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No. 33. The Hon. J. Ballance to the Agent-Geneeal. Sic,— Immigration Office, AVellington, N.Z., 25th March, 1579. This letter will be handed to you by the Rev. James Skinner, who is about visiting the United Kingdom, and who is desirous of offering his services gratuitously in procuring suitable immigrants for this colony. I shall be glad to hear that you have availed yourself of the reverend gentleman's offer. I have, &c, J. Ballance, (for the Minister for Immigration.) The Agent-General for New Zealand, London.

No. 31. The Hon. J. Ballance to the Agent-Geneeal. Sic,— Immigration Office, AVellington, N.Z., 25th March, 1879. I have the honor to transmit for your information, copies of the undermentioned documents relating to the immigrant ship "Piako," which arrived at Lyttelton on the sth instant, after having put into Pernambuco, on fire: —1. Commissioners' report. 2. Extract from Surgeon-superintendent's journal. 3. Surgeon-superintendent's report. 4. Extracts from Christchurch newspapers. 5. Minutes of proceedings of Court of Inquiry as to cause of the fire. 6. Certificates of births and deaths. 7. Copy of letter to Captain Boyd. 8. Copy of letter to Dr. Green. 9. Copy of letter to Captain Conning, of the " Loch Doon." 10. Letter to be forwarded to Captain Conning. The Government consider that Captain Boyd, and Dr. Green the Surgeon-superintendent, acted in a highly satisfactory manner under the trying circumstances in which they were placed. Special letters have been written to those gentlemen conveying the thanks of the Government for their valuable services, and informing them that their gratuities, as well as those payable to the other officers of the ship, have been doubled. It has also been decided to pay the master of the " Loch Doon," who conveyed the immigrants from the burning ship " Piako," a gratuity of £50 ; and I have to request you to be good enough to communicate with him accordingly, and to pay the sum named. You will observe that an inquiry was held immediately after tho vessel arrived, but no information could be obtained as to the origin of the fire. It is gratifying to observe that the immigrants arrived in such a satisfactory state after the many hardships which they had to endure. I have, &c, J. Ballance, The Agent-General for New Zealand, London. (for the Minister for Immigration.)

Enclosure 1 in No. 34. The Immigeation Commissionees, Lyttelton, to the Hon. the Ministee for Immigeation. Ship "Piako" The Commissioners report the arrival of this ship on the sth instant, after a passage of 144 days, including a detention of 34 days at Pernambuco. The general health of the immigrants had been good throughout. The Surgeon-superintendent reported five births and three deaths. The Commissioners cannot speak too highly of the creditable condition in which this ship came into port, considering what she has passed through. The different compartments were exceedingly clean, and the light and ventilation ample. The provisions which had been placed on board in London were very good, but those sent to Pernambuco were somewhat inferior; no complaints of any kind were, how ever, made. The regulations respecting boat and fire drill had been carefully and regularly attended to, and the discipline on board the ship was highly satisfactory. Extracts from the Surgeon's journal, giving full particulars of what took place at the time of the fire, are attached to this report, together with the evidence taken on arrival at Lyttelton. All the immigrants, without any exception, spoke in the highest terms of the kindness and attention they had received from Captain Boyd, the Surgeon-superintendent, and the officers of the ship. They also expressed their gratitude to Captain Conning and the officers and crew of the barque " Loch Doon," for their kindness towards them. The Commissioners, in recommending that full gratuities be paid, desire to bring under the special notice of the Government the conduct of Captain Boyd, his officers, and the Surgeon-superin-tendent, Dr. Green. Through their courage, firmness, and assiduity, order and discipline were maintained throughout in a manner beyond all praise; and the Commissioners are of opinion that a substantial testimonial should be presented to them, with the view of showing that their services are justly and fully appreciated by the Government of New Zealand. The Commissioners recommend the further employment of the Surgeon-superintendent, should he desire it. John T. Rouse. H. Macdonald, M.D. Lyttelton, 12th March, 1879. J. E. Maech. 3-D. 1.

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