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You will receive further reports by next mail with regard to the " lonic " from the Immigration Officer at Christchurch. In the meantime I have to direct your special attention to an allegation that liquor was obtained on board by the Government immigrants. The necessity for further organization of the arrangements as to third-class passengers will have your attention in the despatch of ships in the future. I am of opinion that the relations between surgeon-superintendents and the masters of steamships require clearer definition, especially in view of the mixture of passengers of different classes. The proposal to engage trained matrons, or persons who have had experience in similar positions, is one which entirely commends itself. I forward a copy of a memorandum upon the subject from the Immigration Officer at Christchurch. You will be pleased to learn that the general arrangements of the " lonic " for the comfort of a large number of passengers of all classes have given thorough satisfaction to the Government and to the passengers generally. I have, &c, Wm. Bolleston, The Agent-General for New Zealand, London. Minister of Immigration.

Enclosure 1 in No. 9. The Immigbation Commissionees, Wellington, to the Hon. the Ministee of Immigeation. Sic, — Immigration Office, Wellington, 15th June, 1883. We have the honour to report the arrival of the steamer " lonic," at midnight, on Monday, the 11th instant, having made a very quick passage from Plymouth to Wellington of 43 days 6 hours. She brought a large number of private passengers and 212 Government immigrants. A list giving details as to the numbers of the immigrants, their destinations and nationalities, is attached. There were no births or deaths amongst the immigrants. On our going alongside the steamer she was reported as all well. We then proceeded on board, and first inspected the ship and the quarters occupied by the immigrants and passengers. We found that the Government single women were located by themselves, the private passengers being in another compartment. This was also the case with the married people. There were only a few single men in the compartment with the Government single men,,the only difference between the private passengers and the Government immigrants being that the former had enclosed berths. We consider the " lonic " well adapted for carrying a number of people ; the 'tween-decks are very lofty ; the ventilation well arranged, on quite a new principle. There were no disagreeable odours in any part of the ship. The lavatories, baths, and wafer-closets were suitable, and the steam warming-pipes throughout the ship require especial notice, as affording great comfort to the immigrants in cold weather. On mustering the immigrants for inspecting they were asked, before calling over the roll, whether they had been well cared for, and had plenty of good provisions, &c, served out to them. In all cases the answers were unanimous that they had no complaints of any kind to make. The immigrants on the whole seemed to be a desirable class. The single women for Canterbury were landed on Soames Island, where they remained until the departure of the " lonic " for Lyttelton, when they were taken on by her. The married people and single men for Canterbury remained on board the "lonic," the remainder of the immigrants were landed as soon as the steamer was berthed at the wharf. We notice in the journal of the surgeon-superintendent that he refers to the fact that some of the single women Government immigrants were under the influence of liquor during the voyage, and that the captain had to issue special instructions respecting the sale of beer and spirits. This, we understand, is to be the subject of further inquiry at Lyttelton. We therefore do not think it necessary to refer further to the matter in this report. Some of the steerage passengers were heard complaining to the Agent of the New Zealand Shipping Company that they had not been treated as well as the Government immigrants, but, as no official complaint was made to us, we did not go into the question of the treatment of private passengers. Dr. Menzies, in his journal, advises that in all cases it would be desirable to have the immigrants distinct from the private passengers, as it interferes with discipline, as we mentioned in our report on the " British Queen." The matron, Miss Burns, appears to have been very popular with the girls, and to have managed them well. Dr. Menzies, who has made seven previous voyages to other colonies, this being the eighth voyage in charge of Government immigrants, seems well qualified for the management of mixed passengers, and we have therefore much pleasure in recommending him for reemployment, should he desire it. The captain and officers carried out their respective duties in a satisfactory manner. In conclusion, we recommend that all gratuities be paid. We have, &c, J. Heney, L.E.C.L. &c, John Holliday, James B. Eedwaed, The Hon. the Minister of Immigration. Commissioners.

Enclosure 2 in No. 9. The ImmigeAtion Ofpicbe, Christchurch, to the Undee-Seceetaby, Immigration. Mr. Eliott, Wellington. Immigration Office, Christchurch, 9th June, 1883. I have distinct recollection of the arrangements. Mr. Blakiston will look up the provincial records for the papers. In many of my reports I also recommend establishing a staff of matrons, and