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I am happy to inform you that the immigrants are progressing favourably, and it is anticipated they will all be convalescent in a very short time. I have, &c, ■ J. Ballance, (for the Minister for Immigration.) P.S. —I desire to direct your special attention to the very practical remarks of the captain of the vessel, with reference to the faulty ventilation, owing to the bulk-heads between the compartments being fitted close up to the deck above. —J. B.

Enclosure 1 in No. 20. The Immigeation Commissioners, AVellington, to the Hon. the Ministee for Immigeation. Sic, — Immigration Office, Wellington, Ist January, 1879. We have the honor to report that, on Sunday, the 15th ultimo, the ship " Hermione " was signalled as being at the Heads, with typhoid fever on board. The captain having made arrangements with the " Hawea "to tow him in, we took the opportunity of going off in her. On arriving alongside it was decided to place the ship in quarantine ; which was accordingly done, and the single men landed. The next day all except the sick were put on shore, care being taken to pass everything through the fumigating house. Arrangements were completed for landing the sick next day, which was carefully done under the Surgeon-superintendent's aud Captain Roberts' directions. The agents were informed that the ship had been put into quarantine, and asked to provide all that was necessary for the seven lay days ; which they have accordingly done. Attached is a list of the immigrants who have arrived, also of the sick, and those who died during the passage or at the quarantine station. Extracts from the Surgeon's journal of the voyage, and the captain's log are also forwarded, relating to the breaking out of the fever, and what they consider the cause. The captain's remarks re the bulk-heads we think should be carefully thought over, and some other plan adopted, so that there may be a free current of air right through the ship. AYe visited the quarantine station nearly every day. On the 25th we inspected the ship, and found that Captain Roberts, who was most anxious to do all that was required of him by the Quarantine Regulations, had painted aud cleaned up every part of his ship. The fittings had been landed on the island, so that we could not inspect the arrangements for berthing the immigrants. Captain Roberts, however, chalked out on the deck the position of the different compartments, especially where the sickness broke out. We have every reason to believe that the ship had been kept clean, and everything done for tho health and comfort of the immigrants during the voyage. There were no complaints of any kind. It was decided to release the ship on the 27th, and, as there had been no fresh cases in quarantine, to bring over the Wellington portion of the immigrants ; which was accordingly done. They appear, on the whole, a very good class of people. The immigrants for Taranaki were brought over the next day, and transhipped into the " Taiaroa," leaving the same afternoon. Those who are on the sick list, with attendants to wait upon them, will have to remain for some time longer. A single woman named G , one of the family in which the fever first showed itself— died on the island. The others, we are pleased to say, are wonderfully better since being landed, and in a fair way of recovery. AYe desire to bring under your notice Dr. Marriner's anxiety to do his best for the sick, and the skilful way in which he has done it, and kept the fever from spreading through the ship. AYe have much pleasure in recommending him for re-employment in the Government immigration service, should he desire it. AYe also think that Captain Roberts and his officers have done all they possibly could to assist tho Surgeon-superintendent, and for the comfort and amusement of the immigrants. Fire-drill was carried out according to regulations. In conclusion we would recommend that all gratuities be paid. We have, &c, Alexander Johnston, M.D., *\ John llolliday, > Commissioners. James B. Redwaed, ) The Hon. the Minister for Immigration, Wellington. P.S. —I omitted to mention that tho water-ways in this ship were the only objectionable point we noticed. J. B. Redwaed.

Sub-Enclosure 1 to Enclosure 1 in No. 20. Exteacts from the Suegeon-Sueeeintendent's Jouenal of the A 7oyage of the " Heemione " from Plymouth to AVellington, with Government immigrants. ****** Tuesday, 19th November.—Mrs. G removed to the hospital on deck, suffering from a severe attack of diarrhcea. Diarrhoea very prevalent amongst the children. 4 p.m. —Found Mrs. G to be suffering from typhoid fever, had her isolated as far as possible. The means taken were as fellows : All the bedding which had been in her use, also the mess utensils, were either destroyed or taken to the hospital on deck. Wednesday, 20th. —Found to-day another suspicious case in John W , aged five years; also John G suffering from enteric fever. Thursday 21st.—After making all search for a possible cause of the typhoid making its appearance, I am unable to give any cause beyond the fact of the diarrhcea existing among the married people, and the difficulty of affording a sufficient ventilation in cold and damp weather in that part of the ship during the night. The floor aud bottom boards have been cleaned with the utmost regularity,