PACIFIC ISLANDS. PROCEEDINGS OF THE BRITISH RESIDENT, RAROTONGA. [In continuation of Parliamentary Paper A.-3, 1895.]

Appendix to the Journals of the House of Representatives, 1896 Session I, A-03

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1896. NEW ZEALAND.

PACIFIC ISLANDS. PROCEEDINGS OF THE BRITISH RESIDENT, RAROTONGA. [In continuation of Parliamentary Paper A.-3, 1895.]

Presented to both Houses of the General Assembly by Command of His Excellency the Governor.

No. 1. Mr. F. J. Moss to His Excellency the Goveenob. My Loed, — British Besidency, Barotonga, 11th July, 1895. I have the honour to inform your Excellency that the Parliament of the Federation opened in accordance with law on the sth instant. No opportunity has offered for members from the other islands to arrive, and only those representing Barotonga, with one from Atiu, were present. Two trading-vessels are now in the group, and may be expected with the absent members at any time. Te Pou o te Bangi was elected Chairman for the session, and waited on Queen Makea, as Chief of the Federal Government, to announce his election. In accordance with what is now an established custom, he received from Makea the opening address, which he read to the Parliament on his return. I enclose two copies of the address in English and two in Maori for your Excellency's information. The small surplus of £313 referred to in the address will enable a cottage hospital to be put up when a suitable site is obtainable, and I hope to see an appropriation made for the purpose. If so, provision for its working would be most readily made by a small addition of 1 or 1J per cent, to the existing import duty, on condition that the full proceeds, without deduction of any kind, be placed to the credit of a special hospital fund. The reference to marriage laws is made necessary by the opening of the Adventist and Boman Catholic Missions. A missionary from the Latter-Day Saints has also arrived from America by way of Tahiti. It is not at all certain, however, that a proper and suitable law can be prepared and passed, with the means and information now at disposal, during the present session. The census referred to in the address is the first attempt to obtain accurate information by papers filled in detail by each household. The information asked was necessarily limited, but the Natives now understand the work, and more can be done on the next occasion. I enclose two copies. The population of 2,454 is much in excess of the estimates which had hitherto been accepted, the highest of which placed it as under two thousand. I have, &c, Febdbeick J. Moss, His Excellency the Earl of Glasgow, G.C.M.G., British Besident. Governor of New Zealand, &c.

Enclosure No. 1. From the Goveenmbnt to the Paeliambnt of the Cook Islands. Salutations ! We welcome you again from all the islands of the Federation to hear what has been done for the year that is past, and to consider what is to be done in the year to come. The Revenue £ s. d. For the year ending the 30th June, 1895, is ... ... ... 1,287 1 4 The Expenditure For the year has been ... ... ... ••• ••• 1,376 9 1 The balance in hand on the Ist July, 1894, was £402 18s. 6d., and there is thus a balance in hand to begin the year 1895-96 of £313 10s. 9d. Full accounts of the past year, and estimates of what we think it desirable to spend in the next year, will be laid before you. I—A. 3.

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The Imports £ s. d. Of all kinds for the year 1894-95 were ... ... ... 22,719 16 1 The Exports Of Cook Islands produce for the year ... ... ... 19,491 17 11 And of produce received from other islands ... ... ... 1,556 17 0 Total £21,048 14 11 Full particulars of these also will be laid before you. British Money. The Act passed by you last session has been brought into operation, and British coin is now the only legal currency. The Government receive no other, but we find that many people still take the Chilian and South American dollars. That is their business, and they will by-and-by grow wiser. The Chilian dollar is only good in Chili, with which country we have no commerce. British money is good with all the world with which we have commerce, or are likely to have. Currency notes were printed in accordance with the Act, so that, if any one said he had no English money with which to pay Government claims, we could give them notes in exchange for their dollars and send the dollars away for sale, and use the money they brought to pay the notes that were issued. But we find the price to be given for dollars so low that people prefer importing English money for themselves, and we are glad to say that it has not been necessary to issue any of the currency notes to the present time. A Hospital. We think the time has come when a hospital should be established. It is necessary in order to preserve the life and health of many of our people. During the session we will propose plans to you for a hospital, and to provide funds for its support in the manner least burdensome to the people. We adhere to the opinion that no increase of import duty should be for general purposes, but for special purposes defined when the tax is authorised. Schools. We have received a letter from the British Besident respecting schools, which we will lay before you, certain that you will give to it the fullest and most favourable consideration. We agree with Mr. Moss that unless we have schools and teach English in them the Government will never be able to work without outside help, and therefore can never be safe or strong. Tereora School. The school established by the London Missionary Society, and to which Parliament promised a fixed annual contribution towards the support of children boarded there, especially from other islands of the Federation, was opened on the 2nd January, and has been well filled. The children from this school will, it is hoped, contribute by-and-by many teachers to other schools, and many young men fit to perform duties in connection with the government of the Federation. Marriage Laws. There being now other churches in the group not connected with the London Missionary Society, the missionaries or clergy of those churches will desire to marry people belonging to their own congregation, and we think a law should be passed authorising the Government to license such clergymen, and specifying the conditions in which the licenses should be given. Census. A census of the Island of Barotonga was taken on the 30th June. This census is only an affair of Barotonga, and the Parliament has nothing to do with it, but we will lay a copy before you, as it may be a guide to other islands. It is very desirable that such a census should be taken in each island, then we will know how many people each contains, and can take a new census at regular times to see whether the numbers increase, and to learn other facts of importance which cannot be truly learned in any other way. Other questions will arise during the session or be suggested by members, but we do not propose for our part to bring before you any other subjects than we have herein mentioned. We ask God's blessing on your labours for the good of the people of the Cook Islands. For the Government (the Arikis), Makea Takau, Ariki, Chief of the Government of the Cook Islands.

Enclosure No. 2. From the Beitish Besident to the Goveenment of the Cook Islands. Salutations ! I have now been trying for four years to have schools established in all the islands for the regular discipline and training of the children and for teaching them English. 1 need not repeat to you my strong belief that, without such training, and without being able to read English books, it will be impossible for Maoris to govern themselves. If that is to be the case, the Maoris of the Cook Islands must sooner or later give way and see their country governed by people better educated and trained than themselves. But with education they will be able, not only to govern themselves, but to send people to teach and lead the Maoris of other islands, and to become the chief Maori people in this part of the Pacific Ocean.

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This work of education can only be done by the islands, each for itself, and not by the Federal Parliament. A committee in Barotonga last year found that a good school, able to train a hundred or a hundred and twenty children, might be established in Avarua for £150 a year. It is for the Au of Avarua to see to this, if it does its duty. It will be for other Aus and other islands then to do the same, each for itself. The Parliament of the Federation might give great help in this way : they might lay in a store of desks, maps, blackboards, and other school furniture, and lend it to any schools that the Government was satisfied would do good work in teaching. The loan could be for as long as the school did its work properly, and this would save the Au, or the island Government, much money at starting a school. I urge you to bring this before the Parliament. Do not let any one say that, having no children, he does not want schools. A horse or a bullock dies, and leaves no mark behind it: a man ought to leave his country better for those who are to come after him. You all owe much to your fathers, who planted the trees from which you now get food and money. Do you now plant schools in the same way, and your names will be blessed by those who come after you. Your friend, Feedeeick J. Moss.

Sub-enclosure. Census, Rarotonga.—1st June, 1895.

Nationalities.

No. 2. Mr. F. J. Moss to His Excellency the Goveenoe. My Loed, — British Besidency, Barotonga, 11th July, 1895. I have the honour to inform your Excellency that the Queen of Baiatea with her followers again waited upon me respecting their desire to have the British flag hoisted at their island. On being again assured by me that there was not the smallest possibility of their request being acceded to, they left by the steamer " Bichmond "on the 3rd instant. Ido not anticipate that any further application will be made, and believe that they will do their best to remain on good terms with the French authorities in their island. I have, &c, Feedeeick J. Moss, His Excellency the Earl of Glasgow, G.C.M.G., British Besident. Governor of New Zealand, &c.

Agi is. Si P5 District. Doubtful. Under 5. Over 50. m o EH 5 to 10. 10 to 20. 20 to 50. Avarua Arorangi Ngatangiia and Muri ... Matavera Titikaveka ... 3 2 126 97 55 29 32 12 172 77 28 21 14 219 130 50 29 20 514 222 139 112 112 97 54 36 14 10 1,102 540 408 208 196 90 82 91 50 68 509 222 158 85 80 28 Totals 159 225 312 448 1,099 211 2,454 381 1,054

Countries. Avarua. Arorangi. Ngatangiia. Matavera. Titikaveka. Totals. Barotonga Mangaia Aitutaki Atiu, Mitiaro, Mauke Other Pacific islands Great" Britain America (U.S.) Germany 641 159 33 78 63 53 19 4 1 2 4 38 7 359 61 18 37 58 305 29 6 11 51 4 2 176 8 5 8 8 2 1 142 25 15 5 6 1,623 282 77 139 186 59 24 4 1 2 8 38 11 "*2 France Norway Portugal Half-castes China "'2 "\ "3 ' 1 Totals 1,102 540 408 208 196 2,454

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No. 3. His Excellency the Goveenoe to Mr. F. J. Moss. Sic, — Government House, Wellington, 19th July, 1895. I have the honour to acknowledge the receipt of the census return of Barotonga, dated Ist June, 1895. At the request of my Government I have to ask you to give any further information as to the relative number of males and females and the respective ages of each sex. I have, &c, The British Besident, Barotonga. Glasgow.

No. 4. Mr. F. J. Moss to His Excellency the Goveenoe. My Loed, — British Besidency, Barotonga, 9th August, 1895. I have the honour to acknowledge receipt of your Excellency's letter of 19th July, and enclose herein the supplementary census, showing the ages and sexes of the population of Barotonga, as requested. This census, lam glad to be able to report, was taken in a few days. The Natives filled up their several papers readily, showing that the experience of the first was not lost upon them. I have, &c, Feedeeick J. Moss, His Excellency the Earl of Glasgow, G.C.M.G., British Besident. Governor of New Zealand, &c.

Enclosure. Appendix to Census, Rarotonga.—1st June, 1895. Ages.

No. 5. Mr. F. J. Moss to His Excellency the Goveenoe. My Loed, — Barotonga, 12th August, 1895. I have the honour to inform your Excellency that on the 15th July two of the Sisters connected with the French Boman Catholic mission in Tahiti arrived in Barotonga, and that on the 30th July they opened a school, in which tuition is given for four hours daily, at the small charge of 16s. (sixteen shillings) a year. The school was rushed by the Native children of this part of the island, showing their keen desire for instruction. Seventy-eight children were taken, being all for which room could be found. Among them are eight or ten children of European parents living here, though not members of the Boman Catholic Church. The children are being taught English by one of the Sisters, who is English by birth and education. Another to help her is expected by this or the next steamer. On the 6th instant five more teachers, connected with the Adventist Mission (America), arrived in their mission schooner " Pitcairn." This vessel has on board seventeen passengers, including a doctor, teachers, printers, and others. Those who may not be left here are to be taken to Fiji in connection with their mission in that colony. The Bey. J. Hutchin, of the London Missionary Society, has, for several months, given much time and attention to a morning school, in which, for four days in the week, the Native children are taught English. Mr. Hubchin's work in other directions is arduous, and calls for all his time, and he will welcome the free, secular public schools which the Adventist Mission express a desire to establish. This places the school-buildings of the London Society at their disposal, if the funds required to pay the teachers are forthcoming. To have the children brought up in one public school will unite them as a people—a result which cannot be looked for from schools in connection with different Churches, however well conducted and efficient those schools may be.

Doubtful Under 5 - 5 t0 10- 10 fco 20- 20 t0 50, 0ver S0, Totals. Grand Totals. District. i M. P. M. P. M. I P. M. P. M. P. M. P. I I . I M. P. M. & P. Avarua Arorangi Ngatangiia and Muri Matavera ... Titikaveka... 3 2 63 63 56 24 16 18 5 41 31 13 14 7 99 38 20 15 7 73! 39 8 6 7 I 126 69 29 12 11 93 61 21 17 9 284 119 73 54 64 230 103 66 58 48 61 29 22 8 6 36 25 14 6 4 629 281 223 107 110 473 259 185 101 86 1,102 540 408 208 196 17 11 Totals I ! 85 74 119 106 179 133 247 201 594 505 126 85 1,350 1,104 2,454

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The Barotonga Council will meet in the ordinary course on the 15th, and I hope by that time to be in possession of sufficient information to bring the subject properly before them. The opportunity is good, as, in any case, it would have been impossible to raise sufficient money to offer the least inducement to good teachers to come in the ordinary way. As your Excellency is aware, I have-felt, and still feel, very keenly on the subject. With a knowledge of the English language these Maori people will, in a few years, be able to govern themselves, and be of the greatest use as missionaries and teachers to the other Pacific islands. Their progress socially as well as commercially will be marked, and a great permanent good have been bestowed upon many islands by the Protectorate of Great Britain here. My chief difficulty has been in the tribal jealousy which made it impossible for the Council of the island to undertake the work unless able to begin simultaneously in the three districts into which it has for centuries been divided. The second difficulty is in beginning a new system of raising the requisite money. From time immemorial the practice has been for the chiefs to call upon the people to make good any money required for public purposes. As no public account of contributions is kept, there is much reason to fear that this system leads to misappropriation and undue exaction. They were induced, with great difficulty, to adopt a different system in the road-tax, levied on the land according to frontage area, at the last session of the Council. The tax-lists being public, and the amounts known, the people are secured against undue exaction. The tax, though the first thus levied, has been freely paid, and if a similar system can be applied to obtain the funds for supporting public schools I shall feel that a good work has been done, and that there is great hope for the future of this naturally gifted people. Your Excellency will, I hope, pardon my writing at this length, but I am much impressed with the importance of the subject, and regret only that the issue cannot be known in time for the present mail. I have, &c, Feedeeick J. Moss, His Excellency the Earl of Glasgow, G.C.M.G., British Besident. Governor of New Zealand, &c.

No. 6. Mr. F. J. Moss to His Excellency the Goveenoe. My Loed, — British Besidency, Barotonga, 12th August, 1895. I have the honour to report that the members from the other islands have arrived, and that the Federal Parliament is still in session. I enclose the following papers, which have been laid upon the table :— Be turns. No. I.—lmports for the year. No. 2.—Exports of produce of the Cook Islands for the year. No. 3. —Exports of produce of other islands. No. 4. —Shipping entries. Accounts. No. s.—Statement of accounts for the year. , No. 6.—Statement of revenue. No. 7.—Statement of expenditure. No. 8. — Statement of unauthorised expenditure. No. 9. —Estimates for the year 1895-96. I also enclose, — No. 10.—Act No. 1, 1895 : To guard against secret dealings in land. No. 11.—Act No. 2, 1895 : Act to secure the teaching of English in schools established in the Cook Islands by other than Maori teachers. No. 12. —Besolution to supply with school furniture any public schools established, on certain conditions. No. 13.—Letter from the British Besident to Parliament, with particulars as to cost, &c, of establishing a cottage hospital. Nos. Itoß do not, I think, call for comment on my part. Your Excellency will observe that the year begins with a small surplus of £313, of which it is proposed to appropriate the greater part to the hospital if it be established. Provision had also to be made for the care of an insane person —a European —a new feature in the expenditure of these islands. The estimates for revenue during the year have also been placed below the receipts of the last year, which were exceptionally good. No. 10, the Act to guard against secret dealings in Maori land, was rendered necessary by finding that lands were leased, with rights of perpetual renewal, at the island of Mauke, and the leases registered in Barotonga, without the tribe concerned and the other Arikis of the island being aware of the particulars of such leases or of their registration. In ignorance of this they do not offer opposition to the lessee taking possession, and much trouble may at some future time result. This Act will insure publicity, and be, I think, sufficient for all purposes. No. 11, the Schools Act, is to guard against the establishment of schools by foreign missions without their making due provision for the teaching of English in such schools. This was passed readily and unanimously by the Parliament; but I deferred final approval till to-day, in order that due time might be given to consider objections or suggestions if any were made. Schools

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taught by Maoris are exempted, as the Act would otherwise close those which are conducted by Maori missionaries in the various islands. No. 12 : It is impossible for the Federal Government to undertake the work of education even if it were desirable to do so, but it was considered that help to local effort could be given by the loan of school furniture, for which provision is made in this resolution. No. 13 : The letter respecting the hospital was to bring the question in a concrete form before the Parliament. They have debated it keenly, and have not yet come to a conclusion. A hospital is not popular with the Maoris, who have singular ideas respecting such institutions, but the proposal will, I think, be ultimately adopted. The opening address to Parliament, and the papers connected therewith, were sent to your Excellency in my despatch of 11th July. The appendix to census of Barotonga, showing the sex and ages of the people of this island, is sent by this mail under separate cover, in reply to your Excellency's despatch of 19th July. I have, &c, Feedeeick J. Moss, His Excellency the Earl of Glasgow, G.C.M.G., British Besident. Governor of New Zealand, &c.

Enclosure No. 1. Imports into the Cook Islands during the Year ending 30th June, 1895.

Chili coin from Tahiti ... ... ... $10,919-90 = £1,205 3s. 3d. British currency from Auckland ... ... ... £1,026 os. Od. J. H. Gaeniee, Collector.

Enclosure No. 2. Exports of Produce from the Cook Islands for the Year ending 30th June, 1895.

British currency exported to Tahiti ... ... ... £94 os. Od. Chili coin exported to Tahiti ... ... $7,475 = £1,097 10s. Od.

Articles. Prom Auckland, New Zealand. Prom Tahiti. Total Imports. £ s. 195 8 586 6 3,979 3 2,186 13 1,046 4 1,520 7 465 14 38 16 45 17 1,943 14 370 5 1,065 9 d. 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 6 6 7 4 7 £ s. d. £ s. d. 195 8 3 978 8 11 6,605 7 8 2,728 12 1 1,753 2 7 1,817 6 6 530 3 1 104 0 11 59 1 0 2,584 19 3 533 11 10 2,352 8 0 Animals Clothing Piece and fancy goods Provisions, salted and preserved Breadstuff's General groceries Spirits ... Wines ... 392 2 7 2,626 4 3 541 18 7 706 18 0 296 18 10 64 8 4 65 4 5 13 3 6 641 4 8 163 6 6 1,286 18 5 Beer Timber, manufactured and unmanufactured ... Tobacco Other articles 15,322 18 10 7,396 17 3 22,719 16 1

Exported to Auckland, New Zealand. Exported to Tahiti. Total Exports. Articles. Quantity. Value. Quantity. Value. Quantity. Value. Bananas, bunches Cocoanuts Coffee, raw, lb, ... Copra, lb. Cotton in seed, lb. Cotton ginned, lb. Fungus, lb. Limejuice, gal. ... Pineapples Oranges, cases ... Other articles ... 6,297 8,030 180,486 1,679,882 £ s. d. 236 3 11 19 12 0 5,814 0 0 5,781 15 3 42,878 561,323 ( 3,457} 1 713 f £ s. d. 2,084" 2 6 1,951 5 3 6,297 8,030 223,364 2,241,205 3,457) 76,857} 736 11,646 9,607 8,558 £ s. d. 236 3 11 19 12 0 7,898 8 1 7,733 0 6 | 76,144 1,427 5 7 25 1 111 1,452 7 6 736 11,646 9,607 8,558 7 11 10 308 7 11 79 19 8 1,705 12 6 36 6 0 7 11 10 308 7 11 79 19 8 1,705 12 6 50 14 0 14 8 0 15,417 0 3 4,074 17 8 19,491 17 11

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Enclosure No 3. Produce of other Islands exported from the Cook Islands for the Year ending 30th June, 1895.

Merchandise imported into the Cook Islands and exported beyond the Federation.

J. H. Gaeniee, Collector.

Enclosure No. 4. Annual Return of Shipping for the Port of Rarotonga for the Year ending 30th June, 1895.

J. H. Gaeniee, Shipping-master.

Enclosure No. 5. Statement of Account for the Year ending 30th June, 1895. Receipts. £ s. d. £ s. d. 1895, July 1. Balance in hand as per account ... ... 402 18 6 1895, June 30. Bevenue, as per account, from Ist July, 1894, to date ... ... ... ... ... 1,287 1 4 1,689 19 10 Expenditure. 1895. Expenditure from Ist July, 1894, as per account ... ... ... 1,376 811 Balance, Ist July, 1895 ... ... ... ... £313 10 11 Makea Daniela, Paymaster. I have examined the above accounts, and compared them with the vouchers, and hereby certify that they are correct. —J. Scaed, Auditor.

To Aucl Ze kland, New laland. ToTi iiti. 'otals. Articles. Quantity. Value. Quantity. Value. Quantity. Value. 'earl-shell lopra lotton, ginned .rrowroot Lb. 68,369 134,400 9,292 340 £ s. d. 994 3 0 405 0 0 154 17 4 2 16 8 Lb. 68,369 134,400 9,292 340 £ s. d. 994 3 0 405 0 0 154 17 4 2 16 8 1,556 17 0 1,556 17 0

Duty paid. In Bond. Total. 'o Penrhyn and northern islands 'o Auckland, New Zealand £ s. 214 11 1 10 d. 1 0 £ s. 989 3 159 15 d. 3 5 £ s. 1,203 14 161 5 d. 4 5 216 1 1 1,148 18 8 1,364 19 9

Bri: ]ish. Pre: ich. Ame: rican. Cook ilands. To ;als. No. of Vessels. Tons. No. of Vessels. Tons. No. of Vessels. Tons No. of Vessels. Tons. No. of Vessels. Tons. Inwards— Sail Steam H.M.S. "Bapid" 19 25 1 1,691 15,976 1,420 6 480 1 120 29 1,250 55 25 1 3,541 15,976 1,420 45 19,087 480 120 29 1,250 81 20,937 Outwards— Sail Steam H.M.S. "Bapid" 19 25 1 1,691 15,976 1,420 6 480 1 120 30 1,273 56 25 1 3,564 15,976 1,420 45 119,087 480 120 30 1,273 82 20,960

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Enclosure No. 6. Statement of Bevenue for the Year ending 30th June, 1895. £ s. d. £ s. d. £ s. d. Import duty ... 1,048 2 9 Post Office 247 3 6 Less—2 J per cent, commission ... ... ... 6 3 7 Paid New Zealand Government, 16th July, 1894 ... 3 6 9 12th November, 1894 4 5 1 June, 1895 ... 4 10 0 Begistering date-stamp ... ... ... ... 0 18 0 19 3 5 228 0 1 Miscellaneous ... ... ... ... ... 10 18 6 1,287 1 4 Balance on hand, Ist July, 1894, $2,68616, at 3s ... 402 18 6 £1,689 19 10 J. H. Gaeniee, Collector. I have examined the above accounts, and compared them with the vouchers, and hereby certify that they are correct. —J. Scaed, Auditor.

Enclosure No. 7. Statement of Expenditure for the Year ending 30th June, 1895.

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Vote. Service. Voted. Expended. Unexpended. Fixed appropriations— Payment of members Subsidies to local Councils— Barotonga Mangaia Aitutaki Atiu, Mauke, and Mitiaro £ s. d. 54 0 0 £ 51 s. 0 d. 0 £ s. d. 90 0 0 90 0 0 90 0 0 69 0 0 90 90 90 69 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 3 0 0 390 0 0 Collector of Bevenue— Collector, Barotonga Bevenue officer, Aitutaki „ Mangaia „ Atiu „ Mauke „ Mitiaro „ Manuae 30 0 0 7 10 0 3 0 0 3 0 0 3 0 0 3 0 0 3 0 0 30 0 7 10 3 0 3 0 3 0 3 0 3 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 52 10 0 Federal Court: Chief Judge Post OfficeChief Postmaster, Barotonga Clerical assistance ... Postal delivery and contingencies Postmaster, Atiu ... ... ... „ Mangaia „ Aitutaki 18 0 0 3 4 18 0 0 15 0 0 9 0 0 15 0 0 1 10 0 1 10 0 1 10 0 15 0 3 15 13 11 1 10 1 10 1 10 0 0 9 0 0 0 6 13 3 36 16 9 5 6 7 8 9 Shipping Master, Barotonga Paymaster and Clerk to Parliament Auditor ... ... ... Expenses, Chief of Government ... Interpreting and clerical—Vote £27 0 0 Transfer from Vote 10 ... £5 12 4 12 0 0 30 0 0 15 0 0 30 0 0 12 0 0 30 0 0 15 0 0 30 0 0 - 10 General contingencies — Vote £148 16 0 Transfer to Vote 9 ... 5 12 4 32 12 4 32 12 4 143 3 8 Transfer from Vote 18 ... 15 8 3 158 11 11 158 11 11 Carried forward 785 4 3 775 11 0 9 13 3

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Statement of Expenditure for the Year ending 30th June, 1895— continued.

Makea Daniela, Paymaster. I have examined the above accounts and compared them with the vouchers, and hereby certify that they are correct.—J. Scaed, Auditor.

Enclosure No. 8. Statement of Unauthorised Expendituee (under Act No. 4, 1892,) for the Year ending 30th June, 1895. £ s. d. T. and S. Morrin and Co., New Zealand (No. 5) ... ... ... 15 0 0 New Zealand Government (No. 6) ... ... ... ... 27 10 2 Henry Nicholas (No. 34) ... ... ... ... ... 12 3 4 Wildman and Lyell (No. 61) ... ... ... ... ... 2110 10 Makea Daniela (No. 64) ... ... ... ... ... 14 19 9 £91 4 1 Correct.—J. Scaed, Auditor. mb^b

Statement of Transfers. Transfer from General contingencies, Vote No. 10, to Interpreting, &c, £ s. d. Vote No. 9 ... ... ... ... ... ... 5 12 4 Transfer from British currency, Vote No. 18, to General contingencies, Vote No. 10 ... ... ... ... ... ... 15 8 3 Correct.—J. Scaed, Auditor.

Enclosure No. 9. Estimates for the Year ending 30th June, 1896. Revenue.

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Vote. Service. Voted. Expended. Unexpended. 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 Brought forward Ngatipa Parliament House Printing and stationery Passage of members Expenses of Parliament Boad to school, Nikao ... Opening expenses, Nikao School Establish British currency, expenses printing, &c.—Vote £75 0 0 Transfer to Vote 10 ... £15 8 3 £ s. 785 4 22 10 75 0 67 10 13 10 18 0 45 0 30 0 d. 3 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 £ s. d. 775 11 0 22 10 0 75 0 0 67 10 0 12 0 0 17 19 5 45 0 0 30 0 0 £ s. d9 13 3 1 10 0 0 0 7 59 11 75 0 9 0 57 11 5 53 3 0 2 0 4 21 17 0 19 20 Maintenance of children at Nikao School ... Subsidies in aid of Arikis' Court and police— Mangaia ... Aitutaki ... Atiu, Mitiaro, and Mauke Barotonga 24 0 24 0 24 0 57 0 0 0 0 0 24 24 24 57 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 129 0 0 Unauthorised 120 0 0 28 15 11 91 4 1 £1,440 6 0 1,376 8 11 63 17 1

Estimated, 1894-95. Actual, 1895-96. Estimated, 1895-96. import duty Postal Miscellaneous £ 675 225 15 s. d. 0 0 0 0 0 0 £ s. 1,048 2 228 0 10 18 d. 9 1 6 £ s. d. 850 0 0 150 0 0 10 0 0 £915 0 0 £1,287 1 4 1,010 0 0 313 10 11 Balance, 1st July, 1895 £1,323 10 11

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Expenditure.

Barotonga, 23rd July, 1895.

Enclosure No. 10. No. 1, 1895. —An Act to guaed against Secbet Dealings in Land. Wheeeas it is desirable that all dealings in land should be open and publicly known at the time:. ... It is hereby enacted by the British Besident and the Parliament of the Cook Islands : — 1. That all transactions in land must from the passing of this Act be registered in the. Begistry of Barotonga within three months of the deeds being signed, or they will not be recognised in any Court of law in the Cook Islands. ' 2; That all deeds executed up to the present time in any of the .islands must also be-registered before the 31st December, 1895, or they will not be recognised in any Court of law in the Cook Islands.

Vote. Service. Voted, 1894-95. Expended, 1894-95. Estimate, 1895-96. 1 3 4 2 Fixed appropriations— Payment of members Subsidies— Atiu, Mitiaro, and Mauke Aitutaki Mangaia Barotonga Collection of revenue— Collector Bevenue officers, five „ Aitutaki ... Federal Court: Chief Judge ... Post OfficeChief Postmaster Three Postmasters Clerical assistance Postal delivery ... ... Shipping-master ... .... Paymaster and Clerk to Parliament and Government Auditor Expenses, Chief of Government ... Interpreting and clerical assistance Transfer, General contingencies General contingencies Transfer, British currency: £15 8 3 Less transfer to Interpreting ... ... 5 12 4 £ s. d. 54 0 0 69 0 0 90 0 0 90 0 0 90 0 0 30 0 0 15 0 0 7 10 0 18 0 0 15 0 0 4 10 0 9 0 0 15 0 0 12 0 0 30 0 0 £ s. d. 51 0 0 69 0 0 90 0 0 90 0 0 90 0 0 30 0 0 15 0 0 7 10 0 18 0 0 15 0 0 4 10 0 3 15 0 13 11 9 12 0 0 30 0 0 £ s. d. 54 0 0 45 0 0 45 0 0 45 0 0 45 0 0 30 0 0 15 0 0 7 10 0 18 0 0 15 0 0 4 10 0 9 0 0 15 0 0 12 0 0 30 0 0 5 6 7 8 9 15 0 0 30 0 0 27 10 0 5 12 4 148 16 0 15 0 0 30 0 0 15 0 0 30 0 0 10 \ - J 32 12 4 158 11 11 45 0 0 9 15 11 22 10 0 75 0 0 67 10 0 13 10 0 18 0 0 45 0 0 30 0 0 75 0 0 90 0 0 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 Ngatipa Parliament House Printing, stationery, &c. Passages of members ... Expenses of Parliament Boad to school, Nikao Expenses opening school, Nikao Introduction of British currency Transfer to General contingencies, £15 8s. 3d. Maintenance of Children : Tereora School, Nikao Subsidies in aid of Arikis' Courts — Mangaia Atiu, Mitiaro, and Mauke ... Barotonga Aitutaki ... .... Unauthorised expenditure, Act 4, 1892 ... Fair ... . Printing-press and type Care of insane Hospital 22 10 0 75 0 0 67 10 0 12 0 0 17 19 5 45 0 0 30 0 0 57 11 5 22 10 0 90 0 0 13 10 0 20 0 0 19 75 0 0 53 3 0 125 0 0 20 24 0 0 24 0 0 57 0 0 24 0 0 120 0 0 24 0 0 24 0 0 57 0 0 24 0 0 91 4 1 24 0 0 24 0 0 57 0 0 24 0 0 21 22 23 24 25 30' 0 0 40 0 0 50 0 0 220 0 0 £1,455 14 3 £1,376 8 11 £1,310 0 0

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3. That such registration shall be marked upon the deed by the Begistrar with the words " Entered in the Begistry of the Cook Islands this day of , in accordance with the Act." But such registration is only for security of the deed, and does not in any way give additional validity. 4. That the Begistrar shall, as soon as possible after the passing of this Act, publish for general information, in such form as the Chief of the Government may from time to time direct, the following particulars of all deeds registered in the past, or that may be registered hereafter :— (1.) The names of the parties and the date of the deed. (2.) The name and description of the land. (3.) The nature of the interest conveyed by the deed. (4.) The amount of consideration. 5. That every person registering a deed concerning land shall pay to the Begistrar a fee of two shillings to cover the expenses attending the publication. 6. That in case of protest from any person against any transfer or other dealings with land, such protest may be sent to the Begistrar of Deeds for record in the same manner and on the same conditions as those made for the record of other papers or deeds. Dated at Avarua, this 26th day of July, 1895. Approved. To come into operation forthwith. Feedeeick J. Moss, British Besident.—26th July, 1895.

Enclosure No. 11. No. 2, 1895.—Schools Act. Whereas it is desirable that the English language should be so taught to the Maori people in order that they may be able at the least to read freely in that language : And whereas it is desirable to secure such teaching in schools established or that may be established by other than Maori teachers in the Cook Islands : It is hereby enacted by the British Besident and the Parliament of the Cook Islands :— 1. That the chief resident authority in any school at present established or which may hereafter be established shall apply to the Chief of the Government for a certificate, and shall in such application state what provision is made for the teaching of English, and who is to be held responsible for the due observance of this Act. 2. That the Chief of the Government, subject to approval by the British Besident, shall thereupon issue a certificate to the applicant in the form provided in the Schedule hereto. 3. That the school shall be open at any time to inspection by some person appointed by the Chief of the Government for the purpose of reporting on the result of the teaching of English in such school. 4. That if the report of the Inspector shall render such action necessary, the Chief of the Government shall send a copy of the report to the person responsible under this Act, and shall call upon such person to make within a period of not less than three months such provision or alteration as may be deemed necessary for the purposes of this Act. 5. That if the inspection be obstructed, or the provision or alteration deemed necessary shall not be duly made, the Chief of the Government, subject to approval by the British Besident, may declare the certificate suspended for a fixed period, or cancelled. 6. That any person teaching in a school not certificated, or from which the certificate has been temporarily or permanently withdrawn in accordance with section 5 of this Act, or obstructing the Inspector of the said school, shall be liable to a fine not exceeding five pounds for every offence. 7. That jurisdiction under this Act shall rest solely on the Federal Court of the Cook Islands. Dated at Avarua, this 7th day of August, 1895. Approved. To come into operation from this date. Feedeeick J. Moss, British Besident.—l2th August, 1895.

Schedule. I, , Chief of the Government of the Cook Islands Federation, do hereby, under authority of "The Schools Act, 1595," and in accordance with the provisions thereof, certify that is authorised to establish a school at , in the Cook Islands. Approved. , British Besident. Chief of the Government.

Enclosure No. 12. 1895-96.—Federation op the Cook Islands. Resolved, That, in order to encourage the establishment of free public schools in the different islands, the Government is hereby authorised to obtain such desks and school furniture as it may consider desirable, and to land them free of cost. That the term "public school" shall mean a school subject to inspection for purposes of report by any person duly appointed by the Government for that purpose ; and, further, that the school shall be only for secular education, and receive its pupils without regard to religious creed and free of charge. The Government is to make such conditions for the security of the school furniture so lent as it may consider necessary. Dated at Avarua, this 2nd day of August, 1895.

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Enclosure No. 13. To the Parliament. British Besidency, 23rd July, 1895. Salutations ! The following information, obtained by me from Dr. Caldwell, in connection with the probable cost of establishing a small hospital for five patients, is submitted to the Parliament for its consideration. £ s. d. Necessary furniture and fittings, as per statement No. 1 ... ... 40 12 0 Current expenditure, as per statement No. 2, for one year (and not including salary to doctor in charge) ... ... ... 224 16 0 Salary of the doctor, which could not be put, I think, at less than ... 90 0 0 A building would also be required, and Messrs. Donald and Edenborough are willing to sell, for a hospital or other public purpose, the house near Avarua Bridge formerly occupied by Pori. The tenure is leasehold, with upwards of twenty years to run, and ground-rent £7 10s. a year. They will take for the lease £100, and the necessary alterations would cost £20 to £30. If Parliament agreed to appropriate, say, £220 from last year's surplus, and levied a special import duty of 1J per cent, as a hospital duty to be appropriated exclusively to that purpose and to come into operation on the Ist October, there would be probably sufficient provision for this year for the hospital —-one of the most urgent needs of the Cook Islands. Frederick J. Moss.

Statement No. 1. £ s. d. £ s. d. 6 beds and bedding ... 12 0 0 Dishes ... ... ... 010 0 1 desk and chair... ... 110 0 Kitchen table ... ... 14 0 1 dozen chairs ... ... 312 0 Cupboard ... ... 016 0 1 bath ... ... ... 2 0 0 2 chambers ... ... 0 8 0 Water-heating apparatus ... 4 0 0 1 bed-pan ... ... 0 5 0 6 stands ... ... 300 Blankets for treatment ... 300 3 lamps ... ... 0 9 0 1 lamp ... ... ... 012 0 2 lanterns ... ... 0 6 0 Books and stationery ... 2 0 0 1 stove and fittings ... 5 0 0 £40 12 0 Statement No. 2. £ s. d. Medicines and supplies, for dressings, &c. ... ... ... 20 0 0 Provisions for eight persons, at £15 12s. ... ... ... 124 16 0 1 nurse ... ... ... ... ... ... ... 40 0 0 1 caretaker and wife ... ... ... ... ... 40 0 0 £224 16 0

No. 7. Mr. F. J. Moss to His Excellency the Governor. Mt Lord, — British Besidency, Barotonga, 16th August, 1895. The detention of the " Bichmond " by the breakage of the shaft on the voyage from Tahit enables me to inform your Excellency that the Arikis of Barotonga (its Government) met on the 14th, and adopted the enclosed message to the Baratonga Council, which met on the following day (yesterday). Bespecting the proposed free public schools, the only information available was that the Adventists are willing to leave four teachers at £60 each for one year; but whether this means two teachers and their wives (also teachers), or four distinct teachers available for as many schools, is not yet clear. If left, they are to make arrangements directly and individually with the Government of the island, and be solely under its orders. On the 15th the Barotonga Council met and appointed a committee of three to make inquiry,— (1.) As to the teachers, their certificates, and qualifications; (2.) What subjects it is proposed to teach ; (3.) What school-books to be used; (4.) The probable number of pupils and of schools and teachers required; (5.) The salaries of the teachers, and general expenses of the schools ; (6.) The best means of raising the requisite funds. The committee has not yet been able to make much progress. Meanwhile, I write by this mail to the Education Board in Auckland, asking them if they will kindly send me the regulations, standards, and various papers connected with the New Zealand schools; also a set of the school-books used, and where they can be obtained. I wrote to Auckland because the reply by the " Bichmond " comes a month earlier than it could from Wellington. Your Excellency will see that much is yet to be done before free public schools can be opened. I am anxious, if they should be, to keep them as much in accord with the New Zealand system as possible.

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A second Sister, as an additional teacher of English, arrived by the "Bichmond" for the school opened by the Boman Catholic Mission from Tahiti. I have, &c, Frederick J. Moss, His Excellency the Earl of Glasgow, G.C.M.G., British Besident. Governor of New Zealand, &c.

Enclosure. From the Arikis (the Government) to the Council of Barotonga. Baratonga, 14th August, 1895. Salutations ! You will meet to-morrow according to the law to consider what is for the good of Barotonga. Since you last met important changes have taken place. The Tereora School has been opened at Nikao by the London Missionary Society. A school has been opened in Avarua by the Boman Catholic Mission, and several school-teachers have just arrived in the " Pitcairn " in connection with the Seventh-Day Adventist Mission. The " Pitcairn " goes from here to Fiji, and we are informed that, if arrangements can be made, some of the teachers will be left in the Cook Islands. At present we do not know what the nature of these arrangements will be, and until we know we cannot consider the subject ourselves nor put it before you. We therefore are of opinion that the Council, at its meeting, should adjourn until full information can be laid before them, and we have not prepared any business for the present for your consideration. Tinomana, Ariki, For the Government of Barotonga.

No. 8. His Excellency the Governor to Mr. F. J. Moss. Sir, — Government House, Wellington, 17th August, 1895. I have the honour to inform you that I have received a despatch from the Secretary of State for the Colonies, enclosing copies of the Federal Flag of the Cook Islands as it will appear in the Admiralty Book, one of which is forwarded herewith for registration in your office. I have, &c, F. J. Moss, Esq., British Besident, Barotonga. Glasgow.

No. 9. His Excellency the Governor to Mr. F. J. Moss. Sir, — Government House, Wellington, 31st August, 1895. I have the honour to acknowledge your despatch (No. 9) enclosing the following papers : (1) Beturns; (2) accounts; (3) estimates; (4) Acts 1, 2, 3; (5) a resolution; (6) a letter to Parliament as to establishing a cottage hospital. 2. With regard to (1) the returns of imports and exports, it will be well if, in future, a comparative statement accompanies these showing the excess or deficit as compared with the previous year. 3. The accounts for the year appear highly satisfactory, and the same applies to the estimates. 4. The Acts to guard against secret dealings in land, and to secure the teaching of English in schools, appear calculated to secure the ends in view. 5. I trust that you will be able to carry the measure to establish a cottage hospital. I have, &c, F. J. Moss, Esq., British Besident, Barotonga. Glasgow.

No. 10. His Excellency the Governor to Mr. F. J. Moss. Sir, — Government House, Wellington, 2nd September, 1895. I have the honour to acknowledge the receipt of your despatches No. 7, No. 8, and No. 10. I have perused and forwarded them to my Government. F. J. Moss, Esq., British Besident, Barotonga. I have, &c, Glasgow.

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No. 11. Mr. F. J. Moss to His Excellency the Governor. My Lord, — British Besidency, Barotonga, 16th September, 1895. I have the honour to inform your Excellency that the Federal Parliament closed its session on the 20th-instant. The only Acts passed, in addition to those sent in my despatch of 9th August, were —No. 3, 1895, Import Duty Amendment Act; and No. 4, 1895, Appropriation Act; of which copies are enclosed. The Import Duty Amendment Act levies an additional lper cent, on all imports, to form a fund for the support of the hospital. The building has been purchased, but the arrangements with the doctor and nurse have not yet been completed. I hope to see the hospital opened by the end of the year, but the small amount available renders it necessary to proceed with caution. The Appropriation Act provides for an expenditure of £1,313, against receipts estimated at £1,323. It includes £220 for the purchase of the hospital building, furnishing, and making the necessary alterations to fit it for the small number of patients likely to be received till it is made popular with the natives. Their objection to hospitals is at present very great. In connection with the Appropriation Act I may refer to a new item (£5O) for care of the insane. This is rendered necessary by the hopeless insanity of a trader of long residence in these islands, Bobert Summers, an Englishman, for whom we have to do the best that circumstances permit. I beg leave to suggest that it would be advisable, if possible, to make some arrangement with the New Zealand Government for receiving British subjects into one or other of the New Zealand asylums, subject of course to the payment by the Cook Islands Government of a fixed charge for each patient sent. I have, &c, Frederick J. Moss, His Excellency the Earl of Glasgow, K.C.M.G., British Besident. Governor of New Zealand, &c.

Enclosure No. 1. No. 3, 1895.—Import Duty Amendment Act. Whereas it is desirable to provide for a hospital, and for the maintenance thereof, in Barotonga: It is hereby enacted by the British Besident and the Parliament of the Cook Islands :— 1. That a duty of 1 per cent, shall be levied on all imports into the Cook Islands, and the proceeds applied to the erection and maintenance of a hospital, at which advice and medicine and general medical or surgical treatment shall be given without charge to all applicants, within certain hours to be fixed by the Chief of the Government. 2. That any money collected under this Act shall be kept in a separate and special account, to be called the " Public Hospital Fund." 3. That this Act shall read with and be an addition in all other respects to Acts 2 and 3 of 1891, and Act No. 2 of 1893. 4. This Act shall come into operation on the Ist day of October, 1895. Dated at Avarua, this 15th day of August, 1895. Approved. To come into operation on Ist October, 1895. Frederick J. Moss, British Besident.—2oth August, 1895.

Enclosure No. 2. No. 4, 1895.— Appropriation Act. It is hereby enacted by the British Besident and the Parliament of the Cook Islands : — 1. That the expenditure for the Public Service for the year ending the 30th June, 1896, shall not exceed the sums stated in Schedule A of this Act, amounting in all to one thousand three hundred and thirteen pounds (£1,313). 2. That the Chief of the Government, with the approval of the British Besident, may authorise the transfer of savings from any vote (other than a vote for salaries) to any vote (other than a vote for salaries) for which it may be found that sufficient provision has not been made in this said Schedule. Also that a statement of transfers so made shall be laid before Parliament at the next session. 3. That every account against the Government shall, before it is sent to the Auditor, be certified by the British Besident, or by persons appointed for each department or service by the Chief of the Government with the approval of the British Besident; that such certificates shall state that the services therein to be paid have been properly performed, or the articles charged have been duly supplied, and that the prices are fair and reasonable. 4. That the various sums in Schedule B of this Act which have been paid under the authority of Act No. 4 of 1892 (unauthorised expenditure) shall be charged to the purposes named in the said Schedule, to the amount of nmety-one pounds four shillings and one penny (£9l 4s. Id.). 5. That no money shall be paid except on cheques signed by the Paymaster and countersigned by the Auditor. Dated at Barotonga, this 20th day of August, 1895. Approved. To come into operation forthwith. Feedeeick J. Moss, British Besident.—2oth August, 1899.

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Schedule A.

Schedule B. £ s . d. General contingencies (Morrin and Co.) ... ... ... ... 15 0 0 Post Office (New Zealand Government) ... ... ... ... 27 10 2 Interpreting and clerical assistance (H. Nicholas) ... ... 12 3 4 Stationery, printing (Wildman and Lyell) ... ... ... 21 10 10 Parliament House (Makea Daniela) ... ... ... ... 14 19 9 £91 4 1

No. 12. Mr. F. J. Moss to His Excellency the Goveenoe. My Lord, — British Besidency, Barotonga, 16th September, 1895. I have the honour to inform your Excellency that the Barotonga Council resumed its sittings on the 29th August, and is still in session. The meetings of the Council are often only once a week, as the members like to confer with their people, a practice which I have always encouraged as serving to train their people. I enclose, — 1. The opening message of the Arikis (the Government) to the Council on the 29th August; 2. Statement of accounts for 1894-95; 3. Statement of receipts for 1894-95; ■ 4. Statement of permit-fees for 1894-95 ; 5. Statement of expenditure for 1894-95 ; which have been laid before the Council, — I also enclose, — 6. The estimates of revenue and expenditure for 1895-96, which are now under consideration. After providing for all needful expenditure, these estimates show a sum of £116 available for new services or works.

Vote. Service. Amount. Total. Fixed appropriations — Payment of members Subsidies— Atiu, Mitiaro, and Mauke Aitutaki Mangaia Barotonga *£ 54 45 45 45 45 s. d. 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 £ s. d. Collection of revenue— Collector ... 4 Bevenue Officers ... Mangaia ... Aitutaki 234 0 0 30 0 12 0 6 0 7 10 0 0 0 0 55 10 18 0 0 0 3 4 Federal Court: Chief Judge Post OfficeChief Postmaster 3 Postmasters Clerical assistance ... Postal delivery 15 0 4 10 9 0 15 0 0 0 0 0 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 Shipping-master Paymaster and Clerk to Parliament and Government Auditor Expenses, Chief of the Government Interpreting, and clerical assistance General contingencies ... Ngatipa Printing, stationery, &c. Passages of members Expenses of Parliament House ... Maintenance of children, Tereora School, Nikao Subsidies in aid of Arikis' Courts — Mangaia ... Atiu, Mitiaro, and Mauke Barotonga Aitutaki 43 10 12 0 30 0 15 0 30 0 45 0 90 0 22 10 90 0 13 10 20 0 125 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 24 0 0 24 0 0 57 0 0 24 0 0 129 0 30 0 40 0 50 0 220 0 0 0 0 0 0 17 18 19 20 Fair ... Printing-press and type ... Care of insane Hospital |£1,313 0 0

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The Council has very carefully inquired into the question of public schools—the probable cost, and the terms on which the necessary teachers can be engaged. They have passed" a Bill authorising a tax of 2s. each for all over five years of age in Rarotonga to pay for the schools till their next meeting in August, 1896. This will probably yield a little over £200; but I have no doubt that, if the schools are found satisfactory, increased provision will be made. The Bill has to pass the Council of Arikis before it becomes law, and may be altered in its course. Ido not, therefore, now enclose it to your Excellency. The negotiations for these schools are unexpectedly complicated by a letter received last week from the London Missionary Society informing their agent here, the Rev. J. Hutchin, that they are ready to select and send teachers if their salaries and expenses be guaranteed. The natives would all prefer this arrangement, but the proposal is so vague, and says nothing of probable cost, that they fear losing the present opportunity of obtaining the English-teaching schools which I am glad to say they now eagerly desire. Through whatever society the teachers may come, all arrangements will be made by the Rarotonga Government with each teacher separately and directly. The New Zealand standards will be adopted and the New Zealand school-books used. If these schools are established in Rarotonga the other islands of the Federation will not be long in following the example. I have, &c, Frederick J. Moss, His Excellency the Earl of Glasgow, G.C.M.G., British Resident. Governor of New Zealand, &c.

Enclosure No. 1. From the Arikis of Barotonga (the Government) to the Baeotonga Council. (Message No. 2.) Barotonga, 29th August, 1895. Salutations ! You met on the 15th instant, for the third time since the new Council was formed by law, in 1893 ; and we then addressed you on the single subject of education. We have now to inform you that the revenue for the year ending 30th June, 1895, was £792 19s. 9d.; and the expenditure for the same period, £678 15s. Bd. Thus you have a surplus of £114 4s. Id. with which to begin the present year. Full accounts will be laid before you, as usual. We counsel you to continue to be careful in the expenditure. A bad season, a hurricane, or other unforeseen calamity may make a great difference in the revenue; and this should always be borne in mind. The census of Barotonga has been taken in accordance with the law passed by you last session; and the population is found to exceed considerably that at which it had been always previously estimated. We shall propose to you to alter the present law so as to make the fines and fees of the Arikis' Courts more quickly available as revenue ; also a law to prevent people building within 15ft. of a road-line, in order that these houses may not be an obstacle to widening roads when hereafter it may be necessary. The time has come when a small lock-up is necessary, and we recommend its provision to your consideration. A hospital has been provided for by the Federal Parliament. Although in Barotonga, it will be for all the islands, and the work will be in the hands of the Federal Government. Your great work will be to establish free public schools in Barotonga. You have now the opportunity, and we send herewith a letter to us from the British Besident, Mr. Moss, on this subject. We recommend that letter to your earnest consideration. This great work, if it be done, will make the present Council memorable for ever to the people of Barotonga. We pray God's blessing on you all. For the Arikis of Barotonga. Tinomana, Ariki. Sub-enclosure. From the Beitish Besident to the Arikis (the Government) of Barotonga. Barotonga, 20th August, 1895. Salutations ! I ask you when the Council meets on the 29th to press upon it specially the great subject of opening free public schools in the settlements of Avarua, Takitumu, and Arorangi. The teachers are here, and it rests with the Council to say whether the Maoris shall grow up from childhood associating together in their own schools as one people. My advice to you is this: Do not lose the opportunity, or it may be long before you have it again. If you establish these schools there will be no difficulty in getting the use of buildings. The furniture will be provided by the Federal Government. These are great helps. You have only to tax justly the whole of the people to find the rest of the money for this work, which is for all their good just as much as are the roads, the Judges' Courts, or the public buildings. The missions have plenty of work in the great duty of teaching religion and in doing good in other ways to the people. If they wish they can, of course, have schools for teaching other things also; but the people of Barotonga should have their own schools, owned by themselves and paid for by themselves. Then let the parents choose to which of the schools they send their children. If you open such free public schools, my advice is this : Make a law providing the money and let the following be the conditions : —(1.) That the subjects taught and the school-books used shall be those of the free public schools in New Zealand. (2.) That the schools be opened free of charge for four hours a day to all children between five and thirteen years of age. (3.) That the Government have power to fix three months altogether for holidays. This can be done at times when the children can help their parents, as in coffee-picking, &c. (4.) That night-schools shall be opened as soon as practicable to teach older persons; and at such night-schools there should also be taught carpentering, printing, and other useful trades.

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Do this great work. Then encourage the formation of drum-and-fife bands in the schools, and have the children taught singing. You have now the opportunity of doing these things. Do not lose it from dislike to taxation. Every free and strong people has to tax itself for schools, and would be ashamed to look to others to pay for them instead. Let the people think how much money they used to be always paying in fines to the Courts, and how little they pay now. They will not feel the loss of the money they would have to pay for schools. Again, therefore, I say, Do not let the present opportunity pass. If you do, it may be years before you have one again. From your friend, Feederick J. Moss, British Besident.

Enclosure No. 2. Barotonga Council.—Statement of Account for the Year ending 30th June, 1895. Receipts. Balance on hand, Ist July, 1894— £ s. d. £ s. d. $965-80, at 3s. ... ... ... ... 144 17 5 $680, at 3s. ... ... ... 147 0 0 Subsidies— Liquor-tax ... ... ... ... ... 312 15 2 Boad-tax ... ... ~, ... ... 43 15 0 Dog-tax ... ... ... ... ... 18 17 2 Court fines ... ... ... ... ... 125 15 0 792 19 9 Expenditure. Expenditure from Ist July, 1894, to 30th June, 1895, as per statement ... ... ... ... ... 678 15 8 Balance on hand ... ... ... ... £114 4 1 Makea Daniela, Paymaster. I hereby certify that I have examined the above accounts and compared the vouchers therewith, and find the same to be correct—J. Scard, Auditor. Barotonga, 26th August, 1895.

Enclosure No. 3. Barotonga Council.--Statement of Beceipts for the Year ending 30th June, 1895. £ s. d. £ s. d. Cash on hand. Ist July, 1894, $965-80, at 3s. ... ... ... 144 17 5 Subsidies, $980, at 3s. ... ... ... ... ... 147 0 0 Liquor-tax— Ist July, 1894, to 31st December, 1894, $1,363-94, at 3s. ... ... ... ... ... 204 11 9 Ist January to 30th June, 1895 ... ... ... 163 12 8 368 4 5 Less — Salary Licensing Officer ... ... £54 0 0 Discount on $29-25, due 31st December, 1894, paid in Chili dollars, at 2s. ... ... ... 19 3 „r 55 9 3 312 15 2 Boad-tax — Avarua ... ... ... ... ... 19 3 6 Arorangi ... ... ... ... ... 12 16 6 Takitumu ... ... ... ... ... 11 15 0 43 15 0 Dog-tax— Avarua ... ... ... ... ... 10 19 2 Arorangi ... ... ... ... ... 4 10 0 Takitumu ... ... ... ... ... 3 8 0 18 17 2 Court fines— Avarua ... ... ... ... ... 64 1 0 Arorangi .. ... ... ... ... 41 12 0 Takitumu ... ... ... ... ... 20 2 0 125 15 0 £792 19 9 Makea Daniela, Paymaster. I do hereby certify that I have examined the above accounts and compared the vouchers therewith, and find the same to be correct. —J. Scard, Auditor. Barotonga, 26th August, 1895. 3—A. 3.

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Enclosure No. 4. Barotonga Council.—Statement of Fees on Permits for Liquor received by and due to the Licensing Officer, Barotonga, from Ist July, 1894, to 30th June, 1895. Amounts received. From Ist July, 1894, to 31st December, 1894, $1,363-94, £ s . d. £ s. d. at 3s 204 11 9 From Ist January, 1895, to 30th June, 1895 ... ... 163 12 8 368 4 5 Expenditure. Salary Licensing Officer ... ... ... ... 54 0 0 Discount on $29-25, Balance due 31st December, 1895, paid in Chili dollars deposited, at 2s. ... ... 19 3 55 9 3 Balance ... ... ... ... £312 15 2 Cash deposited. From Ist January, 1894, to 31st December, 1894, $1,154-68, at 3s 173 4 0 From Ist January, 1895, to 30th June, 1895 ... ... 109 18 0 Fees in course of collection... ... ... ... 29 13 2 £312 15_2 J. H. Gamier, Licensing Officer. I hereby certify I have examined the above accounts, and compared the vouchers therewith, and find the same to be correct. —J. Scard, Auditor. Barotonga, 26th August, 1895.

Enclosure No. 5. Rarotonga Council. —Statement of Expenditure for the Year ending 30th June, 1895.

Makea Daniera, Paymaster.

Vote. Service. Voted. Expended. Total. 1 2 3 4 5 Clerk to Council and Government Paymaster Auditor Bent of bond ... Clerk to Arikis' Court— Avarua Arorangi ... Takitumu Police— Avarua Arorangi ... Takitumu £ s. 7 10 7 10 7 10 5 8 d. 0 0 0 0 £ s. d. 7 10 0 7 10 0 7 10 0 5 8 0 £ s. d. 7 10 0 7 10 0 7 10 0 5 8 0 13 10 9 0 9 0 0 0 0 13 10 0 9 0 0 9 0 0 31 10 0 36 0 18 0 18 0 0 0 0 36 0 0 18 0 0 18 0 0 72 0 0 37 10 0 7 8 Interpreting and clerical assistance Fixed appropriations— Arikis and Mataiapos, Avarua " Arorangi Takitumu 37 10 0 37 10 0 40 10 30 0 30 0 0 0 0 40 10 0 30 0 0 30 0 0 100 10 0 Fixed appropriations— Judges, Avarua „ Arorangi „ Takitumu ... Maintenance of roads — Avarua Arorangi ... Takitumu 30 0 18 0 18 0 0 0 0 30 0 0 18 0 0 18 0 0 66 0 0 10 30 0 15 0 15 0 0 0 0 30 0 0 15 0 0 15 0 0 11 12 13 14 Expenses of Council General contingencies ... Inspector of Works Boads and bridges— Tuoro Avana and Muri Avana Pouara Avarua Titikaveka Contingencies 12 0 22 10 9 0 0 0 0 12 0 0 22 10 0 9 0 0 60 0 0 12 0 0 22 10 0 9 0 0 105 0 30 0 7 10 15 0 30 0 45 0 7 10 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 105 0 0 30 0 0 7 10 0 15 0 0 30 0 0 45 0 0 7 7 8 239 17 8 £678 18 0 £678 18 0

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I hereby certify that I have examined the above accounts and compared the vouchers therewith, and find the same to be correct.—J. Scard, Auditor. Barotonga, 26th August, 1895.

Enclosure No. 6. Rarotonga Council.—Estimates for Year ending 30th June, 1896.

Revenue. Receipts, 1894-95. Estimated, 1895-96. Subsidies from Federal revenue ... .liquor permits load-tax )og-tax ... r ines and fees (Arikis' Courts) ... £ s. d. 147 0 0 312 15 2 43 15 0 18 17 2 125 15 0 £ s. d. 102 0 0 200 0 0 45 0 0 20 0 0 120 0 0 Balance from previous year 648 2 144 17 4 5 487 114 0 4 0 1 £792 19 9 £601 4 1 Vote. Expenditure. Expended, 1894-95. Vote, 1895-96. 1 2 3 4 5 Clerk to Council and Government Paymaster Auditor Bent of bond ... Clerks of Arikis' Courts— Avarua Arorangi ... ... ... ... .... Takitumu £ s. d. 7 10 0 7 10 0 7 10 0 5 8 0 £ s. d. 7 10 0 7 10 0 7 10 0 5 8 0 13 10 0 9 0 0 9 0 0 13 10 0 9 0 0 9 0 0 6 7 8 Police— Avarua Arorangi ... Takitumu Interpreting and clerical assistance Fixed appropriations— Avarua Arorangi ... Takitumu Fixed appropriations for Judges of Arikis' Courts — Avarua Arorangi ... Takitumu Maintenance of roads— Avarua Arorangi ... Takitumu Expenses of Council General contingencies ... Inspector of Works Boads and works Printing laws, &c. U nforeseen expenditure... 36 0 0 18 0 0 18 0 0 37 10 0 40 10 0 30 0 0 30 0 0 30 0 0 18 0 0 18 0 0 36 0 0 18 0 0 18 0 0 37 10 0 40 10 0 30 0 0 30 0 0 30 0 0 18 0 0 18 0 0 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 30 0 0 15 0 0 15 0 0 12 0 0 22 10 0 9 0 0 239 17 8 30 0 0 15 0 0 15 0 0 12 0 0 22 10 0 25 "0 0 30 0 0 Totals of votes above ... ... ... £484 18 Estimated receipts ... ... ... 601 4 0 1 £678 15 8 £484 18 0 Available balance for roads, &c. ... £116 6 1

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No. 13. Mr. F. J. Moss to His Excellency the Governor. My Lord, — British Besidency, Barotonga, 17th September, 1895. I have the honour to acknowledge receipt of your Excellency's despatch of the 17th August, enclosing a copy of the Federal flag of these islands as it appears in the Admiralty Book. I have, &c, Feedeeick J. Moss, His Excellency the Earl of Glasgow, G.C.M.G., British Besident. Governor of New Zealand.

No. 14. Mr. F. J. Moss to His Excellency the Goveenoe. My Lord, — British Besidency, Barotonga, 18th October, 1895. I have the honour to inform your Excellency that constant complaints have been made to me during the last two years by the local government of Mauke that one of their Arakis, Tararo, acting in concert with and under the advice of a German trader on the island, was defying their Judge, refusing to obey his decisions or to pay fines, and constantly creating trouble and quarrels among them. Also, that the trader and Tararo had imported fowling-pieces, and that others of the natives, seeing them do so, had obtained firearms from Aitutaki, contrary to the unwritten but well-known law of the island since, in consequence of anticipated trouble, their arms had been surrendered to the British Consul some years ago. These complaints were supported by Ngamaru, an Ariki of Atiu. Mauke has been tributary to Atiu since its conquest, before the introduction of Christianity, and the mana over the island is claimed by Atiu. In relation to this, Ngamaru also complained that Tararo had given leases, practically perpetual, to the German trader of land which he had no right to alienate without consent of the Arikis of Atiu. The German trader on his part has been also prolific in complaints, but they are trivial,! and I have repeatedly warned him that I can listen to no appeals against decisions of the local Judge until those decisions have been obeyed. In no single case have I found him exhibit the least desire to cultivate a good feeling on the part of the natives, who have repeatedly written asking for his removal. Finally, on 27th August, I wrote at Ngamaru's request warning the trader not to expend money on the land till his title was made sure, and requesting that he and all others would either send away their firearms or surrender them to the Judge at Mauke. He refused to surrender his, and the example was followed by Tararo and many of his people. The trader has been to Barotonga to see about the land, but Ngamaru declined to give any reply till he had consulted with the other Arikis of Atiu. He will proceed for that purpose to Atiu at the first opportunity, and on receiving his report I shall be able to advise the Government what course to take. I feel confident that they will be able to uphold the law whenever it is made clear, and equally confident of their wish to do so. I have, &c, Feedeeick J. Moss, His Excellency the Earl of Glasgow, G.C.M.G., British Besident. Governor of New Zealand.

No. 15. Mr. F. J. Moss to His Excellency the Governor. My Lord,— British Besidency, Barotonga, 19th October, 1895. I have the honour to acknowledge receipt of your Excellency's despatch of the 31st August, received on the 9th instant, and in accordance with your Excellency's suggestion will see that in future statements of imports and exports a comparison is made with the previous year. My annual trade reports contain comparative statements of the kind in detail, but they are made up for the year ending the 31st December. I have compiled a comparative statement for the financial years of the Cook Islands Government ending on June, 1894 and 1895, and enclose them accordingly. I have, &c, Frederick J. Moss, His Excellency the Earl of Glasgow, G.C.M.G., British Besident. Governor of New Zealand.

Enclosure. Cook Islands. —Comparative Statement of Imports and Expoets for Years ending 30th June, 1894 and 1895, respectively (shillings' and pence omitted). Imports. 1894. 1895. £ £ From New Zealand ... ... ... ... 11,510 15,323 From Tahiti ... ... ... ... ... 9,013 7,396 Totals ... ... ... ...£20,523 £22,719

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Exports. 1894. 1895. Produce of Cook Islands— £ £ To New Zealand ... ... ... ... 14,459 15,417 To Tahiti ... ... ... ... ... 3,903 4,075 18,362 19,492 Produce of other islands— To New Zealand ... ... ... ... 600 1,557 To Tahiti ... ... ... ... ... 325 Merchandise imported free of duty from New Zealand for re-export to other islands ... ... ... 1,163 1,149 Totals £20,450 £22,198

No. 16. His Excellency the Governor to Mr. F. J. Moss. Sir, — Government House, Wellington, 25th October, 1895. I have the honour to acknowledge the receipt of your despatch, as per margin (No. 11/95, enclosing two Acts; No. 3/95, Import Duty Amendment Act; No. 4/95, Appropriation Act, 1895). In reply to your suggestion as to the removal of insane British residents to New Zealand from the Cook Islands, I have to inform you that my Government do not see their way to adopt the plan proposed by you. I have, &c, F. J. Moss, Esq., British Besident, Barotonga. Glasgow.

No 17. Mr. F. J Moss, to His Excellency the Goveenoe. My Loed, — British Besidency, Barotonga, 18th November, 1895. I have the honour to acknowledge receipt of your Excellency's letter of 25th October, enclosing copy of a letter from the Acting High Commissioner of the Western Pacific, with reference to the registration of land in the Cook Islands, and asking my views and the views of the Government of these islands thereon. A Begistry of Deeds for the Cook Islands was opened on 17th July, 1891, in accordance with the Provisional Powers Act, passed by the Federal Parliament in its first session in that year. The registration was not compulsory, and gave no additional validity to deeds. Many deeds have been registered, and are continually being registered here for security against loss or accident; but in the last Parliament an Act was passed (20th July, 1895) to guard against secret dealings in Native lands. All future deeds were required to be registered in the office at Barotonga within three months of execution, and if not so registered would not be recognised in any Court within the Federation. By the same Act it was provided that all deeds executed at the time of its enactment must also be registered on or before 31st December, 1895, on the same penalty of non-recognition in any Court within the Federation. The London Missionary Society's agent in Barotonga has sent the deeds here to be registered, and I presume the agent at Mangaia was not aware of the passage of the Act of 1895 when sending his to Sydney. There cannot be any objection to the registration of deeds in the office of the High Commissioner as a means of additional security against accident; but, to prevent such registration being used to frustrate the purposes of the Cook Islands Act " to guard against secrecy in dealing with Native lands," it would be desirable that no such deeds should be received at the High Commissioner's Office unless previously registered in the Cook Islands. I have, &c, Feedeeick J. Moss, His Excellency the Earl of Glasgow, G.C.M.G., British Besident. Governor of New Zealand.

No. 18. Mr. F. J. Moss to His Excellency the Goveenoe. My Loed, — British Besidency, Barotonga, 18th November, 1895. I have the honour to inform your Excellency that on the 15th instant the Barotonga Council closed its session. I enclose copies of the Bills passed :— No. 1. " Public Schools Act, 1895." No. 2. " Administration of Justice 1893 Amendment Act, 1895." No. 3. " Building Act, 1895." No. 4. " Land for Public Purposes Act, 1895." No. 5. " Appropriation Act, 1895."

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No. 1. Begulations under the Act have been passed, and are enclosed. Schoolmasters have been appointed, and the schools are to be opened on the Ist January next. The payment of the rate has been fixed for the 4th January and the 4th April, and collectors for the several districts have been appointed. The books and school fittings have been ordered from New Zealand. No. 2 enacts that the fines and fees collected by the Arikis' Courts should in future be paid to the Public Account quarterly. Queen Pa had insisted on maintaining her right to have all such fees paid to her, and that she alone should send them to the Council at its yearly meeting. This has caused considerable inconvenience, but she was induced lately to agree to an alteration. No. 3. The Building Act is to avoid claims for compensation in case of future widening of roads or streets. No. 4 is to guard against speculators buying, in the hope of prospective profit, the sources of water-supply, or other lands likely to be required for public purposes. No. 5 appropriates the small revenue anticipated for the coming year. It is estimated at a low point, and the expenditure kept within it. I also enclose copy of a letter which I addressed to the Council urging the wisdom of altering the present tenure of land occupied by natives so as to give them security, substitute a money for a service rent, and encourage cultivation. This was referred to the Arikis' Council, as they control the lands of Barotonga. They promised it a favourable consideration, but it will require considerable time and keeping the subject well in their minds before they will be satisfied to give up the power which the present system gives to the owner of the land. lam glad to say that cultivation —especially of coffee —is extending greatly with the chiefs, who, by right, already have this security. As they cannot cultivate half the lands they possess, they will probably be induced to make the other half profitable, in time, by arranging with others to occupy on suitable terms. I have, &c, Feedeeick J. Moss, His Excellency the Earl of Glasgow, G.C.M.G., British Besident. Governor of New Zealand.

Enclosure No. 1. No. 1, 1895.—" Public Schools Act, 1895." It is hereby enacted by the Barotonga Council, — 1. That public schools shall be established at Avarua, Arorangi, and Ngatangiia, for the teaching of children between the ages of five and fifteen free of charge. 2. That the hours of attendance, subjects to be taught, salaries to be paid, and teachers to be appointed, shall be settled by the Arikis (the Government), with the approval of the British Besident. 3. That the agreements made with teachers shall be for one year only, and subject to termination by notice of three months, either from the Government or from the teacher. 4. That the Government shall have the sole control of the schools, subject to approval by the British Besident, in any action it may take in connection therewith. 5. That at the next meeting of the Council, and thereafter at every meeting, the expenses of such schools shall be included on the ordinary estimates ; but that for the first year the Government may, under this Act, and with approval of the British Besident, expend such sums, not exceeding in all four hundred pounds per annum, as it may deem necessary. 6. That for the purpose of meeting the cost of the said, schools every adult person in Barotonga shall pay yearly the sum of two shillings for himself or herself, and a further sum of two shillings for every child over five years of age in his or her family, provided that in European families no person shall be called upon to pay for more than three children in any one family. 7. That lists of persons required to contribute to the schools under this Act shall be made out for each of the districts of Avarua, Arorangi, and Takitumu, and such collectors appointed and such regulations made by the Government as it may find necessary. Dated at Avarua, this 15th day of November, 1895. Approved. To come into operation forthwith. Frederick J. Moss, British Besident.—lsth November, 1895.

Enclosure No. 2. No. 2, 1895.—" Administration of Justice Act 1893 Amendment Act, 1895." It is hereby enacted by the Council of Barotonga, with the approval of the British Besident, — 1. That clauses Nos. 1, 2, and 3 of " The Administration of Justice Act, 1893," are hereby repealed. 2. That all fines and fees levied by any Arikis' Courts shall be received by the Clerk of the said Court, who shall pay the same in quarterly to credit of the Barotonga Public Account with the persons acting as bankers to the Government for the time being, as appointed by the Government, with the approval of the British Besident. 3. That at the end of every month the Clerk of the Court shall make up a list of the cases heard by the said Court, stating in each case the date of hearing, the nature of the charge or complaint, the decision of the Judge, and the amount of fees and fines imposed and collected, in

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accordance with a form to be provided by the Government for that purpose. That such lists shall be countersigned by the Judge and forwarded to the Paymaster. 4. That a separate pay-sheet shall be made out for the Clerks of Court, and shall not be passed by the Auditor without a certificate attached from the Paymaster that the returns required by this Act have been sent to him in due course. Dated at Avarua, this Bth day of November, 1895. Approved. To come into operation from present date. Frederick J. Moss, British Besident.—lsth November, 1895.

Enclosure No. 3. No. 3, 1895.—" Building Act, 1895." It is hereby enacted by the Barotonga Council, — 1. That no building shall hereafter be placed within fifteen feet of the boundary of any of the roads in Barotonga. And if any building be so placed, the owner shall not be entitled to compensation if the road be at any time widened and the removal of the building become necessary. 2. That no building now standing within fifteen feet of a roadway shall be extended or renewed, and if any building be so extended or renewed, the owner shall come under the provision of section No. 1 of this Bill. Dated at Avarua, this Bth day of November, 1895. Approved. To come into operation from this date. Frederick J. Moss, British Besident.—lsth November, 1895.

Enclosure No. 4. No. 4, 1895. —" Land for Public Purposes Act, 1895." Wheeeas it is desirable that the Government should continue for all time to be able to obtain land or water-rights, or other property required for public purposes : And whereas in the course of time changes may occur to impede the exercise of this right: It is enacted by the Barotonga Council, — 1. That whenever land or other property is required, or water-rights are required for public purposes, the Government shall give one month's notice to the owner of the same, and shall, if possible, arrange with him for due compensation. 2. That if no such arrangement can be made the owner of the property shall appoint one person as arbitrator, and the Government another, to say what compensation should be paid. If they agree, the Government may appeal to the Judge of the Federal Courts against their award. If the arbitrators do not agree, they shall take the case before the Judge of the Federal Court. Cases under this Act shall be heard in opeti Court, and the Judge's decision final. 3. That in awarding compensation the arbitrators shall consider the market value of the land or water-right at the time of arbitration, with any special loss the owner may sustain by being deprived of the same. To this shall be added ten per cent, for perspective profits of all kinds, and no further compensation of any kind whatever. Dated at Avarua, this Bth day of November, 1895. Approved. To come into operation from this date. Frederick J. Moss, British Besident.—lsth November, 1895.

Enclosure No. 5. " Appropriation Act, 1895." It is hereby enacted by the Barotonga Council, — 1. That the money, amounting to six hundred and one pounds and eight shillings, as per schedule attached hereto, shall be applied to the purposes respectively stated in the said schedule. 2. That all accounts must be formally certified to by the Auditor as being in accordance with the attached schedule and to be applied to the purposes respectively stated. 3. That the Paymaster shall not issue any cheques nor the Auditor countersign the same unless the services to be paid for are certified by the head of the department as having been properly performed, or the works and services on roads or bridges to be paid for certified by the Inspector of Works as having been properly done. 4. That as a lock-up is most needed at Avarua the appropriation of sixty pounds shall be subject in the first instance to the necessary outlay for that work to be approved by the British Besident; and that, if there be not sufficient remaining to establish a lock-up at Arorangi and another at Ngatangiia, the sum necessary to make up twenty pounds for each of the above places may be expended with the approval of the British Besident, to be included in the Appropriation Act for next year. Dated at Avarua, this Bth day of November, 1895. Approved. To come into operation from present date. Frederick J. Moss, British Besident.—lsth November, 1895.

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Schedule, 1895-96.

Enclosure No. 6. The British Besident to the Barotonga Council. Barotonga, 16th October, 1895. Salutations ! Last year I wrote to you about the large quantity of fine land lying unused in Barotonga. You replied that the question • was for the Arikis, and you recommended it for the Arikis' consideration. They have not yet decided what to do. It is good that they should think well before acting in so great a matter. The land is the life of a people. The Arikis and chiefs of Barotonga have always been good and kind to their people living on the land. But in all countries there have been times when chiefs were not good, and the land was sold to strangers because those chiefs were hungry for money to buy things for themselves. Then the people are left without land and strangers take their place. If you wish that the Maori should live in Barotonga for ever, my advice to you is this : Act while there is time. The people now pay rent for their land in services which are not heavy upon them, but the amount of these services is not fixed ; nor are the people sure of always having the land on which they live, so that no one can disturb them as long as they do the services required. New ideas and new wants are rising among the people, and you know that new wine cannot be put into old bottles. It will be wise to consider whether the time has not come for some of the old customs to be changed. If the Arikis and chiefs who own the land make the people secm-e upon it, their names would live for ever. The owners would know for certain what rent they were to receive, and the people would know what they had to pay. In that case it would be well for all to have papers of title. These papers could be put into the hands of the Government, who would gather the rent for the Arikis and chiefs and pay it to them regularly. The family could not then part with its land without the consent of the Arikis and chiefs, and a law being passed to authorise the transfer. Then you will have new bottles into which can be put the new wine. The natives who do that, live and flourish : they who do not, perish. Enough. From your friend, Frederick J. Moss, British Besident.

;e. lervice. Amount. 1 2 3 4 5 i Clerk to Council and Government ... Paymaster Auditor ... Bent of bond Clerks of Arikis' Courts— Avarua Arorangi Takitumu Police— Avarua Arorangi Takitumu Interpreting and clerical assistance ... Fixed appropriations— Avarua Arorangi Takitumu Judges of Arikis' Courts— Avarua Arorangi Takitumu Maintenance of roads — Avarua Arorangi Takitumu Expenses of Council General contingencies Inspector of roads Printing laws, &c. Unforeseen expenditure Outstanding accounts from last year Places to lock up offenders £ s. 7 10 7 10 7 10 5 8 d. 0 0 0 0 25 0 9 0 9 0 0 0 0 36 0 18 0 18 0 37 10 0 0 0 0 7 8 40 10 30 0 30 0 0 0 0 45 0 18 0 18 0 0 0 0 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 30 0 15 0 15 0 12 0 22 10 5 0 25 0 30 0 25 0 60 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 £601 8 0

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Enclosure No. 7. Begulations for the Public Schools of Barotonga. In Accordance with " Public Schools Act, 1895." Passed by the Arikis (the Government of Barotonga) this Bth day of November, 1895. 1. The English language shall be used in teaching in the schools. 2. The following are the subjects to be taught: reading, writing, arithmetic, English grammar and composition, geography, history, object-lessons, drawing, needlework, vocal music, gymnastic exercises and drill. All or any of these subjects are to be taught at the discretion of the head teacher in each school as the progress of the pupils may permit. The teaching is to be entirely of a secular character, but the school may be opened with the Lord's prayer at the option of the teacher. 3. The schools shall be kept open for five days in each week, Monday to Friday inclusive, and for four hours on each day ; the hours to be fixed by the head teacher, with the written consent of the Ariki, to suit the convenience of the district. 8. The class-books used shall be those which are used in the district schools of Auckland, New Zealand. They and all other requisites will be supplied to the head teacher by the Government, to be sold by him at prime cost to the pupils. 5. Pupils over fifteen years of age may remain at the school, or may be admitted by the head teacher on the written authority of the Ariki of the district. 6. The following are the regular holidays to be observed: From December 24 to January 3 inclusive; from April 27 to July 10 inclusive ; October 27, in commemoration of the hoisting of the British flag; April 5, hoisting of the Cook Islands Federal flag; and such other days as the teacher may arrange with the approval of the Ariki, not to exceed, in the whole, twelve days in the year. Teachers. 7. The head teacher is responsible for the instruction and discipline of the school, and all assistants must obey his instructions. 8. The head teacher will see that the roll of attendance is filled daily. Attendance-rolls, daily-attendance register, and summary register will be provided, to be kept by the head teacher. 9. The head teacher will prepare a time-table to regulate the instruction given in the schools. 10. The head teacher will send to the Government, on the Ist of July in every year, a full report of the condition and progress of the school, to be laid before the Council at its yearly meeting. 11. The head teacher will take an inventory of school fittings and property in the school, and send the Government a copy of such inventory. 12. Assistant teachers will be appointed on application of the head teacher when such assistants may be found necessary. 13. All communications from the teachers to the Government to be addressed to the Clerk of the Government. 14. The following will be provided for each school, on application from the teacher: Short forms for back row of desks ; ink-wells, two to each desk; teacher's table with drawer and lock; high stool; chair; blackboards, large, medium, or small; easels; ball-frames; map-hooks; pointers; chalk; clock; clock-face, with hands; and such other fittings and furniture as may be hereafter found necessary. Also, natural-history picture-cards; world in hemispheres; world (Mercator) ; Europe ; Australia; Asia; Africa; North America and South America; chart of Pacific; Boyal reading-sheets, 32; reading-sheets for new readers, 8; English reading-sheets for infant classes; and such maps, diagrams, and other necessaries as may from time to time be advisable. Sanitary Arrangements. The district is to see to the provision of proper drinking-water and all needful sanitary arrangements. If they be neglected, the Government may provide them at the cost of the district.

No. 19. Mr. F. J. Moss to His Excellency the Governor. My Lord, — British Besidency, Barotonga, 18th November, 1895. I have the honour to inform your Excellency that a dispute has occurred respecting the election of a ruling Ariki for Takitumu, which has caused considerable excitement among the natives of Barotonga, and which is not yet settled. Your Excellency's personal knowledge of the island, and of the Arikis and others concerned, will enable me to make the points clear with less detail than might have been otherwise required. 2. The three tribes inhabiting the island were always more or less at war with each other till the introduction of Christianity, and an intense jealousy has existed since. The ruling Ariki of each has a distinctive title, i.e., the "Makea." of Avarua, the " Tinomana" of Arorangi, and the "Pa " (or fortress) for Takitumu. In Avarua there is an additional Ariki known by the family name " Kareka," and another on Takitumu known by the family name " Kainuku." In these last cases the name gives high rank and great consideration, but no direct power. 3. The Takitumu Tribe, which occupies the best part of the island, and includes the people of Titikaveka, Muri, Ngatangiia, and Matavera, were the conquering people. At the introduction of Christianity they had driven the others to seek refuge in the mountains, after having killed and eaten a considerable number and destroyed their plantations. Christianity ended the wars, and 4—A. 3.

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the Avarua and the Arorangi tribes returned to their land. Those of Avarua occupied a position which made them the trading centre, and put them in advance of Takitumu in wealth and numbers. This gave to the old jealousy an increased intensity. 4. The family of the present Pa of Takitumu acquired the position through the remarkable promptitude of one of the wives of a Pa of the heathen times, of whose wives two bore children to him on, it is said, the same day. The mother of the younger at once took her child to the priest, who by virtue of his office proclaimed him the future Pa. This caused lasting resentment between that branch of the Ariki family and the branch of " Tupe " descended from the child superseded. The present Queen Pa has no family, is old, and has been weak and ill for some time. The direct representatives of the " Tupe " branch are : Tia (the wife of Makea Daniela, son of Judge Tepou), her brother, and Makea, the Ariki of Avarua. All of these are objectionable to Queen Pa as being connected with Avarua, and she seems to have been bent on preventing their succession. I may add that I have always found her extremely outspoken, violent in temper, and hostile to change of any kind. Her position has exposed her to taunts from the Arikis, and made her sensitive to interference, but she is devoted to her people and very unselfish in her way. She has had frequent quarrels with her own chiefs, which have given me much trouble, but they all respect her, and are at heart attached to her. 5. On the 29th October Queen Pa suddenly called her chiefs and people together, told them she was now old, and could not look properly after their welfare or live much longer, and, to save trouble after her death, wished to name, as her successor, her adopted son Maretu, who is the native missionary at Ngatangiia. Maretu is an intelligent man, speaks English, is unobjectionable in character, and popular with the chiefs and people, but is not connected by birth with any of the Ariki families. The assembled chiefs, not wishing to run counter to Queen Pa in her old age and weakness, did not dissent, but relied upon another opportunity when the vacancy should actually occur. But Pa was quite equal to the occasion; and two days later (the 31st October) they were again summoned to a feast and requested to install Maretu at once. The Tupe branch, the other Arikis, and all not directly connected with Takitumu, were left out in the invitations to the feast in order to secure unanimity. At the last moment the Bey. Mr. Hutchin was invited, and found that he was expected to perform the religious part of the ceremony. He declined, as none of the other Arikis had been invited to attend, whereupon a native missionary was ordered by Queen Pa to act instead. Maretu was then duly installed as Pa of Takitumu, and, as soon as the intelligence was known in the other districts, there was great excitement among the natives of every degree. The extent of this may be imagined from the action taken at Takitumu, in consequence of a foolish rumour that the Arikis and people of the other tribes were coming to seize Maretu and appoint a new Pa. They assembled with knives, guns, and weapons of all kinds, determined not to be dictated to, prepared to defend their Ariki at all risks, and to assert now their right to govern themselves in their own way and as they thought best. 6. I declined to interfere, informing them that the dispute was one to be settled in accordance with Maori law and customs, and that the Arikis and chiefs must see to it apart from the Government ; but that any breach of the peace would be severely punished by whomsoever that breach might be made. I advised them to appoint some of their people most learned in these matters to draw up a report, which they could consider and refer to the Barotonga Council. Meanwhile the Arikis and their chiefs met, and resolved that they would no longer regard Pa as an Ariki, nor recognise Maretu as her successor. 7. The meeting of the Arikis' Council had been previously fixed for the Bth November to settle the business of the current session. The difficulty arose as to who should be summoned to it from Ngatangiia. All declared that if Maretu came as the Pa, or as an Ariki, they would at once leave. To avoid this stoppage of business the notice was sent to the Ariki Kainuku. I enclose the report of this meeting held by the Arikis' Council on the Bth November, and of the report on the mode of electing and installing Arikis drawn up by the best authorities on the subject, and unanimously adopted as correct by the Council. Takitumu was not represented at the meeting, for the reasons stated in the letter published with the enclosed report (taken from the " Torea " newspaper of the 9th November), and signed by Kainuku. There was a strong desire to retaliate by appointing separate Judges for Matavera and Titikaveka, and so detaching them from the jurisdiction of the Judge at Ngatangiia, a strong supporter of Queen Pa; but I declined to agree to anything being done in haste or in their temper at the time. 8. An angry letter was received at the above Council meeting from the chiefs and people of Takitumu, declaring their determination to resist any interference with their right to do as they thought proper within their own district. The letter was addressed to the Chairman of the Government; out the Council, at my suggestion, declined to receive it, as the Government had not been mixed up with the matter. 9. The effect of this refusal was so far good that Takitumu sent her three elected members to the meeting of the elected branch of the Barotonga Council held in the following week (on the 15th), and of which I also enclose a report taken from the Torea. The Council unanimously— including the Takitumu members—admitted that the report as to the election of Arikis, submitted to them by the Arikis' Council, was correct. A great step towards settlement has thus, I hope, been made. At the same time, as the work of the session is now ended, there is no further immediate need for the Arikis to meet. Ido not think there is the least necessity to press for a settlement, and propose to leave time and reflection to do their work. The only point upon which I was apprehensive —namely, possible resistance to payment of the new education rate and the establishment of the school at Ngatangiia, has been settled by the Ngatangiia members recommending the persons to be appointed as collectors of the rate, and the readiness they express to make all requisite arrangements for opening the school on the date appointed or as near to it as possible. 10. This affair has naturally given me considerable anxiety, and it is impossible yet to see

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what the settlement is likely to be. But there is no need for present action, and time will soften the feeling that still prevails. In this respect I have to express my sense of the tone taken by the proprietor of the Torea newspaper, who has avoided discussion or comment, that could not have done good, and might, with an ignorant Maori people, have done much harm. The excellent feeling shown by Judge Tepou and the Tupe branch of the Ariki family of Takitumu has also been marked, and of great service. I have, &c, Frederick J. Moss, His Excellency the Earl of Glasgow, G.C.M.G., British Besident. Governor of New Zealand, &c.

Enclosure No. 1. [Extract from the Torea, 9th November, 1895.] Arikis' Council. The Arikis' Council met as the Upper House of the Barotonga Council to consider the laws passed by the House of the People. The following business was done : — 1. Present: Makea, Tinomana, and Karika, Arikis. 2. Tepou o te Bangi was requested by the Arikis to act as Chairman. 3. The "Public Schools Act, 1895," was passed, with an amendment that the expenditure should not exceed at the rate of £400 per annum instead of £200 for the six months. This amendment was made in order to carry on the expenditure beyond the end of June next and until the Council shall meet again in 1896. The reports Nos. 1, 2, and 3of the People's House on education were also adopted. 4. The " Building Act, 1895," was passed. This provides that buildings put up within 15ft. of existing roads shall be at the owner's risk if the roads are hereafter widened, and shall not receive compensation. 5. " Land for Public Purposes Act, 1895," was passed. This provides how compensation for such land shall be awarded when required for public purposes. 6. " Appropriation Act, 1895-96 " was passed. 7. Letter from British Besident respecting security of future title to land was read, and it was resolved will give full consideration to the subject named. 8. The following report, drawn up by Vakatini and Teariki Taraare, on the mode of election and of installation of Arikis according to the established Maori custom, was read:— " Report on the Succession of Arikis : the Mode of Election and of Installation. " Only upon the death of an Ariki is it settled who is to succeed to the title. " It is the business of the priests (kau-taungas) and the mataiapos of Barotonga to select the proper person to succeed the deceased Ariki, and such selection is to be made only from the nearest relations of the Ariki deceased, and they are to declare the same publicly. " Should any new Ariki be chosen without the other Arikis, priests, and mataiapos of all the districts being present at the meeting, it must be proven satisfactorily to them that the one chosen is a near relative of the deceased Ariki. If it be not so proven, the Arikis, the priests, and the mataiapos from every part of Barotonga shall meet together in one place, and it shall be for them to decide who is to be the new Ariki. It must be clearly shown that the new Ariki is the hereditary descendant in a direct line. " The last words of a dying Ariki (will) : An Ariki may wish to appoint a successor on his or her death-bed. After the Ariki's death, these words shall be carefully considered, and if it is found that the party named as a successor is the proper heir, such words shall be confirmed, not otherwise. "It is not the custom for a living Ariki to name another person to take his or her position as Ariki, and such appointment is not valid without the full knowledge and consent of the Arikis, chiefs, and priests of all other districts. " The priest (taunga) who shall anoint any new Ariki is named Teariki Taraare who is Potikitaua. " Vakatini, " sth November, 1895." " Teaeiki Taraare. During the discussion a letter addressed by Kainuku Ariki to the chief of the Barotonga Government was handed to the Chairman by Tinomana Ariki and read by him. Letter as follows :— " Ngatangiia, Bth November, 1895. " To the Chief of the Barotonga Government. " Salutations ! I have to inform you that I will not attend the meeting, as I believe it is to be a meeting of trouble. My reason for saying it will be a meeting of trouble is that only one of the Arikis of Takitumu has been written for. One Ariki's name does not appear. "Sufficient. "Kainuku Ariki, one Head of Takitumu." The following resolutioiy was unanimously adopted: " That the Arikis' Council agree with the report of Vakatini and Teariki Taraare, and affirm it as a true statement of the old and unbroken Maori law and practice. That, with reference to the letter of Kainuku Ariki, the Council sent the notice to Kainuku alone because the Arikis of Barotonga cannot and will not agree to any one Ariki setting aside the old laws and customs without the consent of all."

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Enclosure No. 2. [Extract from the " Torea," of 16th November, 1895.] Barotonga Council. The House of elected members met yesterday, the 15th instant, and closed the session. All the members were present except Moeua and Teura of Avarua. The following business was done : — The amendment by the Arikis in the Public Schools Act, extending the appropriation, was agreed to. The report of Vakatini and Teariki Taraare on the Maori customs in the election of Arikis was agreed to unanimously. The following names were recommended to the Government as collectors of the education rate under the Public Schools Act: Avarua, Makea Daniela ; Arorangi, John Vairakau; Matavera, Tamarua; Ngatangiia, V. Moaete; Titikaveka, Baina. The Chairman, Tepou o te Bangi, then formally declared the business of the session ended, and congratulated the members on the good work they had done. He was glad to see all the Takitumu members present, and hoped that whatever differences might exist in opinions among them a good feeling would always exist in the Council, and they would always work together for the good of Barotonga, which belonged to all of them to look after. So ended the session of the Barotonga Council for 1895.

No. 20. His Excellency the Governor to the Premier. Memorandum for the Premier. Wellington, 28th November, 1895. The Governor forwards, for the reconsideration of the Premier, the accompanying correspondence from the High Commissioner (Acting) in the Pacific, and the Besident in the Cook Islands, regarding a regulation which the High Commissioner is about to issue within his jurisdiction for the prohibition of Natives entering into contracts with Europeans, and as to which he has inquired whether it is desirable that it shall apply to the Cook Group. It will be observed that the Acting High Commissioner has been impressed with the necessity for making this regulation by his experience gained by recent .disputes between Europeans and natives of certain islands, and that the Besident in the Cook Islands concurs with the High Commissioner as to the desirability of such a regulation, and thinks that it would be applied with advantage in the Cook Group when necessary. But the Government have requested the Bight Honourable the Secretary of State to arrange that the High Commissioner shall not exercise jurisdiction over the Cook Islands, and he has agreed to do so. Under the circumstances, the Governor will be glad to have the advice of Ministers as to the reply to be made to the High Commissioner. Glasgow.

Enclosures. My Lord, — British Besidency, Barotonga, 18th October, 1895. I received by last mail on the 9th October a despatch from the High Commissioner of the Western Pacific, of which I have the honour to enclose a copy, with copy of my reply. With reference to the proposed regulation to protect natives in cases brought before the High Commissioner's Court, and to the additional powers given to the Court in cases of partly-executed contracts, I am of opinion that they are very desirable, and would be with advantage applied to any cases arising in the Cook Islands. I presume that " goods supplied " would include ships sold to the natives when the sale takes place in the Cook Islands. I may further state for your Excellency's information that the regulation would be specially applicable so far as the withdrawal of certain cases from jurisdiction is concerned, as the distance of the High Commissioner's Court, and the appeal to the Supreme Court of Fiji authorised by the Pacific Order in Council, 1893, are susceptible of being used to intimidate natives through their ignorance and the inevitable cost. The additional powers in dealing with cases of contract are much needed, as natives, entirely ignorant of the principles of English law and the practice and procedure of English Courts, have no means of obtaining legal advice or legal assistance when such contracts are made. The native Courts in these islands are improving with experience, and their practice is becoming more regular. They do substantial justice, and if any one feels aggrieved with their decisions he appeals to the British Besident, who brings the case before the Government of the island if one of the Arikis' Courts is concerned, or before the Federal Government if its Court be in fault. The knowledge that the Arikis or the Federal Government are thus held responsible has made the native Courts careful and much more regular in their records and procedure. I have, &c, His Excellency the Earl of Glasgow, G.C.M.G., Frederick J. Moss, Governor of New Zealand. British Besident.

g IE; — High Commissioner's Office, Western Pacific, Suva, Fiji, 23rd September, 1895. I have the honour to enclose copy of a despatch which I have sent to the Governor of New Zealand with respect to a regulation which I propose issuing in order to protect natives in their dealings with Europeans. I shall be obliged if you will inform His Excellency what your views are with regard to the application of the regulation to the Cook Group. I have, &c, Frederick J. Moss, Esq., British Besident, Barotonga. H. S. Berkeley.

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High Commissioner's Office, Western Pacific, My Lord,— Suva, Fiji, 23rd September, 1895. Becent disputes between Europeans and natives of certain islands which have been annexed to Her Majesty's dominions impress upon me the necessity of making a regulation for the protection of Natives entering into contracts with Europeans. I accordingly propose to issue a regulation to forbid actions being brought in the High Commissioner's Court against Natives for money lent, goods supplied, work done, or for passages on board vessels. In cases of partly-executed contracts, where a Native has paid money, or supplied produce, or done work, I propose to give the Court power to release the Native from the obligation to complete the contract; to inquire into the reasonableness of its terms, and, if it seems just, to order to be repaid to the Native the whole or part of any money paid by him, or the whole or part of the value of any produce delivered, or work done. I should be glad to learn if your Excellency desires that the provisions of the regulation indicated in the last paragraph should apply to the Cook Group or not. In order to save time, I am sending a copy of this despatch to Mr. Moss, with a request that he will furnish your Excellency with his views on the subject. 1 have, &c, H. S. Berkeley.

Sir, — British Besidency, Barotonga, 18th October, 1895. I have the honour to acknowledge receipt of your Excellency's despatch of 23rd September, enclosing copy of proposed regulation for the protection of' natives making contracts with Europeans and brought under the civil jurisdiction of _ the High Commissioner's Court; also asking me to inform the Governor of New Zealand of my views with regard to the application of the proposed regulation to cases arising in the Cook Islands. I have the honour to state in reply that I have written to His Excellency the Governor of New Zealand accordingly. I have, &c, . Frederick J. Moss, British Besident. His Excellency the High Commissioner of the Western Pacific, Fiji.

High Commissioner's Office, Western Pacific, My Lord,— Suva, Fiji, 19th November, 1895. Beferring to my despatch of the 23rd September, I have the honour to inform your Excellency that it appears necessary to decide in the High Commissioner's Court a dispute between a Mr. Emil Pilitz and Natives of Penrhyn. The case is one which it would be convenient to try in Barotonga, and I should be much obliged if Mr. Moss could act as Begistrar. If your Excellency sees no objection to this course, may I ask you to forward to Mr. Moss the letter which I enclose under flying seal. I have, &c, The Bight Hon. the Earl of Glasgow, G.C.M.G., H. S. Berkeley. Governor of New Zealand. P.S.—Since writing the above I have received a despatch from the Secretary of State covering copy of a memorandum from Mr. Seddon to your Excellency, concerning the position of the British Besident in the Cook Group, and expressing the wish that the jurisdiction of the High Commissioner's Court be not vested in the Besident. Under the circumstances, I should ask your Excellency to sanction the proposals contained in this despatch. I have, however, decided to submit the matter, because, if your Excellency's Ministers disapprove, the proposal will be dropped ; and because it seems to me, on a perusal of Mr. Seddon's memorandum, and of Lord Bipon's despatch to your Excellency of the 7th January, to which it is a reply, that probably no objection will be taken to Mr. Moss giving the assistance asked for. Mr. Seddon replies in the negative to the inquiry, whether it is the wish of the New Zealand Government that the proposal contained in the paragraph 10 of Lord Bipon's despatch be adopted. This, however, contemplated the establishment of the High Commissioner's Court in the Cook Group as a Court to which recourse could be had at all times, as well as the removal of prisoners to New Zealand, and would have involved much extra work on the Besident, besides to some extent altering the character of his office. But Ido not see any reason to suppose that Mr. Seddon objects to the Besident using his good offices if willing to do so, and if approved by your Excellency in each case, when a case arises which cannot be dealt with by the Courts of the Cook Group. In the case Piltz v. Tautini and others, Natives of Penrhyn, what I wish to ask Mr. Moss to do is to approve a person to serve the writ, statement of claim, and order for statement of defence ; to receive the affidavits of service of the various notices and orders ;to issue subpoenas, &c.; and to forward copies of all papers filed to this office, as well as any applications for an order of the Court. All interlocutory orders made in the action will be made either by the High Commissioner or a Judicial Commissioner, and, when the pleadings are sufficiently advanced to allow of a date being fixed, a member of the Court will proceed to Barotonga or Penrhyn, whichever may appear most convenient, to try the action. Mr. Moss's services are requested in order that the time may be saved which would be lost, if all process and notices had to be returned to the Begistry in Fiji.

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As the contract on which the proposed action is based was entered into in Barotonga, and payment should have been made there, it would probably be competent for the Supreme Court of the Cook Islands Federation to entertain it. It appears, however, to be too difficult a case to be settled by a Native Judge, and, if the plaintiff succeeds, the judgment can only be enforced in Penrhyn Island, where the High Commissioner's Court only has jurisdiction. Dnder the circumstances, I trust your Excellency's Ministers will have no objection to Mr. Moss acting as desired, should he be willing to do so. H. S. Beekeley.

Memorandum for His Excellency. The Premier returns the correspondence which accompanied His Excellency's memorandum of the 28th ultimo, and begs to state that in this particular case, which appears to meet with the approval of the Besident, the Government is willing that the regulation in question shall apply to the Cook Islands. Premier's Office, Wellington, 6th December, 1895. B. J. Seddon.

Sic, — Government House, Wellington, 10th December, 1895. I have the honour to inform your Excellency, in reply to your despatch of the 23rd September, 1895, that I have laid it before my Government, and that they advise me that they are willing that the regulation in question — namely, for the protection of Natives entering into contracts with Europeans, shall apply to the Cook Islands. I have, &c, His Excellency the High Commissioner of the Glasgow. Western Pacific, Fiji.

No. 21. His Excellency the Governor to the High Commissioner, Western Pacific. Sir, — Government House, Wellington, 10th December, 1895. In reply to your Excellency's despatch of the 19th November, 1895, in which you ask that Mr. Moss may act as Begistrar in order that a dispute between a Mr. Emil Piltz and two natives of Penrhyn may be settled at Barotonga : I have the honour to inform you that I have referred the question to my Government, and that under the circumstances they approve of Mr. Moss acting as Begistrar in the case referred to. I have, &c, His Excellency the Hon. H. S. Berkeley, Acting Glasgow. High Commissioner, Fiji.

No. 22. His Excellency the Governor to Mr. F. J. Moss. Sir,— Wellington, 13th December, 1895. I have the honour to acknowledge your despatch No. 14, 1895, relative to a proposed regulation which the Acting High Commissioner in the Pacific proposes to promulgate within his jurisdiction in order to protect Natives in their dealing with Europeans. Noting your opinion that this regulation would be specially applicable to the Cook Group, and might be with advantage applied to any cases of such a nature, I have to acquaint you that my Advisers are of opinion that in this case it will be well to allow the regulation in question to have force within the Cook Group, and that the Acting High Commissioner has been so informed. I have, &c, F. J. Moss, Esq., British Besident, Barotonga. Glasgow.

No. 23. His Excellency the Governor to Mr. F. J. Moss. Sir,— Wellington, 13th December, 1895. I have the honour to forward you a letter under flying seal, with enclosure, from the Acting High Commissioner of the Pacific, and I have to inform you that my Government are willing that you should comply with the request of His Excellency and act as Begistrar in the case in question. I have, &c, F. J. Moss, Esq., British Besident, Barotonga. Glasgow.

No. 24. Mr. F. J. Moss to His Excellency the Governor. My Lord, — British Besidency, Barotonga, 17th December, 1895. In further reference to affairs at Mauke, and to my despatch of the 18th October (No. 15/95), I have now to inform your Excellency that Ngamaru, Ariki, proceeded to Atiu in the Native schooner " Ngamaru Ariki," belonging to Atiu, and returned to Barotonga on the 12th instant after an absence of six weeks. Ngamaru reports to me that he and the other Arikis of Atiu went with a large party—about two hundred men —to Mauke, and assembled the Arikis and people of that island, who recognised their authority without demur or dissent.

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The Torea newspaper of the 23rd November contains an account of the meeting, which Ngamaru tells me is quite correct. I enclose the paper herein. Tararo, the Ariki, who has given so much trouble at Mauke, was formally deposed by Bangomatane, the Atiu Ariki, whom he and his ancestors had always represented, and a new Ariki was appointed in his place. Tararo has accepted the position, and the probability is that he will now make due submission and be restored according to native custom. If he is still contumacious, the new Ariki will retain the position. The lease by Tararo of certain lands to the German trader Franheim was cancelled, as having been given without authority from the Arikis of Atiu. Possession was resumed. Franheim was told that he might live upon it and carry on his business, but that no rent would be taken from him. That the Arikis of Atiu are only asserting a power which they have always held is proved by the recent registry under the new Act of the property of the London Missionary Society at Mauke, in all of which the transfer was confirmed at the time by the Arikis of Atiu. Franheim has sent me a claim for $1,031 (= £103 25.). The claim is against Tararo. The Atiu Arikis recognise their liability for a portion of this claim ($231) for material used in building the house which they have taken from Tararo. The rest they hold that Tararo must pay, as the planting and loss for which compensation is claimed were from his wilful wrong-doing. Franheim's claim is against Tararo, and he apparently therefore concurs in this view. I am now in correspondence with Franheim on the subject, and will report to your Excellency the result. The firearms in dispute were surrendered to the Arikis of Atiu, with the exception of Franheim's. He had previously thrown his over the reef, or, at least, assured the Arikis that he had done so. I have, &c, Frederick J. Moss, His Excellency the Earl of Glasgow, G.C.M.G., British Besident. Governor of New Zealand, &c.

Enclosure. (Extracts from Torea newspaper, Barotonga, Cook Islands.) Barotonga, Cook Islands, Saturday, November 23rd, 1895. We have this week very important news from Mauke. Tararo has been formally deposed as Ariki by the Arikis of Atiu; and certain leases of land given by him to Mr. Charles Franheim—a German subject—have been declared null and void. The land has been taken possession of by Bangomatane, Ariki, to whom it is said to belong. Franheim has been told that he may stay on the land, but that his lease is of no value. We shall probably hear more of this, as Franheim has spent money on the land, and will naturally seek to recover it from someone, as well as damages for the loss. The Atiu Arikis have kept formal written records of all the proceedings in connection with the case. These were forwarded to the British Besident by the schooner " Ngamaru Ariki/' which left Mauke before the steamer "Bichmond," by which we have received letters on the subject. The point appears to. be this : For the last two years Mauke has been in constant turmoil. Tararo and Franheim were complained of by the Native Government of Mauke repeatedly to the British Besident in Barotonga as refusing to obey the Judge, defying the Court, and creating so much trouble, that he was asked to have Franheim removed from the island. They were informed in reply that the British Besident had no such powers, but would give them the necessary help in enforcing, the decisions of their Judge, if they sent him clear accounts of the offence committed and the evidence taken to prove it. This was hard upon a Native Mauke Court. The offences, though irritating and numerous, were not serious, being such as shooting the missionary's pig, blocking a road, refusing to pay for a small quantity of timber, and the like. The Besident, on looking into these, found Franheim technically right in most cases, but urged him to waive small points, and keep on good terms with the natives, as other Europeans easily did. The worst complaint against Franheim was of instigating Tararo to defy the Arikis of Atiu, as well as the Mauke Court. At last Franheim obtained from Tararo the lease of certain land at Mauke for fifty years, renewable after that. This land he fenced and began to plant. When news came to Ngamaru, Ariki on Barotonga, he applied to the British Besident, who advised him to go down at the first opportunity and look into the case. The result is as we have stated. We wait for fuller advices by the schooner, and do not wish to prejudice the case; but it is quite clear that something had to be done if Mauke were not to fall into complete anarchy. The natives were threatened with appeals to the German Consul in Samoa, with a German man-of-war, and, finally, with the High Commissioner's Court, till they were afraid to move at all in support of their Judge's decisions. That, of course, was a condition of things not to be tolerated. The law must at all

costs be upheld. Mauke News. On the 14th November all the people met, at the call of the Arikis of Atiu, who went to Mauke on the schooner " Ngamaru Ariki." Tararo did not attend. The three Arikis of Atiu, named Ngamaru, Bongomatane, and Parua were present. Atiu asked Mauke if they knew why Atiu had come to see them. Mauke replied that they did not know. Then Atiu asked Mauke if it was true that they had threatened to appeal to Fiji in defiance of the Arikis of Atiu, who were the true Arikis also of Mauke. They said Tararo had done this. Atiu then read a copy of a letter sent to Mauke on the 3rd November, 1893, by the British Besident, containing a statement of Ngamaru's to him that Mauke, Atiu, and Mitiaro were one, and that the Arikis of Mauke were only agents of those of Atiu, and had always been so. When John Williams, the missionary, came here, he called them Arikis instead of " Tiaka Burus." This was a mistake, but the Arikis of Atiu let it pass, and that is how 7 they had been called Arikis ever since. In that letter Ngamaru said the Arikis of Atiu would not agree to give up their rights. .This letter was then read aloud by Tetapu of Atiu.

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Mauke was then asked if they had any complaints to make against the Arikis of Atiu, or if they had been interfered with in any way. Mauke replied that the Arikis of Atiu had done nothing of which they wished to complain. Teau said he knew from his ancestors that Atiu gave the law to Mauke. Samuela said the same. These two are Arikis in Mauke. Tararo is the third, but he was not present. Tutupu then read from Te Torea the registration notice of two leases of Mauke land from Tararo to C. Franheim, and said such leases could only be given in Mauke with consent of the other Arikis. The only answer was that Tararo had told them a Judge and a man-of-war (the High Commissioner's Court) would come to inquire into all the trouble of Mauke. When asked what they meant by leasing land without the consent of Atiu, there was no reply. The meeting adjourned till the next day, when all the Arikis were present. Tararo was then asked why he gave the lease. He replied that when the South Pacific Trading Company came to Mauke they used his house. The house was burnt down, and then he gave a lease of the land at Franheim's solicitation. (Franheim was then manager for the company.) Said he did not know it was necessary first to get authority from Atiu. When asked if he considered himself independent of Atiu, replied that he did not, and admitted that he could not give leases without the consent o'' the Atiu Ariki, Rongomatane, whom he represented in Mauke. He added, "If you say the leases are bad, so be it." Said he knew nothing about the money Franheim had spent upon the land, or who was to pay him back. The leases were then formally declared null and void, and the declaration to be registered in Rarotonga. Rongomatane Ariki then declared that she took possession of the land in question, and that Tararo was no longer her representative or an Ariki. This ended the proceedings.

No. 25. Mr. F. J. Moss to His Excellency the Goveenoe. My Lord, — British Besidency, Barotonga, 17th December, 1895. Beferring to my despatch of 18th November (No. 19/95), respecting the installation of a new Ariki of Takitumu, I have the honour to inform your Excellency that the position remains without change. Maretu, as the Pa, is recognised by the chiefs and people of Takitumu, and will continue to be so while the Pa, whom he succeeds, is still living. After her death there may be change, but meanwhile it will probably be unnecesssary for the Arikis to meet or to act together till June next. Until the necessity for a meeting shall arise the affair will be purely local. I have, &c, His Excellency the Earl of Glasgow, G.C.M.G., ■ Frederick J. Moss. Governor of New Zealand. British Besident.

No. 26. The High Commissioner, Western Pacific, to His Excellency the Governor. High Commissioner's Office, Western Pacific, Suva, Fiji, 9th January, 1896. My Lord, — I have the honour to acknowledge the receipt of your Excellency's despatch of the 10th December, informing me that your Excellency's Government are willing that a proposed regulation for the protection of Natives entering into contracts with Europeans shall apply to the Cook Group. I have the honour to enclose draft of the proposed regulation, and shall be glad to learn if your Excellency's Government would desire to have it altered in any respect. In connection with the latter part of section 4, I may mention that, in the absence of any agreement on the subject with the Government of the Cook Group, Natives of the Protectorate are not subject to the jurisdiction of the High Commissioner's Court, although they can apply to the Court for relief. The regulation is rather more general in style than would be the case ordinarily, as it is intended to inpart an exposition as well as a declaration of the law, for the guidance of those who have to administer it—some of whom are gentlemen without legal training—and for the information of those whom it is intended to affect directly, who are for the most part without the means of obtaining legal advice. I have, &c, His Excellency the Earl of Glasgow, K.C.M.G., H. S. Berkeley. Governor of New Zealand.

Enclosure. For the Protection of Natives Entering into Contracts. Interpretation. 1. In this regulation the word "Native" shall mean aboriginal native of any island in the Pacific, not being a trader. No action to be brought against Natives. 2, No action shall be brought in the High Commissioner's Court against any Native in respect of any contract entered into after the coming into force of this regulation.

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Native may bring action for recovery of money paid. 3. If a Native enter into a contract with a non-native person (subject to the jurisdiction of the High Commissioner's Court) such Native, whether he has fully performed his part of the contract or not, may, with the leave of the Court, bring an action for the recovery of any money paid, and for the value of any work done or goods or produce supplied, and the Court shall give judgment for the same, subject to the deductions hereinafter provided. The Court may deduct a quantum meruit for the performance by the non-native party of so much of his part of the contract as he has actually performed. If the Court is of opinion that the contract is a fair and reasonable one, and that it has not been carried out owing to the default of the Native party, the Court may deduct a sum by way of damages for breach of contract. No contract shall be deemed reasonable if it is one which the Native party would in the ordinary sense of events have difficulty in performing. Contracts for repairs to vessels. 4. It shall be lawful for any person to enter into a contract with a Native for the repair of a boat or vessel, with the proviso that such boat or vessel may be detained until the repairs are paid for: Provided that such Native is either the owner of such boat or vessel or has proper authority to enter into such contract. And in the event of an action being brought in the High Commissioner's Court for the delivery of such boat or vessel, the Court may order the payment by the Native party of the value of the repairs done as a condition precedent to the return of such boat or vessel. If any such Native is a person subject to the jurisdiction of the Commissioner's Court, the other party may apply to the Court for an order for the sale of the boat or vessel, and the Court may order that if by a certain date the value of the repairs be not paid, the boat or vessel shall be sold, and the amount due for repairs or costs shall be deducted from the proceeds and paid to the party executing such repairs. If the proceeds are not sufficient to meet the amount due, no proceedings for the recovery of the balance shall be taken against the Native party. Court may inquire into adequacy of consideration. 5. Notwithstanding any agreement to the contrary, the Court may in any proceedings under this regulation inquire into the adequacy of the consideration moving from the non-native party. Short Title. This regulation may be cited as " The Native Contracts Begulation, 1896."

No. 27.' Mr. F. J. Moss to His Excellency the Governor. British Besidency, Barotonga, 23rd January, 1896. My Lord, — I have the honour to enclose the annual trade report for the year 1895. I have, &c, Frederick J. Moss, His Excellency the Earl of Glasgow, G.C.M.G., British Besident. Governor of New Zealand, &c.

Enclosures. Beport on the Trade of the Cook Islands for the Year ending 31st December, 1895. Shipping and Navigation. Table 1., herewith, shows an increase of 3,800 tons in the inward entries of mercantile shipping for the year. This increase is in British and Native vessels. The entries inwards of all mercantile vessels during the past four years have been: — 1892. 1893. 1894. 1895. Tons. Tons. Tons. Tons. British ... ... ... 12,610 16,179 16,084 19,780 Native ... ... ... 1,626 1,353 1,376 1,640 American ... ... ... 336 120 198 120 French ... ... ... 180 ♦ 556 480 400 Totals ... ... 14,752 18,208 18,138 21,940 There is no alteration in harbour dues. The steamer " Bichmond" continues to call at Barotonga regularly on her voyages between Auckland and Tahiti. The Natives exhibit an increasing energy and activity in the management of their small craft, which they now employ in the carrying trade of the group. These vessels are owned and manned by Natives, but commanded by Europeans. A handsome schooner of 65 tons has lately been added to their small fleet by the purchase of a Californian built schooner in Tahiti, and a similar vessel is to be built for them in Auckland. 5—A. 3.

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Exports. Table 11. shows the exports for 1895, with statement of those for each of the years 1892-93-94. The totals (of Cook Islands produce only) for the four years are : 1892, £15,396; 1893, £18,758; 1894, £18,936; 1895, £19,080. Coffee and copra show an increase, and will continue to do so as new plantations come into bearing. The coffee-trees take four to five years, and the cocoanut nine to ten, before coming to full maturity. The fruit trade is entirely with New Zealand, and will increase with the market, as these islands are capable of great production in that respect. Attempts are to be made to concentrate the limejuice for exportation ; and, if successful, there will be a considerable export in that article. Cotton has fallen off greatly, and will fall still further at the present low prices. There has also been a considerable falling-off in the exports of produce brought to Barotonga from islands beyond the Federation. This is partly attributable to the lower freight from Tahiti when vessels leave that port direct for Hamburg, and partly to the hypothecation of their pearl-shell to a Tahitian trader by the Natives of Penrhyn in order to raise the amount awarded against them in 1893, by Captain May, 8.N., of H.M.S. " Hyacinth, in connection with the case of the " Norval." This trade will, in time, probably find its way again to Borotonga. Imports. The increased consumption of imported goods by the natives is shown by Table 111. The imports were for 1892, £16,249 ; 1893, £19,284; 1894," £22,435 ; 1895, £23,269. The increase in timber, hardware, tinned and other provisions, groceries, and piece-goods is marked. Included in the imports are certain goods afterwards shipped from Barotonga to islands outside the Federation. These shipments were : for 1892, not known ; 1893, £1,219 ; 1894, £1,293 ; 1895, £1,792. Course of Trade. Table IV. shows a steady increase in the trade with New Zealand. This was most marked in 1895, and is likely to continue. The following are the comparative figures for the four years : — Exports to New Zealand. Exports to Tahiti. £ £ 1892 ... ... ... ... ... ... 12,690 2,706 1893 ... ... ... ... ... ... 13,397 5,361 1894 ... ... ... ... ... ... 14,177 4,759 1895 ... ... ... ... ... ... 16,756 2,324 57,020 15,150 Imports from New Zealand. Imports from Tahiti. £ £ 1892 ... ... ... ... ... ... 10,995 5,254 1893 ... ... ... ... ... ... 10,187 9,097 1894 ... ... ... ... ... ... 13,153 9,282 1895 ... ... ... ... ... ... 16,855 6,414 51,190 30,047 Currency. Since the Ist January, 1895, British coin has been the only legal currency. None other is accepted by the Government; but, in the absence of a bank or other means of maintaining the supply of coin, the Chili dollar is still current in all ordinary business at the rate of 2s. Importers have to provide their own coin for the payment of duties, and can always obtain from the Government currency notes in exchange for dollars if necessary. The terms offered by the Government are, however, so unfavourable that importers prefer obtaining their own coin, and are, for that purpose, allowed two months' credit for duties on giving satisfactory security. None of the currency-notes have, therefore, been put into circulation, but they are held available if required. Taxation and Revenue. The only change in Federal taxation is an additional import duty of 1 per cent, towards the expenses of a hospital about to be opened in Barotonga. This duty only came into force on the Ist October, 1895. Table V. shows the revenue for each financial year (ending 30th June) since the Government was established in 1891. It is small, but has been found sufficient to maintain the Federal Government, to pay subsidies towards roads and works to the several local Island Governments, to build a Parliament House and a very fair hospital, and to supply the several district free schools with fitting and appliances, which are lent to them on condition that they find a proper teacher, school, and pay all other expenses. English is the only language used in these schools, and no private or mission schools are allowed unless satisfactory arrangements for teaching English are made. The natives are eagerly entering into the establishment of schools in Barotonga, and their example will be followed in the other islands. There cannot be a doubt that these fertile islands, though small in size, are capable of a largely-increased production, and as the aims and desires of the natives widen, it is hoped that the increased production will keep pace with them. Frederick J. Moss, Barotonga, Cook Islands, 20th January, 1896. British Besident.

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Table I.—Report of Shipping at the Port of Rarotonga (Cook Islands), for Year ending 31st December, 1895, with Comparative Statements for 1892, 1893, 1894.

Table II.—Exports of Cook Islands Produce for the Year ending 31st December, 1896, with Comparative Statements for Years 1892, 1893, 1894.

In addition to the above there was exported to New Zealand, pearlshell and other produce from other islands to the value of—in 1895, £1,058; in 1894, £1,729; in 1893, £859; in 1892, £4,945.

Table III.—Imports into the Cook Islands for the Year ending 31st December, 1895, with Comparative Statements for 1892, 1893, 1894.

In'ards. Oul ;wards. Sailing. Steam. Men-of-War. Total. Sailing. Steam. Men-of-War. Total. No. Tons. No. Tons. No. Tons. No. Tons. No. Tons. No. Tons. No. Tons. No. Tons. British Amercian .. Prench Cook Islands 23 1 5 36 2,364 120 400 1,640 4,524 27 17,416 50 1 5 36 19,780 120 400 1,640 20 1 5 38 2,085 120 400 1,805 27 17,416 47 1 5 38 19,501 120 400 1,805 Totals 1895 65 27 17,416 92 21,940 20,299 19,013 17,132 64 4,410 3,432 4,450 5,177 27 17,416 91 21,826 20,221 19,071 16,977 , 1894 , 1893 1892 57 60 79 3,510 4,392 5,332 23 22 15 14,628 13,816 9,420 2 1 1 2,161 805 2,380 82 83 95 56 60 77 23 22 15 14,628 13,816 9,420 2 1 1 2,161 805 2,380 81 83 93

1895. 1894. 1893. 1892. Quantity. Value. Quantity. Value. Quantity. Value. Quantity. Value. Coffee, in centals* Copra, in centals Cotton, in centals Limejuice, in gallons Fungus, in lbs. ... Beche-de-mer, in lbs. Oranges, in cases of about 25 dozen each Bananas, in bunches Cocoanuts, in hundreds ... Pineapples and other fruit Sundries 2,272 T i 0 21,742^ 14,596 650 640 £ 7,752 7,253 880 397 8 10 2,266^ 16,009 T y o 840^_ 5,289 1,249 £ 7,782 6,189 1,701 144 13 1 Q14- 8 » 15, l,447 x %% 9,375 4,648 £ 6,442 5,661 3,069 282 36 15,288^ QQ16S J,s '- L loT5 32,122 £ 4,827 5,549 2,304 818 16 268 28,131 11,397 8,244 1 QC 5 2 10D roo" 2,258 309 28 152 33 12,767 10,152 118 2,532 388 27 99 61 12,174 10,676 159 J_Q_ - LUO Too 2,538 399 31 113 187 6,251 396 1,286 73 73 62 120 Total ... 19,080 18,936 18,758 15,396 * 1001b. English.

1895. 1894. 1893. 1892. Dlothing Piece and fancy goods Provisions 3readstuffs Groceries Spirits ... Vines ... £ 957 6,985 2,741 1,734 2,135 481 77 27 2,470 2,546 467 520 2,129 £ 1,122 6,715 2,415 1,648 1,709 531 59 40 2,664 2,576 457 155 2,344 £ 922 6,590 1,837 1,656 1,707 407 55 89 1,417 2,154 368 58 2,024 £ 729 5,841 1,534 1,562 1,735 324 25 153 501 1,784 425 Nil. 1,636 3eer timber, manufactured and unmanufactured ... Ironmongery and hardware Cobacco Animals )ther articles Totals £23,269 £22,435 £19,284 £16,249

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Table IV.—Summary of Imports and Exports for the Years 1892, 1893, 1894, and 1895 showing the Amounts from and to each Country.

Table V.—Revenue of the Cook Islands Federation for the Years ending 30th June, 1892-93, 1893-94, and 1894-95, respectively.

No. 28. Mr. F. J. Moss to His Excellency the Governor. My Lord, — British Besidency, Barotonga, Bth February, 1896. I have the honour to acknowledge receipt of your Excellency's despatch of the 13th December, authorising me to act as Begistrar for the Court of the High Commissioner in the case of Piltz v. Certain Natives of Penrhyn. By the same mail I received the requisite documents in connection with this case from the High Commissioner, and will see that they are attended to. I have, &c, Frederick J. Moss, His Excellency the Earl of Glasgow, G.C.M.G., British Besident. Governor of New Zealand, &c.

No. 29. Mr. F. J. Moss to His Excellency the Governor. My Lord, — British Besidency, Barotonga, 2nd April, 1896. I have the honour to inform your Excellency that Queen Pa of Takitumu died on the 19th March, and was buried in due state on the 21st. This will bring into prominence the question of her successor.

r mports. Prom 1892. 1893. 1894. 1895. New Zealand Tahiti ... Total £ 10,995 5,254 £16,249 £ 10,187 9,097 £ 13,153 9,282 £ 16,855 6,414 £19,284 £22,435 £23,269 Exports (Cook Islands 'roduce only). To 1892. 1893. 1894. 1895. New Zealand Tahiti ... £ 12,690 2,706 £ 13,397 5,361 £ 14,177 4,759 £ 16,756 2,324 Total 15,396 18,758 18,936 19,080 Exported also chiefly to New Zealand, the produce of other Islands 4,945 859 1,729 1,058 Total exports £20,341 £19,617 £20,665 £20,138

Duty of 5 per cent, on all Imports. Postage and Postage Stamps. Miscellaneous. Totals. Remarks. .891-92 .892-93 .893-94 .894-95 £ s. d. 762 10 4 563 6 5 943 10 5 1,048 2 9 £ s. 18 10 245 5 278 2 228 0 d. 7 9 3 1 £ s. 9 19 16 17 24 14 10 18 d. 9 2 5 6 £ 791 825 1,246 1,287 s. 0 9 7 1 d. 8 4 1 4 The Federation was formed on 5th June, 1891, and the collection of the revenue began in July. The Post Office was not established till May, 1892, as a revenueyielding department. Totals 3,317 9 11 769 18 8 62 9 10 4,149 18 5

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Having fully reported the position in my despatches of the 18th November and the 17th December last, it is only necessary to state that the Arikis still firmly refuse to recognise Maretu, whom Pa had made her successor. Nor are they likely to change their minds. The system of government being entirely local and federal, the only points in which the central authority can be brought into collision with Takitumu are the meetings of Arikis, who form the Federal Government, and the local Government of Barotonga. The other Arikis refuse determinedly to meet Maretu on such occasions. To meet this, it is proposed that Makea, as the rightful heir, shall take her place both as Ariki of Avarua and of Takitumu, leaving Maretu and the chiefs disposed to support him to dispute her claim if they think fit. Makea will not interfere in any way with the local affairs of the district, but leave them to be controlled by Maretu if the chiefs so desire. Her objection is entirely to his ranking with the Arikis. In their own phraseology, they will not have a cockroach crawling on their mat. The affair is delicate, and has caused me considerable anxiety, but I hope by keeping the Native Government, as a Government, and myself out of the dispute as much as possible, that it may be made local, and that quarrels may thus be avoided, which must prove exceedingly troublesome and injurious to the progress of the islands. I have, &c, Frederick J. Moss, His Excellency the Earl of Glasgow, G.C.M.G., British Besident. Governor of New Zealand.

No. 30. Mr. F. J. Moss to His Excellency the Governor. My Lord, — British Besidency, Barotonga, 2nd April, 1896. I have the honour to acknowledge receipt of your Excellency's despatch of the 18th March, enclosing one from the Acting High Commissioner for the Western Pacific, together with a proposed " Begulation for the protection of Natives entering into Contracts," and requesting my views as to its application to the Cook Islands. The Natives in these islands have little or no property, real or personal, which can be individually alienated. The possession rests with the family, or one perhaps of its members, but the ownership is with the tribe. The Native has no occasion to incur debt of any amount, and his own law prohibits his taking credit at all. The Native Courts are therefore, in my opinion, quite sufficient to deal with any engagements into which he is qualified to enter, and the British Besident can always be appealed to by any one feeling aggrieved by the action such Courts may take. Further, a Native has no conception of British legal principles in practice, and no means of obtaining legal guidance when making contracts, or if sued in a British Court for non-performance. Fully appreciating the objection of the Solicitor-General to section 2 of the regulation, as at variance with ordinary legal principle, it appears to me, for the reasons above stated, that its operation would be salutary in these islands. I would suggest that the term " Native trader," in section 1, should be defined, or power given to the Judge to decide whether the contract such " trader " might enter into was in keeping with his ordinary trade, and of an amount consistent with it. Unless some such provision be made, it is quite possible that a chief employed to trade by a European might enter into contracts bringing great trouble on the tribe, who would be bound in honour to see him through his difficulty if the Court decided against him. I enclose the letter of the Acting High Commissioner, and the proposed regulation to which it gave cover. I have, &c, Frederick J. Moss, His Excellency the Earl of Glasgow, G.C.M.G., British Besident. Governor of New Zealand, &c. .Approximate Cost of Paper-— Preparation, not given ; printing (1,878 copies), i'2o 9s.

By Authority : John Mackay, Government Printer.—lB9o. Price la.

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