D.—3

16

The Commissioners also noticed with much pleasure the thorough discipline that prevailed on board. The officers co-operated heartily together in strictly carrying out the rules and regulations as laid down by the Government, and the immigrants cheerfully complied with them. The provisions had been served out in accordance with the dietary scale, and the quality was very good. The condenser and cooking apparatus had worked well throughout the passage. No complaints of any kind were made. In order to test whether the regulations respecting boat and fire drill had been carefully attended to, the Commissioners caused the alarm of fire to be sounded. The thorough discipline that prevailed on board was here made very apparent, and the manner in which the drill was gone through showed clearly that it had not been neglected during the passage. The immigrants appear to have been carefully selected, and very suitable for the colony. It is, however, to be regretted that a larger supply of female servants is not sent. The matron, Miss M , performed her duties in a most satisfactory manner. The Commissioners have much pleasure in recommending payment of full gratuities, and the further .employment of the surgeon-superintendent should he desire it. We have, &c, Wm. Donald. John F. Eouse. Feedk. D. Gibson. Lyttelton, 27th January, 1877. J. E. Maech.

No. 18. The Hon. the Ministee for Immigeation to the Agent-Geneeal. (No. 25.) Sic, — Immigration .Office, Wellington, Bth February, 1877. I have the honor to transmit herewith copies of the following documents relating to the ship " Cardigan Castle," which vessel arrived at Lyttelton on the 6th January ultimo : —l. Immigration Commissioners' report. 2. Certified list of births and deaths. I have, &c, The Agent-General for New Zealand, London. D. Eeid.

Enclosure in No. 18. Commissioners' Eeport on Ship " Cardigan Castle." The Commissioners report the arrival of this ship on January 6th, after a passage of ninety five days. The surgeon-superintendent reported that during the passage there have been five births and thirteen deaths, the latter from the following causes, viz., —Pneumonia, 2 ; diptheria, 2; apoplexy, 1; tabes mesenterica, 2 ; enteric fever, 1; atrophy from birth, 2 ; inanition, 1; softening of brain, 1 ; suicide, 1. The first case of enteric fever occurred October 17, convalescent November 20; last case, December 20 ; under treatment, eight cases. The ship was accordingly placed in quarantine, the families and single women being landed at Eipa Island, and the single men at Quail Island. During the detention of the immigrants in quarantine two deaths occurred —viz., E G , aged four ;J! W , aged eighteen. All the fittings of the ship were landed, and after she had been thoroughly fumigated she was released from quarantine. On inspection of the 'tween-decks they were found to be very lofty, the light and ventilation perfect, and the ship appeared to be in all respects admirably adapted for carrying immigrants. On January 16th the single men were released from quarantine. They spoke in high terms of the kind treatment they had received throughout the voyage from the captain and surgeon-superintendent. No complaints of any kind were made. On January 23rd the Commissioners visited the immigrants at Eipa Island, and report that all classes spoke very thankfully of the treatment received during the passage and during their detention in quarantine. The immigrants by this ship appeared well adapted for the requirements of the colony. The Commissioners recommend payment of full gratuities, and the further employment of the surgeon-superintendent should he desire it. Wm. Donald. John F. Bouse. Fredk. D. Gibson. Lyttelton, 23rd January, 1877. J. E. March. Note. —Some of the preserved meat shown to me on board was very bad, the tins all blown up. It was labelled, "John McCall and Co., 137, Houndsditch, London." I find that wholesome food was immediately substituted.—Wm. Donald.

No. 19. The Hon. the Minister for Immigration to the Agent-General. (No. 33.) Sir, — Immigration Office, Wellington, Bth February, 1877. I have the honor to transmit copies of the following documents relating to the ship " Marlborough," which vessel arrived at Port Chalmers on the 20th January instant: —1. Immigration Commissioners' report. 2. Certified list of births and deaths. You will observe that the Commissioners have not recommended the surgeon-superintendent for re-employment. I have, &c, The Agent-General for New Zealand, London. D. Eeid.