D.—3

58

The tea shown was inferior to what has been heretofore provided. The stock of medical comforts was barely sufficient to meet actual requirements, especially the supply of preserved milk, which ran short at a comparatively early stage of the voyage, namely, when the ship was a little over two months at sea. The surgeon-superintendent complained also of the medicine chest beiug insufficiently furnished in several particulars. In all other respects the provisions were of excellent quality, and the supply abundant. There was a sufficiency of fresh water at all times. The accommodation for passengers on board the " Baron Aberdare" is very superior. The immigrants' compartments were well lighted and ventilated, and the condition of each in respect to cleanliness and good order at the time of arrival was all that could be desired. It would be well if those persons among the immigrants who pay their own passage money were informed, prior to embarkation, of their liability to conform, in common with others, to the regulations in respect to certain duties required of the immigrants on the voyage, such as carrying in their turn water for the use of the immigrants' galley, and assisting in other ways for the general good. Misunderstandings on this ground have arisen in a few instances, in the case of several ships lately arrived here, calling for the enforcement of discipline which otherwise might not have been needed, and occasioning more or less disagreeableness among the immigrants. Several of the ship's crew, with three of the immigrants, were given in custody of the police, on arrival, by Captain Edmonds, on a charge of broaching the ship's stores. Their case has not yet been fully heard before the Magistrates. The immigrants by this ship appear to be a fair selection. Their conduct on the passage, with a few exceptions, is spoken of favourably by the surgeon-superintendent. We would recommend a discontinuance of the practico of appointing young unmarried women to the post of matron. Such persons, however excellent themselves, usually are unable to command the necessary authority over a large number of young girls for the preservation of discipline and good order on the voyage. We beg to recommend payment of the usual gratuities to the surgeon-superintendent, and to the master, mate, and purser. We have, &c, H. Ellis. T. M. Philson, M.D. I. J. Buegess. The Hon. the Minister for Immigration, Wellington.

No. 91. The Hon. W. H. Eeynolds to the Agent-Geneeal. (No. 103.) Sic, — Immigration Office, Wellington, 12th April, 1875. I have the honor to transmit herewith copies of the following documents relative to tho ship " Fritz Eeuter, " which arrived at Napier upon the 18th ultimo :— 1. Immigration Commissioners' report. 2. Immigration Officer's report. 3. Surgeon-Superintendent's report. 4. Certified list of births and deaths. I have to call your attention to the minute of His Honor the Superintendent, relative to the young men who were taken from the Hamburg Eeformatory, and would suggest that you should obtain from your agent an explanation of the matter. I have, &c., W. H. Eeynolds, (in the absence of the Minister for Immigration). The Agent-General for New Zealand, London.

Enclosure in No. 91. Immigeation Commissionebs' Eepoet on Ship " Fritz Eeuter." Sic, — Immigration Office, Napier, 30th March, 1875. I have the honor to inform you that the ship " Fritz Eeuter " arrived close to the roadstead on the 17th instant, but a heavy gale of wind springing up she was blown out to sea, and did not reach the roadstead until towards the evening of the 18th instant. It being late, and finding from the replies received that there had been several cases of scarlatina and low fever on board, and four cases of the latter still under treatment, the Commissioners thought it advisable to place the ship in quarantine. At 8 o'clock next morning the Health Officer, Dr. Hitchings, was put on board ; and having conferred with the doctor of the ship, and made a medical supervision, he reported the sickness to be four cases of low fever of a mild form—in reality, he might say the patients were convalescent. On learning this the Commissioners boarded the ship, and proceeded to carry out their instructions. The Commissioners have much pleasure in reporting the ship in a first-class condition, being very lofty between decks, and having ample accommodation for the immigrants. The provisions were unexceptionable, and the immigrants expressed themselves perfectly satisfied with the treatment they had received from the captain, doctor, and officers of the ship. The Commissioners beg to convey their thanks, through you, to Mr. Friberg for his valuable assistance in interpreting the numerous questions and replies necessary in such a strict investigation as the Commissioners are instructed to institute.