79

D.—2

3. Letter from Dr. Sloan; who, after remarking that he had no recollection of the immigrant (whose certificate he signed seven months previously), adds, "of course, if she had shown any symptom of lunacy, I would on no account have signed it." 4. Letter from Mr. John Miller, J.F., who also signed the immigrant's certificate. Mr. Miller writes as follows :—" I saw no reason to suspect M A T of anything amiss with her when she called here. I have every reason to believe that she had been in several good places in and about here, but I do not know her family. I know those who signed her character, and the doctor who signed." 5. Letter from Mr. Arthur Hill, the proprietor of the Emigration depot at Plymouth and Blackwall. Mr. Hill, who is entirely trustworthy in every respect, writes thus : " I have questioned every person in the depot on the subject of the girl M A T , and neither the master, the matron, nor any of the staff has any recollection of the girl. I think nothing can more strongly show that it is quite impossible any symptoms of insanity can have shown themselves in her at the depot, &c. It is hardly probable or possible that symptoms of insanity, imbecility, or even peculiarity of manner could escape the notice of all the staff, and of your own ship's surgeon besides." Upon perusal and consideration of these papers, you will, I doubt not, be satisfied that no proper precaution was omitted when this case was dealt with ; and you will now, I trust, acquit the inspecting and shipping officers of this department of that gross carelessness of which in your letter you suggest they have been guilty. I have, &c, I. E. Featiieeston, Agent-General.

Enclosures in No. 112. Sic, — Lisburn, 24th December, 1874. I have no recollection of M A T , whose certificate I signed. Of course, if she had shown any symptoms of lunacy, I would on no account have signed it. As for her family, I know nothing about them. I have, &c, E. E. Sloan, M.D. Sir, — Lisburn, 21th December, 1874. In reply to your letter relative to M A T , I beg to say, the thought of her being insane never crossed my mind. During the short period which she lived with me as a servant, she was perfectly sound in her mind. Ido not know any of her relatives, as lam a stranger in this place. I dare Bay the agent here who procured the passage for her could give some information on the subject as to her relations, &c. I have, &c, Riciiard K. Atkinson. Sic,— Lisburn, 30th December, 1874. Tour favour of the 28th inst. duly to hand. lam very much surprised at its contents. I have known M A T for a long timeas a servant,and always considered her an excellent hard-work-ing girl. In fact, I obtained her two situations myself, where she gave entire satisfaction. I never heard or saw with her any thing touching insanity. I know nothing about her parents, whether dead or living, but shall make all the inquiries I can to find out her friends, and shall write you again. I have, &c, To I. E. Featherston, Esq. Samuel Graham. The Agent-General for New Zealand. Sir, — Eeading, 4th January, 1875. In reply to your letter of December 31, I have questioned every person in the depot on the subject of the girl M A T , who went in the " Christian McAusland," and neither the master, the matron, nor any of the staff has any recollection of the girl. I think nothing can more strongly show that it is quite impossible any symptoms of insanity can have shown themselves in her at the depot, because the matron invariably makes herself acquainted with every girl, and reports the smallest matter connected with health to the ship's doctor, and it is hardly probable or possible that symptoms of insanity, imbecility, or even peculiarity of manner could escape the notice of all the staff and of your own ship's surgeon besides in his special medical examination and daily inspection. I have, &c, A. Hill. Sir, — Lisburn, 29th January, 1875. I have to apologize for overlooking your letter of 22nd December, owing to its having been received during an illness. I only found it yesterday when looking over my papers. I see no reason to suspect M A T of anything amiss with her when she called here. I have every reason to believe that she had been in several good places in and about here, but Ido not know her family. I know those who signed her character, and the doctor who signed. I have, &c,, John Millar.