There has been some delay in passing the Athlete, immigrant ship, in consequence of complaints having been made to the Immigration Board of irregular conduct onboard that vessel, and of improper treatment of the immigrants.

One of the charges made, was of the single females being compelled to remain on deck at night to a late hour and put in confinement for some weeks as a punishment.

Two secret passages, one from the doctor's cabin, and another from the captain's cabin, have been discovered, leading into to the single women's cabin.

Other facts of an equally discreditable nature have been testified to.

We cannot discredit the authority on which these statements are made ; and they are so disgraceful that we should think it a dereliction of public duty did we not expose them.

As guardians of the public welfare, we cannot allow that immigration to this port should fall into bad odour with impunity, or without public exposure.- Portland Guardian.

SG & SGTL Vol 12 ; Page 55 ; 12 Mar 1855

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