D.—2

63

We found the immigrants to be a healthy lot of people, free from organic disease of any kind. They all seemed well pleased with the voyage, and expressed themselves as quite satisfied with the treatment they had received. On inspecting the vessel we found the single women comfortably located in the after part of the 'tween-decks. The entrance to this compartment was under the poop ; it was well ventilated by a large air-shaft, with skylights and two ports, and was very clean. The hospital, closet, and bath-room for this compartment w-ere under the poop. The married people were located in the middle of the vessel, having the use of both the main and after hatchways. The compartment was ventilated by a large hatch over the dispensary and the four bits ; there were also seven dead-lights. The bunks were in blocks, and there was plenty of space between each block. Opinions seem to be divided between the surgeon-superintendents as to the relative merits of berthing the immigrants in blocks or having alley-ways all round the compartment. We consider that the block arrangement is a very good one, but there should be some means of getting all round the bunks for the purpose of cleaning. Instead of a broad alley-way, a narrow- space would be sufficient for this purpose. A great convenience in this compartment was effected by means of canvas screens at the foot of the hatchways, which prevented draught, while ventilation was not interfered with. The hospital in this compartment was well placed, but, we regret to say, was badly ventilated and not nearly large enough, some of the confinement cases having to be treated in the compartment amidst the noise and din of the occupants. The single men were forward ; they had plenty of space, with bunks in blocks. The compartment was lighted and ventilated by six dead-lights and a large air-shaft. The galley was large and convenient, and there was a great improvement in the shape of a bakery attached to it. The condenser (Graveley's) worked well, and the immigrants were not stinted for water in any way, always receiving as much as they asked for. The dispensary was under the after hatch, but it would have been better under the poop, where it would be more accessible. AYe append extract from journal of surgeon-superintendeht, to which we direct attention. AYe would strongly recommend that the temporary booby hatches should come outside the combings of the hatchways, in order to facilitate the fitting on of the ship's hatches in bad weather. In this vessel the booby hatches wero fitted inside the combings. Captain McAvoy and Surgeon-Superintendent McManus seem to have made themselves popular with the immigrants, and to have done all in their power to promote their health and comfort, and we have much pleasure in recommending the payment of all gratuities. AYe have, Ac, Alexander Johnston, M.D.,A H. J. 11. Eliott, > Commissioners. John Holliday, ) His Honor the Superintendent, AVellington.

Sub-Enclosure to Enclosure in No. 55. Extract from the Journal of the Surgeon-Superintendent, Ship " Wennington." The health of the passengers has on the whole been good. Among the single men and single women there has been no case of importance; in the married compartment there has been no case of serious illness amongst the men, but many of the children and the greater number of fhe women have from time to time been under medical care, and in many cases throughout the voyage I have found it necessary to allow certain extra articles of food and medical comforts. There is a large proportion of young children in this compartment, and there are but a very few of the women who are not either nursing or pregnant, circumstances to which is attributable the necessity there was in so many cases for medical care and treatment. With regard to the working of the regulations, the people generally showed great readiness in complying with the rules, and there were but few cases of infringement of any of them. In the single men's compartment, there were one or two cases of smoking below and gambling, but these were early and effectually suppressed. In the married compartment, the besetting sin was washing and keeping wet clothes below, and such like. In this compartment I found it impossible to obtain the same degree of strictness in the observance of the rules referring to time of cleaning, meals, &c, as existed in the other compartments ; the place was nevertheless always clean, and the air good. During the day, weather at all permitting, I kept the people on deck as much as possible. The single women's was in all respects the model compartment; cleanliness and order prevailed, and the most strict observance of the regulations and rules was obtained throughout. The single women have been, with one or two exceptions, most well-conducted and manageable. The code of rules given for the direction and management of the passengers, I found efficient for their purpose. lam unable to suggest any improvement; I must say, however, that the earlier strict compliance with them is enforced, the easier will it subsequently be to maintain observance of them. The schoolmaster and matron performed the duties of their respective offices in an entirely satisfactory manner. The schoolmaster has been assisted throughout the passage by Mrs. Lewellin, a married woman, who volunteered to teach the girls. There occurred on board three deaths and ten births (one case twins).

No. 56. The Hon. J. Amdgel to the Agent-General. (No. 170.) Sir, — Immigration Office, AVellington, 17th June, 1874. I have the honor to forward herewith, copy of the Immigration Commissioners' report upon the ship " Janet Court." I have, Ac, The Agent-General for New Zealand, London. Julius Vogel. i