D.--3

26

No. 43. The Hon. H. A. Atkinson to the Agent-Geneeal. (No. 312.) Sic, — Immigration Office, Wellington, 23rd October, 1874. I have the honor to transmit herewith copies of the following documents relative to the ship " Merope," which arrived at Lyttelton upon the 27th ultimo :— 1. Immigration Commissioners' report. 2. Surgeon-Superintendent's report. 3. Certified list of births and deaths upon the voyage. I have, &c, The Agent-General for New Zealand, London. H. A. Atkinson.

Enclosure in No. 43. Immigeation Commissioners' Eeport on Ship " Merope." The Commissioners visited ship " Merope," 27th September, 1874, ninety-one days from Plymouth. The immigrants were in good health, and expressed themselves perfectly satisfied with all arrangements. The rations were very good, regularly supplied, and well cooked. The children's dietary was ample and of good quality. Two deaths of infants and six births occurred during the passage. The condenser had proved faulty during the voyage, but the engineer had been able to repair it, so that the supply of water was not suspended ; the plumbing work was good. The matron appointed in England proved incapable, and the master and surgeon had selected another person, who performed her duties satisfactorily. The single men were for the most part well-selected agricultural labourers from the West of England; the single women also appeared very suitable. The married men, chiefly from the West of England also, were of a good class; but the proportion of mechanics was again too large. Wm. Donald. John P. Eouse. Lyttelton, 29th September, 1874. J. E. Maech.

No. 44. The Hon. H. A. Atkinson to the Agent-Geneeal. (No. 327.) Sic, — Immigration Office, Wellington, 16th November, 1874. I have the honor to transmit herewith copy of the Commissioners' report upon the ship "Gutenberg," which vessel arrived at Lyttelton upon the 25th October. Tour attention is directed to the very indecent manner in which the married people were berthed in this vessel. I have, &c, The Agent-General for New Zealand, London. H. A. Atkinson.

Enclosure in No. 44. Immigeation Commissionebs' Eepoet on Ship " Gutenberg." The Commissioners report the arrival of this ship on the 25th October, after a passage of 112 days from Hamburg. The health of the immigrants had been good; two births and one death (an infant) had occurred during the passage. The general cleanliness of the ship was very fair. The Commissioners cannot approve of the manner the married people were berthed, the bunks being made to hold two families, without any division board between them. They feel bound to express a like objection to the row of loopholes, which existed for ventilation, between the single and married people's compartments. The provisions were served out in accordance with contract, and the quality was fair. The distilling apparatus had worked satisfactorily during the passage. The Commissioners recommend full gratuities to all the officers, with the exception of the purser, against whom several complaints were made and substantiated. Wm. Donald. John P. Eouse. Lyttelton, 28th October, 1874. J. E. March.

No. 45. The Hon. H. A. Atkinson to the Agent-Geneeal. (No. 328.) Sic, — Immigration Office, Wellington, 16th November, 1874. I have the honor to transmit herewith copy of the Commissioners' report upon the ship " Duke of Edinburgh," which vessel arrived at Lyttelton upon the Ist instant. Tou will be pleased to learn that the Commissioners report tho class of immigrants as highly satisfactory, and well suited to the requirements of the province. Tour attention is directed to the fact that no extra stores of any kind were placed on board for the children. I have, &c, The Agent-General for New Zealand, London. H. A. Atkinson.