E.—No. 1.

IJalf-yzarly Report on Sick and Wounded Maori Prisoners (Continued.) seen so spacious an accommodation afforded to so limited a number of men. The decks are regularly sprinkled with chloride of lime, dry scrubbed, and kept in a perfect state of cleanliness. The bulk-heads are also whitewashed with lime as often as thought necessary, and every available means adopted to ensure proper ventilation. The supply and quality of provisions have been generally very satisfactory, and the change in the rations lately recommended and adopted has been advantageous, inasmuch as it suifs the. natives better by rendering the food more amenable to easy digestion. Besides the above, the prisoners are allowed to eat oysters, pipia, and fish, us, circumstances permit. Having thus briefly commented upon the present report, I beg to be allowed to suggest that the upper deck of the hulk be housed, and a few more scuttles provided for the lower one. And with the conviction that this additional improvement;, if sanctioned, would tend to place the " Marion " beyond the censure of the moat critical obs3rver, I have the honour to conclude my remarks. S. Saw, Surgeon in medical charge, Hulk " Marion."

Hulk "Marion," Auckland Harbour, 20th June, 1864.. Sib,— I have the honor to forward for the information of the Hon. the Native Minister, the sixmonthly Report of the sick and wounded Maori Prisoners on board the Hulk, and at the Hospital, North Shore. I have, Ac., T. A. White. The Native Secretary, Native Office, Auckland. (Return omitted, being identical with that forwarded by Dr. Sam.)

Remarks. The prisoners under treatment since their captivity have got on very favourably ; and, with few exceptions, all cases in hospital readily yielded to the remedies employed. At the ouset, " Itch" seemed to bo the prevalent complaint; but with vigorous measures this disease soon disappeared, and there is not even a trace of it now left amongst the men. " Dysentery " was about tho most formidable malady under treatment, and seven men have fallen victims to it. I ought to mention here that in all the deaths there were complications of severe chest affections. Three operations have been performed by the surgeon, and the result in each case has been very favourable. With tho exception of the diseases above mentioned, nothing of interest has transpired ; and though many of the prisoners appear weak and infirm, yet their improvement on board has been so marked that they express themselves satisfied and cheerful". During the summer months, and to counteract the depressing influences of the weather, extra ports were cut on the main deck, and other alterations made as well, for the purpose of preventing any outbreak of sickness. An extra deck was also laid in the beginning of March, and now the prisoners seem to be more comfortably located. The lower deck is spacious, and—beyond the absence of a few scuttle-ports—is suited in every respect for its present purpose. The ship has been regularly fumigated, and the decks daily scrubbed, and sprinkled with chloride of lime. Provisions and water have been regularly supplied, and were of good quality. In consequence of a suggestion from the Medical Officer, the men are being allowed Jib. of vegetables, i lb. of soft bread, and 3 lb. of potatoes, in lieu of i lb. of meat. This arrangement is in my opinion very satisfactory, and the prisoners seem highly delighted with it. I beg also to statd that I have arranged with the contractor to supply us with only half the quantity of vegetables per prisoner, and in the place of the remaining portion to allow us oatmeal and rice. This proposition has been carried out, and especially now that the weather is cold, tho men in hospital are able to enjoy hot gruel for their supper. The building on the North Shore is in course of erection, and the temporary abode of a portion of the prisoners there is made as comfortable as circumstances will at the present t'me allow. In conclusion, 1 must bring to the notice of the Hon. the Colonial Secretary, that several of the prisoners are quite infirm from age and chest affections of old standing, and that the probabilities are that these men will more or less suffer during the coming winter months. T. A. White.

Hulk " Marion," June 30th, 18Gi. Sib,— Since six months of my superintendentuhip have expired, I have the honour to ofl'er a few remarks for the information of the Colonial authorities on the " Marion" Hulk and the treatment of the prisoners confined in her. The Hulk " Marion," under my command, is in every respect suited for the accommodation of the prisoners at present in her. At first the men were placed on one deck, but since March last a spacious lower deck has been constructed, which affords move room and ample comfort to those under confinement.

HALF-YEARLY REPORT ON MAORI PRISONERS.