D.—3

4

Blackwall, and several cases of gastric fever occurred during the voyage, there was only one death from sickness—a child one year old; a second death occurred through a lad being washed overboard. The immigrants landed in better health than from any previous vessel to this port, which may be attributed to three causes—an improved dietary, the superior accommodation of the ship, and unceasing attention to the health and comfort of the immigrants by the surgeon-superintendent, Dr. Russell, already favourably known to Government as surgeon of the " La Hogue " to Wellington. The " Hannibal" was the first vessel that arrived in Nelson with the improved dietary, and a superficial observer could not fail to notice its effect upon the immigrants as seen when landed. Under less favourable circumstances as regards diet, ship accommodation, and, we may add, medical charge, these people would probably have landed in a far less satisfactory state. Especial care appeared to have been taken with the fittings of the vessel, and a wise forethought exercised to insure the health and comfort of all on board. The immigrants were doubtless fortunate in having the services of an experienced medical officer, and one whose high sense of duty caused him to be unsparing of himself in attending upon those who needed his assistance. The report of Dr. Bussell will be found more full than such documents usually are, and to contain some practical suggestions which Government may regard as worthy of consideration. It also contains complaints of the quality of the bread and biscuit supplied in the early part of the voyage, of an insufficient supply of fresh water when in the tropics, and of some breaches of the regulations on the part of Captain Brown and his officers in their conduct towards the single women. These complaints led the Commissioners to institute an inquiry, the evidence taken at which is already in the hands of the Hon. Minister for Immigration. Taking the subjects of complaint as there given, we remark upon them as follows :—■ The bread was admitted by Captain Brown to have justified the complaints made of it, but the fault lay with the baker rather than with the flour, which, however, was not of prime quality. When a more competent baker was employed, taken from among the immigrants, wholesome bread was provided. This shows the necessity of ascertaining whether the baker placed on board an emigrant vessel is master of his business before the vessel sails, as unwholesome bread is a most fruitful source of disease. The fault with the biscuit was that it had been put on board in bags, as the supplies subsequently taken from an iron tank were fairly good. Samples of the flour aud the condemned biscuit are forwarded for inspection. The short supply of water appears to have arisen out of misapprehension on the part of the captain of the quautity required, and was remedied when complained of, as were also the complaints respecting the bread as soon as a competent baker was found. The issue of bad biscuit was also promptly discontinued. The whole of the immigrants bore willing testimony to the general good treatment they received on board the " Hannibal," many of them volunteering the remark that it was far better than they had expected. Dr. Eussell's statement, that bottled stout had been supplied to the immigrants, required a strict investigation. On inquiry, all we could learn was that a few bottles had been disposed of by the steward, but it could not be shown that this was done with the consent of the captain, who denied all knowledge of the transaction. Dr. Eussell did not see or hear of any of tho immigrants being affected with liquor. The gift by Captain Brown, on two occasions, of a small quantity of brandy to a single woman, was also a violation of regulation, as likewise was the officers conversing with the single women when on the poop on duty. But as these breaches of regulations were not followed by questionable conduct on the part of the offenders, we recommended the payment of the gratuities, and considered a reproof and caution to Captain Brown, whose first voyage it was with immigrants, would be sufficient. There appeared to have been great delay in despatching the "Hannibal" to sea: the immigrants complained of having been summoned to the port of embarkation three weeks before the ship was ready. This may have been unavoidable in the present instance, but such delays should be prevented, if possible. . We cannot express too highly our opinion of the services of Dr. Eussell, and, should he desire further employment, Government will find no officer who will more conscientiously perform his duty. We have, &c, Leonard Boob. James S. Cboss. His Honor the Superintendent, Nelson. C. Elliott. No. 5.

The Hon. H. A. Atkinson to the Agent-Genebal. (No. 174.) Sib,— Immigration Office, Wellington, 29th July, 1875. I have the honor to transmit herewith copies of the following documents relative to the ship " Forf arshire," which arrived at Auckland upon the 7th instant: —1. Immigration Commissioners' report. 2. Immigration Officer's report. 3. Eeport on the voyage by the surgeon-superintendent. 4. Certified list of births and deaths. I have, &c, The Agent-General for New Zealand, London. H. A. Atkinson.

Enclosure in No. 5. Commissioners' Eepobt on Ship " Forfarshire." Sic, — Immigration Office, Auckland, 15th July, 1875. We have the honor to report the arrival of the " Forfarshire," late on the 7th instant, 109 days from London, with 231 Government immigrants. The usual inspection of the ship and passen-