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1875. NEW ZEALAND.

EMIGRANT SHIPS' BOATS, AND PENALTIES FOR BROACHING CARGO AT SEA, (CORRESPONDENCE RELATING TO).

Presented to both Souses of the General Assembly by Command of His Excellency.

No. 1. The Hon. Sir J. Vogel to the Hon. D. Pollen. 7, "Westminster Chambers, Victoria Street, "Westminster, S.W., Sib,— 11th June, 1875. I have been in communication with the Colonial Office and with the Board of Trade respecting the inadequacy of the penalties for broaching cargo at sea; and I have the honor to attach hereto copy of the correspondence which has passed on the subject. I have, &c, The Hon. Dr. Pollen, &c. Julius Vogel.

Enclosure 1 in No. 1. Mr. Malcolm to the Hon. Sir J. Vogel. Sib, — ■ Downing Street, 20th March, 1875. I am directed by the Earl of Carnarvon to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of the 2nd instant, in which you express your wish to learn the views entertained by those most competent to judge with regard to the loss of the " Cospatrick," and request to be placed in communication with the proper authorities. Lord Carnarvon has been in communication with the Board of Trade on the subject, and he now desires me to inform you that the Board of Trade will be glad if you will call there at your convenience and see the Assistant and Professional Adviser of the Marine Department, who will gladly afford you any assistance in their power. I have, &c, Julius Vogel, Esq., C.M.Gr. W. E. Malcolm.

Enclosure 2 in No. 1. The Hon. Sir J. Vogel to the Eight Hon. the Eakl of Cabnabvox. 7, "Westminster Chambers, Victoria Street, "Westminster, S.W., My Lord ,— 3rd May, 1875. Some weeks since your Lordship caused to be sent to me an introduction to the Board of Trade, with a view to my conferring with some officers of that department upon questions relating to emigration. 2. I have had an interview with the gentlemen connected with the Marine Department of the Board of Trade, and I promised to visit the office, but my health has not permitted me to do so. At the interview I have mentioned, I strongly urged some points which I considered it was desirable should, for the safety of emigrants, be attended to ; and as it seems to me that my recommendations may have more weight when made direct to you Lordship, if supported by your sanction, I venture to trouble you with this letter. 3. The principal points upon which I wish to dwell are—First, the general condition of boats on board emigrant ships. Second, the existing penalties for broaching cargo. 4. (1.) Apart from the fact that the boats are invariably too few for the number of emigrants on. board, I have good reason for believing that they are habitually not kept in a condition fit for use. In the interest of all concerned, I believe that a very simple legislative provision would meet this I—H. 30.