D.—2

26

The matron, Miss Ferrier, is very highly commended both by the captain and surgeon-superin-tendent. The Commissioners recommend the payment of full gratuities. Wm. Donald, R.M. John F. Rouse, J.P. Lyttelton, 3rd January, 1874. J. E. March.

No. 28. The Hon. J. Vogel to the Agent-Geneeal. (No. 30.) Sir, —■ Immigration Office, Wellington, 10th February, 1874. Referring to my letter No. 254, of ISth December last, I forward copies of further correspondence with the Immigration Officer relative to the charge of cruelty brought against the surgeonsuperintendent of the ship " Chile ;" also copy of the newspaper report of the case prosecuted against him in the Resident Magistrate's Court at Auckland, upon the information of a female immigrant named Vesey, which resulted in his acquittal ; and further copies of correspondence between Dr. Coughtrey and this department, and of the opinion of the Attorney-General thereupon. The conclusion which I am led to draw, from close consideration of the case, is that the instructions to surgeon-superintendents issued from your office are not sufficiently explicit as to the definition of the power these officers may exercise. Neither "The Passenger Act, 1855," nor the Order in Council of 7th January, 1864, justify the surgeon-superintendent of a ship to imprison or in any way restrict the personal liberty of the immigrants on board. The course laid down in the case of riotous and insubordinate conduct is a prosecution upon arrival, when heavy penalties for each offence committed can be enforced. I do not speak here as to the power of the captain, as that is not in question, but I think you will agree with me that surgeon-superintendents should fully understand how far their powers extend before proceeding to take charge of emigrant ships. I have, Ac, The Agent-General for New Zealand, London. Julius Vogel.

N.B. —The enclosures to this letter are laid on the table in manuscript. No. 29. The Hon. J. Vogel to the Agent-General. (No. 38.) Sir, — Immigration Office, Wellington, llth February, 1874. Referring to my telegrams of the sth and 21st ultimo, in which I informed you that the "Surat" had become a total wreck on the coast, and that the certificates of the captain and chief officer had been cancelled, and that of the second officer suspended for two years, I now forward for your information, extracts from the local newspapers containing an account of the wreck ; also of the official inquiry and the criminal proceedings which were subsequently instituted in the Resident Magistrate's Court at Dunedin against Captain Johnson, and which resulted in his being sentenced to two months' imprisonment. Tou will observe that Captain Jacquemart, of the French war steamer " Vire," rendered most valuable and timely service, by at once proceeding to the scene of the wreck and assisting to transport the immigrants to Port Chalmers. The conduct of Captain Jacquemart and his officers was entirely appreciated by the Provincial authorities and the inhabitants of Dunedin. The Provincial Government have, as you are aware, forwarded to England a valuable testimonial for presentation to the Captain when the leave of his Government for the purpose is obtained. I must beg you to take the necessary steps for conveying to the President of the French Republic the thanks of the Government of New Zealand for the services rendered by the " Vire " on this important occasion. I have, Ac, The Agent-General for New Zealand, London. Julius Vogel.

No. 30. The Hon. J. Vogel to the Agent-General. (No. 43.) Sic, — Immigration Office, Wellington, llth March, 1874. I forward herewith copy report of the Immigration Commissioners upon the ship " Ocean Mail," which arrived at Port Nicholson upon the 2nd February ultimo, and was placed in quarantine for a few days in consequence of cases of scarlet fever having occurred amongst the children during the voyage. Having lately addressed you very fully upon the general subject of the fitting and despatch of emigrant ships, Ido not feel it necessary to remark upon the report; but I would call your attention to an extract from the surgeon's diary, which is appended thereto, as being worthy of your very serious consideration. I have, Ac, The Agent-General for New Zealand, London, Julius Vogel.