23

D.—l

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.