D.—No. 3.

belong to the working classes, are healthy, active, well-clad, and amply provided with necessaries for the voyage. The present batch numbers 393 adults, of whom about 240 are married couples, mostly accompanied by children in arms ; about 80 are single males, and the remainder single females. The " Granges" has been chartered by Shaw, Saville & Co., London, (under contract with the New Zealand Government Emigration Board), from Edmund Thompson & Co., of Liverpool, and is one of the Mersey line of packets. She is eight years built, and has previously been employed in the Auckland passenger trade, for which she is peculiarly well adapted. Her registered tonnage is 1,211 ; she is 200 feet long, and 3GA feet beam. Externally she possesses all the essentials for a safe, fast, and comfortable passenger ship, while the excellence of her exterior is, if possible, surpassed by the internal arrangements. The 'tweendecks space is airy, lofty (9| feet) and comparatively well lighted. The berths, too, are roomy, and judiciously arranged. Two transverse bulkheads divide the passenger space into three compartments —that nearest the stem of the vessel being appropriated to single males, the intermediate to the married passengers, and the after compartment to single females. The utmost cleanliness and regularity pervades the ship in every part, sanitary precautious and provisions against accident being well attended to. A portion of the deckhouse or saloon has been partitioned off as an hospital, and, on account of its position on the upper deck, distinct from the passenger space, is far preferable to the similar institution we usually see between decks. The ship is supplied with a patent distilling apparatus capable of converting 500 gallons of salt water, per day, into a pure and wholesome liquid for consumption by the passengers ; and in addition to this a large stock of fresh water has been laid in for the voyage. Commanded by Captain Thomas Furnell —a gentleman of large experience in the management of passenger ships, a skilful seaman, and one in whom we doubt not the passengers will have a kind and humane friend —the " Ganges" is well officered, and has a crew of 45 hands. An experienced physician accompanies the vessel. Yesterday she was inspected by Captain Kerr, R.N., Government Emigration Agent at this port; and Dr. Scott, the Inspecting Physician. The embarkation commenced at 2 o'clock yesterday, and was conducted in an orderly business-like manner, under the direction of Captain Scott (who acts on behalf of the charterers), and Messrs. N. G. Seymour & Co., the local agents. Captain Clarke represented the owners of the ship. The remainder of the passenger* will be placed on board to-day, the final inspection will take place to-morrow, and the " Ganges" will probably proceed on her voyage by Saturday morning. No. 11. A. Clark, Esq., to the Colonial Secretary, Auckland. Sir, — Glasgow, 23rd Dec, 1864. By this mail Mr. C. M. Hepburn has, by my directions, transmitted, via Southampton, the relative Schedules, and a nominal list of the emigrants who sailed from the Clyde on the 7th December, in the ship " Viola." The pilot left her on the following day off the North of Ireland, when she had a fair wind. Eegarding this ship and her passengers I have nothing to add, beyond what may be found in my letter to you of the 19th September, relative to the passengers per ship " Helenslee." I have chartered another ship from P. Henderson & Co. Ido not think that at this season of the year I will be able to despatch her before the first of March. The Hon. the Colonial Secretary, I have, &c, Auckland, New Zealand. Arch. Clark. No. 12. John Morrison, Esq., to the Colonial Secretary, Auckland. Office of" the New Zealand Government Agency, 8, Adelaide Place, King William Street, Str,— London, E.C., 24th December, 1864. I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of 30th September ultimo, referring to the payment to Messrs. Joseph May and John Martin, for travelling expenses. The instructions that certificates of the nature indicated are to be taken from these gentlemen shall be acted upon. At the same time I remark that it is the opinion of Mr. Fox that they will not expect to receive travelling allowance if no travelling is necessary. I have, &c, The Hon. the Colonial Secretary, Auckland, New Zealand. John Morrison. No. 13. Njcw Zealand Emigration Board, to the Colonial Secretary, Auckland. Office of the New Zealand Government Emigration Board, 3, Adelaide Place, London Bridge, Sir,— London E.C., 24th December, 1864. We have the honor to report that the ship " Dauntless" chartered by us for the conveyance of New Zealand Government Emigrants, will sail from Kingstown on 29th current, with about 340 statute adults. We also beg to acquaint you that we have chartered the " Canterbury," of 1296 tons register, to succeed the "Dauntless," and sail from hence with probably upwards of 400 English emigrants, on 7th February next. We have, &c, ¥m. S. Grahame, The Hon. the Colonial Secretary, . John Morrison, Auckland. Zew Zealand. New Zealand Government Emigration Board.

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CORRESPONDENCE RELATIVE TO DESPATCH