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The reports, lam glad to observe, are generally of a satisfactory character; but there are several matters in which the Commissioners remark that improvement would be desirable, and to these I shall be glad if you will call the attention of the Despatching Officer. I would especially refer to the incompetence of the matron, as this is not the first complaint which has been made by various Boards of Commissioners relative to the appointment of persons manifestly unfit to fill this office. I have, &c, The Agent-General for New Zealand, London. H. A. Atkinson.

Enclosure in No. 96. Immigeation Commissionebs' Eepoet on Ship " Cicero." The Commissioners report the arrival of this ship on the 19th instant, after a passage of 107 days. The health of the immigrants had been good throughout the voyage. There were two births, but no deaths amongst the immigrants. All the compartments were exceedingly clean, and the conditions of the charter appeared to have been faithfully carried out. The new dietary scale gave general satisfaction. The only complaint made was with respect to the flour —this was tested, and found to be inferior. The bath-room in the single women's compartment had given satisfaction; it was found necessary, however, to close the closet, in consequence of its proximity to the married people's quarters. The Commissioners recommend that in future tho bath-room and closet should be fixed as far aft as possible, and so elevated that the baths after using can be emptied without the necessity of pumping the water out. It would also be advantageous for the pipes that supply water to the closets from the condenser tank to be protected. Tho padlocks supplied for the lanterns were found to be useless, and affording no protection against interference with the lights; the store-room padlocks were equally inefficient. The distilling apparatus (Graveley's) had worked well throughout the passage. The Commissioners again desire to record their opinion that it is very undesirable for paid passengers to be classed and berthed with Government immigrants. The immigrants spoke in high terms of the care and attention shown to them by the surgeon-superintendent and officers of the ship. The matron appointed was very incompetent and quite unfitted for the post, as she rendered very little assistance. Her gratuity is withheld. The Commissioners recommend payment of the other gratuities, and the further employment of the surgeon-superintendent should ho desire it. Wm. Donald. John P. Eouse. Lyttelton, 22nd May, 1875. J. E. Maech.

No. 97. The Hon. H. A. Atkinson to the Agent-Geneeal. (No. 141.) Sic, — Immigration Office, Wellington, 4th June, 1875. I have the honor to transmit herewith copies of the following documents relative to the ship " Wennington," which arrived at Port Chalmers upon the 18th of May : — 1. Immigration Commissioners' report. 2. Certified list of births and deaths. I note with pleasure the exceedingly favourable character of the Commissioners' report. I have, &c, The Agent-General for New Zealand, London. H. A. Atkinson.

Enclosure in No. 97. Immigeation Commissionebs' Eepoet on Ship " Wennington." Sic,— Port Chalmers, 19th May, 1875. The ship "Wennington," with Government immigrants, arrived in port on the 18th May, having made a passage of 105 days from Plymouth. Her immigrants number 132 souls, equal to 110 statute adults. There were two births and two deaths, the latter being an^nfant five days old, and an aged woman, who was coming to the colony to join her friends. The general health of the immigrants was good through the voyage. Our inspection of the ship proved most satisfactory. The compartments were admirably fitted, and a perfect picture of cleanliness and comfort beyond any ship we ever had the pleasure of inspecting in our official capacity. The immigrants expressed themselves as fully satisfied with their treatment. The provisions were good and abundant, and the condenser worked well. We have much pleasure in bearing our testimony to the efficient manner in which Captain Winder and his officers, Dr. Marr (surgeon-superintendent), the schoolmaster, matron, and constables performed their respective duties during the voyage. We have, &c, Colin Allan, ") t__- v John Deysdale, M.D., Migration Wm. Thomson, ) Commissioners. His Honor the Superintendent, Otago.

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