D.—2

10

I have instituted inquiry in this case, and I find that the family named was introduced by the secretary of the Agricultural Labourers' Union at Leamington. The medical certificate is properly signed by " David McLeish, L.E.C.S.E., New Washington, Durham." Mr. Taylor was requested to communicate with Dr. McLeish, and ask for his explanation. I enclose a copy of the reply of the latter. The Immigration Officer remarks that, " in reply to inquiries made at the time of the inspection of the passengers, Dr. Gilmour stated to the Commissioners that he had no opportunity for inspecting the immigrants previous to their embarkation, and that he saw them for the first time on the day the ship sailed from London." The practice of this office is to require the surgeon-superintendent to attend at the Emigration Depot when the emigrants are ordered to assemble, and to remain with and accompany them on board the vessel. Dr. Gilmour's statement is, however, correct. Dr. Dawe, late of the " Halcione," was appointed surgeon to the "Forfarshire," but was unable to proceed; and Dr. Gilmour was invited to supply tho vacancy, and accepted the proposal, but could not join until the emigrants were embarked. The latter were not, however, left without due supervision and medical care, Dr. Husband, of the " Blairgowrie," having been appointed to take temporary charge until the surgeon-superintendent arrived; and Dr. Husband did, in fact, remain with the emigrants at Gravesend until the arrival of Dr. Gilmour. I have, &c, I. E. Feathebston, The Hon. the Minister for Immigration, Wellington, N.Z. Agent-General.

Enclosure in No. 16. Dr. McLeish to Mr. H. Taylor. Sic,— Washington, 13th October, 1875. In reply to your communication concerning a medical certificate produced by William McManus, I beg to state that I have not the slightest recollection of having given any such certificate, if ever I happened to do so ; and, as in this subscribing practice any certificate written by me is not charged for to the party requiring it, I have, therefore, no written record of any of them. There is only one family of that name, and another of the name of " McMahon," residing in this locality lately, and at present, and I am not aware of any one belonging thereto that lately went away to emigrate. I am very careful in my examinations on all occasions, and conduct them according to the best of my knowledge, and with the strictest integrity and conscientiousness; and my assistants —who frequently use my name and signature —I have advised to use the same care. The assistant I then had left this a few weeks ago, and I considered that he was a careful, upright, steady, and skilful person. This is all the information I can give you on the subject, according to the best of my recollection. I have, &c, H. Taylor, Esq. D. McLeish.

No. 17. The Agent-Geneeal to the Hon. the Minister for Immigration. (No. 780.) 7, Westminster Chambers, Victoria Street, Westminster, S.W., Sib— 29th October, 1875, I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your letter No. 180, dated 3rd August, 1875, in which you state that, in the selection of the emigrants ordered to be despatched to Otago during the current financial year, I am to arrange that one-fifth of the total number be for disposal in the Oamaru district; and that, in the case of those so set apart, their destination, Oaraaru, is to be indorsed on their contract tickets. Tour instructions in this matter shall have my careful attention. I have already given effect to them in the case of the emigrants by the ship " Corona," which sails for Otago during the next week. I have, &c, I. E. Featiieeston, The Hon. the Minister for Immigration, Wellington. Agent-General.

No. 18. The Agent-Genebal to the Hon. the Minister for Immigration. (No. 782.) 7, "Westminster Chambers, Victoria Street, Westminster, S.W., Sib,— 29th October, 1875. I have the honor to transmit, for the information of the Government, copy of correspondence with Mr. Andrew, of Edinburgh, with reference to emigration from the Clyde to Otago. I have, &c, I. E. Eeatiieestoit, The Hon. the Minister for Immigration, Wellington. Agent-General.