D.—2

9

Now, with regard to the stores, I would, as is done in Calcutta, hand a list of them to the surgeon some days prior to the sailing of his vessel, ordering him to attend on board and satisfy himself that both quantity and quality is good and sufficient, and for this I would hold him responsible, and invest him with full power to retain or reject any articles of those stores as he should think proper. Tho ship's fitments—her hospitals, ventilation, Ac. —should all be as he thought proper. And this is only fair to him, for his charge is a very onerous and responsible one, and he should be left no excuse in case of a mishap. The recent question which has arisen regarding the quantity of arrowroot put on board some of the emigrant vessels for the use of the children, could not have occurred had the surgeon been the inspecting officer before leaving England, for he would have been too careful of his own interests. The inspection of the people, too, should rest entirely with the surgeon, and he should have power to reject any not well fitted for the voyage. 1 would also empower the surgeon to alter at his own discretion, as far as he practically can, the dietary scale. The reason for this is obvious. And I would strongly recommend that.bread be served out daily in place of three times a week, as is the present custom. Many of the people, particularly little children and old persons without good teeth, cannot cat biscuit, and so, on biscuit days, must go without the " staff of life." The difference in cost, if any, would be very trifling. I have much pleasure to forward the rules and instructions drawn up for the guidance of surgeonsuperintendents of the Imperial service, together with a few papers, from which information may be gained. Geo. Cecil Jackson, M.D., Surgeon-Superintendent, Government AVellington, 22nd October, 1873. Emigration Service. I concub with Dr. Jackson's remarks, and can indorse his opinion as to the anomalous position of the surgeon-superintendent on board the New Zealand ships. 24th October, 1873. Alexandee Johnston, M.D.

No. 10. The Hon. J. Vogel to the Agent-Geneeal. (No. 254.) Sic, — Immigration Office, AVellington, 19th November, 1873. I have the honor to forward, for your information, copy of tho Immigration Commissioners' report upon the ship " Merope," which vessel arrived at Lyttelton on the 31st ultimo. I have, Ac, Tlie Agent-General for New Zealand, London. Julius Vogel.

Enclosure 1 in No. 10. Commissionees' Repoet on Ship "Merope." The Commissioners report that every part of this ship was cleanly and well ordered. The immigrants wero in good health, and expressed themselves pleased with all the arrangements, and spoke gratefully of the kindness they had received from the captain and officers. The health had been good throughout the voyage. No births or deaths had occurred. The provisions were of good quality. The condenser (Gravely's) had worked satisfactorily. The Commissioners recommend the payment of full gratuities. AVm. Donald, "\ Feed. D. Gibson, , n John F. Rouse, f Commissioners. J. E. Maech, ) Lyttelton, 3rd November, 1873.

Enclosure 2 in No. 10. Repoet by Suegeon of Ship "Merope." Dueing the voyage we had fine weather ; most of the way the weather was cold and bracing. Health prevailed all the time. I look upon the arrangements provided for the emigrants as being nearly perfect. Perhaps tho dietary scale of the children would be improved if preserved eggs were substituted for fresh ; for the latter will not keep, and are consequently of no use. Then, again, the cheese put on board does not keep, and is therefore of no use; this might be remedied by putting on board cheese of a harder and drier kind. To this I have nothing to add, except that I would suggest, that whoever is appointed a matron should not have a husband on board, because it leads to all sorts of confusion. 1 do not know that there is anything else I could suggest that would be an improvement on the present arrangements. P. Doyle, M.D., Surgeon-Superintendent of Ship "Merope." 2—D. 2.