May ultimo, and desire to thank you for the paius you have taken in communeating to the New Zealand Government your views upon the question of immigration to this Colony. A copy of your letter will be forwarded to the Agent-

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General in London by the outgoing mail, with instructions to give as much publicity as possible throughout the Continent of Europe to the conditions under which emigration to this Colony is at present conducted. I may state briefly what these conditions are, — The Agent-General grants assisted passages to eligible married couples at a charge of £5 per head cash, or a promissory note for £10. Children half-price. Single men, £8 cash, or £4 cash and £8 promissory note. Single women, between ages of fifteen and thirty-five, get free passages. In addition to this system of assisted passages, there is within the Colony what is known as the nominated system of immigration, whereby persons settled in the Colony can have their friends or relatives brought out at still lower rates, viz. £4 for each adult; single women, between sixteen and thirty-five, free ; and children half-price. Further, with a view to the encouragement of immigration of persons able to pay their own passages, it is proposed that a refund of the cost of passage to the extent of £20 worth of land should be given to each statute adult, under easy conditions of occupation. I quite concur in the view you express, that if some of the agricultural and industrious people of Belgium could be induced to emigrate to New Zealand, they would form a most desirable class of settlers, would prove a great acquisition to the Colony, and would most materially benefit themselves by the migration. Tour surmise that no obstacle would be thrown in the way by the Belgian Government of making Antwerp a shipping port for emigrants from the Continent of Europe, is extremely satisfactory. I shall esteem it a favour if you will, whenever you feel disposed, communicate with this Government on this important subject of promoting emigration to New Zealand, or any of the Australian Colonies. I have, &c, The Consul-General for Belgium, Melbourne. G. Maurice O'Rorke.

No. 114. Memorandum No. 143, 1873, for the Agent-Generai,, London. Torn letter of the 9th January last, commenting on Memorandum No. 38 from the Public Works Office, dated eight months previously (signed by the Hon. Mr. Reeves, and not by the Hon. Mr. Orinond as you state), on the subject of a scheme for settling a portion of the confiscated land north of "Wanganui and at Tauranga, has remained unanswered awaiting the explanation you then promised to give for declining to carry out the instructions you received. I must, in the first place, observe that there was nothing in Mr. Reeves' Memorandum to lead you to suppose that it was the intention of the Government to plant settlements indiscriminately upon confiscated lands. In the first Memorandum on the subject, that of Mr Ormond of the 19th February, 1872, to which Mr. Reeves refers, no mention whatever is made of confiscated lands ; but it merely points out the desirability of inducing, by the offer of land upon easy terms, immigration to the Colony of small capitalists. And when, in furtherance of this object, Mr. Reeves made mention of the confiscated lands north of "Wanganui and at the Tauranga, the confiscation of which is undisputed, I can see nothing either to appal the British public, or to have warranted you in ignoring for several months, without explanation, the instructions of the Government of that day. I must, in the first place, express the disapproval of the Government at your assuming as their Agent the power of setting aside, without even informing them of your intention to do so, definite instructions to endeavour to induce an emigration of the small-farmer class, on the system of deferred payments for the lands they might occupy. Tour letter of 9th January concluded with the remark that you hoped " that that scheme would never be resuscitated —at any rate, not brought before the public of England." I cannot imagine that it is your desire that these confiscated lands should lie waste ; and it is unnecessary to remind you that the object of confiscating the lands of rebel Natives has been in a great measure to establish settlements for their permanent occupation. I of course admit that when you did reply, after several months, to the Hon. Mr. Reeves' Memorandum, you had the authority of Hon. Mr. Sewell for suspending all action in the matter ; but the fact remains, that without that reversal of your instructions you had allowed them to pass unheeded for several months. Tour letter of the 28th March ultimo, which arrived by the last mail, enters into an elaborate condemnation of the policy of the Government in endeavouring to have the confiscated lands occupied. It does appear strange that the Agent-General of the Government should feel it within his functions to combat their policy, as in ordinary cases it is presumed to be the duty of the Agent to carry out the instructions he may receive. In the present case you are not satisfied with obeying the instructions of the Government of which Mr. Sewell was a member, but you in very condemnatory terms discuss the conduct in this matter of the preceding Administration. I am constrained to say, moreover, that the arguments you advance are very far from carrying conviction to my mind. Tou say that the proposed settlement of the confiscated lands would be viewed with disfavour by statesmen and influential journals of England. Now, I take it that it is not necessary for the New Zealand colonists to consult these -authorities on a matter of such purely Colonial concern, and I doubt if they would pay much heed to us if we did consult them. That you were not supplied with maps and descriptions of the soil, would not, I think, have militated against the successful launching of the scheme. Tou were informed of the position of the country ; and the Government had a right to depend on your general knowledge of both coasts to bo able to fairly represent the plan of colonization submitted to you. I think it is to be regretted that, although you temper the remark with the words " however unjust," the old cry, as you designate it, "of the settler's greed for land," should have found place in your despatch. Coming from an old colonist, the suggestion has a force that it would not otherwise have. I desire to add that the inference which you endeavour to draw from certain remarks of the Hon. Mr. Stafford on the subject of the position and disposal of the confiscated lands, does not appear to be warranted by the general tenor of his replies. Mr. Stafford more than once emphatically asserts

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that it was not the intention of his Government to abandon the confiscated lands ; whilst the Hon. Mr. Hall's remarks as quoted, on which you also base your decision, have reference, as I read them, not to confiscated lands but to lands which, having passed through the Native Lauds Court, were a matter of bargain between the Native owners and Europeans, not between the Government and Crown grantees, as would have been the case in any dealings with the confiscated lands. It is the intention of the present Government, as soon as ever the stream of emigration begins to flow freely into the Colony, to take steps for establishing settlements along both coasts. At present, there is a difficulty in undertaking the task, owing to the diminutive supply of immigrants arriving, all of whom are at once absorbed by the labour market at wages unprecedentedly high. With regard to the confiscated lands, in respect of which you speak in depreciatory terms, it is right that you should be made aware that at two sales recently held, one at Whenuakura, the land fetched from £1 12s. 6d. to £3 15s. per acre ; and the other at Patea from £2 to £7. This is a proof of the estimation in which these lands are held, and the confidence that is felt in setttling upon them. The Government have thus, through your inattention to their instructions and through the lack of a supply of immigrants, been obliged to abandon temporarily the occupation of the lands referred to with special settlements, and are now, at the desire of settlers, offering them for sale as ordinary waste lands. The prices realized will convince you of the competition that exists for acquiring property in these districts. Immigration Office, Wellington, N.Z., sth July, 1873. G. Maueice O'Eoeke.

No. 115. Memorandum No. 144, 1873, for the Agent-General, London. Is reference to a statement contained in my Memorandum No. 72, of April last, wherein I informed you that it was the intention of the Government to offer land to the value of £20 to immigrants who pay their own passages, I have to inform you that that scheme has not been matured, but is still under the consideration of the Government. Herewith is enclosed a Cabinet Minute inviting co-operative associations of a certain class to send out representatives to ascertain for the information of the bodies to which they belong, the advantages which this Colony presents as a field for settlement. Immigration Office, Wellington, sth July, 1873. G. Maueice O'Eoeke.

Enclosure in No. 115. Memorandum by the Cabinet. The Government having had under consideration the question whether any useful emigration agents might not be found in persons deputed to report upon the resources and capabilities of the Colonies by those who contemplate emigration, it is the desire of the Cabinet that the Agent-General should be informed that, unless he sees any strong and grave objections to such a course, he should make known his readiness to receive applications from societies and organizations the members of which are fitted for emigration, asking that he will provide free passages to the Colony for a representative, or if he thinks right two representatives, for the purpose of reporting to those deputing them upon the resources and capabilities of the Colony, lie should add, that to any such representative or representatives he is prepared to give free passages direct to New Zealand, to pay reasonable expenses incurred during three months spent in the Colony, and, if so desired, to provide free return passages direct from the Colony. Besides publicly notifying to the effect already stated, the Agent-General should communicate with societies and organizations with the view of encouraging them to take advantage of this offer in the interests of those of their members who may desire to emigrate. It would be difficult to indicate the class of societies and organizations with which it is desirable the Agent-General should communicate; but amongst them should be included Temperance Associations, and any organized bodies. of persons whose training could fit them to readily find employment in the Colony, e.r/. agricultural labourers, small farmers, and to a limited extent coal miners. It might also be desirable that in some localities the Agent-General should communicate with Odd Fellows, Foresters, and similar organizations, as well as with organizations of a Co-operative nature ; but as to this, he will be best able to judge. The Agent-General must stipulate that in every case deputed representatives must be subject to his approval; and he must satisfy himself that each is an intelligent person, able fairly to ascertain what inducements are offered by New Zealand to intending emigrants, and also to state intelligently to those by whom he has been deputed the opinions he has formed consequent upon his visit to the Colony. The Agent-General should guard against giving his approval to any one who it may be supposed desires only to procure a free passage to and from the Colony for the purpose of health or recreation; and he will of course in every way endeavour to send to the Colony men who are really the representatives of numbers who desire or may be induced to emigrate to New Zealand. The Cabinet believe that by the adoption of the plan now stated, the best possible evidence will be given to those who are disposed to emigrate that the Government are in no sense afraid to assist in having the resources of the Colony reported upon by independent and disinterested persons. The opinions of such persons will have influence with many who would refuse to consider any inducements offered by paid agents of the Government; and, in short, the plan now proposed'may fairly be expected to enlist the co-operation of many powerful organizations in Great Britain, through the action of which a constant stream of most desirable emigration to New Zealand may be secured at a cost for agency which will ultimately prove inconsiderable. As to the nature of the passages and allowances, the Agent-General will be able to judge what is suitable. Wellington, sth July, 1873. 14—D. 1.

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No. 116. Memoeandum No. 145, 1873, for the Agent-Geneeal, London. Yoira letter, No. 193, of date Bth April last, in which you " submit that the expectations as regards promoting emigration to New Zealand which you held out to the Government had been more than realized, and that the system of emigration inaugurated by you has been, on the whole, attended with satisfactory results, and promises better results in the future," opens up the whole question of the present state of emigration to New Zealand, and compels the Government to express their full and free opinion thereon. It is with very great regret that the Government feel bound to come to a very different conclusion to that which you have arrived at, and in which you invite them to concur. It is impossible that the Government should consider the present rate of immigration to the Colony as satisfactory ; while with regard to its future prospects, it is premature to discuss the matter, beyond expressing the hope that your expectations, as stated in your letter under reply, may be realized. I was very much struck by the paragraph No. 1 of this letter, in which you state that the earliest specific instructions you received in regard to emigration did not reach you until Ist February, 1872 ; and I cannot hesitate to say that a very grave degree of culpability rests somewhere, if you were left without instructions either oral or written on the subject of immigration from the date of your appointment in Wellington on Ist April, 1871, until the date above referred to, Ist February, 1872. It did seem to me incomprehensible that you, recently a member of the Government and Superintendent of the Province, engaged a few months previously in correspondence with the Government on the subject, should be left absolutely in the dark on this all-important subject when you undertook the duties of Agent-General, and proceeded to England to inaugurate a system of emigration to this Colony. The scope of your early correspondence shows that you were alive to the duties of your office, and that you did not regard it, for the first seven months after your arrival in England, as a sinecure. It may be true to the letter that you were without specific instructions till Ist February, but it is clear that you were not insensible to the spirit of the instructions that would be communicated to you by the Government on the subject. Nearly three months before you received what you term your earliest specific instructions in regard to emigration, you informed the Government, by letter of 16th November, 1871, that since your arrival in England, at the latter end of July, your time had been mainly devoted to emigration, believing, as Mr. Vogel said, " that the keystone of success of the Public Works policy is the contemporaneous increase of the population of the Colony ;" and you add, " I telegraphed on the 4th instant from Frankfort—' Emigration during next two years of 6,000 Germans and Scandinavians arranged.' You will perceive, from the brief report I now make of my proceedings, that I have acted more from my knowledge of the mind of the Ministry than from any positive or definite instructions." With this knowledge of the mind of the Ministry, coupled with the fact that, in November, 1871, you felt yourself armed with sufficient power to arrange for an emigration of 0,000 souls from Germany and Scandinavia, I am at a loss to conceive how eighteen months after, in April, 1873, you can attribute the smallness of emigration to the Colony during that period to the absence of any specific instructions till February, 1872. It appears to me, from the general tenor of your early correspondence, that you felt yourself perfectly unfettered in promoting in whatever manner seemed, best to you, immigration, not only from Great Britain, but from the Continent. Before leaving this subject of your contracts or agreements for sending out 6,000 or 8,000 German and Scandinavian emigrants, I would beg to direct your attention to my Memorandum No. 90, of sth May, 1873, requesting to be informed whether these contracts or agreements are still in force, or have fallen through. I admit to the full the difficulties you had to contend with in entering on your duties in finding yourself surrounded with different sets of Emigration Eegulations for the several Provinces, but it is to your credit that you reduced these diverse regulations to an uniform system before you were six months in England, namely, in December, 1871, since when that obstacle has been removed. There is force, too, in the difficulties you mention—namely, that emigration to the Colony had almost died out, and that in consequence there were great obstacles in the way of its revival. The restrictions also placed upon your landing immigrants in the Colony during winter months are valid grounds for a deficient supply being shipped during the months of April, March, and May; and I must admit that the months of November, December, and January are, as regards emigration, to a great extent closed months, although, I presume, not more closed to New Zealand than to any other countries. I am not able to say whether I agree with you that no other Australasian Colony had ever attempted emigration on such a scale as New Zealand has for the last two years ; but this I can say, that it is patent to every one that the supply of immigrants is lamentably short of the requirements of the Colony, and of the number ordered by the Government during the last two years. I may add that, if my memory does not mislead me, the forty-acre system established in the Province of Auckland, some fifteen years ago, under the Superintendency of Mr. John Williamson, yielded in the course of fifteen months, without precuniary cost to the Province, some 4,000 souls, which contrasts favourably with the dribblets—they cannot be called a stream —that have been up to the present flowing to the entire Colony. You lay such stress in your correspondence upon having sent out 6,974 souls or 5,923 statute adults between July, 1871, and 31st December, 1872, that it is requisite to analyze the figures in order to ascertain the precise number of these emigrants directly due to your agency. Of the 5,923 statute adults above referred to, there are — Nominated immigrants ... ... ... ... ... ... 861 Brogden's immigrants ... ... ... ... ... ... 1,860 Total ... ... ... ... ... ... 2,721 —leaving 3,202 as the direct contribution of the Colonial Agency, with its large staff and ample funds at its disposal. I confess I find it difficult to reconcile the assurances which you have repeatedly given the Government that you would establish a large stream of emigration to the Colony with the statement you now make, that you never held out to the Government the expectation that

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you could execute an order for any specific number of emigrants within a given time. Had that announcement been made to the Government when it assumed office, it would have been their duty to have taken steps to insure the arrival of the number they thought requisite for the Colony during the year; but your promises of a large flow of immigrants buoyed them up, and prevented them sending home special agents to collect the number and class of immigrants deemed absolutely necessary to meet the demands for labour throughout the Colony. The Government cannot, with the stream of emigration amounting to a quarter of a million flowing annually from the United Kingdom, and with the command of sufficient money at your disposal for the requirements of the year, admit that the execution of their order for 10,000 or 13,000 emigrants should have presented insuperable difficulties. It remains for me to say, that while your letter states that you never held out to the Government the expectation that an order for any specific number of emigrants within a given time could be executed, a telegram of more recent date, 25th April, 1873, conveys the gratifying intelligence that the " emigration order will be executed during current year." G. Maijeice O'Koeke. Immigration Office, Wellington, N.Z., sth July, 1873.

—I————^i^——— lIWIMIIIIIItIM I 11» No. 117. Memorandum No. 146, 1873, for the Agent-Geneeal, London. Hebewith are forwarded copies of reports of Immigration Commissioners upon the ship " Jubilee," which arrived in Wellington on the 21st June, and of notes upon the same vessel by the Immigration Officer at this port. It is matter of great regret to the Government that greater vigilance is not exercised by your Despatching Officer in inspecting the provisions and bedding for the emigrants. The biscuit is reported as unfit for food, and the bedding of most inferior quality. The inspection of the emigrants appears to be of the most cursory character. In this instance, a single woman, within a month of her confinement, was allowed to embark. Very little care seems frequently to be taken in the selection of the surgeon. In the case of the " Jubilee," the surgeon seems to have been taken at random, a few hours before the emigrants embarked, and no inquiry appears to have been made as to his qualifications or character. As another instance I must note the appointment of Mr. Montague Welby to the " Edwin Fox." Referring to the memorandum of the Immigration Officer, I have to request that you will endeavour to remedy the inconvenience caused to emigrants by being summoned to London ten days or a fortnight before they are embarked, and that you will call upon your Despatching Officer to explain the carelessness which took place in inspecting the biscuit and bedding on board the "Jubilee," and. generally upon the complaints made in the report of the Commissioners and the Immigration Officer. Immigration Office, Wellington, Bth July, 1873. G. Maueice O'Roeke.

Enclosure 1 in No. 117. Eepoet by Ihmi&eation Cohmissionees on Ship " Jubilee." Sic ; — Wellington, 25th June, 1873 "We have the honor to report the arrival of the ship " Jubilee " on the 21st inst., with fortytwo statute adult immigrants; one single woman having died on the 6th inst. from puerperal fever, leaving a male infant one month old. The child will, however, prove no burden to the Colony, as it has been provided for by the mother's relatives. We also regretted to hear that one of the married women was subject to violent fits, apparently of an epileptic character, which will prevent her taking any employment. The immigrants by this vessel appear to be of a very desirable class, and we should be only too happy to find a continuance of the same kind of people among future importations. The ship was in every way well suited for the requirements of the small number of people on board, each compartment being roomy and well ventilated. We noticed a great improvement in the hatches, the fixed combings being much higher than usual, and consequently the compartments below were dryer. The immigrants, on being questioned, stated they had no complaints to make. We recommend the payment of the usual gratuities to the captain and officers of the ship. So far as we can ascertain from inspection of the surgeon's journal, &c, he appears to have satisfactorily performed his duty during the voyage ; but we submit for the consideration of the Hon. the Minister for Immigration whether it would not be advisable for the Government to punish him, by making some deduction from the remuneration promised him by the A gent-General. AY c think some explanation as to the Agent-General's knowledge of the antecedents and reputation of the doctor should be obtained, as the character and future prospects of single female immigrants mainly depend upou the behaviour of the surgeon, and the treatment they receive during the voyage. We have, &c, Alexander Jottnston, M.D. H. J. H. Eliott. J. Hackworth. The Hon. the Minister for Immigration, Wellington. John Hallidat.

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Enclosure 2 in No. 117. Notes by the Immigbation Offices on Ship "Jubilee." As in the case of the " Wild Duck," the surgeon-superintendent had no opportunity of becoming acquainted with the emigrants prior to their embarking. He informed me that a note was sent him to attend at the Agent-General's Office on a certain day, at half-past 11 a.m.; when he received orders to join the vessel at half-past 4 on the same day, as the emigrants would be on board at that hour. The officers of the Agent-General's Department appear to have had no knowledge of the surgeon or his qualifications to fulfil the duties of a surgeon-superintendent of an emigrant ship, he merely having sent in a formal application for employment. The captain and surgeon-superintendent have both stated to me that the owner of the vessel was not satisfied with the fittings and accommodation provided for the emigrants by Messrs. Shaw, Saville, and Co., and that he ordered extras to be supplied at his own expense, so that his ship should not have a bad name when she arrived in the Colony. As usual, the medicine chest was not supplied by the Apothecaries' Company. (See remarks of the surgeon-superintendent with reference to the medicines supplied.) Messrs. Temple, who so far as I can ascertain are associated in business with Messrs. Shaw, Saville, and Co., supplied the provisions to the ship. The captain states that the greater portion of the biscuit shipped for the emigrants was bad ; that it is now lying on board the ship, not being worth the duty he would have to pay if he wished to land it. The bedding material was of a very inferior quality ; the surgeon assured me that he had found bones, cinders, and other rubbish amongst it. The selection of the matron in this case does not appear to have been judicious. The surgeon-superintendent in his diary makes the following reference to her: "In fact, her services have not been much." Some of the single girls stated to me that she was not the sort of person they could respect. This, however, could hardly be expected when it is remembered she is only twenty-four years of age. From what I can learn, the medical inspection appears to be of the most cursory character, the emigrants merely marching past Dr. Humphreys and the surgeon-superintendent. This appears to be the case, as a single woman who must have been obviously in the family-way, and a married woman subject to epileptic fits, with decided symptoms of mania, were passed. One of the single women had to be vaccinated during the voyage. A great cause of complaint amongst the immigrants is, that no proper provision is made for their maintenance in London while they are waiting for the vessel to go to sea. Many of them left their homes on receiving notice that the vessel would be ready on a certain day; but when they arrived in London they found they would be detained ten days or a fortnight before they could go on board. During this period they were compelled to maintain themselves, and were obliged to expend the greater portion of, if not all, the little ready money they had intended bringing to the Colony. They were only allowed the sum of Is. Gd. per diem per statute adult for maintenance during this detention —a sum utterly inadequate to provide decent board and lodging. An extract from the surgeon-superintendent's journal is appended. 27th June, 1873. H. J. H. Emott. Sub-Enclosure to Enclosure 2 in No. 117. Extbact from Dr. Pubdon's Joubnal —Surgeon of Ship " Jubilee." The voyage has been most satisfactory, both as regards health and good conduct of passengers, not having a single complaint to make. The captain and officers have been extremely kind, and done everything in their power to promote the comfort and happiness of the emigrants. I should suggest a different scale of medicine and medical comforts, the latter not being nearly sufficient, and the former belonging to the old Pharmacopoeia, as many of the medicines are out of date, and in fact not prescribed, and therefore perfectly useless. A much larger quantity of alkalines- —bicarbonate of potash, and soda pulv. ; more stimulating medicines, such as spirits, alum, aromatic ; also large quantities of roots, such as gentian, quassia, calumbfe ; castor oil not sufficient; cod liver oil increased; essential oils excluded. The mushroom ventilators are of service in removing foul air, but are not the least benefit in allowing fresh air, the height and width not being sufficient in heavy weather; their depth is too shallow, and does not permit of their being opened. The matron has acted very well; but allow me to remark that an older person would be preferable, as she would have more authority, and her commands wou dbe better carried out. So ends the voyage. Ht. Pubdon, M.D.

No. 118. Memorandum No. 147, 1873, for the Agent-Geitebal, London. I hate the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of sth March ultimo, No. 129, 1573, covering the reports of Messrs. Seaton, Farnall, and Barclay, upon their emigration operations for the quarter ended 31st December, 1872, and Mr. Birch's report for the half-year ended the same date. I regret to say that a perusal of these reports fails to satisfy me that any results have accrued at all commensurate with the expense attached to these several agencies. The expectations which I presume the Government of the day entertained when they despatched these special agents to you, must up to the present have fallen very far short of being realized. I observe that these gentlemen hold out a prospect of an increase of emigration when the spring weather sets in. The reports will be printed and presented to Parliament in the ensuing Session. Immigration Office, Wellington, N.Z., Bth July, 1873. G-. Mattbice O'Bobke. By Authority; Globgx DiDtBUET, Government Printer, Wellington.—lB73. [Price 3s. 9d.]