D.—No. 7

12

MIDDLE ISLAND.

The buildings erected in Camp Bay were of the slightest construction. The greater part were blown into the sea. The chimneys were propped up to prevent falling, and altogether the buildings are unsuited for quarantine purposes. There is no possibility of separating convalescent from diseased persons, or those free from disease from both during time of probation. The report of various diseases on board a ship arriving in New Zealand brings this matter again under consideration. I have, &c, Wm. Donald, E.M., The Hon. the Eesident Minister. Health Officer, Port of Lyttelton.

No. 4. Mr. Maech to the Hon. W. Eeeves. EEPOET ON QUARANTINE STATION, OTAGO. Sic, — Immigration Office, Christchurch, March 30th, 1872. In a letter I had the honor to address to you when in Dunedin on the subject of the Quarantine Barracks there, I stated that I would forward a report on the buildings necessary to erect, and other appliances necessary for the Quarantine Station. In the first place, I would refer you to the present buildings on the island, of which there are four, namely — 1. A compartment intended for families and single women. 2. A compartment for cabin passengers and single men (a portion of which is at present occupied by the keeper and his wife). 3. A building now used for a hospital. 4. A disinfecting house (recently built). With reference to the first building, I am of opinion that the whole of the fittings inside should be removed (including, possibly, the upper floor), the roof could be lined (if necessary), the building properly ventilated, whitewashed, and put in repair; this compartment, I think, would then do for the single men. With regard to the second building, I would suggest that there also the fittings should be removed, stone piles substituted for the present ones, which are much decayed, and the building repaired, etc.; it might then be used for a wash house, bath room, and for the storage of luggage. The building intended for the hospital requires lining; a fireplace is also much needed. The accommodation here however is very limited, and rather near the main buildings. I would therefore suggest that it should be set apart for those cases that are recovering from sickness, and not for the hospital proper. The fourth building appears well suited to the purpose for which it was intended. The buildings necessary to erect are the following, namely : —One for families and one for single women. In the former, accommodation should be provided for say 25 families, equal to 75 statute adults ; and in the latter for &'tj single women. It would also be desirable to attach to the singlewomen's compartment a bath-room and wash-house. A building might be erected dividing these compartments, fhe front part for the accommodation of the keeper and his family, and the back for kitchen and scullery, for the use of those in quarantine. A new hospital should, I think, be built as far as possible from the main building, the accommodation to be for at least twelve patients. In the erection of these buildings there is no necessity of incurring a large expenditure, substantial but very plain buildings being all that is required. It will also be necessary to erect separate water-closets for each compartment. The wells require to be cleaned out and securely covered over, to prevent the water being impregnated with salt from the spray —a few tanks might also be placed on the island when the additions are completed. With reference to fittings, I think that bunks, to ship and unship, might be arranged in the various compartments, only, instead of bottom boards, canvas or sacking might be used. The mess tables could also be moveable as on board ship. In the hospital a partition would bo necessary, but no other fittings. I do not think it would be desirable to incur any expenditure for furniture until circumstances require its use. A contract might, however, be entered into year by year for the supply of blankets bedding, &c., as required. I have, &c, J. Edwin Maech, The Hon. the Eesident Minister. Immigration Officer.