D.-l.

6

This brings me to the character and description of the immigrants, and, after making allowances for the unfortunate circumstances under which I saw them, I must say that as a whole I was not favourably impressed with their appearance. Amongst the married people I observed several who were old and physically weak, aud who appeared to be quite unfitted for colonial life. The ninety-six single men were all strong and healthy, but there appeared to be a large number of undesirable characters amongst them, they being selfish, sullen, and evincing a strong desire for intoxicating liquors. Of course, it must be "understood that I am not condemning the whole of the single men ; but I maintain that the colony will be in no way benefited by a largo proportion of them. On the other haud, lam pleased to state that the single "women were cheerful and contented, and contrasted very favourably with the men. The matron, however, was not suitable for her position, aud her conduct with one of the sailors, who deserted the ship, was not such as to justify her receiving her gratuity ; probably she was selected more from her appearance than from her qualifications for the appointment. The surgeon-superintendent was, in my opinion, not at all a suitable man ; he had not the slightest control over the immigrants, and had no consideration for their accommodation and comfort; still he was very popular with a large number of the people. AVithout making any iuquiries of a prying or captious nature, I should say that his popularity was procured at the expense of the medical comforts. I should recommend that be be paid the usual gratuity and head-money here, as there is no necessity for his proceeding to Napier, and that the Agent-General be instructed not to re-employ him again should he apply for a ship. Special inquiry should also be instituted as to how the lunatic, M , came to be passed as a suitable emigrant, and also as to the appointment of the matron. • I desire to bring specially under the notice of the Government the valuable assistance which Dr. Chilton, of the " St. Leonards," rendered me. This gentleman volunteered his services, and accompanied me in the "Hinemoa," and when he found the unsatisfactory position of affairs at Otaki he at once undertook to direct and assist the immigrants —in fact, he performed the duty which properly appertained to the surgeon-superintendent of the wrecked vessel. And I have much pleasure in recommending that his exertions be recognized in some substantial manner; probably the Hon. Mr. Sheehan, who requested Dr. Chilton to proceed to Napier in the " Hinemoa," would name the amount of gratuity which he would consider that gentleman should receive. The second officer, Mr. Lewis, and boat's crew of four men from the ship " Rakaia," should also receive some remuneration. These men were strenuous in their exertions, and, as they destroyed their clothes, and lost their knives, belts, &C, in the surf, I consider that the officer should receive a gratuity of £3, and each of the men £2. In making arrangements for the removal of the people I consulted with Captain Rose, the representative of the Shipping Company. I thought it desirable that he should be acquainted with what I was doing, as I do not know whether the expense will ultimately be borne by the Government or by the Company. In conclusion, I desire to bring under the notice of the Government the very valuable assistance rendered by the Natives and Europeans, both at Otaki and along the whole road. In fact, had it not been for the readiness with which the Natives came forward with their bullock-drays, buggies, brakes, and other conveyances, I should have not have able to have moved the people as expeditiously as I was enabled to. AVhere all displayed so much zeal in affording relief and assistance to the shipwrecked people it would be invidious to particularize individuals ; but I think that special letters of thanks should be written to Dr. Chilton, Mr. Morgan Carkeek, AVi Parata, jun., of AVaikanae, Mr. Ransfield, the acting constable at Otaki, Mr. Smith, at Paikakariki, aud, above all, to Mr. and Mrs. Gilbert, of Whare Moki, whose services I have before alluded to. The thanks of tho Department are also due to Captain Johnston, for his services in directing the boating arrangements from tho shore; as I feel assured had he not been there some accident would have occurred, as it could not be expected that seamen would act under my orders where boating was concerned. I omitted to mention that the last of the immigrants were safely lodged in the depot at half-past three on Sunday morning, having travelled all night, and that no accident of any kind occurred during the journey. I have, &c., H. J. IL Eliott, The Hon. the Minister for Immigration. Tinder Secretary for Immigration. P.S. —Since writing the above I have been informed that Mr. Jenkins, of Otaki, rendered very great service iv heading a boat's crew to land the passengers from the ship. He also should receive a letter from the Government. —H. J. H. E.

Enclosure 2 in No. 10. Dr. Andrews to the Immigration Commissioners. Gentlemen, — AVellington, 30th October, 1878. Subjoined is a classified summary of the principal events which occurred on board the ship " City of Auckland," and of the observations which I have to bring under the notice of the Immigration Commissioners. Left Plymouth on the. 25th July, and nothing of any particular moment occurred during the voyage. On the whole the health of all was remarkably good ; only one death —a child three years old, from gastric fever—happened. I found it necessary, a short time after sailing, to discharge the baker supplied by the ship, as he was totally unfit for the appointment, placing in his stead one of the single men (Immigrant George Bradley), who performed his duties to my entire satisfaction. I cannot speak iutoo high terms of the way in which Mr. Dimsdale (the schoolmaster) performed his duties, and the valuable assistance he rendered mo in every way in preserving regularity and good order among the emigrants.