19

D.—3.

The several compartments being examined, we found them clean and well ventilated by side scuttles and deck ventilators. The fittings were as usual in Glasgow ships, viz. athwart ship and close to the sides. The condenser (Chaplin's) proved effective, and supplied forty gallons of water per hour. The health of the immigrants was good throughout the voyage, there being no serious illness, excepting such as young children are liable to even ashore. The usual questions being asked as to their treatment on board, several of the married people complained that they did not receive their full allowance of flour, potatoes, and children's comforts, and at the same time presented a petition to the Immigration Officer, praying that an inquiry should Be instituted into the said complaints. We would respectfully urge upon Government the desirableness of applying to the ships sailing from Glasgow to this port tho same regulations as to the scale of provisions and comforts for children as those sailing from London, and also that the surgeon should be a servant of the Government, and held responsible to it, instead of being, as in the Glasgow ships, appointed by the owners and charterers, to whom alone he can be held responsible as their servant. We would recommend further, that in any future contract made with Messrs. Patrick Henderson and Co., the charter-party should allow a certain number of lay days for removing the immigrants. We have, &c, Colin Allan. David O'Donnoghue. His Honor the Superintendent, Otago. Wm. Thomson.

No. 31. The Hon. E. Eichaedson to the Agent-Geneeal. (No. 271.) Sic, — Immigration Office, Wellington, 24th September, 1874. I havo the honor to transmit herewith copies of the following documents relative to the ship " Canterbury," which arrived at Lyttelton upon the 2nd instant: — 1. Immigration Commissioners' report. 2. Surgeon-Superintendent's report. 3. Certified list of births and deaths upon the voyage. I have, &c, EnwAEn Eiciiaedson, (in the absence of the Minister for Immigration). The Agent-General for New Zealand, London.

Enclosure in No. 31. Immigeation Commissioners' Eepoet on Ship "Canterbury." The Commissioners report the arrival of this ship on the 2nd instant, after a passage of eighty-seven days. Tho health of the immigrants had been very good; three births and two deaths, namely, one adult and one child, had occurred during the passage. All the arrangements on board were very satisfactory, and the compartments exceedingly clean. The provisions had been served out in accordance with the scale; the quality was good, but some few complaints were made as to the manner in which they had been cooked. The distilling apparatus had worked satisfactorily during the passage. The Commissioners were pleased with the class of immigrants introduced by this ship ; they appeared to have been selected with great care. No surplus stores were placed on board as children's diet; no dietary for the matron; no slates or pencils for the children, and the supply of school books was deficient. The immigrants spoke in high terms of the treatment they had received at the hands of the captain, the surgeon-superintendent, and officers of the ship. The Commissioners recommend payment of full gratuities, and the further employment of the surgeon-superintendent, should he desire it. Wm. Donalh. John F. Bov/se. Lyttelton, 7th September, 1874. J. E. MAEcn.

No. 32. The Hon. E. Eichabdson to the Agent-Genebal. (No. 27G.) Sic, — Immigration Office, Wellington, 25th September, 1874. I have the honor to forward herewith copies of the following documents relative to the ship " Corona," which arrived at Port Chalmers upon the 28th ultimo : — 1. Immigration Commissioners' report. 2. Surgeon-Superintendent's report. 3. Certified list of births and deaths upon the voyage. I have, &c, EnwAEn Eiciiaedson, (in the absence of the Minister for Immigration), The Agent-General for New Zealand, London,