D.—2

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Enclosure 1 in No. 44. Commissionees' Repoet on Ship "Rakaia." TnE Commissioners have to report that, on visiting this ship, they found the various compartments in a very creditable state of cleanliness. No complaints of any kind were made. The arrangements were strictly in accordance with the contract. The condenser (Eaveley's) had worked well, and all the stores were of excellent quality, The Commissioners recommend the payment of full gratuities. Wm. Donald, A John F. Rouse, > Commissioners. J. E. March, ) Lyttelton, 27th April, 1874.

Enclosure 2 in No. 44. Suboeon's Repoet on Ship "Rakaia." Gentlemen, Ship "Rakaia," Lyttelton Harbour, 30th April, 1874. In accordance with your request, I beg to submit to you an epitome of my journal, and a few suggestions which I consider would be improvements in the present dietary scale. We left Gravesend, January 6th, 1874, with many cases of bronchitis and pneumonia, especially of children. January llth, we appointed Oliver Cambridge as constable in place of James Halstead, and had a general muster of immigrants the same day. _ Owin" to condenser being imperfect, the ship put into Weymouth, January 15th, and on January 24th we put into Plymouth, the steering gear having been injured the previous night; and on the 26th the Government Inspector came on board and examined the various compartments, expressing groat approbation on the cleanliness of same. Durin<r the voyage the compartments were all thoroughly cleansed every day, and the beds brought on deck, and under-boards scrubbed and disinfected once a week; and Divine service was held at least twice every Sunday. From the time of entering until leaving the tropics, lime juice was given to the immigrants at stated times; and owing to the want of condensed egg, 4 oz. of flour was substituted and served out with the weekly stores. About the third week in February diarrhoea became specially prevalent amongst the children, continuing whilst in the tropics. On February the 26th we signalled and partly reprovisioned the " Ocean King," barque, sailing from Bolivia to Swansea. Our number of births was 5 (two being premature) and deaths 7. We sighted Stew-art's Island, April 22nd, 1874, and anchored at Port Lyttelton, Sunday, April 26th. My suggestions are as under : — 1. That 4 oz. of flour every other day would be a suitable equivalent for condensed egg, and would at the same time be more nutritious. 2. That the supply of farinaceous food and condensed milk placed on "board as medical comforts is inadequate to the requirements of children, especially when the number is very great, as was the case ou this ship. 3. That all infants under four months old on embarkation should, on attaining the age of four months, be entitled, on recommendation of medical officer, to the ordinary allowance provided for children of that age. 4. That Saturday's rations should be increased, being at present insufficient for the majority of adult immigrants. 5. Having found " Liebeg's Extract " particularly beneficial, should recommend its being placed on list of medical comforts. I have, Ac, To the Commissioners of Immigration. J. F. Townend. For the Hon. the Ministee for Immigeation. I went on board, and was much pleased with the arrangements. I think the suggestions of the doctor, whose efficiency was universally commended, are well worthy of being carried out. W. Rolleston, 2nd May, 1874. Superintendent.

No. 45. The Hon. J. Vogel to the Agent-Geneeal. (No. 115.) Sic, — Immigration Office, Wellington, 6th May, 1874. I have the honor to forward herewith copies of the fullowing documents relating to the ship " Dorette," which arrived in Auckland upon tho 14th April ultimo. 1. Report of Immigration Commissioners. 2. Report of Immigration Officer. 3. Letter of the Superintendent of Auckland, enclosing report by the Health Officer, upon the state of health of the immigrants. I notice with pleasure the generally favourable character of these reports. I have, Ac, The Agent-General for New Zealand, London. Julius Vogel.