D.—3

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The immigrants all agree in speaking in high terms of the treatment they had received from the captain, surgeon-superintendent, and officers. The captain and surgeon-superintendent give a very good character to all the immigrants for conduct on the voyage. The class of immigrants generally good ; among the married people, however, are a considerable number not appearing to possess much stamina. Four births had occurred on the voyage, and ten deaths, equal to five and a half adults, none of these from any contagious or infectious disease. The surgeon-superintendent speaks highly of the use of charcoal stoves in damp weather, and suggests that a larger supply of charcoal would be advisable —a suggestion which has been made by others; and also that the supply of sand was insufficient. The Commissioners have much pleasure in recommending that all gratuities be paid, and that the surgeon-superintendent, should he desire it, should be accepted for re-engagements. Wm. Donald. Lyttelton, 24th December, 1874. John F. Eouse.

No. 62. The Hon. E. Eichaedson to the Agent-Geneeal. (No. 2.) Sic, — Immigration Office, Wellington, 12th January, 1875. I have the honor to transmit herewith copies of the following documents relative to the " Geraldine Paget," which vessel arrived at Lyttelton on tho 27th ultimo : — 1. Commissioners' report. 2. Surgeon-Superintendent's report. 3. Certified list of births and deaths. There are several points in these documents which you will find worthy of consideration; and with regard to Dr. Hay's report, from the experience of that officer in the charge of emigrants, and his high professional character, I have the fullest confidence in recommending his suggestions. I have, &c, Edwaed Eichaedson, (in the absence of the Minister for Immigration). The Agent-General for New Zealand, London.

Enclosure in No. 62. Immigeation Commissionebs' Eepoet on Ship " Geraldine Paget." The Commissioners report the arrival of this ship on Sunday, 27th December, after a passage of 101 days. The general health of the immigrants had been good throughout the passage. Twelve deaths had occurred, namely, two adults (one of these by accidentally falling overboard) and ten children. The compartments were clean; but the surgeon reported the sand insufficient, although one bag extra appears to have been shipped. The ventilation in the single-women's compartment was, in the opinion of the Commissioners, insufficient. The provisions had been served out in accordance with the dietary scale; the quality was good, and no complaints were made. No extra stores for children's diet had been placed on board; the contract quantity had, however, been found ample. The condensing apparatus had not worked satisfactorily during a portion of the passage, through the lower tubes breaking. The class of immigrants was very good, and appeared well adapted for the colony. The immigrants spoke in high terms of the treatment they had received from the captain, surgeon-superintendent, and officers. The Commissioners recommend payment of full gratuities. Wm. Donald. JonN F. Eouse. Lyttelton, 29th December, 1874. J. E. Maech.

No. 63. The Hon. E. Eichaedson to the Agent-Geneeal. (No. 3.) Sic, — Immigration Office, Wellington, 12th January, 1875. I have the honor to transmit copies of the following documents relative to the " Crusader," which vessel arrived at Lyttelton on the 31st December ultimo: — 1. Immigration Commissioners' report. 2. Surgeon-Superintendent's report. 3. Certified list of births and deaths. You will please note the remarks by the Commissioners upon the position of tho pig-styes and sheep-cotes, and direct that the Despatching Officer is to take care that, if pigs are to be carried at all, the styes should be so placed that a recurrence of the evils complained of in this ship may not be possible. I think it very questionable whether pigs should bo allowed to be taken on board ships crowded with emigrants; but, without giving any positive instructions to the contrary, I leave the matter for your consideration. I have, &c, Edwaed Eichaedson, (in the absence of the Minister for Immigration). The Agent-General for New Zealand, London.