MIDDLE ISLAND.

9

D.—No. 7,

" SHIP CHARLOTTE GLADSTONE." COMMISSIONER'S REPORT. Sic, Lyttelton, 2nd May, 1872. I have the honor to report that at Captain Gibson's request I this day visited the ship " Charlotte Gladstone" from London, 90 days out. The Immigrants' compartments were very clean and comfortable, and the people of all classes cheerful and contented ; they expressed themselves in the warmest terms of gratitude to the master, Captain Fox, for his unvarying kindness, and their satisfaction at all the arrangements of the vessel, the quality and quantity of the supplies. Two births occurred during the passage. No severe illness has occurred during the voyage. The Immigrants generally appeared to have been well selected, and likely to be appreciated in the colony. The single women were cleanly and neat in appearance, and were reported to have cheerfully .attended to the suggestions and regulations of the matron. I recommend all the officers for full gratuities. The condenser had worked satisfactorily, equal to 400 gallons in sixteen hours. I have, &c, Wm. Donald, His Honor the Superintendent of Canterbury. Pro Commissioner.

SHIP "DOVER CASTLE." COMMISSIONERS' EEPOET. Lyttelton, May 10, 1872. The Commissioners reporting on the above vessel, have much pleasure in announcing that no ■sickness occurred during the passage, and that the Immigrants arrived in good health and spirits. The provisions generally were of good quality, and had been served out with regularity. The distilling apparatus had worked satisfactorily throughout, and the supply of water reported sufficient and good. The Immigrants spoke most favourably of the treatment they had received at the hands of the captain, surgeon-superintendent, and officers of the ship, and the matron appears to have carried out her duties efficiently. Taking into consideration the stormy weather encountered throughout the voyage, the various compartments were creditably clean. The Commissioners regret to report that the arrangements for the accommodation of the Immigrants and the fittings generally, were inferior to any vessel that has arrived at this port for many years. The compartment allotted to the single women was especially devoid of sufficient light, the plumber's work in connection with the bath-room and closet was so defective that the latter could not be used the whole passage. The usual hospital accommodation was omitted altogether. The matron was unable to sleep in her cabin owing to leakage, and was berthed with the single women. The hospital for married people was dark and ill-ventilated. The Commissioners also observed with regret that the medicine chest supplied for the use of the Emigrants, was not furnished by the Apothecaries' Hall, and that it was by no means so complete as heretofore. The Commissioners have pleasure in recommending the payment of all gratuities. Wm. Donald, ") Fbedjk. D. Gibson, > Commissioners. The Hon. the Eesident Minister. J. Edwin Maech, )