11

D.—la.

addition to the arrangements which existed on board the " Scimitar," which were generally satisfactory, are respectfully submitted for consideration, namely: — (a.) A better mode of ventilation on board, so as to prevent the mischievous effects of top draughts, as well as the sickening influences below when the hatches are closed. Metal tubes might be employed, opening to the wind and leading to the lower deck; similar tubes turning the reverse way being used to draw off the vitiated air. The remarks of the surgeon of the "Scimitar "on this point deserve attention. (5.) A supply of soft bread to be issued for women and children, and for the latter an abundant supply of farinaceous food, as well as a cow put on board to supply them with fresh milk. (c.) The children should be messed together by themselves, under the supervision of their parents under a special dietary scale suitable for them. (of.) Abundant means for baths should be supplied, to insure cleanliness and health. (c.) The surgeon, as acting for the Government, should have an independent authority in many particulars, where not interfering with the discipline or navigation of the ship. This should be especially in the matter of the water supply and baths, and anything affecting the health or cleanliness of the immigrants. The school should be under the control of the surgeon. Circumstances may arise to render the assembling of the children together inexpedient. (f.) An ample supply of sawdust and sand for the better cleansing of the lower deck should be on board. (ff.*) An exhaustive series of medical questions, as thorough as in a case of life assurance, should be prepared, to be put to intending immigrants, to be filled up by the examiner and forwarded for consideration of the Agent-General's Department. In addition there should be a minute and careful personal examination before acceptance. (h.) An experienced medical officer should be attached to the Agent-General's Department, who should make a personal inspection of the immigrants at London or at the depot. At or immediately after entry at the depot a careful examination should take place. The habits as well as the health of the immigrants should be considered, and untidy persons rejected. (i.) The bedding at the depot should be washed after use, and the mattresses and the apartments should be lime-washed on each occasion after use, and otherwise cleanliness observed. The smell of guano noticed should be overcome. In winter better fireplaces should be used. Children's clothea should be dried in the laundry or drying-room. The site of the depot is not suitable, and it would be better were a site found near a railway station, a few miles out of town, where several inexpensive single wooden houses could be erected adapted for the purpose required. We annex hereto the evidence of the several witnesses examined. All of which we respectfully submit to your Excellency's consideration. Joiur Bathgate. A. Chetham Stbode. Thos. Moelanb Hocken.

No. 7. (No. 182.) The Hon. J. Vogel to the Aoent-Geneeal. Sic, — Immigration Office, "Wellington, 30th June, 1874. Eeferring to my letter No. 142, of the Ist June, 1874, forwarding copies of report of the Eoyal Commission on the s.s. " Mongol," and other documents in connection therewith, I have now the honor to remark thereon. 2. The circumstances under which tho emigrants were embarked on board the "Mongol" having been almost identical with the case of the " Scimitar," upon which by this mail I have written to you at length, it is unnecessary to here recapitulate what I have already said concerning the despatch, medical examination, and inspection of the emigrants, and the state and condition of the Plymouth depot. The Commission, in the case of both ships, entirely agree in the main fact that infection existed amongst the emigrants when embarked and sent to sea, and that the depot was over-crowded and badly ventilated. 3. I desire, however, to call your attention to certain matters noted by the Commission, having special reference to this ship, embracing subjects of very great importance, although outside the direct scope of inquiry, viz., the conduct and treatment of emigrants on board the ship, and deficiencies noted in the dietary scales. 4. The hospital accommodation appears to have been entirely insufficient to meet the exigencies of the outbreak of infectious disease. If better arrangements could not be made in such a vessel as the " Mongol," it seems alarming to imagine what would have been the case in a ship of the ordinary size and construction, which would be qualified legally to carry the same number of emigrants. One would suppose that many sites could have been found for hospitals upon the spacious upper deck, or that, in a vessel specially taken up for emigrants, some portion of the cabin accommodation might, under the very serious aspect of affairs, have been appropriated for hospital purposes. The comfort of the cabin passengers should surely have been a secondary consideration. In view of the possible and, unfortunately from the experience of our emigrant ships, the probable outbreak of infectious disease, it is very desirable that the materials for erecting extra hospitals on deck should in all cases be shipped. These would take up very little room, and would prove of great service in such emergencies as not unfrequently occur. 5. The Commission again bring prominently under notice that a proper supply of provisions and medical comforts for the emigrants was either not put on board, or, if shipped, the former were so badly stowed as to render, a most important part of them, that for the young children, useless during a great part of the voyage; whilst the latter must have been so carelessly issued as to exhaust the