D.—3

60

in terms of entire satisfaction with the treatment they had received. As on several previous occasions, the quality of the bread was complained of, not because of any inferiority in the ingredients, but owing to unskilful handling on the part of the baker. Various efforts were made during the voyage to remedy this defect, but only with indifferent success. The provisions generally, including sea biscuit, were all of excellent quality, and the supply was abundant. The same may be said in respect to medical comforts, and the supply and quality of fresh water. The accommodation for immigrants in this ship between decks is all that could bo desired. The ventilation was sufficient, and the respective compartments presented an appearance of cleanliness and order in the highest degree creditable alike to the immigrants, the ship's officers, and the surgeon-superintendent. The people by the " Fernglen" appear to be a very fair selection, and their general conduct is favourably spoken of by the officer in charge. We have pleasure in recommending payment of the usual gratuities to the surgeon-superin-tendent, and to the master, mate, and purser. We have, &c, H. Ellis. I. J. Bubgess. Chaeles F. Goldsbeo, M.D. The Hon. the Minister for Immigration, Wellington.

No. 94. The Hon. H. A. Atkinson to the Agent-Geneeal. (No. 127.) Sic,— Immigration Office, Wellington, 29th May, 1875. I have the honor to transmit herewith copies of the following documents relative to the " Edwin Fox," which arrived in Port Nicholson upon the 18th May instant: — 1. Immigration Commissioners' report. 2. Surgeon-superintendent's report. 3. Certified list of births and deaths. Tou will be pleased to note the very satisfactory character of the Commissioners' report. I have, &c, The Agent-General for New Zealand, London. H. A. Atkinson.

Enclosure in No. 94. Immigeation Commissionebs' Eepoet on Ship "Edwin Fox." Sic,— Wellington, 29th April, 1875. We have the honor to report the arrival[of the ship " Edwin Pox " on the 18th instant, with 214-a- statute adults. There were six births and six deaths, equal to three statute adults, during the voyage. The vessel arrived in very good order, and the 'tween-decks were clean and well ventilated. The single men had a roomy compartment forward, their bunks being in blocks, but without alleyways. The married people had the use of the after and main hatches, their bunks being upon the same plan as in the single men's compartment. There were two objections to this compartment—viz. the close proximity of the piggery to the main hatch, and the presence in the 'tween-decks of a number of birds in cages which belonged to one of the immigrants. We were particularly struck with the healthy aud robust appearance of the young children, especially those born on board: this we attribute to the increased allowance of dietary for infants, especially the condensed milk. The single women were located in a portion of the saloon, and the after part of the 'tween-decks had an entrance direct from the poop to their compartment, which was found to be of very great advantage in preserving order and discipline during the voyage: they had plenty of light and ventilation, and their compartment was in good order. The hospitals and dispensary were all under the poop, being convenient, roomy, and well ventilated. The galley and condenser were good, one improvement being that a great portion of the cooking was done by steam from the condenser. The ladders and hatchways were very much improved, and we are pleased to say that the fittings and arrangements generally of the " Edwin Fox " were quite as good, and in some respects better than in larger and more modern vessels. The immigrants appear to be a respectable and well-conducted class of people, and they all expressed themselves well satisfied with their treatment during the voyage. A short extract from the journal of the surgeon-superintendent is appended. In conclusion, we have much pleasure in recommending the payment of all gratuities, and in bearing our testimony to the efficient and zealous manner in which Surgeon-Superintendent Tighe (who has now made three voyages to this colony in charge of immigrants) and Captain Davics performed their duties. We have, &c, Alexandeb Johnston, M.D., ~) H. J. H. Eliott, > Commissioners. John Holliday, ) His Honor the Superintendent, Wellington.

No. 95. The Hon. H. A. Atkinson to the Agent-Geneeal. (No. 134.) Sic, — Immigration Office, Wellington, 31st May, 1875. I have the honor to inform you that I referred your letters No. 1692 and 2002, of 20th October and 23rd December respectively, upon the subject of the Eeport of the Eoyal Commission