17

D.—OA

Under ordinary circumstances, it would not be right to bring prisoners out from the performance of quarantine ; but in this case, which was one of emergency, we considered that prompt action was necessary, and as there had been no disease amongst the crew, we do not consider that any evil consequences will result from the course we have pursued. We would moreover observe, that the " Golden Sea " was only quarantined for scarlatina, which had been entirely confined to the children; and as all the immigrants had been removed to the island, the ship being only detained for the purpose of being disinfected and cleaned, we were confirmed in our opinion that the most judicious course to pursue would be to remove the men to town. We would draw your Honor's attention to the necessity which exists for a lock-up, or proper place of confinement, for prisoners on the Quarantine Station. Had the vessel been quarantined for smallpox or other virulent disease, we should not have been justified in allowing any person to leave the Quarantine Station. We have, &c, Alexander Johnston, M.D.,) John Hollidat, > Commissioners. H. J. H. Eliott, ) His Honor the Superintendent, Wellington.

No. 44. The Hon. the Minister for Immigration to His Honor the Superintendent, Wellington. Sir, — Immigration Office, Wellington, 21st May, 1874. I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of the sth May instant, enclosing copy of a report by the Immigration Commissioners relative to an outbreak of the crew of the ship " Golden Sea " while lying in quarantine at Somes Island, and expressing your approval of the suggestion of the Commissioners that a lock-up should be erected upon the island. In reply, I have to inform you that the conduct of the Immigration Commissioners in the matter of repressing the outbreak meets with my entire approval, and I shall be glad if your Honor will take an opportunity of expressing this to them. Upon the subject of the erection of a lock-up on the island, the Government are advised that it is not necessary nor desirable that any such provision should be made. If a lock-up were built, the persons accused of any crime could not be imprisoned without the warrant of a Justice, and would have to be brought before a Justice without delay after apprehension. I need scarcely point out to you the serious inconvenience such proceedings would entail. I have, &c, His Honor the Superintendent, Wellington. Julius Vogel.

No. 45. The Hon. the Minister for Immigration to His Honor the Superintendent, Wellington. Sir, — Immigration Office, Wellington, 15th May, 1874. I have the honor to forward to you herewith, copy of a circular telegram which has to-day been transmitted to the Superintendent of other provinces. I have, &c, His Honor the Superintendent, Wellington. Julius Vogel.

Enclosure in No. 45. (Circular Telegram.) "Wellington, 15th May, 187-1. The number of emigrants on their way is such that the Government propose instructing the AgentGeneral to partially revert to assisted passages. It is proposed to still give to single females, and to emigrants nominated by name from the Colony, free passages; but to require from other emigrants promissory notes for £7. Before finally deciding on this, I should like to have your Honor's view on the subject; and I shall feel obliged by your communicating it to me as soon as conveniently possible. His Honor the Superintendent. Julius Vogel.

No. 46. His Honor the Superintendent, "Wellington, to the Hon. the Minister for Immigration. Sib, — Superintendent's Office, "Wellington, 20th May, 1874. I have the honor to acknowledge receipt of your letter of the 15th inst., enclosing copy of a circular telegram which has been transmitted to Superintendents of other provinces, asking the opinion of the Provincial Government as to the advisability of your instructing the Agent-General to partially revert to assisted passages. In reply, I have the honor to inform you that such circular has been brought under the special consideration of the Executive, who are unanimously of opinion that no change is desirable, as far as this province is concerned, as the immigrants that have arrived here, both as to quality and quantity, have been on the whole satisfactory, and have been absorbed as quickly as could be expected. I have, &c, "William Fitziierbert, The Hon. the Minister for Immigration, Wellington. Superintendent. 3-D. sa.