3

D.—3

brought before me charged with making public use of a book on atheism in the fore compartment, and inciting the rest of the single men to be of the same mind as themselves. When brought before me they would argue the point, when I took the book from them (which is still in my possession), and gave each of them a kick forward. Two others are accused of having been flogged like felons. There were two young lads about seventeen years of age who were continually doing mischief —they got a few stripes with a piece of spun yarn, for throwing overboard some of the ship's furniture (solely at the doctor's express wish) ; in fact, anything connected with the emigrants was wholly at the doctor's command. Then as to the provisions, the fact of their continually supplying the crew with surplus stores, and no matter at what time of the day you looked over the side you would see whole biscuits floating past aud whole tins of preserved meat, will confound that statement and show that they had not only abundance but plenty to waste. And as for the water, the tanks on board of the ship will speak f6r themselves ; all through the tropics there were from 400 to 600 gallons of water served out daily, and from the time the ship's condenser was used there were from 420 to 440 gallons condensed daily, which can be proved by the ship's log. In conclusion, I would ask you and the public at large whether if I had ill-treated or in any way swerved from the path of kindness towards any one of the emigrants, I should hold possession of voluntary testimonials signed by the majority of the emigrants two or three days previous to their arrival in Nelson, and a vote of thanks for the able manner in which I managed the vessel on the passage from England to New Zealand. Hoping I have by this clear and lucid statement in some measure rendered this slander innoxious, I have, &c, Eobert P. Paton, The Under Secretary for Immigration. Master, ship " Camperdown."

Enclosure 5 in No. 2. The Eev. F. E. Telling Sincox to Mr. E. P. Paton. My. dear Captain Paton, — 3, Terrace Place, Napier, 22nd July 1876. I think a letter so glaringly false, and emanating from such people as D and F , is not worth even a consideration, much less the trouble of a reply. If the Government desire to hold a Court of inquiry, I shall be glad to bear testimony in your behalf. I was a witness of the so-called " brutal treatment " (which, by the by, was at the instigation of Dr. Booth), as was also the water thrown upon the females. The statement about lack of provisions and water is as ridiculous as it is false. I had a private conversation with poor Mr. Elliott the day before his decease, and he expressed his admiration of the ship, and I told him then there would probably be some Irish complaints about water and provisions. His reply was, " Their present condition speaks for itself." I think it is a great pity that an Irish doctor should be appointed to a ship where the majority of the emigrants are Irish. Considering the obstacles put in my way by Dr. Booth, I think I did far more than many clergymen would have done under the circumstances. For the doctor's sake I am concerned. I hope there will be no inquiry ; but if there should be, you may telegraph me as a witness, and I shall then have an opportunity of defending myself. I have, Ac, F. E. Telling Sincox. P.S.—Tou are at liberty to make whatever use you like of this letter.

Enclosure 6 in No 2. The Under Secretary for Immigration to Mr. E. P. Paton. Sir, — Immigration Office, Wellington, 27th July, 1876. I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of 24th July instant, relative to the articles which have appeared in the Greymouth and Nelson papers with regard to the alleged illtreatment of emigrants by you during the voyage of the " Camperdown." The Hon. the Minister directs me to forward you a copy of the Immigration Commissioners' report upon the ship, which you are at liberty to make public, and further directs me to inform you that the testimonials from the immigrants, forwarded for his perusal, indicate without doubt the general feeling of satisfaction by the passengers with their treatment during the voyage. I have, &c, E. P. Paton, Esq., C. E. Hat/ghton, Master, ship " Camperdown," Wellington. Under Secretary.

No. 3. The Hon. the Minister for Immigration to the Agent-General. (No. 201.) Sib, — Immigration Office, Wellington, 18th September, 1876. I have the honor to transmit herewith copies of the following documents relative to the " Bebington," which vessel arrived at Auckland upon the 15th July last, after a voyage of 140 days:— 1. Immigration Commissioners' report. 2. Complaints by certain immigrants, with remarks by Commissioners. 3. Extracts from report by Immigration Officer relative to W C and Mrs. X . 4. Eeports from Immigration Officer and surgeon-superintendent relative to origin of disease, and suitability of " Bebington "as an emigrant ship. 5. Certified list of births and deaths. As the diary kept by the surgeon-superintendent during the voyage contains many practical suggestions, I send it to you in original for your information.