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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.