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D.—la,

6

Sub-Enclosure to Enclosure in No. 5. Memoeanditm by Sitbgeon-Supeeintendent of ship " La Hogue." Gentlemen, — I have to report to you as follows in respect of the voyage of the ship "La Hogue," and with this report, which is of necessity too brief to be considered a summary of my journal, I shall embody such remarks and suggestions as may appear to me desirable in the interest of emigration. I cannot fully express my satisfaction in being associated with a colleague so able, a friend so generous, as Captain Carvosso. His unvarying kindness and aid have enabled me to secure the satisfaction, nay more, the gratitude, of my charges, as evidenced in the address and testimonial presented me. The peculiar circumstances of the chartering of this vessel, which I need not enter on here, have often made me his debtor on their behalf; and with a generosity and promptitude I cannot forget, he has ever acceded to my wishes and supplied my wants. Of the able assistance of the officers of the ship lam fully conscious, and thank them for their co-operation. I acknowledge with gratitude the kind interest taken in the spiritual welfare of the emigrants by the Eev. J. Murphy, a saloon passenger. Of the efficiency of the matron, Mrs. Martin, the exceptionally good conduct of those under her can well testify. Of the conduct of the emigrants I can speak in the highest terms. I exacted obedience to the regulations early, and relaxed none of them throughout. Their numbers, the births, the deaths, &c, are shown in the following table : — Off list ... ... 350^ = 443 Deaths ... ... 5 = 2\ Births ... 6 Landed ... ... 446 = 350 Stowaways ... 2 = 2 352| = 451 451 = 352| Of these deaths one was that of a prematurely delivered infant, three (of children) from bronchitis —bronchitis and croup respectively, whilst the only adult succumbed to Phthisis after arrival in port. The cause of death is suggestive. Is any medical examination undergone by emigrants, or can a medical practitioner be found so ignorant or so culpable as to certify a phthisical invalid "healthy"? I have throughout recorded every requisition for stimulants, every recipient thereof, and the exact quantity supplied each, together with a daily, monthly, and final summary. (Journal, pp. 82, 83, 87, 88, 90.) The advantages such exactitude claims are obvious; notably, that the balance can at any moment be determined, and all issues regulated accordingly; so that under any but very exceptional circumstances, the surgeon-superintendent need never exceed his supplies. I have also, on the reverse of the official requisition sheets for stimulants, recorded my distribution of medical comforts, and this at the expense of time and patience that shows no commensurate result; yet the idea is sound, and, if matured, cannot but tend to the advantage of the surgeon-superintendent and his charges. In view of my suggestion being entertained, permit me to recommend to your notice two forms. The first, p. 73 of my journal, which in size, &c, might be uniform with the official requisition book at present in use; this to be daily issued by the surgeon-superintendent to the storekeeper. The second, p. 74 of my journal, should be supplied the storekeeper, with instructions to epitomize thereon every week's issue, that is, the sums total of forms No. 1 above referred to. Its size might be uniform with journal. This system recommends itself in that it would check all issues not absolutely required when scarcity threatened. I strongly advise the use of form p. 75 of my journal, —it explains and recommends itself. I call attention to the manner in which I verified the issue of provisions to each mess, and cannot more fully illustrate its value than by begging your notice of a portion of such record book marked A herewith. The necessity of such may be a matter of opinion, but its desirability admits of no doubt, since it is a written and existing reply to any subsequent complaint of short issue. The temperatures I have recorded with much care. (Vide Journal, pp. 84, 85, 86, and 87.) You will there find evidence of my assertion that the single men's compartment was badly ventilated. With this exception I am convinced the ventilation was perfect throughout the ship. I condemn the position of all the hospitals: two were contiguous to water-closets ; the third 'tween-decks, under the main hatch, and within a few feet of the issuing-room,—of necessity the most noisy position in the ship ; so dark, moreover, that during its occupation I was compelled to burn candles continually. I recommend an interval between the berths and the skin of the ship. I recommend that holystones, brushes, and every requisite for cleansing should be placed in the charge of the storekeeper. In the case of this ship they were not: the result would have been lamentable but for the captain's kindness. The surgeon should be empowered to recommend gratuities beyond his instructions. I strongly advise a gratuity of not less than £5 be given to King, the storekeeper. I condemn the practice of conveying saloon passengers in emigrant vessels, and that—as will be seen by my journal —in the most emphatic terms. This applies only to the single : married couples ever exert a favourable influence on board ship. I cannot too strongly urge on the Commissioners the necessity of a bath-room for single men. It is not sufficient that laving requisites be shipped—(none were, nor are any required by terms of contract)— it is the privacy that is needed, and that for other purposes, as —to furnish an example—the efficient treatment of scabies, a parasite disease too often prevailing amongst emigrants. The moment emigrants arrive on board, the surgeon should be in possession of his dispensary and at least one hospital: more in reference thereto, if required. To refer to the stimulants. The stout was good, and sufficient in quantity ; of it I issued 1,387 bottles. The sherry and port were indifferent; of them I issued 15 bottles and 2,091 ounces. The

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