D.—l.

26

2. Surgeon-superintendent's report. 3. List of births and deaths. The "Stad Haarlem " arrived off Port Chalmers on the evening of the 13th April, having made a remarkably fine passage of fifty-nine days, including detentions of thirty-two hours at St. Vincent, and five days at the Cape. As, however, there was a heavy break on the bar at tho entrance to Port Chalmers, tho steamer, after waiting until the morning of the 14th, proceeded on her voyage to Lyttelton, under tho orders of the General Manager of the New Zealand Shipping Company. You will observe that tho Commissioners report favourably upon the vessel, and the immigrants whom she brought; it would have added to the comfort and convenience of the people, however, had a smaller number been despatched. Great credit is due to Captain de Boer and Dr. Gibson, the Surgeon-superintendent, for the manner in which—taking all the circumstances into consideration — the vessel arrived in port; especially as owing to the want of knowledge of the English language the officers of the ship could render but very little assistance iv maintaining discipline and cleanliness. Your attention is again drawn to the fact that single young men, who are not accompanied by their relations, are not desirable passengers to be allowed on board vessels conveying Government immigrants. In this case the annoyance caused by two passengers of this class terminated at the Cape, owing to the young men having left the ship there. In conclusion, it is a matter for congratulation to all persons concerned, that the experiment of sending emigrants by steamer should have proved so satisfactory. I have, &c, J. Ballance, The Agent-General for New Zealand, London. (for the Minister for Immigration.)

Enclosure 1 in No. 41. Immigeation Commissionees' Repoet on the s.s. "Stad Haaelem." The Commissioners report the arrival of the steamer " Stad Haarlem," on the 15th instant, after a passage of fifty-nine days, which includes a detention of thirty-two hours at St. Vincent, and five days at the Cape. The general health of the immigrants had been good throughout the voyage. The surgeon reported one birth and five deaths —namely, four infants, and a child two years of age. The cleanliness in all compartments was exceedingly creditable, the more so that in certain portions of the lower deck, which had been converted from the space intended for cargo, the lighting was verydefective. The arrangements for ventilation were as good as the vessel's construction would allow, but at the same time, it was very evident that in the lower section of the single women's compartment, and also in the corresponding one for the single men, the supply of pure air was very limited. The fittings generally were good, and judiciously arranged, except in those parts of the married people's compartment which were in bays, where there was not sufficient provision for privacy. The surgeon pointed out that, in case of sudden illness among any of the married women occupying berths in these places, there would be serious difficulties in the way of examination and treatment. The provisions had been served out in accordance with the dietary scale, the quality was good, and no complaints of any kind were made. The class of immigrants by this steamer appeared to be admirably adapted for the requirements of the colony, but it would be advisable, on future occasions, to avoid, if possible, the shipping of union and non-union men in the same vessel. On this occasion it did not lead to any mischief. This the Commissioners attribute mainly to tho judicious management of the surgeon aud captain. The matron appointed in England was found to be incompetent, and was accordingly removed from office, one of the married women being selected to succeed her, as, in the surgeon's opinion, there was no one amongst the single women capable of performing the duties. The Commissioners concur in the recommendation embodied in the surgeon's report, that, where large numbers of single women are carried, a thoroughly qualified and well paid matron should be engaged. The Commissioners would take this opportunity of again recommending to the favourable consideration of the Government the advisability of securing a staff of experienced matrons, for regular employment in tho New Zealand emigration service. The surgeon speaks highly of the assistance rendered him by the captain, but complains of want of support from the officers generally, and of misconduct, with reference to the single women, on the part of the third and fourth officers. Ho also mentioned to the Commissioners the confusion arising from the fact that, with the exception of the captaiu and purser, scarcely one of the ship's company understood or spoke English. This might have led to serious results in case of accident from fire, or stress of weather. The Commissioners here feel it necessary to remark upon the very insufficient deck accommodation on board the " Stad Haarlem," the numerous houses and offices on deck leaving, except in one place far forward, scarcely room for two persons to walk abreast, and even this narrow passage was obstructed by ventilators, &c. The only other available space for exercise, namely, the hurricane deck, was allotted to the single women, and had been enclosed with canvas for privacy and comfort. The surgeon reports having met with trouble and annoyance from the conduct of two young men, saloon passengers, who behaved in a most indecent manner, trying to attract the attention of the single women. He was relieved of their presence at the Cape. The inadvisability of allowing single men (except when members of families) as passengers on board emigrant ships, has been on former occasions Strongly urged by the Commissioners. Jhe regulations respecting boat and fire drill bad been attended to as well as the circumstances