D.—3

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Commissioners. 2. Eeport by the surgeon-superintendent. 3. Certified list of births and deaths upon the voyage. I have, &c, The Agent-General for New Zealand, London. H. A. Atkinson.

Enclosure in No. 7. Commissionebs' Bepobt on Ship "White Eose." Lyttelton, 31st July, 1875. The Commissioners report the arrival of this ship on the 21st instant, after a protracted passage of 150 days. It appears from the evidence of the surgeon, and Mr. C. W. Best, chief officer, that Captain T. S. Thorpe died on the passage after the ship had been at sea fifty-two days. Extracts from the surgeon's journal relating to the captain's death are attached to this reporb. On the master's decease the chief officer took command of the ship, but in consequence of the bad stowage of the cargo he found it necessary to put into Mauritius. The ship remained there from 22nd May to 10th Juno. The Commissioners were pleased to hear that the immigrants received much kindness and attention from the inhabitants during their delay, and at the same time they note with satisfaction that strict discipline was observed in all the compartments. The roll was called every evening, and no one remained on shore at night. The Commissioners, having heard that fever prevailed at Mauritius during the ship's detention there, took stringent measures on the ship's arrival at Lyttelton for preventing the landing of any one on board until an inspection had been made. This inspection was, on the whole, satisfactory, but it was deemed advisable, although no sickness prevailed on board, to land the immigrants at the Quarantine Station to wash and air their clothes, &c. The compartments were lofty, well ventilated, and moderately clean. The condenser and cooking apparatus had worked satisfactorily. Some complaints having been made as to the issue of stores, the Commissioners held an inquiry, the result of which exonerated the officer in charge from all blame. The Commissioners recommend payment of the following gratuities : —-To the relatives of the late Captain Thorpe, £10; to Captain C. W. Best, £15; to chief officer ditto, £4; to acting chief officer, £4; to chief officer appointed at Mauritius, £2. To the surgeon-superintendent and others as per letter from Agent-General. Wm. Donald. John F. Bouse. The Hon. the Minister for Immigration. J. E. Maecie.

No. 8. The Hon. H. A. Atkinson to the Agent-Genebal. (No. 187.) Sib, — Immigration Office, Wellington, 20th August, 1875. I have the honor to transmit herewith copies of the following documents relative to the " James Nicol Fleming," which vessel arrived at Port Chalmers upon the 4th instant: —1. Report of the Immigration Commissioners. 2. Certified list of births and deaths. I have, &c, The Agent-General for New Zealand, London. H. A. Atkinson.

Enclosure in No. 8. Commissionees' Bepokt on Ship " James Nicol Fleming." Sib, — Port Chalmers, 9th August, 1875. We have the honor to report the arrival of the ship " James Nicol Fleming" from London, on the 4th instant, with 251 statute adult immigrants; four deaths, equal to one and a half statute adults, and three births, having occurred on the passage, which occupied ninety-two days. On inspecting the ship we found every compartment in a perfect state of order and cleanliness. The ventilation was through the deck, and was found satisfactory. The hospitals and surgeon's dispensary were in deck-houses. We approve much of this arrangement, which we hope to see carried out for the future. The galley was sufficient for cooking purposes, and the condenser was equal to its requirements. During the latter part of the voyage tank water had to be used in consequence of scarcity of coals, to keep the condenser going. Care should in future be taken that a sufficient quantity of fuel is put on board emigrant ships for all purposes, as it would become a serious matter to be short of fuel in case of a ship making a long passage. It has lately come under our notice that the passenger cooks in most immigrant ships are shipped at Is. per month. We find that such has been the case in the " James Nicol Fleming." We think this most objectionable. A man who is not adequately paid cannot be expected to take the same interest in the work or do it so cheerfully and efficiently as one who receives a fair remuneration for his services. Dr. Hanan, who was in charge of the immigrants on this occasion, visited this port in a similar capacity last year. We congratulate him on his success this voyage, and on the perfect order and discipline that evidently prevailed amongst the immigrants. It proves (if proof were needed) how important it is to obtain the services of gentlemen as surgeon-superintendents who have had experience in a similar capacity on a previous occasion. Captain Gale and his officers performed their duties satisfactorily. We have pleasure in recommending the payment of all gratuities. We have, &c, Colin Allan. John Dbtsdale. His Honor the Deputy Superintendent, Otago. Wm. Thomson.