D.—l

68

By Mr. Beid. —Collector of Customs told so; got no official communication; cannot say how much provision was on board; the stores had been overhauled at the Mauritius. Had about 100 souls on board. In general, we take in a little more than for an average voyage ; the provisions bought at Mauritius were put on board. Ean about 100 miles towards Twofold Bay; ran towards New Zealand for five or six days after. Allowed a bottle of porter for two days to each of the women; medical stores were all consumed previously. The vessel was chartered ; I knew nothing of provisions put on board in London. Medical stores were under control of doctor as long as he lived; I had nothing to do with them.

No. 69. Memorandum No. 60, 1873, for the Agent-Geneeal, London. I forward herewith copy of the Immigration Officer's report of the arrival of the ship " Durham " at Auckland, with 55 statute adults, on the 4th ultimo. I have to specially direct your attention to that portion of the report referring to the matron, and to the absolute necessity of appointing elderly females, capable of maintaining order, and not inexperienced young females, as matrons on board vessels conveying Government emigrants. This is the fourth time that complaint has been made as to the conduct of the matron, as will be gathered, in addition to the enclosed report, from the reports on the " Himalaya," " Warwick," and " Glenlora." I trust you will take such steps as to prevent a recurrence of such complaint. The incompetency or misconduct of the matron cannot but have a damaging effect oil the character of those committed to her charge. Immigration Office, Wellington, New Zealand, G. Maueice O'Koeke. 12th April, 1873.

Enclosure in No. G9. Dr. Pollen to the Hon. the Minister for Immigration. Sic, — General Government Offices, Auckland, Ist April, 1873. I have the honor to report the arrival of the ship " Durham," on the 4th March, with assisted immigrants, 69 souls, equal to 55^- statute adults. As soon as the inspection was completed and the promissory notes restamped in the usual course, the people were landed and taken to the Barracks. Three of the families were for Messrs. Brogden. Of the others, all were received by friends or found employment at current wages, except two men with families, who expected to find places as pointsmen or clerks on a railway line, and, being unfitted for manual labour, have found difficulty in getting places. The matron appointed for the single women's compartment was a very young girl, without experience or the power of maintaining her authority; and as the surgeon-superintendent declined to give her the usual certificate for gratuity, on the ground of incompetency, I nave made no payment to her. I have, &c, The Hon. the Minister for Lands and Immigration, Daniel Pollen, Wellington. Immigration Officer.

No. 70. Memorandum No. 61, 1873, for the Agent-Geneeal, London. By the last San Prancisco Mail I forwarded report of Immigration Commissioners upon the ship " Forfarshire," and informed you further that the Government consider the matter of complaint alleged therein so important as to justify proceedings being taken under " The Passengers Act, 1855." I now forward copy of the proceedings instituted against the ship by the Immigration Officer, which resulted in the captain being amerced in a fine of £12 10s., with costs, on each of the four charges preferred against him. The evidence taken before the Court leaves no room for doubt that there must have been very culpable negligence on the part of the Inspecting Officers in London, which, had the ship unfortunately made a protracted voyage, would most certainly have resulted in very terrible consequences from the want of water, of which there was neither a sufficient quantity on board nor the means of condensing, the apparatus being out of order, and the supply of coal altogether insufficient. The letters written home by immigrants who have had to endure all the miseries of a long passage under the circumstances detailed in this and other cases, must of necessity materially militate against emigration to the Colony. I would be glad if you would report fully to me what is your system of inspecting the vessels and emigrants previous to departure. Immigration Office, Wellington, New Zealand, G. Matjeice O'Boeke. 12th April, 1873.

Enclosure in No. 70. Province of Wellington, in the} Colony of New Zealand, > to wit. ) The information of Arthur William Follett Halcombe, of the City of Wellington, a Government Emigration Officer duly appointed under the provisions of " The Passengers Act, 1855," who cometh before me, William McLeod Bannatyne.. Esquire, one of Her Majesty's Justices of the Peace in and for the