Page image

D.-2

29

had occurred on the passage, two children from infantile disease, and one woman of dysentery and debility from age. The cleanliness of the compartments (with the exception- of the single females, which was fair) was very inferior to -that of the average of vessels carrying immigrants. This was alleged by the passengers themselves to have been due in great measure to the ship's sides admitting water. In the arrangements one very objectionable item was noticed, viz., that the matron's cabin, a very narrow one, in a corner in the after part of the compartment, was hemmed in by berths erected in front of it, leaving only a very narrow passage for communication, which, in the event of any insubordinate persons choosing to do so, would be blockaded with the greatest ease. The plumbing work of the closet in the poop, used by the single women, w-as very defective, causing on many occasions great annoyance from leakage into the married people's compartment below. Complaints are again made as to the children's dietary, the articles specially belonging to w-hich were not served out for the first three weeks of the voyage through their not being sooner found, having been stowed away out of sight. Several of the immigrants stated that their children had only received four eggs each during the voyage. Nearly all the eggs which had been packed in salt had either been broken or had gone bad, and there was no condensed egg on board to issue in their place. Various complaints with regard to the issuing of food and water have been made in writing by the married immigrants. The condenser, an improved Graveley's, had worked well, and given an ample supply of water throughout the voyage. A charge, formally entered in the " official log," against the surgeon was brought under tho notice of the Commissioners, of having sold medical comforts placed on board for the immigrants. As this will probably be the subject of judicial inquiry, the Commissioners for the present forbear expressing any opinion upon the matter. The matron does not appear to have exercised efficient control over the girls, two or three of whom appear to have behaved very badly. Familiarities were reported to have taken place between the sailors and these girls upon various occasions. The Commissioners consider the selection of the matron injudicious. It will be observed that the immigrants complain that there was no hospital for males. Complaints were made as to the quality of the salt beef, but the samples shown by the immigrants were of average quality. The old grievance again cropped up with reference to carrots, cheese, and onions, which appear in the prospectus issued by the Agent-General, but are omitted in the charter-party and upon the contract tickets. This appears to have been a fruitful source of discontent. The Commissioners make no recommendation with regard to gratuities (excepting to the constables, who appear to have performed their duties), pending the decision of tho Courts of Justice. Wm. Donald, A J. F. Rouse, > Commissioners. Lyttelton, sth February, 1874. J. E. Maech, )

No. 32. The Hon. J. Vogel to the Agent-General, London. (No. 50.) Sic, — Immigration Office, Wellington, 13th March, 1874. Herewith I have the honor to transmit satisfactory reports, by the Immigration Officer and Commissioners at Auckland, upon the ship " Lauderdale." I have, Ac, The Agent-General for New Zealand, London. Julius Vogel.

Enclosure in No. 32. Commissioners' Report on Barque " Lauderdale." Sir, — Auckland, 2nd February, 1874. We have the honor to report the arrival of the barque " Lauderdale " on the 30th ultimo, with 100 statute adult immigrants. We boarded the vessel inside the North Head, and having ascertained there was no sickness of an infectious character, proceeded with the usual inspection. The vessel was excessively clean in every particular, and all the compartments well ventilated. There was a plentiful supply of water, and all the provisions were of excellent quality. There were no complaints made by any of the passengers. One death of an infant occurred on the voyage. In conclusion, we beg to recommend that tho gratuities be paid to the officers. We have, Ac, I. J. Burgess, Chief Harbour Master. The Hon. the Minister for Immigration, T. M. Philson, M.D., Health Officer. Wellington.