D.—2

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Enclosure 2 in No. 54. Surgeon's Repoet on the Ship " Varuna." Sir, — Christchurch, 28th May, 1874. I beg to submit to you my report of the passage of the " Varuna " from Glasgow to New Zealand, together with a few suggestions which, perhaps, may prove beneficial, and, I hope, add to the more perfect working of the present emigration system. The " Varuna " left Glasgow on 3rd February, having on board 257 immigrants, viz. 196 married and single adults, and 61 children. I would suggest that these people be not allowed to embark before all preparations for their reception are completed. In this case, it was a source of great confusion, and led to much unnecessary discomfort. The health of the immigrants during the passage has been good. lam pleased to add, that no case of an infectious nature occurred on board. I have to record three deaths : one adult (single girl) from aneurism of thoracic aorta, and two children from diarrhcea. I have also to report three birtbs. The provisions, on the whole, have been good and ample for the adults, but I would strongly suggest that something more than half adult rations be issued to the children between one and twelve years, many of whom eat as much as their parents. I know of more than one case onboard where the father has given up his own food, day after day, to satisfy the appetite of his children. I think, if the halfrations were issued to the children between one and six years, and a more liberal scale for those between six and twelve, it would be productive of much good. The water supply has been good and plentiful; that from the condenser was excellent, and that from the casks also, but having the taste and smell peculiar to water when stowed in tightly closed casks for some time. The ventilation of the married and single women's compartments has been all I could wish, but that of the single men's division was very imperfect, so much so that I requested the captain to put up additional ventilators, and replace those already existing by larger ones. This entailed the cutting of the deck, which the captain consented to do provided I undertook the responsibility of having the planks replaced by new ones on our arrival. This I ventured to do, on the part of the New Zealand Government. These additional ventilators reduced the temperature of the sides of the compartment considerably, and added much to the comfort of those occupying berths in their neighbourhood. I think if a system of ventilation could be adopted by which a free current of air could be made to pass round the sides of the ship as well as through the centre, it would do much good. It is in and about the berths at the side of a vessel that the greatest quantities of carbonic acid gas and other impurities of the atmosphere accumulate, and it is to these parts that pure air has the most difficulty in finding its way. With regard to the married and single men, I would suggest that, if practicable, some employment be found for them whilst on board the ship. A great number of our emigrants had the inclination to work without the opportunity. In those not inclined to employ their time, it would be a means of keeping them out of mischief. The conduct of the emigrants during the passage has on the whole been good. lam sorry to say we have a few amongst the single men who, I am afraid, will do but little credit to the Colony in which they are about to settle. The conduct of the single girls has, almost without an exception, been excellent. It only remains for me to offer Captain Rowe my best thanks for his uniform kindness and courtesy, and for the valuable assistance he has lent me on all occasions. I have also to tender my thanks to Mr. Bonthron (the purser) and Mr. Halliday (the second officer), who have always show-n a great interest in the management of the immigrants, and contributed much to the efficient working of the regulations of the emigration system. I have, Ac, J. Hasard, The Immigration Officer. Surgeon-Superintendent, Ship " A raruna."

No. 55. The Hon. J. Vogel to the Agent-General. (No. 169.) Sir, — Immigration Office, AVellington, 17th June, 1874. I have the honor to forward herewith the Immigration Commissioners' report on the ship " Wennington." I have, Ac, The Agent-General for New Zealand, London. Julius Vogel. Enclosure in No. 55. Commissioners' Report on Ship "Wennington." Sir, — AVellington, 2nd June, 1874. AYe have the honor to report the arrival of the ship " Wennington," on the 25th ultimo, with 232 Government immigrants, three deaths (equal to two adults) and ten births having occurred during the voyage. The vessel was signalled on the 23rd, but owing to adverse winds, and there being no steamer in harbour capable of towing her in, she was unable to reach the anchorage until the afternoon of the 25th, when she was towed in by the s.s. " Phoebe." AYe immediately boarded her, and were very pleased to find that no sickness had prevailed during the long voyage of 124 days.