D.—2.

8

P. Bouverie," with 1501 statute adult Government immigrants, one death and four births having occurred during the voyage. We proceeded on board shortly after 10 a.m., and at once inspected the vessel and the immigrants. Wo found the single women located on deck under the poop, a portion of the saloon having been partioned off for their use. This compartment was scrupulously clean aud well ventilated, and some of the girls were berthed in cabins which held four. There was a large and convenient place for meals, and the hospital, which was in one of the stern state-rooms, was large and well ventilated. We must say that we have not yet inspected any vessel in which more suitable arrangements existed for promoting the health, cleanliness, and comfort of the single women than in the" Bouverie." The married people's compartment was light aud well ventilated by means of a large shaft proceeding up through one of the deck houses, and a number of dead-lights which were let into the deck. There were alley-ways right round the bunks, which were all arranged fore and aft. These alleyways enabled the immigrants to gain access to their bunks for the purpose of cleaning them, as well as promoted ventilation. The hospital was on deck, under the poop, and was in every way suited for tho purpose. Only one defect suggested itself to us in inspecting this vessel, aud that was the position of the store and issuing room, access to which could only be gained by going through the married people's compartment. The single men's compartment was clean, light, and well ventilated : their hospital was on deck, but had never been used. It has been suggested to us that it w rould be more convenient to have the single men in hammocks, as in a man-of-war, than in bunks, as at present. The galley was large and well found, and the condenser worked well throughout the voyage. The closets were all and well disinfected, but wo would suggest that it would add greatly to the appearance of cleanliness if whitewash were used in the closets of immigrant ships. Better ladders and hatches should also be provided, the former being generally steep and ill-constructed : the latter are not high enough to prevent the water going into the compartments below. It affords us much pleasure to note the many improvements in the immigrant ships which have lately arrived at this port, amongst which we may mention the greater space allowed the immigrants, the better provision for light and ventilation, and above all, the position of the hospitals. AYe found the immigrants to be a well-selected, healthy class of people : they all seemed pleased with tho voyage, and not a shadow of complaint was made on either side. The portion of the immigrants intended for AVellington wero landed on Tuesday and sent to the barracks, while the remainder were forwarded direct to Napier in the steamer " Paterson." In conclusion, we recommend the payment of all gratuities, and we consider that the highest praise is due to Captain Stevens and Dr. Jackson for the very creditable manner in which the ship was brought into port. Dr. Jackson seems to be well qualified to take charge of immigrants, having been in the Imperial service in charge of Coolies. AYe append a report by this gentleman, and would draw attention to the practical suggestions contained therein. We have, Ac, Alexandee Johnson, M.D., "\ H. J. H. Eliott, I n J. Hackworth, \ Commissioners. John Holliday, ) The Under Secretary for Immigration, Wellington. • Sub-Enclosure to Enclosure in No. 9. Repoet by Suegeon of Ship " E. P. Bouverie." The following notes and observations are based upon an experience of four years in the Indian emigration service, and I think I may safely say are calculated to improve materially the present working of this, the New Zealand service. 1 would, in the first place, select a staff of surgeons upon whom every reliance and dependence could be placed, and subject to a rigorous professional examination similar to that undergone by those sent to India. There would be no difficulty in finding candidates and making this selection if the Government- dealt liberally with them. In the next, I would erase from tho charter-party that article in which the surgeon is placed upon the articles of the ship and made amenable to the authority of the captain. I could give a great many good and sound reasons why this should be done. It is highly objectionable, and no surgeon can conscientiously do his duty as the representative of the Government, guarding their interests and protecting the emigrants placed under his control and care, with such a millstone round his neck; and it should be remembered that the very position of the surgeon and captain are antagonistic—tho former being responsible that the interests of the Government he serves are attended to, while the latter is equally bound to guard the interests of the owners, his employers. Then, again, the rules laid down for our guidance are really so contradictory that they are very difficult to understand. In one place the surgeon is invested with authority as superintendent, and the captain is expressly forbidden to interfere directly with the emigrants; and yet in another paragraph he is enjoined to do so. Again, tho fact of his being placed upon the ship's articles is of itself sufficient to weaken the surgeon's position in tho eyes of every one on board, and leads to the most lamentable results where hot-tempered men are concerned. I could say a great deal more on this subject, and also show good reasons for removing the captain's name entirely from the printed rules, confining him exclusively, as is done in the Indian service—than which none works more efficiently —to the navigation of his vessel and the management of his officers and crew ; but I feel sure, when the subject has been fully considered, the absurdity and rottenness of the present system will become of itself apparent.