D.—l

22

" I have drawn a few preliminary conditions, a copy of which I beg to enclose, but I would prefer that they should not be gazetted until w 7e have had a little experience of how they will w rork. They will, however, be sufficient to explain generally to intending settlers tho intention of the Government with regard to the settlement; and if approved of by you, I should be glad if you would transmit them to the Agent-General in London, so that arrangements may be at once commenced for sending us out a suitable class of emigrants. The number of immigrants it is proposed to locate in this settlement is 250 families, say equal to 1,000 adults. Of these, fifty families are to be taken from this coast, which will leave 200 families to be sent from Home, or to be selected from those now arriving in different parts of the colony, who might desire to go down to the special settlements. I would request, therefore, to send Home instructions to select and send out 150 families, and I would suggest that a large proportion of these should be taken from the National Agricultural Labourers' Association. In this Mr. Holloway might be able to render considerable assistance, as the details of this settlement were fully discussed with him on his recent visit to this province, and met with his warm approval. I think, also, that some Shetlanders would be suitable immigrants, as there is an abundance of fish on the coast. My attention has also been drawn to the fact that a number of Pomeranians can be obtained, and would be specially suited for such a settlement. A countrymen of theirs, Mr. Julius Matthies, who has spent a considerable time in exploring our southern country, is about returning to his home with a view of inducing a number of his countrymen to come out, and I shall be glad if you would give instructions, so that the Agent-General may avail himself of his services when at home. I believe they would make useful settlers, and a block of land might be specially reserved for them on one of the rivers." I have to request that you will endeavour to give effect to the wishes of his Honor by selecting and forwarding the emigrants he requires, viz. 150 families: these would, I presume, make up the average complement of nearly two ships, which should be despatched to Nelson, with the balance of their complement, if required, made up of single women suitable for domestic service—a class of emigrants still in great demand all over the colony. With regard to employing the services of Mr. Julius Matthies in selecting and shipping Pomeranians, I leave the matter entirely to your own discretion, and I have informed his Honor the Superintendent accordingly. I have, &c, The Agent-General for New Zealand, London. H. A. Atkinson. AT« ACK

The Hon. H. A. Atkinson to the Agent-General. (No. 53.) Sir, — Immigration Office, Wellington, 16th February, 1873. In more than one letter by this mail I have directed your attention to the remarks of surgeonsuperintendents upon the unsatisfactory character of the medical examination of emigrants before embarkation. I have now the honor to forward copies of letters received this day upon the subject by Dr. Forbos, late surgeon-superintendent of the "Dilharree;" Dr. Britain, of the "Invererne;" and Dr. Nesbitt, of the " Warwick." As in the case of the latter gentleman, relative to the manner of whose appointment I addressed you in my letter No. 51, of yesterday's date,* you will observe that Dr. Britain also obtained his appointment through Moore and Co., of St. Mary Axe, upon payment of a fee of £10. I have, Sec, The Agent-General for New Zealand, London. H. A. Atkinson.

Enclosure 1 in No. 46. Surgeon-Superintendent, "Invererne," to Immigration Officer, Auckland. Sir, — Auckland, 2nd February, 1875. I consider it my duty to bring before your notice what I consider a matter of the greatest importance, and that is, the very inefficient manner in which the emigrants are examined medically before sailing. In my instructions, I was told to examine them all at the depot. I went there, and found the passengers of several vessels mixed together, a great many out, and some not there at all; therefore it was impossible for me to do my duty, and I had not time to call at the office about it. I consider they ought all to be thoroughly examined before they go to the depot. If there were any infectious disease among them, an hour or two's intermingling would be the means of infecting others. What I would recommend is, that there should be a stated place and time for them to be examined, and that all of them should not be there at once. You also asked me how I got my appointment as surgeon. First, I went to the New Zealand Emigration Office, and was told that I could not get appointed until six or seven months afterwards. After this I went to a medical shipping agent (Moore and Co., 14J St. Mary Axe), who agreed to get the appointment for me if I would give him a commission for his trouble. I said I would do so. He procured me my appointment in less than two months, for which he charged me £10. I have, Sec, F. G. M. Britain, The Immigration Officer, Auckland. Surgeon, " Invererne." * Vide No. 72, D.—3.