15

D.—3

9. As the Immigration Officer remarks, it is desirable to appoint the surgeon of an emigrant ship ten days or a fortnight before the vessel sails. This course is frequently adopted, but in many instances it is impossible, until a day or two before the vessel's departure, to engage suitable surgeons. This was the case with a large vessel despatched about a week ago; and we are at present without surgeons for the Hawke's Bay ship of 14th, and the Auckland vessel of 15th October. 10. It is doubtless desirable that some person representing the Agent-General should be in constant attendance on board the vessels, to superintend the whole of the arrangements; to " talk matters over" with the captain and surgeon; and to see to the proper stowage of the cargo. As the Agent-General has now engaged a suitable officer, whose whole time is spent on board the vessels, and whose attention is not distracted by office duties, this necessity is amply provided for. Albert O. Ottywell. P.S.—The vessels which were not inspected by me are the following, viz.:—"Celseno," "England," "St. Leonard's," Hydaspes," "Bebington," " Queen Bee," "May Queen," "Lady Jocelyn," " Glenlora," the vessels from Clyde and from foreign ports, and all London ships since March, 1873. A. O. O. Sub-Enclosure to Enclosure in No.- 13. The Passengers' Line of Packets for New Zealand, &c, Offices, Dear Sir, — 34, Leadenhall Street, E.C, London, 30th September, 1873. We have duly perused the copy of Memorandum No. 116,1873, respecting the emigrants per " Wild Duck," which you have handed us. The whole of the animadversions therein made, seem to us to be directed against your officers and those of the Imperial Government here, who are, we feel sure, well able to defend themselves. The only point touching us is the statement that the ship was " fitted and provisioned with that regard for strict economy, and carelessness for the health and comfort of the passengers, which distinguishes Shaw, Savill, and Co." This observation is simply a falsehood. As regards the ship herself, she passed all the surveys here required by the law, and the hospitals were placed as directed by the Government Officers. We are, &c, I. E. Featherston, Esq., Agent-General for New Zealand. Shaw, Savill, and Co.

No. 14. The Agent-General to the Hon. the Colonial Secretary. (No. 673.) 7, Westminster Chambers, Victoria Street, Westminster, S.W., Sir,— 3rd October, 1873. I have the honor to forward herewith, for the information of the Government, copy of a Memorandum executed this day by myself and Mr. Turner, Managing Director of the New Zealand Shipping Company. I have, &c., I. E. Featherston, The Hon. the Colonial Secretary, Wellington, N.Z. Agent-General.

Enclosure in No. 14. Memorandum. In April last the Agent-General agreed with Mr. Turner for the conveyance of emigrants to Canterbury, in May, June, July, August, at £16 10s. per statute adult, with a minimum guarantee of 200 adults, less 5 per cent. In pursuance of such agreement the " Punjaub " sailed on 2nd June, with 264 statute adults ; "Adamant" on the 17th July, with 1294 adults; the " Cardigan Castle " on 23rd August, with 206 adults. On or about 13th June the AgentGeneral received cablegram " Government and New Zealand Shipping Company have entered into agreement, to take effect upon your receipt of this," &c. It is contended on the part of the Agent-General that the new contract superseded the arrangement with Mr. Turner in respect of the two ships "Adamant" and "Cardigan Castle," which sailed after receipt of cablegram, on 13th June, advising new contract. On the other hand, Mr. Turner contends that all existing contracts, including his, were to be carried out before the new contract could come into operation, and were specially provided against on the contract itself; also that the Government, when making the contract, had advices from the Agent-General, by cablegram, that he had made arrangements with Mr. Turner at £16 10s. Agreed, that the question of rate for passage money per " Adamant" and " Cardigan Castle " shall be referred to the Colony for adjustment and payment there. If the Agent-General's con-