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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.