D.—3

8

other purposes, the main compartment for the girls being below. It was found to be very roomy, clean, tidy, and well ventilated by an air shaft. The single women appear to be a superior class, and the matron has carried out her duties exceedingly well, no complaint of any kind having been made. The married people's compartment was amidship. This part of the ship appeared to be more crowded than any other, but was found clean, tidy, and well ventilated, having two hatchways, one skylight, and a good ventilator. The married hospital was below, and not in a good situation. Fortunately it was not required on the voyage. The married people also appear to be a good class. The single men's compartment was forward, and was also found in the same order as the others. There was a lot of open space, it had one entrance, and a good air shaft. The single men's hospital was well situated on deck. The single men appear to have behaved themselves well during the voyage. The usual questions were asked as to any complaints, and were replied to by three cheers for the captain and doctor. The 'tween-decks of the ship were about 7 feet 6 inches in height. The bunks were in blocks, with alleyways round the side of the ship. There were no side ports, but the ship was well provided with deck lights. Fire and boat drill was carried out during the voyage, according to the Government regulations. Attached is a report from the surgeon-superintendent, who has made four voyages to New Zealand in charge of immigrants. His remarks with regard to the windsails and the carbolic acid are worthy of attention. In conclusion, we beg to say that the captain, doctor, and officers appear to have carried out their duties efficiently, and we therefore recommend the payment of all gratuities. We have, &c, Alexander Johnston, M.D. His Honor the Deputy Superintendent, John Holliday. Wellington. James B. Eedwabd.

No. 7. The Hon. the Minister for Immigration to the Agent-General. (No. 234.) Sir, — Immigration Office, Wellington, 13th November, 1876. I have the honor to transmit herewith the following documents relative to the " Timaru," which vessel arrived at Port Chalmers upon the 20th October ultimo : —l. Immigration Commissioners' report. 2. Certified list of births and deaths. I have to call your attention to the remarks of the Commissioners with regard to the character of some of the single women. I have, &c, The Agent-General for New Zealand, London. H. A. Atkinson.

Enclosure in No. 7. Commissioners' Eeport on Ship "Timaru." Sib,— Port Chalmers, 23rd October, 1876. We have the honor to report that the ship " Timaru," from Glasgow, arrived in port on the 20th instant, having made a passage of eighty-six days. Her immigrants numbered equal to 300f statute adults, who appear to be a very suitable class to supply the wants of the province. There were three births and four deaths on the voyage, the latter being infants, who succumbed to the usual infantile diseases —namely, head affection and teething. On inspection, we found the several compartments of the ship in a very creditable state of order and cleanliness, which appear to have been carried out during the voyage under the superintendence of the surgeon. We particularly took notice of the ventilation as being admirable. The cooking range was large and equal to every requirement, and the condenser (Chaplin's patent) supplied abundance of wholesome water. The provisions supplied were of the best description and abundant. We were well pleased with our inspection, and are satisfied that the provisions of the charter-party were fully complied with. We also believe that Dr. Crawford, Captain Taylor and his officers, performed their respective duties in a most satisfactory manner. The instructions of the Government regarding fire drill were fully carried out. We would recommend that greater care should be exercised in the selection and inspection of the single girls. One of the latter on board gave birth to a child, and another is now near her confinement, and will have to be supported by the Government for some time thereafter. We have, &c, Colin Allan. Wm. Thomson. His Honor the Superintendent of Otago. John Drtsdale, M.D.

No. 8. The Hon. the Minister for Immigration to the Agent-General. (No. 246.) Sib, — Immigration Office, Wellington, 17th November, 1876. I have the honor to transmit herewith copies of the following documents relating to the ship " Orari," which arrived at Auckland upon the 2nd instant;—l. Immigration Commissioners' report. 2. Immigration Officer's report. 3. Certified list of births and deaths.