61

D.—l

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