17

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You will observe that the Commissioners express their regret that the fact of " tho vessel having been chartered for Timaru, led to the employment of a much inferior class of ship to those which are employed in bringing immigrants to Lyttelton." A consideration of this fact, which does not admit of a doubt, and the circumstances attending tho arrival of this the first ship laid on direct for Timaru, having been obliged by stress of-weather to proceed to Lyttelton, and there tranship her emigrants for their port of destination, thus fulfilling the contract, but practically at a loss to the Government of twenty shillings per adult —the contract price to Lyttelton being £14 10s., and to Timaru £16 10s., whilst twenty shillings per adult was paid by the Company for conveyance of the immigrants to Timaru—induce me to countermand the previous instructions which have been given you as to sending ships direct to Timaru; and I have now to request that you will forward immigrants for that place by ships specially chartered for the purpose, but making Lyttelton the port of arrival. You will take care that such ships are strictly for passengers to Timaru, and that emigrants for no other destination are embarked in them. The contract with the shipping companies is to be for conveyance to Timaru, and tho tickets are to bo issued accordingly. The Government will provide passage by steamers to Timaru, and the immigrants are to understand they will not be disembarked at Lyttelton. I have, &c, The Agent-General for New Zealand, London. Julius Vogel.

Enclosure in No. 27. Immigration Commissioners' Report on Ship " Peeress." Lyttelton, 24th July, 1874. The Immigration Commissioners beg to report that the above ship arrived in Lyttelton harbour on the 23rd inst., after a protracted passage of 116 days. The health of the immigrants was good. There had been six deaths and four births during the passage. On inspection the Commissioners found the ship was of an inferior class to recent arrivals, and indifferently adapted for carrying immigrants. The vessel had strained much in bad weather, and the deck, except where under cover of the poop, was very leaky. The cleanliness throughout was indifferent, the 'tween-decks low, badly lighted and ventilated. In the married-people's compartment the Commissioners noted that some parts had been kept much cleaner than others, thereby indicating that the cleanliness had depended more on the immigrants themselves than upon their supervision. As a class, the immigrants appeared very suitable for the wants of the district to which they are consigned, namely, Timaru. Some complaints were made in the married compartment that the children's diet was not issued in accordance with the dietary scale. The surgeon stated in explanation that the eggs, sago, and arrowroot were exhausted early on the passage. The surgeon was requested to furnish a list of the stores sent on board for children, together with a list of any surplus stores sent by the Agent-General. This information will be sent with his report. The cooking apparatus and condenser had worked satisfactorily. The provisions as shown to the Commissioners were on the whole good, but complaints were made as to the quality of some of the flour issued in the early part of the voyage. The Commissioners regret that the fact of the vessel being chartered for Timaru led to the employment of a much inferior class of ship to those which are employed bringing immigrants to Lyttelton. Wm. Donald. JonN F. Rouse. J. E. March.

No. 28. The Hon. J. Vogel to the Agent-General. (No. 253.) Sir, — Immigration Office, Wellington, 28th August, 1874. I have tho honor to forward herewith tho reports of the Immigration Commissioners and the Immigration Officer at Napier upon the ship " Winchester," which arrived upon the 26th ultimo. The reports call for no particular remark, except that the supply of medical comforts appears to have been insufficient; and that although some extra stores were put on board by your officers at . Gravesend, no advice thereof has been sent to this office to enable the surgeon's statements of their expenditure to be checked. I have, &c, The Agent-General for New Zealand, London. Julius Vogel.

Enclosure in No. 28. Immigeation Commissionebs' Repoet on Ship "Winchester." Sic,— Napier, August, 1874. I have the honor to inform you that the " Winchester," Captain Arnold, arrived in the Ahuriri roadstead on the evening of the 26th July, all well. There were two deaths on the voyage. It is a source of gratification to be enabled to again report no contagious disease on board. This province has been most fortunate in this respect. 3-D. 3.