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New Zealand Times, Volume XXX, Issue 4529, 25 September 1875, Page 2

In a„recent issue of our paper we drew attention to the case of the ship Rodney, as furnishing a conspicuous example of how an emigrant; "ship, should be commanded, as well as giving highly valuable hints as to how,ships engaged in the passenger trade should be ventilated. We do not intend to travel over the same ground upon this occasion ; but we deem it proper to make public the official recognition, by the Government, of Captain. Louxxix’s services, aided by Dr. Harris, who is no longer connected with the ship. The letter, from the Under Secretary for Immigration, which we print below, is as full and explicit an acknowledgment of the special services which Captain Louttit rendered, as could well bo expected from such a document; but we think the public will agree with us in saying that its very completeness is the best argument that could be used for the Government going somewhat farther than-has been done. We think that special services, of such an important character to the safety of life and property on board ship, should hot pass without some substantial recognition by the Government, as an encouragement' to captains to do their very best when engaged in conveying immigrants and merchandise to these shores. It is not for us to indicate the form which any substantial recognition of the kind should take ; we simply affirm that all the circumstances of the case commend it as an act of bare justice and sound policy. Wo hold that it is always well to recognise conspicuous merit. In this case the Government acknowledge conspicuous merit on the part of Captain Louttit : let the correct thing be done therefore, and encourage others to imitate him in future. We have not said a word hitherto regarding certain attacks that have been made upon the captain of the Rodney. Indeed, they are wholly unworthy of notice were we not well aware of the source whence they proceed. We may have a word or two to say upon that subject on another occasion, which will bo both personal as well as general in its application. Meanwhile it is sufficient to intimate, to those more immediately concerned, that it is unsafe any longer to practise a system of petty tyranny over captains and doctors of emigrant ships which come to Wellington, and that in future the safe course to pursue will be that which a strict adherence to duty requires. The following is the letter referred to by us above :

Immigration Office, Wellington, September 20, 1875. Sir, —As I am instructed by the ifon. the Minister (or Immigration to inform you that bo cannot allow your official' connection with the New Zealand Go vernmont to cease, without conveying to you his entire appreciation of the seal and energy with which your arduous duties as captain of a ship carrying so large a number of immigrants have been carried out. and especially with regard to the maintenance of a proper system of discipline—boat and tiro drill—never before noted in our immigrant ships, but which, humanly-speaking, reduces to a minimum the chances of such fearful catastrophies as the destruction of the Cospatrick. I am further directed to inform you that the report of the Immigration Commissioners, which lias just been received, is of the most favorable character, botli with regard to the suitability of the Ilodney for the conveyance of immigrants, and their treatment and management on board during the recent voyage, and

to tills they attribute the hoJth and djondiUou In which the passengers arrived. You will be good enough to convoy to Hr. Harris the thanks of the Government for his cure and attention, which Majoi Atkinson was glad to see has boon appreciated by Ihoso who were under his care.—l have, eio., O. E. Hauouton,