25

D.—2

consider it worth taking notice of, as we know that with a number of immigrants there are always some who have a grievance which is often more imaginary than real. We consider that the " Salisbury " has brought the immigrants out in a satisfactory manner, and that Captain Clare and Dr. Dove have performed their respective duties exceedingly well, and we have much pleasure in recommending the payment of all gratuities excepting to two of the constables, which in one case was stopped, and in the other reduced by the captain and surgeon-superiutendent. If Dr. Dove should wish for re-employment as surgeon-superintendent of an emigrant ship, we consider him well qualified for the appointment. We have, Ac, Alexander Johnston, M.D.,A H. J. H. Eliott, >■ Commissioners. John Holliday, )

No. 27. The Hon. J. Vogel to the Agent-General. (No. 27.) Sib, — Immigration Office, Wellington, 6th February, 1874. Herewith is forwarded report of the Immigration Commissioners upon the ship " Star of India," which arrived at Lyttelton upon the 31st December, 1873 ; also copies of a *report by the surgeon-superintendent, aud of certain telegraphic correspondence* between the Immigration Officer and the Government. The complaints as to the dietary scale appear to have been well founded, and to have been the result of gross carelessness on the part of the despatching and inspecting officers, whose duty it clearly was to see that the dietary scales posted for information of the immigrants and their contract tickets were in accordance with the terms of the charter-party. I would direct your attention especially to the remarks of the surgeon-superintendent, where he points out deficiencies in several matters affecting the health and comfort of .the passengers. I have, Ac, The Agent-General for New Zealand, London. Julius A r OOEL. * These documents are not printed, tho substance of them being included in the Commissioners' report.

Enclosure in No. 27. Commissioners' Report on Ship "Star of India." The Commissioners, on visiting tho above ship, found the various compartments in a very creditable condition as to cleanliness and order, and also well lighted and thoroughly ventilated. The arrangements generally were satisfactory, but the plumbing work was very badly done, especially in the case of the single women's closet and bath-room in the poop. The arrangement of the closet was very objectionable, there being three seats opening into one common trough, without sufficient fall to carry away the soil, the supply of water being inadequate, and the service ill arranged. The Commissioners wero informed that the surgeon-superintendent had constantly to seek the services of the ship's carpenter to remedy defects in the plumber's work. Much dissatisfaction was expressed in the married and single men's compartments with respect to the dietary scale. Many of those who were in these compartments had been transferred from the "Dilharree," and held contract tickets in the dietary scale on which were included cheese, carrots, and onions. None of these were placed on board. Some others showed contract tickets on which these were erased, as they stated, after issue. A third class had tickets in which these were omitted. On inquiry, the Commissioners ascertained that these articles are not included in the present contract, and that the fault therefore does not rest with the charterers. The same, however, does not apply to the omission of condensed egg for children; a grave one, as there is no possibility of keeping eggs fresh beyond the first week or two of the passage. Appended to this report are threo of the original contract tickets and other papers held by the immigrants per " Star of India," by which the discrepancy will be evident which has caused much annoyance both to the officers of the ship and the immigrants, upon what seems otherwise to have been a very pleasant passage. The Commissioners would further remark that the scale posted in each compartment of the ship contained the articles, namely, cheese, carrots, and onions, which, under the present contract, have not to be provided. The quality of the provisions was good, and the serving out and cooking had been regular and satisfactory. The distillery apparatus had worked well, giving an ample supply of water throughout the voyage. The class of immigrants was highly satisfactory: this may be especially remarked of tho single females, who, both in physique and conduct, compared favourably with any shipment hitherto received. Several of the immigrants had been detained at the port of embarkation; some had been paid the amount allowed for such detention; others, notably Germans, not speaking English, had not been paid. Tho Commissioners would recommend that in future the shipping officer should see these claims adjusted before the ship sails. 4—D. 2.