COOK AND OTHER ISLANDS. [In continuation of Parliamentary Paper A.-3, 1907.]

Appendix to the Journals of the House of Representatives, 1908 Session I, A-03

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1908 NEW ZEALAND,

COOK AND OTHER ISLANDS. [In continuation of Parliamentary Paper A.-3, 1907.]

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

INDEX.

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No. of Series. From Date. Subject. Page. 3 Resident Commissioner, Rarotonga, to Minister in Charge Ditto .. 1907. 17 June Death of Adolf von Nagel, Resident Agent at Atiu 27 5 9 17 „ 2 August .. Reporting visit to Islands Repair and Maintenance of Roads and Bridges Ordinance and Rarotonga Building Regulations Ordinance for assent Tariff Bill Survey and subdivision of Mauke Island Cocoanut-planting on Takutea Island Proclamation taking lands for landing-place and storage-sheds and road at Mauke Arrangements as to employment of Mr. Connal, and salaries of survey cadets, &c. Errors in annual report for 1907 Tariff Act .. Prohibition of perfumed spirits, &c. Offences Ordinance for assent 27 28 16 22 24 28 14 „ 20 September 27 3 October.. 32 34 35 36 26 3 35 21 18 30 12 4 „ .. 10 „ .. 1 November 5 December 34 33 37 30 »» ■ • • • • • t> • ■ • • ■ • • • 33 Resident Commissioner, Rarotonga, to Minister in Charge Ditto .. 1908. 16 January Re medical attendance, &c. 38 14 34 36 2 March .. 3 12 „ Alienation of Lands Ordinance for assent Re medical attendance, &c. Resignation of Captain Nagle, and appointment E. F. Hawk, as Resident Agent at Penrhyn Re appointment of Fruit Inspector Annual report for 1907-8 As to abolishing Makea Arikis Court at Avarua .. Proposed visit to Islands As to drainage of Maerenga Lagoon 31 39 39 37 1 40 7 42 31 18 April .. 20 „ 20 „ 7 May 40 4 41 28 41 4 Minister in Charge, to Resident Commissioner, Rarotonga Ditto .. 1907. 9 July .. Death of Adolf von Nagel, Resident Agent at Atiu 27 6 20 10 11 9 „ 28 August .. 16 September 17 Visit of Resident Commissioner to Islands Discrepancies in annual report for 1907 Rarotonga Buildings Ordinance assented to Federal Ordinance Repairs and Maintenance of Roads and Bridges assented to Tariff Bill .. Acknowledging report of survey, &c, Mauke Island Discrepancies in annual report for 1907 should be adjusted in next year's report Acknowledging report of planting Takutea Island Arrangements as to employment of surveyor, &c, approved Order in Council bringing Tariff Act into operation in Cook Islands Proclamation taking lands at Mauke signed by His Excellency 27 33 28 29 17 23 27 2 October .. 33 34 21a »> »• » • • • • • 30 „ 34 25 27 30 „ .. 4 November 35 35 19 19 33 29 19 36

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2

INDEX— continued.

No. of Series. From Date. Subject. Page. 1907. 19 December As to medical attendance, &c, in Cook Group .. 32 Minister in Charge, to Resident Commissioner, Rarotonga 31 Minister in Charge, to Resident Commissioner, Rarotonga Ditto .. 1908. 14 January Order prohibiting importation of perfumed spirits, &c. Offences Ordinance assented to Acknowledging letter re employment of Dr. Morgan Alienation of Lands Ordinance assented to Appointment of E. F. Hawk as Resident Agent at Penrhyn, vice Captain Nagle, approved Acknowledging receipt of annual report Proposed visit to Islands of Group As to abolition of Arikis Courts at Rarotonga Re appointment of Fruit Inspector As to drainage of Maerenga Lagoon 37 13 35 15 39 30 4 April 8 „ 28 „ 30 39 32 40 ,, .. .. •. 2 8 41 38 43 18 May 19 „ 28 „ 4 June 10 „ 27 28 41 40 II 50 Resident Commissioner, Niue, to Minister in Charge Ditto .. 1907. 16 April Vital statistics for 1907 52 52 58 64 66 68 70 29 August .. 29 9 October 9 10 12 November Election of members of Council Letter from President and Council asking for increase of salaries of themselves and Magistrates arid 'police Report as to works, &c. Arrangements for office quarters For signalling-flags and code Establishment of school and appointment of teacher Ordinances to give effect to increases in salaries of members of Council and Magistrates, &c. Establishment of school and appointment of teacher As to medical attendance at Niue 52 51 57 57 58 58 60 ,, . . . . 20 December 55 . 72 ,, . . . . • . 30 59 79 30 <>: 46 Resident Commissioner, Niue, to Minister in Charge Ditto .. 1908. 15 January Return of exports and imports for year 1907 45 48 75 73 44 54 4 April 4 „ 4 „ 5 „ 11 „ Revenue Account for 1907-8 Public School Ordinance for assent, and conveyance of land for school-site Establishment of school, &c. Annual report for 1907-8 Election of Palalagi as member of Island Council .. 51 (10 59 42 53 ,, . . . . • . . • 51 Minister in Charge, to Resident Commissioner, Niue Ditto .. 1907. 12 July Acknowledging receipt letter with vital statistics.. 52 56 1 August .. Appointment of Mr. H. G. Cornwall to be Resident Commissioner, &c. Appointment of Mr. Cornwall to sell or supply liquor Acknowledging letter re election of Council Proposed increases of salaries of Council, Magistrates, and police Forwarding copy of Tariff Bill, 1907 Approving proposed roadwork Arrangements for office quarters approved Forwarding copy of Order in Council bringing Tariff Act into operation in Islands Signalling flags and code forwarded Re establishment of school and appointment of teacher Medical attendance at Niue 53 57 13 „ .. 54 53 59 17 September 20 53 55 62 65 67 63 27 14 November 14 19 56 57 58 57 69 71 ,, . . . . . . 2 December 3 58 59 ,, . . . • • . 78 3 62 61 Minister in Charge, to Resident Commissioner, Niue 1908. 12 March .. Niue Island Council Constitution Ordinance Amendment Ordinance, 1907, assented to. Niue Island Native Magistrates and Police Ordinance Amendment Ordinance assented to Acknowledging receipt of annual report for 1907-8 Election of Palalagi as member of Island Council.. Acknowledging receipt of Revenue Account for 1907-8 Acknowledging receipt Return Exports and Im- • ports for 1907 Acknowledging receipt of letter re school Acknowledging receipt of deeds of site for section.. Niue Island Public School Ordinance assented to.. 51 Ditto .. 18 May 15 „ 15 ., 45 55 49 45 53 52 17 18 „ 50 74 7<> 77 2 June 2 „ 17 „ (»0 <)l 01 »» • • ' * * * * *

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MEMORANDUM.

The annual reports of the Resident Commissioners at Rarotonga and Niue for the year 1907-8, together with a selection from the correspondence, are attached hereto. 1. Finance.—The revenue of the Cook and Northern Islands for the year 1907-8, including the balance brought forward, amounted to £9,773 6s. lid., while the expenditure amounted to £6,189 14s. Id., leaving a balance to carry forward of £3,583 12s. 10d. The revenue of Niue, including the balance brought forward, amounted to £3,653 Is. 2d., and the expenditure was £1,910 os. id., leaving a balance to carry forward of £1,743 os. 10d. Full details of the revenue and expenditure are given in the anpual reports of the Resident Commissioners. 2. Imports and Exports.—The import and export returns of the Cook and Northern Islands continue to be satisfactory, and display a substantial increase for the year ended 31st December, 1907. The returns for the two years are as follow : — 1907. 1906. £ £ Imports ... ... ... ... ... ... 50,756 41,437 Exports ... ... ... ... ... ... 51,578 45,925 The bulk of the trade was done with New Zealand. The imports and exports of Niue are as follow :— Imports ... ... ... ... ... ... 8,491 *6,707 Exports ... ... ... ... ... ... 7,955 *8,315 * Last year these figures were given for the year ending 31st March, 1907. 3. Public Works. —In the Cook Group the principal works during the year were watersupply, Avarua; creek-wall and bathing-tank, Avarua, concrete tanks, Aitutaki; blasting boatpassage, Maukej and planting cocoanuts on Takutea Island. No progress has yet been made with the boat-passages at Mangaia, chiefly owing to the difficulty of obtaining a sufficient supply of blasting material. However, a start is to be made on the work this year. At Niue the construction of reservoirs for storage of water, and roads, has been continued. 4. Education.—As I stated last year, it is not proposed to make any change in the system of education in the Cook Group at the present time; but the question of training the Native teachers before they are placed in charge of village schools is receiving attention. At Niue, the want of a school with a European teacher has been much felt. The Island Administration has now agreed to build and maintain a schoolhouse and teacher's residence, and this Government will select a teacher in New Zealand, and pay his v salary. 5. Medical Attendance. —During the year the question of providing further medical attendance for the Natives in the Cook Group has been engaging my attention, and it is hoped that satisfactory arrangements will be made in this direction. At Niue an endeavour is also being made to secure the services of a medical officer. 6. Service with Niue. —The isolated position of Niue and the want of regular communication with New Zealand is very keenly felt by the Islanders. Last year Parliament voted a sum of £300 as a subsidy for a schooner service, and tenders were invited, but no tender was accepted. Endeavours are now being made to arrange, if possible, for regular communication with the Island. 7. Inter-Island Service. —Last year Parliament voted a sum of £300 as a subsidy for a steam service between the Islands of the Cook Group. Offers were invited for such a service, but none were received. 8. Schooner "Countess of Ranfurly."—As indicated last year, the Government decided to sell the schooner " Countess of Ranfurly," and she was accordingly sold by tender. 9. Aid to Native Planters.—The Resident Commissioner at Rarotonga in his report makes some proposals with regard to granting aid by the local Administration to Natives in the cultivation of their land. These proposals will receive my careful consideration. 10. Fruit Trade. —Complaints continue to be made with regard to the fruit trade and the steamer service with the Islands, but so far no satisfactory solution has been arrived at. The question of the inspection of fruit has also been under consideration, and it has been decided to send an officer to inquire and report on matters affecting the fruit industry in the Islands. James McGowan.

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COOK AND NOETHEBN ISLANDS.

REPORT OF RESIDENT COMMISSIONER. No. 1. Sir, — Rarotonga, Cook Islands, 18th April, 1908. I have the honour to enclose herewith my report on the condition of the Cook and Northern Islands for the year ending the 31st March, 1908. Attached to this letter will be found the details of the general contingent expenditure, the contingent expenditure of the High Court, and the travelling-expenses, &c, of the Land Titles Court. You will observe that, notwithstanding the expenses of the water-supply, the revenue has more than met all demands, and that there is a substantial increase to our surplus. I have, &c, W. E. Gudgeon, Resident Commissioner. The Hon. James McGowan, Minister administering Islands.

Enclosure. COOK AND NORTHERN ISLANDS. REPORT FOR YEAR ENDING 31st MARCH, 1908. Lands and Surveys. During the past year the Land Titles Court has held sittings on forty-six days, and has made 495 orders, of which number 348 refer to the land of Rarotonga, and 147 to Mauke. The fees imposed by the Court on account of both surveys and definition of title have been as follows: Rarotonga, £662 55.; Mauke, £398 10s.; Mangaia, £2 ss. In addition to these fees the Registrar has imposed office charges to the amount of £29 15s. 6d., making a total for the year of £1,092 15s. 6d. The fees collected and paid into the Treasury during the year amount to £621 14s. lid., making a total to date of £1,859 9s. 10d., leaving the following fees unpaid and outstanding on the 31st March, 1908: Rarotonga, £1,203 25.; Mauke, £173 55.; Aitutaki, £99 13s. 4d. ; Rakahanga, £21 3s. 6d. ; Mangaia, £2; Mitiaro, £6; Atiu, £5 55.; Manihiki, 155.: total, £1,511 3s. 10d. These are, I submit, very satisfactory figures, and demonstrate the wisdom of giving the people at least two years in which to pay off any liability incidental to the definition of their land titles. Notwithstanding that we have received over £1,800 in fees, not one man has been asked to pay up ; and this is really a large sum for these islands to find. I may also justly claim that ninety-nine out of every hundred Natives hold the Court in such estimation that there is not the least hesitation in placing their sole interest in life in the hands of the Court. During the past year the whole of the valuable Island of Mauke has been surveyed and cut up into blocks of from 2 to 70 acres, and in each instance the Court has heard the claim of the presumed owners to the land, and has awarded it to the individual or family found to be entitled thereto. The surveys have been conducted with much care and consideration for the feelings of those owning the land, and wherever a boundary has been in dispute, both lines have been surveyed and the matter in dispute left to the decision of the Court. Mauke has long been famous for the bitterness displayed bj the inhabitants one towards another, the result of an old conquest by the Atiu people and of their short-sighted policy in allowing certain of the old inhabitants to live. The descendants of the latter are now the most numerous section of the inhabitants of this island, and, whether for good or evil, they oppose the influence of the conquerors on every possible occasion. The virulence of this feeling did not, however, interfere with the work of the Court, and no difficulty was found in determining the title to the land —indeed, valuable assistance was received from the chief Tamuera, who is a most useful man, so long as there is no matter of debate between himself and Tararo (the Government Agent), who represents the conquerors.

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t can now report that all the land of Karotonga of economic value, or capable of occupation, has been surveyed and awarded to the owners so far as they can be ascertained. I use this limitation when reporting on the work of this island for the reason that for the last seventy-five years the chiefs and Arikis of Avarua and Arorangi in this island have lost no opportunity of depriving the people of all knowledge of their genealogy and family history, even fining those old men who, by means of their grandchildren, attempted to write a record of the family history, and confiscating the books for their own use. As a natural consequence of these acts, the rauk-and-file do not now know who they are, or the true ground of their claim to any land, and because of this want of knowledge are content in many cases to appeal' in the books of the Court as tanu kai (serfs). This campaign against the rights and liberties of the people has been carried out with great ability, and for the most part has been designed to destroy certain of the old families who were rivals of the Makea and Vakaatini families. Even since the -London Mission have established themselves on this island the Arikis of Avarua and Arorangi have striven to aggrandise themselves at the expense of their people, and the system whereby they had well nigh succeeded was exceedingly well considered and astute. On the death of any leading mataiapo or rangatira, an excuse has been found for placing the family title and lands in charge of some creature of the Ariki. (Jenerally speaking, the pretence was that the young heir was wanting in ability, or too young to govern his people, and therefore until he had reached the age of reason he was to be governed by a mentor appointed by the Ariki during his minority or alleged incompetence. This theory was good enough, but in practice it was as bad as the Ariki intended it to be, for the rightful heirs have never been reinstated. The usurper became the humble servant of the Ariki, and paid atinga for lands that had never paid this tribute while in the hands of the rightful owners, and the Ariki, knowing that the man in possession dared not dispute his claims now, asserted that the land had always been Ariki land. If the dispossessed man tried to assert himself he would probably be reduced to the position of a pig-feeder, and his descendants would never learn that their ancestors had been men of rank and influence. The end sought by the Arikis was very simple. Under the old Maori custom the Arikis had no mana over the lauds of independent mataiapos, or independent tribes, neither had they mana over the lands of those rangatiras who had received their shares in the family lands from former Arikis. These independant chiefs could be called upon to perform two obligations—viz., the arevananga and the ara tiroa —the first is the universal obligation that the chief's house shall be either built or repaired by the whole tribe; the second refers to the liability of the whole tribe to find food for such strangers as may throw themselves on the hospitality of the Arikis. These were time honoured customs that were cheerfully obeyed, but the modern Ariki strives for more than this. He has been taught to regard himself as king by divine right, and they have all seen clearly enough that to make themselves absolute they must assert a right to all the land. This is the goal at which every Makea and Tinomana has aimed for the last seventy years, and would most certainly have attained but for the institution of the Land Titles Court, who intervened in time to save and reinstate some of the old and real owners of the land. Lest it may be thought that I have exaggerated the actions of the Arikis, I will mention a few of the leading cases of unjust robbery, evidence of which has been given in the Land Titles Court. There were originally seven independent mataiapo living at Tupapa, and it was these men who set up the present family of Makea as Arikis, and from that time lived under the mana of Makea. These men are as follows : Te Ariki Taraare, Vakapora, Tamaiva, Tβ Puretu, Uiraugi, Te Awa, and Pi. Of these, 1 found that the real Taraare is the wife of a mission student who has been ousted from all of her Avarua lands by a man who is not even a member of the family, but an interloper from Ngatangiia —a man whose grandfather had found favour in the sight of the Makea of that period, and was appointed for the reasons 1 have already given. The true Vakapora is a man named Enua, whose father having been left a young orphan, had in the usual manner been deprived of both land and authority. Subsequently his son Euua had been deprived of the small piece of land on which his father had lived and worked. The Court has, however, reinstated these people on this last piece of land. The present Tamaiva is only half a Rarotongan, and the junior member of his family; but assisted by the Arikis and their friends, he had ousted the real Tamaiva (lotea) from all the family lands. The Court has in this case placed all of the owners on the lands of Tamaiva, and there will be no further trouble. The Court found that Uirangi and Awa had been driven from their lands by Taraare, who was supported by Makea. Taraare had called on these descendants of Tangiia to build an outhouse for him, and naturally these independent mataiapos refused to work for a man of doubtful origin, and who had never had jurisdiction over them. The result was that Uirangi, Pi, and Awa were driven from their homes, and Taraare seized and held their ancestral lands until the true owners recovered their property by invoking the assistance of the Court. The case of Potiki taua, one of the great island nanres, is almost identical with those already mentioned, but it will be sufficient to say that the Court has reinstated Anautoa, who is a Makea of the elder branch of the family (Karika line). As for the Arera people, who are said to be the real Makeas, they have been scattered and driven from their lands, and many of them do not now know who they are. I notice, however, that certain influential men who are themselves Areras are moving in the matter, and I anticipate that further tales of injustice and cruelty will be placed on the record. The family known as the Vakatini have been foremost in this system of spoliation, and chief among them was the late Judge Te Pou. His son Jimmy Te Pou now holds the land of the Areras, but the Court only awarded him a life interest therein. At that time the people were either unwilling or afraid to give evidence against the leading people, and they had good reason to be afraid, for they did not

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realise that the old order of things had changed, and that they could no longer be ejected from their lands and drummed round the island for merely opposing an Ariki. The Court could not fail to notice that on this occasion the people were afraid to claim their house-sites, which "were theirs under the old and equitable mission arrangements, and, feeling that there was something wrong, declined to award more than % life interest, and reserved the house-sites for future action. The people could not believe that it was possible for a Court to give them fair-play against an opposing Ariki. They had never experienced such a Court, and naturally did not believe that it existed. The reply of the chief of Ngati uritaua will show what the social condition of this island was under the mana Ariki. During the progress of a case I asked the chief why they had submitted to such injustice, and he replied, " What could we do? The mana Ariki and the mana ture (law) were in the same hands; we had no redress; all that we could do was to submit." Another man, explaining the same position, said, " They were all deacons of the church, and stood by one another." As to this last statement, the Court records show that there were certain men who became ministers of the new religion much as they would have become heathen tohungas for mere self-advancement, and that some joined for the sole purpose of being in a better position to seize their neighbours' land. Just such men were Tamarua, of Matavera, and Judge Tupe, whose ferocious administration of the law, after a missionary training, nearly depopulated the district of Ngatangiia. Under the position 1 have stated, it will be seen that annexation has been a real blessing to nine-tenths of the people of itarotonga, inasmuch as it lias given them a feeling of security and peace that they had certainly not felt for the last seventy years. The position of the people of Mauke is certainly superior to that of the liarotongaus socially, but I shall not readily forget the speech of the Ariki Tararo in the Court at Mauke. I had noticed the very large amount of waste land, and commented very strongly on the fact. Tararo replied " These people knew what they were doing; had they planted their lands with cocoa-nuts they would have lost them. Some pretext would have been found in order to dispossess them. The only safety was poverty." It has often been said, and with truth, that annexation by a civilised power is no gain to a savage people. This, cannot, however, be said of Karotonga, for the people have gained that which is the breath of life to any village community—namely, a fair division of the land among the various families, and absolute security of tenure; they have, moreover, by virtue of these two facts obtained immunity from that curse of the Pacific, mana Ariki. No longer is it possible to deprive a family of its land, and turn the members thereof out on to the road, simply because some one or more of them had resented some high-handed action or failed to comply with an unjust demand. I d<> not accuse all Arikis. The late Pa Maretu was a very fine man, whose rule was perfect; and the same may, perhaps, be said for others. Makea is naturally a good and honourable woman, but she has been edticated in an atmosphere of the worst possible tradition of the powers and rights of Arikis, and she really does not understand that people outside the Ariki class may have rights. Most certainly she lias never attempted to undo or ameliorate the evils done by her predecessors. The satisfaction felt by the people generally under European rule will not be shared by a few Arikis and their friends, who for generations have lived on the labour of the people, and have treated them most cruelly. Such men cannot be expected to appreciate a rule that sternly informs an Ariki that when before the Court he-is only the equal of the meanest of his followers. I anticipate that quite a large amount of ill-directed sympathy will be expended on these dethroned despots; but such sympathy will be shown by those Europeans who know nothing of the history of the islands during the past eighty years; the Natives of the island and those foreigners who have lived among them will not share their views. On the death of the present Arikis, no successors should be allowed until the candidates understand and sign a paper to the effect that they understand that the old powers of the Ariki have gone for ever, except where conserved and recognised by law—namely, as hereditary members of the Federal or Island Councils. Nothing worse can happen to the people than that the old mana Ariki should be allowed to continue, and this remark applies with special force to the Arikis' Courts. In Mangaia the people are hardly more civilised than the Rarotouga men of twenty years ago, and on that island the chiefs and Arikis will oppose any surveys or definition of titles to land. In their case the matter is not urgent, for their own land laws and customs are admirable when compared with those of Rarotonga. The island is, moreover, a poor one, and Ido not intend to push them into survey and Land Court expenses, except in such cases where disputes may arise among owners. The Economic Administratton of the Land. In the volcanic islands of the tropics a man requires but little land to support a family, for the natural fertility of the soil, stimulated by heat and moisture, is very great. A quarter of an acre of swamp planted with taro will well-nigh produce the food required, and a few acres of orange-trees and bananas will provide produce for export sufficient to purchase the simple clothing suitable to the climate. I am, of course, referring to the small landholder ; the big men have land to spare, and if they would but use it even in the crudest manner, by giving the people a, fixed share of the produce, they might be wealthy men. This they will not do, and therefore the only opening to such men has been by way of lease to Europeans, whose practical nature will force the land to produce to the utmost limit of its capacity, and at the same time improve the ■morale of the people by providing work for those who wanted it. The Mission and others who undoubtedly have the interests of the Native inhabitants at heart, and whose opinions are therefore entitled to consideration, are much exercised in their minds over the fact that a small percentage of the land of this island has been leased to Europeans. The

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amount of land alienated in this manner is not sufficient to cause any uneasiness in the minds of any philo-Maori, if he will only look at the thousands of acres still lying waste; moreover, the Maori is a very good judge of his own business, and is not likely to allow any future leases to exceed those mentioned in last year's report by more than a few hundred acres. In my opinion, the fact that a fair amount of land has been leased is a matter for congratulation so far as the Natives are concerned, for those leases mean progress, the encouragement of habits of industry, and a good living to at least one hundred Natives of the floating population who would otherwise have been idle, for they are strangers who have no land here. There are many landholders at the present time whose land is lj'ing absolutely waste. This is the condition of most of the unleased country lying between the villages of Arorangi and Murienua, six miles of the best land in Rarotonga. A very remarkable contrast to this are the nine small blocks that have been leased to Europeans. Here the lessees have improved the district in which they reside, and have created an industrious population by providing well-paid and healthy work for the young men. Even the boys' from the Tereora School go to these plantations during their holidays, and not only do men's work, but get their pay. It is a matter for regret that the very men who work so well for the planters will do nothing on their own lands; but the head of the family still thinks that he has a right to the lion's share of the profits from the land, and it will be years before the Polynesian understands that he is now free from the exactions of his overlord. In my letter to the people printed in the Cook Island Gazette on the 17th January, 1908, I pointed out that the overlord had no longer a right to rahui lands that had passed the Land Titles Court, and I found that many of those most interested regarded my letter as new and somewhat astonishing. It was the old power of the overlord that made these people slothful and careless, for they knew by experience that they would not greatly benefit by their own industry. On the other hand, it is the European lessee who is redeeming the people from this life of sloth, and is recreating them a hard-working people—l may not use the word " industrious " with reference to Polynesia, for that would be expecting too much from the tropics. Many of the European lessees have kindly supplied me with a note of their actual expenditure during the period that they have held the land. lam therefore in a position to say that during the last nine years not less than £7,000 has been spent by these planters, and the present annual expenditure in wages cannot be less than £1,500 per annum. Even when the cocoa palms are in full bearing, and it is no longer necessary to clean the land twice or more each year, the Native labourer will still benefit to the extent of £1 10s. per acre by making the copra. So far I have shown that the Native population benefit greatly by reason of a large expenditure that is directly attributable to the leases, and it is equally certain that the local Government must benefit by the increase in the exports and imports. Our present production of copra is 400 tons grown on about 800 acres; of this, only 200 tons reaches the market, the remainder is wasted in feeding pigs; so that each of these animals costs the owner or his neighbours from £3 to .£6 per annum in cocoanuts alone. In a few years the European planters will export not less than 250 tons of copra; that is more than the whole Native export of the present day. I contend that the leasing of the waste lands of this island has been satisfactory to every one concerned. As for the land•owners, they now receive an income from land that was previously valueless to them. The real difficulty is connected with the lands that must be retained in the hands of the Natives for their benefit and support. It is some years since I made certain suggestions with the view of improving the circumstances of the Natives and the management of their lands. Had these suggestions found favour at the time we should now have been on the high road to prosperity; there was, however, some misconception or adverse influence which prevented their adoption. I therefore offer them again in a modified form, as I am convinced that the cocoanut lands of this island will never be planted except by the active aid of the local administration. We have at least 2,000 acres of the coral sand zone that is useless for any purpose other than that of raising cocoanuts, but which should produce 1,000 tons per annum.; and I can see no reason why these lands should be allowed to lie idle for an indefinite period when they can be made highly remunerative at a comparatively small expenditure. £5 per acre would clear, fence, and plant the land, and another £5 would keep it clean for the first five years, after which the young palms would be safe from horses and pigs, and the land might then be handed back to the owners. The following are my suggestions :— Conditions of State Aid to Native Planters. That the local Administration shall be empowered to invest all surplus moneys to the extent of £1,000 per annum in the planting and general improvement of siich lands as the Native owners shall hand over to the aforesaid Administration for that purpose. That all moneys so invested shall bear interest at the rate of 5 per cent, per annum. That, as the local Administration cannot divest itself of the responsibility attached to the proper and economical application of this money, it shall be an inflexible rule that no money advanced for the general benefit of the owners of any block shall be paid to or pass through the hands of any Native. The owners of any block who shall desire to have it planted under these regulations shall place the land unreservedly in the hands of the local Administration for a term of not exceeding six years, in order to provide for the care of the young palms. All planting and clearing to be done under the supervision of the local officer of public works, but the Foreman of Works on each block shall be elected by the owners thereof, in order to protect their interests, and shall be paid a salary of £1 per week while so employed. The owners of each block shall choose the men who are employed on that land, and the Government shall pay them at the current rate of wages while so employed. Provided that no money

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shall be paid out of Treasury except on the joint certificate of the Public Works officer and the Foreman of Works of the block whereon the men have been employed. No Government money shall be paid on account of any work other than the following: Clearing bush, fencing with ring fence, planting cocoanuts, and cleaning round young trees. Drainage works to be undertaken only where reported necessary by the Engineer. Any money expended on such works with the concurrence of the owners shall become a charge against the land on which the money has been expended. The Treasurer shall keep a ledger account against each block of land, in order that a balancesheet showing liabilities shall be open to the inspection of the owners on the 31st day of March in each year. No demand for either principal or interest shall be made on the owners of any block until the expiration of ten years from the date on which such land was taken over by the local authorities. After the expiration of the ten years the owners of the block shall meet the Resident Commissioner, and shall decide what percentage of the debt shall be paid off in each year thereafter out of the profits drawn from the land. Any arrangement made on the lines I have indicated would prove of great benefit to the people of this island. It may indeed be found advisable to aid in the planting of the whole island, even though we should have to borrow the money to do so. As a mere investment it would pay, apart from the prospective benefits of increased Customs revenue. I would also point out that though the Government would hold the laud during the six years, and devote itself to the cocoanut industry only, yet the Native owners would not be debarred from planting bananas on the same land under reasonable restrictions for the safety of the young cocoa-palms. This is simply a business proposition, and there must be no sentiment in the matter. The scheme is designed to assist the owners of the land, and strict economy and good work will alone compass that end. It is possible that section 14 of " The Cook and other Islands Government Act, 1901," may be held to prevent the use of the surplus revenue of the Islands in the manner I suggest, and that it will be necessary for the Parliament of New Zealand to take action before anything can be done. If this view is correct, I have the honour to suggest that the Resident Commissioner be placed in such a position that he can legally bring the Ordinance giving him necessary powers before the Federal Council. Imports and Exports. Attached to this report are Schedules A, B, and C, which contain all the available information in connection with the trade of the group. By the first-named schedule it will be seen that the exports for the year have been valued at £51,578, exceeding those of the year 1906 by no less than £5,653. In like manner the imports for the same year are valued at £50,756, as against £41,437 for the previous year.' These figures may be regarded as satisfactory, but not unexpected, inasmuch as the trade of the group has been distinctly progressive for the last nine years. Any lamentation over assumed failures of exports or revenue are premature and uncalled-for, and were probably the result of information given maliciously and with intent to deceive, for I know of no official information that would bear out the conclusion that the exports of this group were falling off either in quantity or quality. In proof of my assertion that progress has been the rule, I furnish herewith a return of the chief items of export for the last eight years.

In my report of last year (page 3 of parliamentary paper A3, 1907, Cook and other Islands) the export of copra for 1906 is stated as 687 tons. The figures should have been given as 1212 tons. Reference to the above return will show that in eight years the export of bananas has increased threefold, and that both oranges and pine-apples have more than held their own, notwithstanding scale, black aphis, and other pests. Coffee is a crop that cannot be depended upon, but about once in three years the berries are sufficiently numerous to induce the women and children to undertake this unremunerative work. As for the copra, this valuable article of export is stationary, and likely to be so until the European planter lias had time to make his presence felt. At the present day quite half of the nuts grown by the Natives are used to feed their wretched pigs, which in this manner cost the island about £4 per pig per annum. I use the expression "cost the island," for it cannot be said that it costs the owner of the pigs anything, except the time lost

8

Year. Bananas. Bananas. Coffee. Copra. Oranges. Oranges. Pines. Taro. Value. 900 901* .902 903 .904 [905 906 [907 Bunches. 34,932 Boxes. lb. 46,303 Tons. 902 Cases. 55,156 Crates. 1,210 Cases. Boxes. £ 22,379 27,819 34,821 34,740 38,248 34,890 45,925 51,578 20,070 10,075 9,324 10,768 13,954 14,727 21,132 ! 42,600 25,843 138,000 39,588 ; 58,050 46,358 76,900 72,430 104,300 75,295 45,060 1,310 1,105 1,272 1,212 948 934 36,652 60,346 79,339 76,080 86,222 104,201 3,936 5,663 5,275 4,378 4,777 5,352 24 50 96 635 153 * No information availa] )le.

A.—3.

in stealing their neighbours' cocoanuts. The value of the exports at the present day is two and a half times greater than it was eight years ago, and the general prosperity may be seen in the appearance of the people. Schedule C gives the actuaJ exports from each island of the group, and is a most useful return ; but as regards Atiu, Mauke, and Mitiaro it may be misleading, unless it be understood that the return does not represent the producing-capacity of the islands so much as the actual shipments under the present unsatisfactory arrangements. The true capacity of these islands will never be ascertained until we have two steamers on the trade, one of which shall run to Wellington direct. In my last report I stated that the arrangements for the Union Company for the ordinary trade of the group had been satisfactory, and that the " Manapouri " was doing the work well. Unfortunately, this state of things could not continue, for the cargoes offered during the monthsfrom May to October were so large that the " Manapouri " was unable to deal with the situation, and the " Hauroto " —a slow boat, but with greater carrying capacity —was placed in the trade. The change was probably unavoidable, but distinctly unfortunate, for, in trying to meet the increasing shipments offered, the company had to put on a boat that could not keep the time-table. The fact is that this slow boat was called upon to do impossibilities; she was required to visit Tahiti, Huahine, Raiatea, Aitutaki, Atiu or Mauke, and Rarotonga, and for several trips the cargo offered was so much in excess of the carrying-capacity of the steamer that on more than one occasion the agent had in self-defence to limit the number of tons taken from the last port of call (Rarotonga). This limit was not always observed, and out of sympathy for those whose cargo would otherwise have been left on the wharf it was taken on board, to the general injury of every one by reason of the crowding of alleyways and general overloading. The traders of these islands have good grounds for feeling aggrieved, and until these causes are removed the complaints will be loud and frequent. The people of Rarotonga know that a full half of all the cargo carried comes from this one island; therefore it is to them most unfair that they should be put out in the cold whenever the Tahiti islands care to fill up the steamer. Another cause of irritation is that if cargo is limited in this island the limit will not apply to the firm of Donald and Edenborough, who ship from, their own wharf at Avatiu, where the agent cannot supervise them. The real grievance is, however, the fact that the " Hauroto " has been unable to keep her time-table, and has on several occasions failed to keep the time-table which provides that our boat shall reach Auckland in time to discharge the southern cargo into the boat that leaves for Wellington on Saturday. By failing to do this, very great loss has resulted to those who shipped fruit to the South. To state the case with absolute fairness, it would seem that the company did their best with the means available, but their best fell very far short of the requirements of the shippers. As for the agent of the compare, he has inherited the evils of the old arrangements made by his company, but has succeeded in carrying out his thankless work with the minimum of friction. If the trade of these islands is to be carried on by one steamer, which will try to visit each island that will provide a reasonable amount of cargo, that steamer must be of not less than 3,000 tons register, and capable of doing thirteen knots if necessary; and even under these circum- • stances it is doubtful if the service would be satisfactory, for during the months of June to October inclusive it will take a very good boat to visit all of the islands and arrive in Auckland on the Friday. If we are ever to put fruit on the Wellington or southern markets in good condition we must have a steamer running direct from this group to Wellington. It has been said in New Zealand that only some 400 tons of our produce goes South each month, and therefore it would not pay to put a steamer on for that amount. This is simple nonsense. The wonder is that even 400 tons is sent South under present conditions. No European planter will send fruit to Auckland, for the prices are not remunerative; but it is generally recognised that with a direct steamer two-thirds of our trade would soon be with the south of New Zealand. It is true that the European planters of this island did deliberately reject the suggestion of the agent of the company that there should be two steamers," but this was merely a passing attack of lunacy which they have legretted ever since. It was, indeed, due to the fact that the returns from Wellington had been more than usually bad, and that certain shipments which had been divided equally between Dunedin, Canterbury, and Wellington had reached the two former towns in fair condition, but were reported as hopelessly bad from Wellington. This mysterious condition of the Wellington fruit has happened more than once, and requires a good deal of explanation. I submit that it is doubtful whether one steamer could do the work, however fast she might be. From June to November she would have to call at nine islands, and could not do it in the time allowed. In the probable event of a bad reef at either Atiu, Mauke, or Mitiaro, the big boat would be unable to wait a day, and we should have five or six thousand boxes of the best fruit on the islands left to rot on the reef. With a smaller steamer that was not driven to consider minutes, and would allow reasonable delays, such fruit would be shipped. With the one steamer everything would require to be, done in such a hurry that good stowage or gentle handling would be impossible. Many well-founded complaints have been made as to the disgraceful condition of the fruit on arrival in Auckland. This condition is due for the most part to the one-steamer policy. Rather than disappoint shippers, more fruit has been carried than the steamer has proper room for. Alleyways have been filled up, and the fruit close-stowed, with the result that the fruit has been cooked. The oranges on the Windward Islands are of fine quality, for the insect-pests that were introduced to Rarotonga in the old fruit-cases from New Zealand have not yet reached those islands, but they have never yet succeeded in getting all their fruit to New Zealand. It is seldom that they get more than half away, and this is a very great loss, for the reason that oranges are often obtainable at Atiu and Mauke in October when they are worth from Bs. to 10s. a case.

2—A. 3,

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Trade Prospects. Rarotonga. I have already answered the statement that has been made to the effect that export of fruit is declining, and have proved that the official records show that the contrary is the case. There are, however, other remarks that require explanation. It is urged that the Government should stamp out all blight, and plant young orange-trees. This advice may be sound, but there are certain preliminaries that require attention before anything can be done. The assent of the small landholders would certainly be required, also an expenditure of £20,000, and the result would be the destruction of the orange trade. The orange-trees of Rarotonga are not planted in neat rows or in small orchards, but are to be found here and there, scattered over a surface of at least 5,000 acres. Even in the deep mountain ravines they may be found, and it is from such places that we get our best fruit. If this blight is to be stamped out, all of these trees must be cut down, and that is an operation to which the Island Council will never give their consent, inasmuch as they will naturally be governed by self-interest and a very large knowledge of the requirements and circumstances of the island. It is about eight or nine years since the black aphis became a nuisance and danger to the fruit of Rarotonga; but since that date there has been a gradual improvement, and the aphis is no longer a danger. If we have a very dry season this pest makes its presence felt, but under ordinary conditions we are hardly aware of its existence. The aphis has probably developed its own enemies, and that it has done but little harm for some years is manifested by the fact that our exports have not fallen off. It is not any insect-pest that kills off the orange-trees of this island so much as the opening-up of the forest. The orange requires both shade and moisture in the tropics, and if the wind or sun is allowed to dry up the moisture from the roots of the trees, they are then unable to resist thp aphis or any other blight. As for planting young orange-trees, I may say that Messrs. Connal and Shearman have both experimented, the former planting 50 acres, and it has been found that the local orange will do very well planted in the open when cocoanut-trees have grown sufficiently to give them shade; but the imported varieties have nearly all died out. It is manifest that the export of oranges from these islands will not be materially increased unless there be greater certainty in the matter of returns, for it can hardly be expected that planters will devote their energies to develop an unprotected export for which they frequently receive debit notes only. The crop of the present year will probably be only three-fourths of that of the previous year, but the value to the group may prove to be about the same, though last year's prices were the best known for many years. The cultivation of the banana is our chief industry, and I have reason to know that if this fruit is carefully handled and packed it will pay fair returns. From individual Natives but little can be expected in the way of improved methods of selecting or packing fruit, but the best men among them are now forming small companies, who pride themselves on sending away only the best articles, and are apt to boast of the money-value of the name they thereby acquire. This assumption of superiority will have a far-reaching effect, for if there is one thing that the Native of these islands does not love it is his Polynesian brother. The companies are increasing in numbers, and will compete one with the other in the New Zealand market. Mangcna. The trade of this island is not likely to be materially increased in the future, though the inhabitants are the most industrious of all the South Sea communities. The interior swamps of this island produce taro, the best of food, in abundance; the people are therefore well fed; but in no other sense can it be said to be a productive island. Whatever prosperity Mangaia may enjoy is due to one man—Daniela Tangitoru; and to the Union Company, who have encouraged the people by calling at Oneroa every month en route from Tahiti to Rarotonga. To the example of Daniela is due the comparatively large export of kumara to New Zealand during the temporary failure of the potato-crop. All exports from Mangaia are the result of sheer hard work, and every .pound exported has to be carried on men's backs from the fertile land on the Makatea to the canoes. Their exports, shown on Schedule C, are not likely to be exceeded during the next ten years, and they will have to work very hard to maintain the position to which they have now attained. In Raratonga the people have only to plant the banana and nature does the rest; but in Mangaia that valuable plant needs continual care and cultivation. Mauhe and Atiu. The first-named of these islands has now been surveyed, and the land cut up and awarded to the numerous families, in accordance with the evidence given. The security of tenure which will be the result of these awards will probably be favourable to increased production in this very fertile island, for hitherto men have not dared to plant. The words spoken by the chief Tararo in the Court are significant, and disclose the position of the small landholder previous to the sitting of the Court. I had found it necessary to comment strongly on the fact that men had held large pieces of land suitable for the growth of cocoanuts, but had failed to plant it or make any use whatever of it. Tararo defended his people, and said, " The only security a man had in the old days was to leave his land as nearly as possible waste; if he improved it he would arouse the cupidity of some powerful neighbour, who would set up a claim of overlordship, and declare the industrious man to be his tanu kai (workman), who had failed to bring in the customary

10

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tribute. He would then set up his rahui, and either drive the man off or compel him to acknowledge the overlordship." Tararo then added that I need have no fear now, that the people understood their own interests, and would plant now that they had the law to protect them. Mauke and Atiu are islands very suitable to the growth of oranges, and as yet are unaffected by the blights and insect-pests of Barotonga. Moreover, the trees are for the most part young, and the fruit of superior quality, but it is seldom that more than half of it reaches New Zealand. During the orange season, when the steamer is really wanted at each and every island, it is found that she cannot do the work required. The result is that some islands must suffer, and Atiu and Mauke are neglected. The Atiu people suffer from the fact that they have not made any progress towards civilisation during the last forty years. They are still savages, and the Arikis are supreme. In the case of Mauke I had a sound excuse for ordering that all the lands should be surveyed, for the people of that island were always quarrelling; but in Atiu the chiefs and Arikis govern with a strong hand, and if there be quarrels they are hidden from me. The people are used to submission ; and even though I may induce the chiefs to have the tribal boundaries surveyed, it will be of little benefit to the lower ranks of the people, in whose fortunes I am most concerned. For , these reasons I do not expect any immediate improvement in the conditions of life at Atiu, though the island is large and fertile. The people are apt to be both childish and sulky, and believe that they can arbitrarily fix the price of island produce. Last year they were at least 50 tons short of the usual supply of copra. They simply refused to use the nuts they had because the high prices of the early part of the season were not maintained, and by some process of reasoning, entirely their own, they considered that they had been injured by this fact—indeed, that it was the result of some combination against them. With such a people argument is impossible, for they are not open to instruction; but time will work wonders, and Rarotonga will be the object-lesson. The prosperity of this last-named island is so obvious that the other islands are inquiring into the cause thereof, and already the Atiuans have formed companies to work and plant their land —a very satisfactory arrangement, for it is in keeping with their old customs. Aitutaki. As to this island, but little need be said; it is satisfactory in every sense. The people are free, bold, and democratic in their bearing, and the Arikis have long since lost all power. The island is small but very fertile, and the production of copra is the chief industry. There will never be a large export of bananas from this island, by reason of the very dry winter season, but in the matter of copra it is easily first in the group, and the oranges are second only to those of Atiu and Mauke. In this island the people have few wants, and know how to help themselves; they are, moreover, under the direction of a very able Resident Agent, Mr. J. C. Cameron. The Health of the Islands. The Polynesian of all men has the least possible hold on life, and his capacity for dying under the smallest provocation has been noted by the missionaries as a race-characteristic from the earliest times. Other races of men have perhaps decreased in a similar manner, but in those cases definite and understandable causes may be assigned for the decrease, such as repeated epidemics of small-pox or other dangerous disease; but for the decrease of the Polynesian no such reasons can b-3 assigned, for the worst that he has had to meet has been an epidemic of measles. The Rev. John Williams tells us that in 1823 the population of the Cook Group was about 14,000. At the present day, including strangers, it is only 6,700. In 1843 the Rev. W. Gill describes the position with more detail, and says that in that year there were 10,250 people in the group, of whom 3,600 adults and 4,300 children attended the Mission schools. In the year 1827 the Mission estimated the population of Rarotonga at 6,000. In 1843 it had fallen to 3,300, and in that year there were 435 deaths to 100 births. This decrease in the population has gone on steadily, so that at the present time the Native-born Rarotongans do not exceed 1,550 of all ages and sexes. It is only within the last twelve years that this appalling death-rate has in a measure been arrested, and brought within moderate bounds; but the deaths are still liable to exCeed the births, and the ye&r 1907 is the worst that we have experienced for some time. The following are the vital statistics that I have beer, able to obtain. Mauke and Mitiaro. although warned, have not sent in the returns required: —-

11

Name of Island. Births. Deaths. Marriages. Population. Rarotonga Aitutaki .. Mangaia .. Penrhyn .. Manihiki .. Rakalianga Atiu 83 46 62 11 r» r s f 25 89 42 r 62 ' 23,' \ 15 1 41 16 22 5 2 4 11 2,441 1,162 1,531 420 521 352 918 Total 243 287 101 7,345

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The average of 39 deaths per thousand is not only appalling, but absolutely unnecessary, and avoidable to a certain extent. The Ariki families have inbred to such a degree that they are for the most part incapable of reproduction, and they'must and will die out, in accordance with the inflexible laws of nature; but there is no reason why most of the people should not live out the natural span of man's life, provided always that the relatives will keep the tohunga out of the house, and call in the doctor before it is too late. The whole difficulty of the situation lies in the fact that the Government may provide an efficient medical service, and the Natives may —as they once did in New Zealand —refuse to avail themselves of such service. From certain remarks made in the Parliament of New Zealand during the session of 1907 1 gather that it was believed that the Government of that colony might have done much towards improving the health of the inhabitants of the Cook and Northern Islands. My experience, gained during a residence of ten years among these people, gives me no ground to hope that any action the Government might take would be beneh'eial to the N atives, who are, without exception, the most cruel and callous people towards their sick relatives that can be found at the present day. If you should ask the question as to whether the sick person has been fed, they will tell you that he has not, and that it was unnecessary to feed him, as he was sure to die. They are both obstinate and superstitious, and cling to their old methods and tohungas. A knowledge of the circumstances under which these people live would justify the belief that they ought to be the healthiest people in the world. They have certainly the finest climate in the Pacific, and their villages are built on the dry coral strand open to the sea-breeze. Their houses, as a rule, are superior to those of the New Zealand farmer, for they are built on a platform of lime and coral impervious to damp, and the walls are of the same material. The rooms are seldom less than 20 ft. square, and the only weak point is the iron roof; but even this fault is neutralised by the habits of the people, who for the most part live during the day on the shady side of the house, under the verandah. As for the food of the Polynesian, it is of the healthiest, being mostly fruit or vegetables—viz., taro, plantain, breadfruit, and kumara, the kinaki being fish, and occasionally pork. Notwithstanding all these advantages of climate, good houses, and healthy food, the deathrate is apt to exceed that of the births, and this is the case even when we can point to no special epidemic to account for the abnormal number of deaths. The true solution of this unfortunate condition may not be ignored. In introducing Christianity and civilisation to this ignorant and superstitious people we have also introduced the seeds of certain diseases previously unknown to Polynesia—diseases that are scarcely considered dangerous to life by Europeans, but which will, under certain circumstances, carry off 30 per cent, of the inhabitants of any one of these islands. That which the Maori really requires we are unable to give him—namely, a European constitution, tried and hardened by familiarity with many diseases during the past five hundred years, and by which we have acquired something like immunity. We are the survival of the fittest; the Maori has not reached that position. As for the tohunga, he is as dangerous to the well-being of the people of the Cook Islands as he has been in New Zealand for any time d.uring the last fifty years, and in either place he will not easily be suppressed, for the simple reason that the Maori has more faith in the tohunga than in the doctor. There are certain aspects of the Maori mind most difficult to deal with. For instance, if the first dose of medicine does not effect an immediate cure, it is no good, and he will have no more of it. Again, he cannot see that the food he is eating can have any connection with, or effect on, the malady from which he suffers, and therefore, if his complaint be dj'sentery, he will continue to eat taro or unripe mangoes, and his wife will neglect to cook him proper food, because she cannot see the necessity for so doing. The point which I wish to make clear is this : The Government can do nothing; but the doctor can do almost anything if the people have confidence in him. If he has personal influence he may do as Dr. G. Craig and Dr. Pomare have done; both of these gentlemen were listened to and obeyed. The Natives do not want professional ability in their doctor so much as firmness of character, and above all things good address. If he has not the latter the Natives will not go near him. The present Medical Officer of the Cook Islands is most unpopular by reason of a bad or gruff manner, and, as a natural consequence, the Natives will either neglect to call him in, or, if they do call upon him, it will only be when the patient is in extremis. Lbpkosy. The Native members of the London Mission have evidently been selected by fate as the special victims of this loathsome disease. In my last report I mentioned that loane, the teacher of Tukao, in the Island of Manihiki, had been isolated as a leper. This man has since died, and his family, who had lived with him in the same house, are under careful supervision. Since then a young missionary who had been brought from Penrhyn and placed as a teacher at Tauhou (Manihiki) found that he was a leper, and reported the fact to our agent, Mr. Williams. This young man Te Maari behaved exceedingly well in this matter, for he alone of all of the infected people has insisted on his own isolation, and shown some regard for the danger to others— name.iy, the danger of any infected person being at large. The whole family have now left for their own home in the French island of Rurutu. I may remark that the Government agents in charge of the Northern Islands receive no assistance from the Natives in stamping out this terrible disease; they will if possible hide any case they may know of from the Government officer, and connive at sly visits made by relatives to afflicted men. The man and woman whom I reported last year as living isolated at Aitutaki are cle&rly not lepers, but suffering from a peculiar skin-disease, and may with advantage to the general public remain in isolation.

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The great want of the Island of Aitutaki has hitherto been the want of running or fresh water, and this fact we have of late attempted to remedy by building tanks, and have expended some £200 in this way, but at least another £200 will be required for the same purpose before we can hope to cure the unpleasant skin-diseases of this island, an ailment that will disappear when the Polynesian, who is naturally cleanly, is provided with fresh water. While on this subject I may mention that a splendid water-supply from the mountains has been laid on to the Villages of Avarua and Avatiu, and 120 houses connected therewith, to the great benefit of the people. The craving for strong drink, which would seem to be a Polynesian characteristic, has been exhibited in a very singular manner during the year. The people would seem to have become dissatisfied with the ordinary bush beer, whether made from the orange, banana, or pine-apple, and were fast becoming confirmed drinkers of scent. I suspect that a special brand of scent has been manufactured for their benefit, otherwise I find it difficult to account for the wholesale consumption of florida water, Bay rum, and other abominations of the same nature, which was disclosed by the fact that one firm imported 288 11 oz. bottles by one trip of the steamer, it being well known that a Native does not require bay rum for his hair. Previous to the arrival of this shipment my attention had been called to the increasing import of scents and hair-wash, and the matter was referred to New Zealand, with the result that an Order in Council has been issued restricting this infamous traffic. In conclusion, I may say that though the Government can do but little towards improving the health of the islands, other than is now being done by the conservation or distribution of pure water, yet my suggestion that another doctor should be stationed for a month at a time on the outlying islands during six months in each year may be worthy of consideration. The residence of a medical officer on these outlying islands would help to break in the people to the European mode of treating disease. So far as can be ascertained, the leprosy of the Northern Islands is not increasing, but a closer knowledge and inspection by a medical man who is not in a hurry to leave may disclose that there is more of this disease than we have now reason to suspect. My remark that the Natives of Rarotonga will not call in the present Medical Officer in serious cases until the patient is beyond all treatment must not be misunderstood; they do not reflect on that officer's professional attainments: the Natives simply do not like his manner, and take this method nf showing their feelings. The Government Schooner. I have the honour to submit herewith the balance-sheet of the working account of the schooner " Countess of Ranfurly ": — Receipts. Expenditure. £ s. d. . £ s. d. Freights ... .. . . .. 439 16 6 Wages . . .. .. .. 536 17 2 Passengers fares , . . . . .. 167 13 0 Provisions . . .. .. .. 213 12 7 Special charters .. .. .. 403 0 0 Outfit and repairs . . .. .. 198 3 3 Miscellaneous . . .. .. .. 162 9 7 Benzine .. .. .. .. 147 10 0 Office-expenses .. .. .. 65 7 4 Claims . . . . .. .. 10 18 1 Bad debts .. . . .. . . 13 7 1,010 9 6 Loss .. .. .. .. 325 12 1 £1,336 1 7 £1,336 1 7 As this vessel was sold and delivery given by the Government of New Zealand on the 28th October, 1907, there is no need to compare her earnings or expenditure for the past year with those of previous years. The loss on the working of the schooner for the past year is shown above. It is not a serious amount, but it is undoubtedly a relief to the local Administration to be free from the annual loss. At the same time, had we met with the support that might have been accorded to us, I should never have recommended the sale of the schooner; but as it is, it will be as well that certain trading firms should realise to the full what the loss of the only independent trading boat will mean to them. We have now reverted to the old monopoly, a condition of affairs that cannot be allowed to continue for any length of time, and must eventually result in a subsidised steamer. The oil-engine is an absolute and expensive fraud, except when loading cargo on the edge of a reef. The item "Miscellaneous expenditure" includes the fares of the Native crew from Auckland to the Cook Island and claims for breach of contract, the agent having engaged that the schooner should return again to the islands, a contract that was broken by the sale of the boat. Education. I am unable to recommend that the Government of New Zealand should take any part in the education of the Native children. The local Government can afford to do all that is necessary outside the efforts of the several denominations. I have, moreover, ascertained from the Mission that Mr. Hall, late master of Tereora, is returning to that school, and, as he is a.man eminently capable and believed in by the Natives, we shall have an advanced educational establishment equal

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to our jequirements in every respect. For the last two years this training school of the London Missionary Society has been under the Rev. Mr. James, and has been kept up to its usual high standard, and in the future will train any teachers of village schools we may require. It may well be asked, For what possible purpose are we educating these boys? In their own islands and for island purposes they are invaluable, but there is little, if any, opening for educated boys. Tereora will turn out seven or eight boys each year who may be fit for minor billets, such as teachers or salesmen in stores; but not more than half of these will obtain the employment that their education has fitted them for. The educated boy despises the work of a planter, his true work, and for this reason the sole result of education in these islands will be dissatisfaction among those who are unable to find the employment that they desire. If we teach the boys trades there is no opening for them here, where we have three blacksmiths and wheelwrights, and their only opening would be New Zealand, where they would speedily become drunken loafers. I have never known nor heard of a people more wanting in moral stamina than these islanders. They do not understand the necessity for self-denial or self-restraint, and therefore to educate such men above the resources of the islands would be little short of criminal. The boys" are not wanting in ability, but from our point of view they are both dishonest and untruthful. When they have by race-contact obtained a stiffening of European blood they may be capable of using the education given to them; but the pure and unadulterated Native of the South Seas is a self-indulgent animal, and after an experience of nine years I have neither respect for his character nor hope for his future. The education he receives outside of Tereora is not a bad one for his condition of life: he learns to read his Bible in Maori, and to sing hymns, and I do not think that the Mission ever intended he should learn more than this. The result is that he is perfectly contented and happy, and if he wants to learn English he goes as house-boy to some European family, and in a very short time learns enough for his purpose. The present system of education outside of Tereora is not in any way suitable to a place like New Zealand; but it does suit these islands, and the people must reach a much higher plane than they now occupy before the sytem need be changed. Public Works. In my report for the year 1906 there is a detailed return of all expenditure on public works to the date of that report, amounting to the sum of £6,031 17s. lid. Two items of Mangaian expenditure had, however, been omitted—viz., cargo-shed, £138 3s. 10d.; and Courthouse fittings, £6 16s. id. —and adding to these sums the expenditure set forth in my report for the year 1907—namely, £2,791 18s. Id.—the total disbursement on account of public works to the 31st March, 1907, amounted to £8,968 16s. 2d. The expenditure for the present year has been as follows: — £ s. d. Iron reinforcements, Avarua and Avatiu Bridges ... ... 83 12 1 Water-supply, Rarotonga ... ... ... ... 1,415 3 9 Creek-walls and bathing-tank, Avarua ... ... ... 184 2 10 Detached kitchen whare, Manuhiri ... ... ... ... 104 18 5 Concrete tanks, Aitutaki ... ... ... ... ... 87 14 4 Planting cocoanuts, Takutea Island ... ... .. ... 82 10 11 Material for Mangaian reef passage ... ... ... ... 58 11 7 Compensation on resumption of land (Karika) ... ... 100 0 0 Repairs to gaol, Mangaia ... ... ... ... ... 776 Blasting reef passage, Mauke ... ... ... ... 1000 Total ... ... ... ... ... ...£2,134 1 5 Total public works expenditure to date ... £11,102 17 7 The money absolutely expended to date on the Avarua water-supply is £1,914 16s. Bd. This is a large sum of money for a small group of islands to find out of ordinary revenue, but probably no greater blessing could have been conferred on the people, inasmuch as the well-water drawn from the shallow wells on the coral drift is no longer safe to drink. The villagers in the Avatiu Valley have not been connected with the supply, and I do not propose to carry out the connection unless they pay the whole cost, inasmuch as they are outside the original scheme, which included only the beach houses. With very little labour the Natives of Avatiu can carry their water from the terminal tap of the supply or can use the water from their wells, which are filled from the underground stream that flows through the shingle of the valleys. 120 houses have been connected with the supply, and pay a yearly rate of £1, and ther.e are probably eighty other houses who share the water from their friends' houses, and probably pay part of the rate. I attach the report of Mr. Connal, C.E., on this and similar subjects. Of the planting of Takutea but little remains to be done. Mr. Connal reports 179 acres as planted, and that 49 acres require attention, but of this some 13 acres are covered with thirty-year-old trees, and therefore only 35 acres now require planting. I do not propose to do anything on the island this year, as the small staff of reliable men at my disposal will all be occupied in surveying, blasting passages through reef, &c. One of the most useful works completed during the past year will be found under the heading of " Creek-walls, Avarua." Strong retaining walls of concrete have been erected on the banks of the two creeks of this village, partly with the intention of keeping the creeks within bounds, but

14

15

A.—3.

more especially with the object of turning the Avarua Stream, in order to prevent the discharge of shingle into the harbour of the same name. By the same operation a first-class bathing-pool of large extent has been created in the Vaikapuangi Stream, and will supply a long-felt want. Mr. Connal's report will show why the reef passage of Mangaia has not been commenced. Speaking generally of these very experimental works, I may say that I know of no single instance in which one of these artificial cuts has been a success. In most cases the experienced Natives avoid them altogether in bad or even rough weather, and it seems clear that we need not hope for success unless we follow the course indicated by Mr. Connal and approved by Mr. Coane. In such case the cost of each passage will not be less than £2,000. This sum of money may prove to be beyond our means except perhaps it be spent at the rate of £400 per annum, but in the meantime we will carry out the blasting operations, and save all of the coral rocks removed for future training walls. In these remote and barbarous islands, where civilisation has hardly commenced, there is much to be done, and every ridiculous little island believes itself to be the central point of the universe, and demands greater consideration than is shown to other islands, and is irritably jealous of everything done for other places or people. There are, however, certain works that are urgent, inasmuch as the health of the people or their trade may be prejudicially affected by not carrying out these requirements. The following works I. regard as coming within this definition: Two large tanks at Oneroa Mangaia, to catch rain-water; one more tank at Aitutaki ; drainage of the Avarua lagoon or swamp; concrete bridges, Karotonga; reef passage, Mangaia; reef passage, Mauke; reef passage, Atiu (most important, for this is a very fine island). These works must sooner or later be undertaken, but I do not intend to embarrass the island finances by undertaking more than we can comfortably pay for. Our public-works estimate for any year should not exceed £1,200 per annum. Revenue and Expenditure. Our surplus on the 31st March, 1907, was £3,424 os. 10d., and on the same date of the present year it had risen to £3,583 12s. 10d., after providing for the ordinary expenditure of the group, and the payment of no less than £2,134 Is. sd. on account of public works entered into and completed during the year. To our cash balance of £3,583 12s. 10d. must be added the outstanding fees of the Land Titles Court—viz., £1,511 3s. 10d. for work done but unpaid. Our true surplus is therefore £5,094 16s. Bd. This is a very satisfactory financial position, for I would point out that the public works of the group have not been neglected in order to provide this surplus. In the last eight years we have spent £11,102 in the acquisition of land or in useful works. The revenue actually collected (Form D) amounts to £6,349 6s. Id., and the expenditure (Form E) to £6,189 14s. Id. In the matter of public works, the expenditure largely exceeded the original estimate, but, thanks to the unexpected development of the revenue, we had not, as I had anticipated, to draw on our surplus to meet engagements. Financially we are not only sound but prosperous. Form F discloses the accounts in connection with the sale of liquor from the bond, and it is an interesting fact that very few people take advantage of their right to import their own liquor, but prefer to buy it as required direct from the bond, and this being the rule, the administration of the Act in the interests of temperance is a simple matter. In Forms G and H will be found the estimate of expenditure for the year 1908—9. In this estimate of ordinary expenditure there will be a few increases in order to provide a living-wage for those employed, but the amount required will be less than that of the previous year. In my report of last year, under the heading of Revenue and Expenditure (page 6 of parliamentary paper A-3, 1907, Cook and other Islands), the revenue, by a clerical error, has been given as £5,246 14s. lid. The correct amount is £5,046 14s. lid. The Island Courts. On the outlying islands where there are few, if any, Europeans, and the circumstances of the island do not require the presence of a Resident Agent, the so-called Arikis Court is the only tribunal for the punishment of offences or the redress of grievances. Even in a purely Native island this tribunal is unsatisfactory, but that there should be an Arikis Court in Rarotonga is, I think, absurd, and I submit that the time has now arrived when Makea should be told that the Arikis Court of Avarua is no longer required. There is a great deal of bush-beer drinking in this village, but I cannot find that the offenders are punished by Makea,, and if they are punished, they either do not pay their fines, or they may pay them to the Clerk of the Court. I have pointed out to the police that Makea has no jurisdiction to hear cases under the Licensing Act, but I know that these cases are still brought secretly before her. Drunkenness is the besetting sin of the Cook-Islanders, and the Licensing Act requires to be sternly administered; but this cannot possibly be done while the Avarua people come before Makea and the Arorangi offenders come before me. There are certain offenders that I have reason to know escape all punishment on account of their family, and in many respects the Arikis Court of Avarua is objectionable, and should be abolished. W. E. Gudgeon, Resident Commissioner.

A.—3.

(A.) Cook and other Islands Administration. Port of Rarotonga.-Return showing Value of Exports from Cook and Northern Islands during Year ended 31st December, 1907.

(B.) Cook and other Islands Administration. Port of Rarotonga.-Return of Imports for Year ended 31st December, 1907.

16

Quantity. Value. 0' ,■1,1 Article. Where exported. Fruit, fresh— Bananas New Zealand Oranges .. • • • ■ » Pineapples .. • • • ■ » Unenumerated ■ • •■• I » Coffee .. " Tahiti £ 75,295 cases 11,765 14,727 bchs. 1,145 12, 104,201 cases .. 18 , 5,352 „ •■ !> 143 „ 44,860 lb. 940 200 „ 4 £ 12,910 18,235 1,070 18 944 Copra • • • • • New Zealand . I United Kingdom .. Tahiti i "United States America | 238 tons 3,789 244 „ 3,682 38 „ 570 414 „ 7,450 15 : Candlenute | United Kingdom •.. Limejuice i New Zealand Cocoanuts .■ •• •• " . Pearl-shell .. • • • • United Kingdom .. .. ! Tahiti Kumeras and taro '.. ■ • j Zealand Hats .. • • • • • ■ " Cotton piece-goods .. •• -Niue Horses . Tahltl Cattle .. • • • ■ ■• „» „ , V Spices, unground (ginger) .. .. New Zealand 39 tons 5,840 gal. 71,550 23 tons 1,150 4 „ 200 2,447 cases 1 1 23 cwt. 15,491 234 438 306 1,350 360 150 20 17 12 23 £51,578 i ' Total Values. New Zealand United States of America United Kingdom Tahiti Niue 1907. 1906. . 38,239 " ... 7,450 5,066 803 20 Total ...£51,578 £45,925 Rarotonga, Cook Islands, 19th February, 1908. W. J. Stevenson, Collector of Customs.

Whence imported. Value. Total. Article. £ £ 254 Agricultural produce, not otherwise enumerated .. Animals, livingBirds New Zealand .. New South Wales Tahiti 3 10 10 >> 23 Horses New Zealand .. Tahiti 23 10 >> New Zealand .. 33 14 Sheep

17

A.-8

Cook and other Islands Administration — continued. Port of Rarotonga. — Return of Imports for Year ended 31st December, 1907 —continued.

3—A. 3.

710 Iβ, lence impon aJ hie. Total. f $ 9, Arms, ammunition, and explosives Apparel and slops 957 268 8 26 114 139 2 40 United Kingdom New South Wales Germany United States America.. Tahiti Tonga Maiden Island Arrowroot Bacon and hams Bags and sacks Tahiti ! New Zealand .. 1,554 49 72 New South Wales 580 15 Bamboo (for hat-making) Beer and stout Tahiti New Zealand United Kingdom 104 17 595 173 j> . . 121 66 Beverages, non-alcoholic Bicycles, and parts of same New Zealand .. .. ,. ,, New South Wales United States America.. 32 6 41 Biscuits New Zealand New South Wales 2,973 8 79 ,, 2,981 Blue New Zealand United Kingdom Tahiti .. 14 5 3 „ ., . , % .. New Zealand New South Wales United'States America.. 22 Boats 43 22 25 ;> •■• ,j 90 Boots and shoes New Zealand United Kingdom New South Wales Tahiti United States America.. 279 3 7 2 11 }j ' * • * * • j j * ■■ ■ ■ ,. Building-material, not otherwise enumerated New Zealand New South Wales United States America. . Tahiti 302 )) !' 246 19 4 11 )) " j) a Butter Carriages, carts, and materials for New Zealand 280 456 New South Wales Tahiti United States America.. 540 1 15 206 ?> JJ »» >> n " 762 123 Casks, empty Cement .. New Zealand .. 275 7 New South Wales 282 21 233 Coal ConfectioneryCordage and twine New Zealand .. ,, 295 8 25 105 ,, ... New South Wales Tahiti United States America.. j, .. ,, 433

A.- 3.

Cook and other Islands Administration— continued. Port of Rarotonga. — Return of Imports for Year ended 31st December, 1907 —continued.

18

;'c. le. Lence impori I lie. 'ota! Cotton piece-goods i? - ■ New Zealand United Kingdom New South Wales Germany United States America.. Tahiti £ 2,089 2,338 82 6 1,511 542 )? • ■ )> • • ») • ■ New Zealand United Kingdom New South Wales Germany ... Tahiti Maiden Island 6,56: Drapery 3,337 66 1 2 15 40 99 ,, Drugs and chemicals .. New Zealand Tahiti United States America.. 3,461 197 " 15 2 j> * ' I 21 Earthenware and glassware New Zealand New South Wales United States America.. 115 6 1 )j New Zealand United Kingdom New South Wales Tahiti United States America.. Germany 12: Fancy goods 404 156 7 36 86 28 »i • • )) • • )> • • 5) * * )> - 717 Fish, preserved » 5> New Zealand British Columbia Germany United States America.. Tahiti 498 92 18 257 29 )J ») J) ?) New Zealand New South Wales Tahiti United States America.. 89. Flour 1,617 10 170 740 ,j ,, Fruits, preserved New Zealand Victoria Tahiti United States America.. 2,537 52 • 5 4 9 >; )) )» >> Furniture New Zealand United Kingdom New South Wales Tahiti United States America.. 71 360 7 37 11 4 ,, JJ . . Hardware 419 ,, ,, . . . . New Zealand United Kingdom New South Wales Germany United States America.. Tahiti Maiden Island 1,206 47 34 10 83 66 40 ,, ,, it • • Hats New Zealand Niue New South Wales Tahiti 1,486 80 133 4 2 ., J? ' ' * ' I , 219

A.-3.

Cook and other Islands Administration— continued. Port of Rarotonga. — Return of Imports for Year ended 31st December, 1907 —continued.

19

Article. Whence imported. Value. Total. Hosiery ,, i> New Zealand United Kingdom Germany France Tahiti £ 99 161 24 83 70 £ Instruments, Musical . . New Zealand United Kingdom GermanyTahiti United States America.. 437 5? 57 •• 55 5) 41 12 10 10 5 5) 55 55 IS ■ ■ Iron bar, bolt, and rod ,, galvanised, corrugated New Zealand .. 976 96 45 78 48 5J 55 77 United Kingdom New South Wales 1,117 1,664 117 55 55 15 „ pipes .. ,, wire Jams New Zealand .. ,, New South Wales 54 2 56 ,, . . .... Machines, Sewing77 ») New Zealand New South Wales Tahiti United States America.. 122 24 89 329 55 55 55 55 Machinery Matches New Zealand .. 139 237 11 564 19 >> • ■ • • 55 Germany Tahiti 387 248 3,523 659 223 Meats, fresh .. . . New Zealand . . • ' „ preserved ,, salted Milk, preserved Nails >> ,, 55 55 Tahiti" United States America.. 537 5 35 : 577 Oars .. .. ... New Zealand New South Wales 71 2 Oil, kerosene, and benzine New Zealand New South Wales 664 20 73 55 >> 75 ,, not otherwise enumerated . . New Zealand New South Wales Tahiti 684 55 5J 134 16 4 ,5 J> 154 Onions New Zealand Tahiti 41 4 ,, New Zealand New South Wales United States America.. Tahiti 45 Paints and varnish ,, . . . . 177 17 7 35 55 • ' 55 236 Paper ,, New Zealand United Kingdom Tahiti 192 2 6 ,, Perfumery, not otherwise enumerated New Zealand United Kingdom Germany Tahiti 27 12 5 2 200 77 55 ;j 7) 97 77 46

A.—3.

Cook and other Islands Administration — continued. Port of Rarotonga. — Return of Imports for Year ended 31st December, 1907 —continued.

20

irticl Le. tence import Lue. 'otal 'hotographic goods 3 otatoes Provisions, not otherwise enumerated New Zealand .. £ 860 37 60 7 5 £ 10 74 )> )» )* >> 5) " * United Kingdom Victoria Tahiti United States America.. 969 >> " !) " rlice tt New Zealand United States America.. Tahiti 351 160 212 ,, . . . . . . . • saddlery and harness .. New Zealand Canada United States America.. Tahiti 723 »> 99 57 66 3 225 21 ,, ,, kit Jilka New Zealand I ,, - - >> • • United Kingdom New South Wales France Tahiti 77 65 5 7 28 182 joap ,, New Zealand New South Wales Tahiti 752 8 10 ,, Specie—Gold Spirits— Brandy • New Zealand .. 770 600 United Kingdom 7 18 . 25 j, . . . . Geneva New Zealand Tahiti 8 1 9 Rum New Zealand Tahiti 10 3 ,, • • • . New Zealand United Kingdom Tahiti 13 Whisky 171 31 3 Methylated Perfumed .. P"» New Zealand United Kingdom New Zealand Tahiti 205 2 48 40 20 108 ,, , . Stationery and books .. New Zealand New South Wales 151 11 ,, New Zealand Tahiti 162 Sugar 1,282 60 ,, .. Panics, iron .. si New Zealand New South Wales Tahiti 1,342 39 28 3 New Zealand United Kingdom Tahiti 70 Pea 67 5 2 ,, . . . . - . • . 74 4,882 Cimber—Fruit-box „ sawn, dressed, and undressed .. New Zealand .. 1,583 321 1 ») )5 )» i> 3) United States America.. New South Wales )) j) ->y >> 1,905

A.—3.

Cook and other Islands Administration— continued. Port of Rarotonga. — Return of Imports for Year ended 31st December, 1907 —continued.

Total Values. 1907. 1906. £ £ New Zealand ... ... . ... ... 39,289 United States of America .. . . .. ... 4,360 United Kingdom ... ... ... ... • ~= 3,439 Tahiti ... ... ... ... ... .. 2,087 New South Wales ... ... ... . . . 630 Germany ... ... ... ... .. ... 366 Niue .. ... ..: ... ... . 133 Maiden Island ... ... ... ... .. 120 British Columbia ... ... ... ... ... 92 France ... ... ... ... ... ... 90 Victoria . ... .. ... ... .-. 65 Canada . . ... ... .. ... ... 57 Hong Kong ... ... .. . . .. 26 Tonga ... ... ... ... .■.' .. 2 £50,756 £41,437 W. J. Stevenson, Rarotonga, Cook Islands, 19th February, 1908. Collector of Customs.

21

tic] le. lence importei lue. Tola: Tobacco New Zealand New South Wales United States America.. Tahiti £ 266 68 131 7 £ ,) >j 472 Cigars and cigarettes . . New Zealand Tahiti 11 6 j) • • 17 Tools )s New Zealand United Kingdom New South Wales Tahiti United States America.. 136 20 24 40 61 New Zealand New South Wales Hong Kong Tahiti. .. United States America. . 281 Trunks 55 2 26 20 14 Wines— Claret United States America.. Tahiti 117 26 52 78 if . . Port New Zealand United Kingdom 49 14 63 11 j) Sparkling Woodenware >> • • New Zealand Tahiti 119 2 ,, Miscellaneous, not otherwise enumerated New Zealand New South Wales United States America.. Tahiti 141 65 121 )' 5) >> >> >) >) 1 45 252 £50,756

A.—3.

0.

Cook and other Islands Administration.

W. J. Stevenson, Barotonga, 23rd January, 1908. Collector of Customs.

Cook and other Islands Administration. Revenue for the Year ended 31st March, 1908. £ s. d. £ s. d. Balance, Ist April, 1907 ... ... ... ... ... ... 3,424 0 10 Customs duties ... ... ... . ... ... 2,774 2 0 Traders' licenses ... .. ... ... ... . 437 5 0 Sale of stamps ... ... ... ... ... 190 0 0 Fees and fines, High Court ... ... ..'. .. ... 195 10 0 ~ Resident Magistrate's Court, Aitutaki .. .. 91 9 6 ~ ~ Mangaia . . .. 74 3 0 Arikis' Court ... ... ... . . .. 49 11 9 Fees, Land Titles Court ... ... ... ... .. 621 14 11 Shipping fees ... ... .. ... ..-. 3 110 Rents ... ... ... .. .. 129 4 0 Interest on fixed deposits aud debentures ... 96 0 0 Water-rates ... ... ... ... 45 10 0 Sale of material ... .. ... . .. .. 878 Cash profit from sale of wines and spirits .. ... ... 40 8' 2 4,756 7 10 Received from New Zealand Government—Customs duties collected in that colony during year ended 31st March, 1907 ... ... ... 1,515 14 5 Received from Niue Administration —Subsidy in aid of Government schooner, 1906-7 ... ... . . ...' ... ... 77 310 £9,773 6 li Rarotonga, Cook Islands, 4th April, 1908. W. J. Stevenson, Treasurer. The books and accounts of the Treasurer, Collector of Customs, and Postmaster have been audited and found correct. —Perot Brown, Auditor, 13th April, 1908.

22

l .urn s. .owing txpor, rom eac Ian too am 'or, xrn Mill luring Bam mas. CD © a s o S d q a 1 o O g o o Q U 5? 3 3 '6 Karotonga Aitutaki Mangaia Atiu Mauke .. Mitiaro Manuae Penrhyn Manihiki Rakahanga Pakapuka Palmerston Suwarrow Cases. 63,796 251 11,248 Bohes. i 14,727 Gases. 51,921 12,455! 14,459: 13,762 10,904 700 Cases. 1,571 I 2,082 J 1,699, Cases. 121 13 9 Cases. Number 59 39,600 361 16,275 2,352 15,675 lib. 8,100 26,900 5,160 4,900 Tor ) ) .. ) 3 ) .. Tons 3 ■ Tons. 191 244 67 41 68 60 43 . 59 53 58 12 36 2 Galls. 5,300 540 Tons. 36 .. , ■A3 Tot ila 1907 75,295 14,727 104,201 86,220 5,353; 143 2,447 71,550 10,168 61,440 4o,C60 39 104,300 60 934 5,840 4 27 Totals 1906 72,430 13,954 4,777 304 948 7,180 03

A.-3.

(E.) Cook and other Islands Administration. Expenditure for Year ended 31st March, 1908.

Rarotonga, Cook Islands, 6th April, 1908. W. J. Stevenson, Treasurer. 4 The. books and accounts of the Treasurer, Collector of Customs, and Postmaster have been audited and found correct. —Percy Brown, Auditor, 13th April, 1908.

23

iervice. ,xpen< 1. Salary, Medical and Health Officer 2. Hospital supplies and attendance 3. Island allowance, Collector of Customs 4. Contingent expenditure, High Court, and prisoners' food 5. Salary, Registrar Land Titles and High Courts 6. ,, Civil Engineer and Surveyor 7. ,, Draughtsman, Survey Department 8. ,, Cadets (2), Survey Department 9. ,, Secretary, Interpreter, and Government Printer 10. ,, Chief of Federal Government and Judge of Arikis' Court 11. ,, Vice-President, Federal Council 12. Subsidy, Tereora School .. . . .. 13. „ Aitutaki Island Council .. 14. ,, In aid of cool-chamber 15. Police, Rarotonga, £30 ; High Court policeman, £24 16. Clerks of Arikis' Court, Rarotonga, £10 and £5 17. Rents of Wharf, £5 ; Section 10, £14 ; Post-office, £8 15s ; Sections 2 and 3, £10 18. Contingent expenditure 19. Salary, Resident Agent, Penrhyn Island 20. „ „ Aitutaki ,, 21. ,, „ Mangaia ,, 22. ,, ,, Manihiki and Rakahanga 23. Subsidy—Pilot-boat, Aitutaki, £10 ; canoe, Mangaia, £5 24. Native Assessors (3), Aitutaki 25. Police, Aitutaki 26. Assessors (2), Mangaia, £16 ; police, Mangaia, £25 27. Postmasters— Atiu, £6 ; Mauke, £3 ; Mitiaro, £3 .. 28. Clerks of Courts—Atiu, £4 ; Mauke, £3 ; Mitiaro, £3 29. Native Assessors—Atiu, £8 ; Mauke, £5 ; Mitiaro, £5 30. Police—Atiu, £6 ; Mauke, £4 ; Mitiaro, £4 31. Subsidy, destruction of flying-fox 32. Travelling-expenses, Land Titles Court 33. Auditors' fee, 1906-7 .. .. 34. Subsidy, in aid of Government schooner 35. Upkeep, whare manuhiri 36. Water-supply, Rarotonga 37. Iron reinforcements, Avarua and Avatra Bridges, Rarotonga 38. Creek-wall, Avarua 39. New kitchen, whare manuhiri 40. Concrete tanks, Aitutaki 41. Planting cocoanuts, Takutea 42. Reef-passage, Mangaia 43. Compensation for land taken under section 3 of Act, 1904 44. Tarekareka " Countess of Ranfurly " Purchase Account, third instalment £ s. d. 350 0 0 150 0 0 50 0 0 100 0 0 300 0 0 300 0 0 60 0 0 80 0 0 140 0 0 100 0 0 20 0 0 200 0 0 50 0 0 75 0 0 54 0 0 15 0 0 37 15 0 £ s. d. 350 0 0 109 7 4 50 0 0 68 15 0 300 0 0 262 10 0 60 0 0 80 0 0 140 0 0 100 0 0 20 0 0 200 0 0 50 0 0 75 0 0 54 0 0 15 0 0 27 15 0 250 0 0 175 0 0 200 0 0 200 0 0 20 0 0 15 0 0 15 0 0 29 0 0 41 0 0 12 0 0 10 0 0 18 0 0 14 0 0 50 0 0 200 0 0 20 0 0 400 0 0 50 0 0 900 0 0 83 12 1 80 0 0 100 0 0 75 0 0 110 0 0 200 0 0 100 0 0 100 0 0 223 18 11 175 0 0 200 0 0 200 0 0 20 0 0 15 0 0 15 0 0 29 0 0 35 0 0 12 0 0 10 0 0 18 0 0 ]5 2 3 46 10 3 269 18 4 20 0 0 404 11 10 1,415 3 9 83 12 1 184 2 10 104 18 5 87 14 4 82 10 11 58 11 7 100 0 0 100 0 0 301 11 3 Balance, being investments, cash in hand, &c. 5,549 i 7 1 * 6,189 14 1 3,583 12 10 * Includes £103 10s., the property of Niue 'Administration on account of " Countess oi Ranfurly " Ins' irance Fund.

A.-3

24

(F.) Cook and other Islands Administration Statement of Liquor Account for Year ended Slst March, 1908. £ s. a. £ s. d. Stock on hand Ist April, 1907 . . .. 38 12 11 By Sales .. .. .. .. 383 16 2 Supplies .. . . .. .. 188 10 10 Stock on hand 31st March, 1908 .. . . 65 3 1 Bottling . . . . .. 13 10 0 Freight . . . . .. . . 9 17 8 Duty .. .. .... .. 131 9 6 Balance .. .. .. 66 18 4 £448 19 3 . £448 19 3 Profit and Loss Account. ' £ s. d. £ s. d To Stock . . .. . . 65 3 1 By Balance Ist April, 1907 .. . . 38 12 11 Profit transferred to General Revenue] .. 40 8 2 „ Slst'March.'JQOS .. . . 66 18 4 £105 11 3 £105 11 3 Rarotonga, Cook Islands, 4th April, 1908. W. J. Stevenson, Treasurer. Audited and found correct. —Percy Brown, Auditor, 13th April, 1908.

(6.) Cook and other Islands Administration. Estimate of Expenditure for Year ending Slst March, 1909. Service. Amount i. s. d. 1. Medical and Health Officer ... ... ..: ... ... ... 350 0 0 2. Hospital supplies and attendance ... ... ... ... ... 175 0 0 3. Island allowance, Collector of Customs ... ... ... ... ... 50 0 0 4. Contingent expenditure, High Court, including prisoners ... ... ... 100 0 0 5. Registrar Land Titles and High Court ... ..'. ... ... ... 300 0 0 6. Civil Engineer and Surveyor (half time) ... ... ... ... ... 150 0 0 7. Draughtsman, Survey Department ... ... ... ... ... 75 0 0 8. Surveyor (Native boy from Tereora School) ... ... ... ... 70 0 0 9. Two cadets, one at £60, and one at .£35 ... ~ ... ..." ... 95 0 0 10. Secretary, Interpreter, and Government Printer '... ... ... ... 175 0 0 11. Chief of the Federal Government ... ... ... .. ... ... 100 0 0 12. Vice-President of Council ... ... ... .. ... ... 20 0 0 13. Subsidy in aid of food for children, Araura School ... ... ... 50 0 0 14. ~ cool-chamber ... ... ... ... ... ... 100 0 0 15. Police, Rarotonga, £30; High Court policeman, £24 ... ... ... 54 0 0 16. Clerks of Arikis' Courts, Rarotonga, £10 and £5 ... ... .. ... 15 0 0 17. Subsidy, Tereora School ... ... ... ... ... ... 200 0 0 18. Rents —Wharf, £5; Section 10, £14; Post-office site, £8 15s. ... ... 27 15 0 19. Contingent expenditure ... ... ... ... .. ... 250 0 0 20. Resident Agent, Penrhyn ... ... ... ... ... ... 200 0 0 21. ~ Aitutaki ... ... ... ... ... ... 200 0 0 22. ~ Mangaia ... ... ... ... ... ... 200 0 0 23. ~ Manihiki and Rakahanga ... ... ... ... 50 0 0 24. Subsidy—Pilot-boat, Aitutaki, £10; canoe, Mangaia, £5 ... ... ... 15 0 0 25. Three Native Assessors, Aitutaki ... ... ... ... ... ... 15 0 0 26. Police, Aitutaki ... .... ... ... "... ... ... 29 0 0 27. Two Assessors, Mangaia, £10; police, Mangaia, £29 ... ... ... 39 0 0 28. Postmasters, Atiu, £6; Mauke,"£3; Mitiaro, £3 ... ... ... ... 12 0 0 29. Clerks of Court —Atiu, £4; Mauke, £3 ; Mitiaro, £3 ... ... ... 10 0 0 30. Assessors—Atiu, £8; Mauke, £5; Mitiaro, £5 ... ... ... ... 18 0 0 31. Police—Atiu, £6; Mauke, £6; Mitiaro, £4 ... ... ... ... 16 0 0 32. Bonus for the destruction of flying-fox ... ... ... ... ... 50 0 0 33. Travelling-expenses, Land Titles Court ... ... ... ... ... 200 0 0 34. Assistant printer ' ... ... ... ... ... .. ... 30 0 0 35. Carrying mails to outlying islands ... ... ... ... ... 10 0 0 £3,450 15 0 (H.) Public Works Estimate. 1. Two concrete bridges, Rarotonga .. .. ■ ... ... ... 300 0 0 2. ~ tanks, Mangaia ... ... ... ... ... ... 120 0 0 3. Reef-passage, Mangaia ... ... ... ... ... .. ... 250 0 0 4. Drainage of Avarua Lagoon .. .'.. ... , . . ... 200 0 0 5. Tank at Aitutaki ... ... ... ... ... ... ... 60 0 0 6. Resumption of land ... ... ... ... ... ... ... 200 0 0 £1,130 0 0 £ s. d. General estimates, 1906-7 ... ... ... ... 4,260 5 0 1905-6 ... ... ... .. 3,689 5 0 1907-8 ... ... .. ... 3,902 15 0 W. E. Gudgeon, Resident Commissioner.

A.—3.

Cook and other Islands Administbation. Details of Item 1/., Contingent Expenditure, high Court, 1907-8. £ 8. d. Travelling-expenses ... ... ... ... ... ... ... 11 17 0 Salary, constable and bailiff, Rarotonga ... ... ... ... ... 900 ~ Judge, High Court, Mangaia ... ... ... ... ... ... 10 0 0 ~ policeman, High Court, Mangaia ... ... ... ... ... 6 0 0 Passages, prisoners ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... 3100 Food for prisoners ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... 1810 Stationery ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... 120 Buggy-hire ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... 050 Bonus, police ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... 900 £68 15 0 (J.) Details of Item 82, Travelling and other Expenses, Land Titles Court. £ s. d. Travelling-expenses ... ... ... ... ... ... ... 47 7 6 Travelling-allowance, Chief Judge ... ... ... ... ... ... 100 0 0 Stationery ... ... ... ... ... ... ..." ... 809 Buggy-hire ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... 6 4 0 Theodolite ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... 25 0 0 Survey material ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... 2 18 10 Repairs to tools ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... 140 Labour ... ... ... ... .. ..: ... ... ... 79 3 3 £269 18 4 Rarotonga, Cook Islands, 7th April, 1908. W. J. Stevenson, Treasurer.

(K.) Cook and other Islands Administration. Details of Item 18, Contingent Expenditure, 1907-8. £ s. d. Benevolent assistance, J. Hood ... ... ... ... ... ~ 1810 J. Snow ... ... ... ... ... ... 9 3 6 Printing-office, labour ... ... .. .. ... ... .. 19 8 0 Stationery ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... 40 7 7 Boatmen, Health Officer ... .. ... ... ... .. ... 3 14 0 'Tide-waiter, H.M. Customs ... .. ... ... ... ... ... 14 4 0 Flags ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... 5 8 0 Cost of collecting Customs duties in New Zealand .. ... .. ... 20 11 9 Post-office, lighting ... ... ... ... ... ... ... 0 5 6 Fencing land, Tutakimoa ... ... ... ... ... ... ... 012 0 Moorings, Avarua Harbour ... ... .. .. ... ... ... 100 Tools and material ... .. ... ... .. ... ... ... 409 Part cost beacons, Avarua Harbour ... .. .. ... ... ... 182 Typewriting ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... 110 Atiu dancers, part passage-money ... .. ... ... ... ... 500 Food, lepers, Penrhyn Island ... ... ... ... ... ... 500 Freight on seeds ... ... ... ... ... .. ... ... 050 Drain, whare rnanuhiri ... ... ... ... ... ... ... 0 10 6 Salary, extra cadet ... ... ... ... ... .. ... ... 1124 Travelling-expenses ... ... ... ... ... .. ... 5100 Clock, Post-office, Mangaia ... ... ... ... ... .. ... 0176 Repairs, Government Buildings, Mangaia .. ... . . ... ... 24 14 9 ~ kitchen, whare manuhiri ... ... ... ... ... ... 1 14 6 Ngatipa ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... 319 6 ~ Medical Officer's residence ... ... ... ... ... ... olβ 8 ~ Collector of Customs' residence ... ... ... ... ... 19 0 Health Officer's boat ... ... ... ... ... ... 1 14 0 ~ Post-office clock ... .. ... ... ... ... ... 030 Office alterations ... ... .. ... ... ... ... ... 1111 Freight on rain-gauges .. ... .. ... ... ... ... 0 4 6 Furniture, whare manuhiri ... ... ... ... ... .. ... 1140 Mauke Reef, labour ... ... ... ... ... .. ... 10 0 0 Gaol, Mangaia ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ■■■ 7 7 6 Police uniform, material ... ... ... ... ... ... ■■■ 0 19 10 £223 18 11 Rarotonga, Cook Islands, 7th April, 1908. W. 5. Stevenson, Treasurer.

4—A. 3,

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Report of Engineer for Public Works. Sic, — Public Works Department, Rarotonga, 15th April, 1908. I have the honour to submit my report on public works for the year 1907. I have, &c, H. M. Connal, -Engineer. Report on Fublie Works for 1907. Creek-walls. —In the settlement of Avarua the two main creeks have had a certain amount of concrete walling done, and, if funds will permit, this work might be continued during 1908, especially the part of Vaikapuangi Creek at the whare manuiri. Beef-passages. —Little has been done in the way of reef-passages. As you are aware, the difficulty has been to obtain the dynamite from New Zealand by the steamer, as the steamer is only permitted to carry one case of 50 lb. per trip, and, as Tahiti has also to be supplied, we have only been able to obtain a few cases, which have been stored at Mangaia for this year's work, when we hope to make a start on the Mangaia passage. As you are aware, to make a success of any reefpassage, it will have to be walled in to stop the sea on the sides and back. During a visit of Mr. Coane, a Victorian civil engineer well acquainted with island work, I had a conversation with him on this matter, and he quite agrees with me that any small reef-passage without the walls would be useless. The reefs are by no means soft coral, being fairly hard. At any rate, by the little experience I had at the Island of Mauke last August, 1 found that we had not much difficulty in putting down holes of 6 ft. in depth with drills, which I consider sufficient in most places; but the drilling-machines sent from New Zealand were of no use on the hard coral. On soft coral I dare say one of them might do. We have all the appliances at Mangaia to make a start except sufficient dynamite, or, rather, gelignite. I told Mr. Coane about the difficulty we had in obtaining gelignite by steamer, and he had got over that difficulty by using rack-a-rock, the American explosive, as steamers carry for him the cartridges one trip and the oil the next—the two separate are harmless. I have written to New Zealand on this point, but as yet have not received an answer. Avarua Water-supply. —We have carried the water now down as far as Avatiu, and supplied each house requiring water by pipes 2 in. in diameter as the main. The original intention was to have pipes of 4 in. in diameter of cast-iron or wood, and we only meant to supply water close to the end of the 6 in. main pipe, with the 2 in. pipes as a temporary arrangement until we could get the 4 in. pipes imported for us; but the people were so anxious to get water at once that we went on with the 2 in. pipes to Avatiu. With a little care in the use of the water the 2 in. pipes may be sufficient for some years. If the supply is found to be too small, we might make use of the 2 in. pipes for another settlement, and put in the pipes of 4 in. in diameter. It would not be a very great work to change the pipes; only the service connections would cause a little trouble. The water in the eastern direction has also been carried as far as Mr. Shearman's house by pipes 2 in. in diameter, where 4 in. pipes were meant for the same reason as before stated. All the houses along the pipes requiring water have been connected as far as 1 know. At the intake on the creek some improvement might be made by having a settling-box, or something of the sort. The intention was not to make any work of a permanent character at the present intake, as Dr. Pomare, on his visit to Rarotonga before we started the water-supply, wished us to take the water from further up the creek; but I hardly think this necessary for the present, as the water seems fairly pure in ordinary weather. Avatiu Water-supply. —At present the people along the main road at Avatiu have only been supplied with water, and those in the back are anxious to get water; this might be done by continuing the 2 in. pipes along the back road to Avatiu. This pipe would pass close to and supply the Catholic Mission. Arorangi Water-supply. —As requested by the Resident Commissioner, I visited the three places suggested by the Arorangi member of the Council for getting water for the settlement of Arorangi. Two of them would not suit at all, for various reasons, the principal being not sufficient water at each, they being only small springs. The third one, on the Muriavai Creek, at a place called M'akiokio, I recommend, as the water, I am told, is permanent, good, and plenty of it; and with about 8,000 ft. of 2 in. diameter pipes and a few extras, the work could be done for about £500, the people paying for the service pipes and connections, and £1 per annum, as the Avarua people do for upkeep and interest. Bridges. —During this year in Rarotonga I think at least two new bridges might be constructed, and I propose that the bridges be of reinforced concrete, with girders covered in concretes, and decking of concrete on expanded metal. The ooncerte bridges already built have reinforced arches. A sum of, say, £300 might be put on the estimates for the two new bridges. Island of Takutea. —The Island of Takutea, belonging to the Government, was again visited during the year by a party for the purpose of cleaning the cocoanuts already planted, and planting part of the remaining area. The island has now 179 acres planted in cocoanuts and 48 acres remaining to be planted. I submit that a sum of £100 be again put on the estimates for Takutea. Roadway at Union Steamship Company's Sheds. —l believe the Union Steamship Company intend building a new shed on the western side of the present sheds, and a crossing may be required across the 'creek. I propose that if the shed is built a concrete crossing be made. 15th April, 1908. H. M. Connal, Engineer. The Resident Commissioner, Rarotonga.

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No. 2.

Sir, — Cook and other Islands Administration, Wellington, 18th May, 1908. I have the honour to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of the 18th April last; covering your very full and interesting report on the Cook and Northern Islands for the year ending the 31st March, 1908. I have, &c, . The Resident Commissioner, Rarotonga. Jambs McGowan. «

DEATH OF RESIDENT AGENT, ATIU. No. 3. Sir, — Rarotonga, 17th June, 1907. I have the honour to report that about three months since a report came to me that Adolf yon Nagel, of Atiu, was dead, and that he had poisoned himself. I did not report this to you, as no man of experisnce can put faith in Maori reports. I therefore waited the arrival of the Mission boat " John Williams," and on the 11th May visited that island, and inquired into the circumstances attending the death of Yon Nagel. There can be no doubt that Yon Nagel committed suicide, and before doing so burned all the books of his old business, which he had given up some four years ago. From statements made me by the people of Atiu I gather that Yon Nagel was not in his right mind when he committed suicide. I do not think that the Government funds —viz., Court fees —are deficient. I have, &c, The Hon. James McGowan, Minister administering Islands. W. E. Gudgeon.

No. 4. Sir, — Cook and other Islands Administration, Wellington, 9th July, 1907. I have the honour to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of the 17th June, and regret to hear of the death of Mr. Adolf yon Nagel, the Resident Agent at Atiu. I have, &c, The Resident Commissioner, Rarotonga. Jambs McGowan.

VISIT OF RESIDENT COMMISSIONER TO ISLANDS OF GROUP. No. 5. Sir, — Rarotonga, 17th June, 1907. I have the honour to report, for the information of the Hon. the Minister administering these Islands, that I have made my usual tour of inspection through the Cook and Northern Islands. I left here on the 7th May in the s.s. " John Williams," and returned on the sth June, after visiting every island in the group. At Mangaia the people who have been troublesome are now quiet, but I have had to punish certain turbulent Europeans who have encouraged bush-beer drinking and resistance to the law by heavy fines —£9 and £6 respectively. At Mauke there are the usual land disputes, which will be set at rest for ever, since I am sending Mr. Connal and party to survey that island about the Ist July next. At Mitiaro and Atiu the people are quiet, and at the former island are industriously developing the place by means of roads and.cocoanut-planting. At Aitutaki most valuable work has been done in the matter of conservation of water. The spring at Arutanga has been concreted both for drinking and washing purposes; also large 8,000 gallon concrete tanks built at Nika.upara and Vaipae. At Penrhyn the hostility of the two settlements, Omoka and Te Tautua, one against the other continues, and, taking advantage of the absence of Captain Nagle from the island, the former people have seized on all the nuts of four small islands. They hud some provocation, but I have told them I will not allow them to take the law into their own hands, and have taken the four islands into the hands of the High Court, and will hold them until the share of the Tautua people has been repaid. At Manihiki and Rakahanga there is neither trouble nor bickering. I have, &c, W. E. Gudgeon, Resident Commissioner. The Hon. James McGowan, Minister administering Islands.

No. 6. Sir, — " Cook and other Islands Administration, Wellington, 9th July, 1907. I have the honour to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of the 17th June last, reporting your visit through the Cook and Northern Islands. I have, &c, The Resident Commissioner, Rarotonga . James McGowan.

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No. 7. Sir, — Earotonga, 20th April, 1908. I have the honour to report, for your information, that it is my intention to take advantage of the visit of the " John Williams " about the middle of May, and inspect every island of the group. I will also take Dr. Gatley with me, and will see that he reports the result of his inspection to you. I may point out that there is great economy of time in the trip of this mission boat, inasmuch that, while it gives me ample time to hold Courts or inquire into grievances, &c, I get through the whole work in one month, whereas by any other mode of transport it would take three months. I have, kc, W. E. Gudgeon, Eesident Commissioner. The Hon. James McGowan, Minister administering Islands.

No. 8. Sir, — Cook and other Islands Administration, Wellington, 19th May, 1908. I have the honour to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of the 20th April last, reporting your intention to take advantage of the visit of the " John Williams " to inspect the various islands of the Cook Group. I have, &c, The Resident Commissioner, Rarotonga. James MoGowan.

FEDERAL COUNCIL AND ISLAND COUNCIL ORDINANCES. No. 9. Sir, — Rarotonga, Cook Islands, 2nd August, 1907. I have the honour to forward enclosed, for the approval of His Excellency the Governor, Federal Ordinance No. 21, providing for the repair and maintenance of roads and bridges within the Island of Rarotonga, and also Local Ordinance No. 7, which has reference to building regulations in this island. In the first of these Ordinances I have taken advantage of an ancient custom (akanooanga), which provides that all public works shall be performed by a call upon the whole population within the boundaries of the Ariki who carries out the work. The traffic on the Rarotonga roads is now very great, for not less than 700 tons of fruit is the average for each month. For this reason the people will have to do extra work to keep the roads in repair. I have, &c, W. E. Gudgeon, Resident Commissioner. The Hon. James McGowan, Minister administering Islands.

No. 10. Sir, — Cook and other Islands Administration, Wellington, 16th September, 1907. I have the honour to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of the 2nd August last, forwarding the Rarotonga Buildings Ordinance No. 7, passed by the Island Council of Rarotonga, for the assent of His Excellency the Governor. I return herewith the ordinance duly assented to by His Excellency. I have, &c, The Resident Commissioner, Rarotonga. James MoGowan.

Enclosure. Rarotonga Local Ordinance No. 7.—The Rarotonga Buildings Ordinance, 1907. An.Ordinance in reference to Regulations for Buildings in Rarotonga. Be it enacted by the Island Council of Rarotonga as follows : — 1. The Short Title of this Ordinance shall be " The Rarotonga Buildings Ordinance, 1907." 2. It shall be lawful for the Resident Commissioner to make, alter, or repeal regulations in connection with the construction and repair of buildings within any settlement in Rarotonga, and by such regulations to fix such penalties for breach thereof as may be deemed necessary. Such regulations may authorise any officer appointed by the Resident Commissioner to pull down, remove, or alter any work, material, or thing erected, or being in contravention of an}' regulation hereunder, and to recover from the person committing the breach all expenses incurred in connection with such pulling-down, removal, or alteration, in addition to any penalty incurred by reason of such breach.

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3. Such regulations shall be published in the Cook Islands Gazette, and when so published shall be deemed part of this Ordinance, and shall have the force of law. Passed this twenty-seventh day of July, one thousand nine hundred and seven. S. Savage, Clerk to Council. Assented to in the name and on behalf of His Majesty. Plunket, 14th September, 1907. Governor.

No. 11. Sm, — Cook and other Islands Administration, Wellington, 17th September, 1907. I have the honour to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of the 2nd August last, forwarding Federal Ordinance No. 21, passed by the Federal Council, to make better provision for the repair of roads and bridges in the Island of Rarotonga, for the assent of His Excellency the Governor. I return herewith the Ordinance duly assented to by His Excellency. I have, &c, The Resident Commissioner, Rarotonga. Jambs McGowan.

Enclosure. Fbdbkal Ordinance No. 21.—The Rarotonga Roads Ordinance, 1907. An Ordinance to make Better Provision for the Maintenance and Repair of Roads and Bridges within the Island of Rarotonga. Be it enacted by the Federal Council of the Cook and Northern Islands as follows:—■ 1. The Short Title of this Ordinance shall be " The Rarotonga Roads Ordinance, 1907." 2. For the purposes of this Ordinance the Island of Rarotonga shall be divided into four districts —namely, Avarua, Arorangi, Titikaveka, and Ngatangiia (the two latter being the Electoral District of Takitumu). The boundaries of each district shall be those set forth in the Schedule hereto. 3. Within each district the Ariki thereof and the member of the Rarotonga Island Council representing such district shall be responsible for the construction, repair, and maintenance of all public roads and bridges within their district, and shall have power to call upon every able-bodied adult within such district to assist in such construction, repairs, and maintenance : Provided that married women whose presence is required in their homes, children under the age of fourteen years, and feeble old men and women shall not be required to assist in any work under this Ordinance. 4. The Resident Commissioner shall have power to call on the people of any district to repair the public roads and bridges within any such district whenever, in the opinion of the Resident Commissioner, such work is requisite and has been neglected by the Ariki and member for such district. 5. The Resident Commissioner shall have power to call on the people of any outlying district *o assist in repairing the Main Beach Road or any part thereof within the district of Avarua, such road being used by the people of outlying districts, but such assistance shall not exceed two days in any one year for the people of any one outlying district. 6. No person shall be required to work under sections three and four hereof for more than ten days in any six months from January to June and July to December, both inclusive. 7. Except in case of accident requiring immediate repairs, two days' notice of any work required to be done in pursuance of the preceding sections shall be given; and any person refusing or neglecting to attend and work in pursuance of such notice shall be liable to a fine not exceeding two shillings for each day on which such person shall so refuse or neglect to attend and work. 8. Any person may pay into the Treasury at Avarua the sum of eight shillings for each six months from January to June and July to December, both inclusive, in any year, and such person shall then be exempt from any work under the preceding sections of this Ordinance for such period of six months for which payment is made. All moneys received under this section shall be placed to the credit of the " Public Works Fund," and shall be expended, with the authority of the Resident Commissioner, in the improvement of roads, bridges, and other public works only within the Island of Rarotonga. 9. The heads of any tapere in a district may, with the consent of the Ariki and member for such district, clear or form any inland road or roads in such district from the Main Beach Road or the Ara Metua to the mountain, or to any valley in the mountain, provided that such road shall be of general benefit and for the use of the public. For such purpose the Ariki of the district may call upon the people living in.or having land in such tapere to assist in such work. Any person refusing or neglecting to attend and assist in such work shall be liable to a fine of five shillings. Before any such work is proceeded with, the Ariki of the district may request the Resident Com-

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missioner to have the proposed road surveyed, and such survey shall be made under the authority of the Cook and other Islands Land Titles Court. 10. The Ariki and member for the district shall keep a correct account of all fines under this Ordinance, and all fines shall be paid into the Treasury at Avarua and shall be placed to the credit of the " Public Works Fund," and may, with the consent of the Resident Commissioner, be repaid out of such fund to the Ariki and member of the district in which any such fine was inflicted, for the purchase of food for those who assist in the work. 11. In the case of the refusal or neglect of any person to pay any fine to which such person is liable under this Ordinance, the same, together with costs of Court, may be recovered before the High Court of the Cook Islands. 12. Any European or other foreigner whose name shall appear in the assessment roll under the provisions of " The Public Works Rating Act, 1899," shall be exempt from any work whatsoever under this Ordinance : Provided that no European or other foreigner shall be rated under the said Act at less than sixteen shillings per annum. 13. The following are hereby repealed : Sections four, five, six, seven, eight, and nine of " The Au Empowering Act, 1899," and section three of " The Au Empowering Act Amendment Ordinance, 1904."

Schedule. District of Avarua : From the main boundary between the districts of Matavera and Avarua to the main boundary between the districts of Avarua and Arorangi. District of Arorangi : From the main boundary between the districts of Avarua and Arorangi to the main boundary between the districts of Arorangi and Takitumu. District of Titikaveka : From the main boundary between the districts of Arorangi and Takitumu to the main boundary between the districts of Takitumu and Ngatangiia — namely, from Toreaiva to Te Rauia. District of Ngatangiia : From the main boundary between the districts of Takitumu and Ngatangiia to the main boundary between the districts of Matavera and Avarua—namely, from Taakarua to Te Rauia. Passed by the Federal Council, this twenty - seventh day of July, one thousand nine hundred and seven. S. Savage, Clerk to Council. Assented to in the name and on behalf of His Majesty. Plunkbt, 14th September, 1907. Governor.

No. 12. Sir, — Rarotonga, sth December, 1907. I have the honour to forward, in duplicate, a Federal Ordinance entitled the Offences Ordinance No. 1, of 1907. This Ordinance has been drawn in order to suit the peculiar conditions of these Islands and the strong prejudices of the people, and also to remove certain clauses of the old statutes wherein the Maori and European versions vary to such a degree as to make the law on these subjects inoperative. The proviso in section 7 as to Europeans is necessary, in order to prevent the police laying charges without the smallest grounds —in other words, on mere suspicion. A Maori does not mind being brought before the Court on a baseless charge of that nature, but if we were to allow this with Europeans there would soon be trouble. This Ordinance will simplify the work of outlying Magistrates, and please the religious orders. I have therefore the honour to ask for approval. I have, &c, W. E. Gudgeon, Resident Commissioner. The Hon. Jas. McGowan, Minister administering Islands.

No. 13. Sir, — Cook and other Islands Administration, Wellington, 30th January, 1908. 1 have the honour to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of the sth December last, forwarding Federal Ordinance No. 22, passed by the Federal Council, dealing with certain offences contrary to public morality, for the assent of His Excellency the Governor. I return herewith the Ordinance duly assented to by His Excellency. I observe that section 3 of " The Island Statutes Amendment Act, 1900," is not included in the repeals. • I have, &c, The Resident Commissioner, Rarotonga. James McGowan.

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Enclosure.

Federal Ordinance No. 22. —The Offences Ordinance No. 1, 1907. An Ordinance dealing with certain Offences contrary to Public Morality. Be it enacted by the Federal Council of the Cook and Northern Islands as follows : — 1. The Short Title of this Ordinance shall be " The Offences Ordinance No. 1, 1907." 2. Any man committing adultery with a married woman shall be guilty of an offence, and shall be liable on conviction to a fine not exceeding five pounds, or, in default, sixty days' hard labour 3. Any married man,committing adultery with a woman shall be guilty of an offence, and shall be liable on conviction to a fine not exceeding two pounds, or, in default, thirty days' hard labour. 4. Any woman committing adultery shall be guilty of an offence, and shall be liable on conviction to a fine not exceeding one pound, or, in default, twenty days' hard labour. 5. Any person twice convicted within a period of three months of an offence under the preceeding sections may on such second conviction be sentenced to imprisonment with hard labour for the respective periods mentioned in such sections without the option of a fine. 6. No person shall be punished for an act of fornication where the woman is above the age of fifteen years; but any man who shall carnally know any girl under the age of fifteen years and above the age of twelve years shall be guilty of an offence, and shall be liable on conviction to a fine not exceeding five pounds, or, in default, sixty days' imprisonment with hard labour. 7. Any man or woman who shall within the limits of any village cohabit together without being married to each other to the scandal of the community shall be guilty of an offence against public morality, and each shall be liable on conviction to a fine not exceeding one pound, or, in default, twenty days' hard labour. No proceedings shall be taken against any European for an offence under this section without the consent of a European Judge of the High Court of the Cook Islands or a European Resident Agent first obtained. 8. Any man carnally knowing or attempting to carnally know any girl under the age of twelve years shall be guilty of an offence, and shall be liable on conviction to a fine not exceeding twenty pounds, or to imprisonment with hard labour for a period not exceeding two years. 9. Any man having or attempting to have carnal intercourse with a female by force shall be guilty of an offence, and shall be liable on conviction to a fine not exceeding one hundred pounds, or to imprisonment with hard labour for a period not exceeding ten years. No man shall be convicted under this section on the unsupported testimony of the woman. 10. Any man indecently assaulting or attempting to indecently assault any female shall be guilty of an offence, and shall on conviction be liable to a fine not exceeding ten pounds, or to imprisonment with hard labour for a period not exceeding twelve months. 11. No girl under the age of fifteen years shall be deemed capable of giving her consent to any offence under sections 6, 9, or 10 hereof, and such consent shall not be pleaded as an answer to any charge under the said sections. 12. Any person charged with an offence under sections 8 or 9 hereof, or with the offence of incest, shall be committed for trial before the High Court of the Cook Islands. 13. Any person who shall commit incest shall be guilty of an offence, and on conviction shall be liable to a fine not exceeding fifty pounds, or imprisonment with hard labour for a period not exceeding five years. 14. The following are hereby repealed : Sections 3, 4, 5, and 6 of " The Statute of Mangaia, 1889"; sections 3, 4, 5, and 6*of 'The 'Statute of Aitutaki, 1899"; sections 3, 4, 5, and 6 of " The Statute of Rarotonga, 1899 " ; sections 3, 4, 5, and 6 of " The Statute of Atiu, Mitiaro, and Mauke, 1899"; those sections of "The Criminal Code Act, 1893," of New Zealand, as adopted by "The Offenders Punishment Act, 1899," applicable to offences under this Ordinance; sections 13, 14, and 15 of " The Manihiki Ordinance No. 1," as applicable to the Islands of Manihiki and Rakahanga. Passed by the Federal Council, this seventh day of December, one thousand nine hundred and seven. For approval, W. E. Gudgeon, S. Savage, Resident Commissioner. Clerk to Council. Assented to in the name and on behalf of His Majesty. Plunket, 17th January, 1908. Governor.

No. 14. Sir, — Rarotonga, Cook Islands, 2nd March, 1908. I have the honour to forward enclosed for the approval of His Excellency—Federal Ordinance No. 24. This Ordinance has been passed in order to clear off the statute-book one of the old Acts of the Federal Parliament, which, however useful and necessary at the time, has now been superseded by the Order in Council establishing the Land Titles Court. The really useful provisions of the old Act which merely supplemented the powers given by the Order in Council above referred to have been retained. I have, &0., W. E. Gudgeon, Resident Commissioner. The Hon. Jas. McGowan, Minister administering Islands.

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No. 15.

Sir, — Cook and other Islands Administration, Wellington, Bth April, 1908. I have the honour to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of the 2nd March, forwarding the Federal Ordinance No. 24, " The Alienation of Lands Ordinance, 1908," and, in reply, to return to you the Ordinance duly assented to by His Excellency the Governor. I have, &c, The Resident Commissioner, Rarotonga. Jas. McGowan.

Enclosure. Federal Ordinance No. 24.-—The Alienation of Lands Ordinance, 1908. An Ordinance to repeal certain Acts dealing with Alienation of Land; to validate certain Alienations confirmed by the Cook and other Islands Land Titles Court; and for other Purposes. Whereas by section 6 of " The Cook and other Islands Government Act, 1901," it is enacted that the Governor, by Order in Council, may from time to time establish a tribunal or appoint an officer or officers with such powers and functions as he thinks fit, in order to ascertain and determine the title to land within the said islands, distinguishing titles acquired by Native customs and usage from titles otherwise lawfully acquired, and may provide for the issue of instruments of title, and generally make such provision in the premises as he thinks fit: And whereas by Order in Council made on the seventh day of July, one thousand nine hundred and two, under the powers in that behalf conferred upon the Governor in Council'as before mentioned, the Cook and other Islands Land Titles Court was established with tiie powers and functions in the said Order in Council mentioned : And whereas owing to such establishment of the said Cook and other Islands Land Titles Court with such powers and functions there is now no necessity for and it is advisable to repeal the Acts hereinafter mentioned : Be it therefore enacted by the Federal Council of the Cook and other Islands as follows : — 1. The Short Title of this Ordinance is " The Alienation of Lands Ordinance, 1908." 2. The Act No. 1, 1895, intituled " An Act to Guard against Secret Dealings in Land," and " The Land Act, 1899," are hereby respectively repealed. 3. No alienation of land which has been confirmed by the Cook and other Islands Land Titles Court prior to the date of this Ordinance being assented to by the Governor shall be deemed invalid by reason of non-compliance with any of the provisions of " The Act to Guard against Secret Dealings in Land," or "The Land Act, 1899," hereby respectively repealed. 4. No alienation of land within the meaning of the said Order in Council hereafter made by a Native or by Natives shall be valid unless application be made in the prescribed manner to the Cook and other Islands Land Titles Court for confirmation of the said alienation within four months of such alienation being made, and unless the said Court confirms the said alienation accordingly. 5. Any person may have any deed or document entered on record by the Registrar of the Cook and other Islands Land Titles Court upon payment of the prescribed fees; but such entering on record shall not in any way give any such deed or document any additional validity. 6. No person shall have power to close any old watercourse or road or right-of-way without the consent of the Cook and other Islands Land Titles Court. Every landowner through whose land any watercourse shall run shall at all times keep such watercourse clear. Any person infringing any of the provisions of this section shall be liable to a penalty not exceeding five pounds, to be recovered with costs in the High Court of the Cook Islands. Passed by the Federal Council, this twenty-ninth day of February, one thousand nine hundred and eight S. Savage, Clerk to Council. Assented to in the name and on behalf of His Majesty. Plunket, 4th April, 1908. Governor.

TARIFF ACT. No. 16. Sir, — Rarotonga, 14th August, 1907. I have the honour to draw your attention to subsection (4) of section 10 of " The Cook and Other Islands Government Act, 1901." The terms of this subsection will, I think, neutralise any proviso that the Tariff Act now before Parliament shall not apply to the Cook Islands. And I need hardly point out that free cotton goods and sugar would deprive us of nearly all of our revenue, as we do not import those articles of luxury on which New Zealand depends. I have, &c, The Hon. Jas. McGowan, Minister administering Islands. W. E. Gudgeon.

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No. 17.

Sir,' — Cook and other Islands Administration, Wellington, 27th September, 1907. 1 have the honour to forward to you, under separate cover, copy of the Tariff Bill as it passed the House of Representatives. You will observe that,section 14 provides that the Act shall not come into force in the Cook and other Islands until a day to be determined by the Governor in Council. The effect of section 14 is that until the issue of the Order in Council the existing tariff will be maintained in the Islands; and thereafter, in addition to the duties specified in the new tariff, the duties mentioned in subsection (4) will be levied on sugar and cotton piece-goods, &c, entered in the Islands. I have, etc., The Resident Commissioner, Rarotonga. James McGowan.

No. 18. Sir, — Rarotonga, Cook Islands, 10th October, 1907. I have the honour to acknowledge the receipt of your letter (No. 211) of the 27th ultimo, with reference to the operation of the new tariff within the Cook Islands. It is gratifying to find that the local Administration will not lose revenue thereby, as in new islands like these there are many calls on the revenue that must, in the interests of the inhabitants, b'j met as quickly as possible. I have, &c, W. E. Gudgeon, Resident Commissioner. The Hon Jas. McGowan, Minister administering Islands.

No. 19. Sir, — Cook and Other Islands Administration, Wellington, 19th November, 1907. Referring to previous correspondence, I have the honour to transmit to you the accompanying copy of an Order in Council bringing " The Tariff Act, 1907," into force in the Cook and Other Islands on and after the Ist day of January, 1908. I have, &c, The Resident Commissioner, Rarotonga. James MoGowan.

Enclosure. Tariff Act to be in force in Cook and other Islands. Plunket, Governor. Order in Council. At the Government House, at Wellington, this eighteenth day of November, 1907. Present: His Excellency the Governor in Council. Whereas by section fourteen of the Tariff Act, 1907 (hereinafter termed "the said Act"),, it is provided that the said Act shall not take effect in the Islands situated within the boundaries set forth in the schedule to the Cook and other Islands Government Act, 1901, until a day to be determined by the Governor by Order in Council gazetted : And whereas it is expedient that the said Act shall take effect in the said Islands on and after the day hereinafter mentioned: Now, therefore, His Excellency the Governor of the Dominion of New Zealand, in pursuance and exercise of the power and authority conferred upon him by section fourteen of the Tariff Act, 1907, aforesaid, and acting by and with the advice and consent of the Executive Council of the said Dominion, doth hereby determine that the said Tariff Act, 1907, shall take effect in the Islauds situated within the boundaries set forth in the Schedule to the said Cook and other Islands Government Act, 1901, on and after Wednesday, the first day of January, one thousand nine hundred and eight. Alex. Willis, Clerk of the Executive Council.

DISCREPANCIES IN ANNUAL REPORT. No. 20. • Sir, — Cook and other Islands Administration, Wellington, 28th August, 1907. In forwarding to you the enclosed copy of parliamentary paper A.-3, 1907 (Cook and other Islands), I beg to draw your attention to two discrepancies in your report for the year ended 31st March, 1907. On page 3 it is stated that the export of copra has been 948 tons, as against 687 tons for the previous year; but on reference to Table C (page 14) it will be seen that the total export for the previous year is given as 1,212 tons. These figures correspond with the figures given in the report for 1905-6 (A.-3, 1906, Table C, page 91).

5—A. 3,

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The error has evidently arisen through the comparison having been made between the exports from the port of Rarotonga for 1905 (687 tons) and the total exports from the whole of the Cook and Northern Islands for 1906 (948 tons). Under the heading " Revenue and Expenditure," on page 6, it is stated that the revenue for the year, as per Form H, was .£5,246 14s. lid; but on reference to Form H it will be found that the revenue, excluding the balance brought forward, amounted only to £5,046 14s. lid. The first discrepancy, relating to the export of copra, escaped notice while the papers were passing through the Press, but the second was observed, and, as there was no time to refer to you, it was thought better to leave the figures as they stood, and to draw your attention to the matter, in order that, if necessary, a supplementary return might be furnished. It is, of course, highly necessary that the greatest care should be taken to insure that figures given in the annual report should be strictly accurate. T have, &c, The Resident Commissioner, Rarotonga. James McGowan.

No. 21. Sic, — Rarotonga, Cook Islands, 4th October, 1907. I have the honour to acknowledge the receipt of your letter (No. 182) of the 28th August, and regret that the errors pointed out in my report for the year 1907 should have occurred. I submit for your consideration that, under the circumstances, it will be sufficient if I draw attention to and correct these errors in my report for the year 1908. I have, &c, W. E. Gudgeon, Resident Commissioner. The Hon. Jas. McGowan, Minister administering Islands.

No. 21a. Sir, — Cook and other Islands Administration, Wellington, 30th October, 1907. I have the honour to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of the 4th inst., with reference to the discrepancies in your report for the year ended 31st March, 1907, and, in reply, to inform you that it will be sufficient if, as you suggest, you correct these discrepancies in your report for the year ending 31st March, 1908. I have, &c, The Resident Commissioner, Rarotonga. Jambs McGowan.

SURVEY AND SUBDIVISION OF MAUKE ISLAND. No. 22. Sir, — Rarotonga, Cook Islands, 20th September, 1907. I have the honour to report that I have this day returned from the Island of Mauke, at which place I have for the last five weeks been engaged in the survey of that island, and in the definition of family interests. Practically the whole island of 3,600 acres has been minutely subdivided into some 160 blocks of land of from sto 100 acres of land. There will be a few more interests to cut out next year, when the people have settled down and had time to quarrel, for they are a most quarrelsome people ; but the effect of the surveys and definition of titles already made will have a beneficial effect on the people, and will enable the owners to plant cocoanuts, a thing that they have hitherto been afraid to do lest that fact should cause their stronger neighbours to covet and set up claims to the planted land. It will also be necessary to lay out on the plan of the island all necessary roads, in order to suit the new conditions. That work will be more easily accomplished next year, when the owners have had time to consider their requirements. The survey and Court fees for work done amounts to nearly £400, and of this sum £250 has been collected. I have, &c, W. E. Gudgeon, Resident Commissioner. The Hon. Jas. McGowan, Minister administering Islands.

No. 23. Sir, — Cook and other Islands Administration, Wellington, 2nd October, 1907. I have the honour to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of the 20th ultimo, reporting that you have returned from the Island of Mauke, where you have been engaged in surveying the island and in defining family interests in the land. I observe that you anticipate that the definition of titles will have a beneficial effect on the people, and I trust that your anticipations will be realised. I have, &c, The Resident Commissioner, Rarotonga, James McGowan.

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COCOANUT-PLANTING, TAKUTEA ISLAND. No. 24. Sir, — Rarotonga, Cook Islands, 27th September, 1907. I have the honour to report that on the 4th July last I sent a small gang of men, under Howard Greig (survey cadet), to do the usual cocoanut-planting at Takutea. These men returned on the 3rd September, and report that they have planted rather over 60 acres, and have also cleaned the nuts previously planted in 1905 and 1906, and renewed all nuts that had failed to grow in the planting of the two years. We have now only 40 acres to plant on this very valuable property, and that will be done next year. In ten years this property will be worth about £12,000. I have, &c, W. E. Gudgeon, Resident Commissioner. The Hon. Jas. McGowan, Minister administering Islands.

No. 25. Sik, — Cook and other Islands Administration, Wellington, 30th October, 1907. I have the honour to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of the 27th September last, reporting on the cocoanut-planting on Takutea Island. I have, cVc. The Resident Commissioner, Rarotonga. James McGowan.

APPOINTMENT OF SURVEYOR AND ENGINEER, Etc. No. 26. Sir, — Rarotonga, Cook Islands, 3rd October, 1907. I have the honour to report, for your information, that I have entered into a new arrangement with Mr. Connal, the local officer controlling all the surveys and public works of the group. Hitherto Mr. Connal has given his whole time to the local Government at a salary of .£3OO per annum. Now, however, his valuable plantation will require much of his attention, and there are no longer sufficient public works to occupy all of his time. He has, moreover, taught one of his cadets so thoroughly that he is not only a good practical surveyor, but can also fix his positions by sun observations, and for the last three months he has successfully carried out all the surveys. The arrangement now is that Mr. Connal will receive £150 per annum retaining-fee, for which he will supervise all surveys, order all material required, and attend to correspondence of his department each month, and will give three months in each year to the public works that may be required. This arrangement will enable me to increase the very moderate pay of the three boys—Henry Williams, H.C. Draughtsman; Putangi, Surveyor; Howard Greig, H.C. foreman of works; and take on a boy named Parekore at the modest salary of £20 per annum for the first two years to train as a policeman. I have much pleasure in reporting that the three boys already trained are most satisfactory, and that their work will compare favourably with that of any European. I have the honour to request your approval of the above arrangement. I have, &c., W. E. Gudgeon, 1 Resident Commissioner. The Hon. Jas. McGowan, Minister administering Islands.

No. 27. Sir, — Cook and other Islands Administration, Wellington, 4th November, 1907. I have the honour to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of the 3rd October last, and, in reply, to inform you that the employment of Mr. H. M. Connal at a salary of £150 per a.mmm, under the conditions set out therein, is approved. Your suggestions as to increasing the salaries of survey cadets, and the employment of Parekore at £20 per annum, are also approved. I have, &c, The Resident Commissioner, Rarotonga. Jambs MoGowan.

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TAKING LAND FOR LANDING-PLACE, STORAGE-SHEDS, AND ROAD AT MAUKE. No. 28. Sir, — Rarotonga, 3rd October, 1907. 1 Lave the honour to forward attached a draft Proclamation taking land for landing and storage-sheds at the Island of Mauke, as also the land for the main road into the interior of the island, for which I ask the approval of His Excellency the Governor. . I have also to request that the regulations for the management of landing-place and storagesheds hereunto attached may be approved. I have, &c, W. E. GtTDGEON, Resident Commissioner. The Hon. Jas. McGowan, Minister administering Islands.

No. 29. Sui, — Cook and other Islands Administration, Wellington, 19th November, 1907. 1 have the honour to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of the 3rd October last, forwarding draft notice taking lands for a lan ding-place and storage-shed- and road at Mauke, also draft regulations relating to the management of the landing-place and storage-shed. I return herewith the notice and the regulations duly signed by His Excellency the Governor. You do not mention the probable amount of compensation payable, but I presume that it will not be large. I have, &c, The Resident Commissioner, Rarotonga. James McGowan.

Enclosure. Lands taken for Landing-place and Storage-sheds and Road at Maukk, Cook Islands. Plunket, Governor. Whereas the lands respectively mentioned in the Schedule hereto are required to be taken, under " The Cook and other Islands Government Act Amendment Act, 1904," for certain public works, to wit, for a landing-place and storage-sheds and a road at Mauke, Cook Islands: Now, therefore, I, William Lee, Baron Plunket, the Governor of the Dominion of New Zealand, in pursuance and exercise of the powers and authorities in me vested by the said Act, and of every other power and authority in anywise enabling me in this behalf, do hereby notify that, on the date of the publication hereof in the Cool: Islands Gazette, the lands respectively mentioned in the Schedule hereto are hereby taken for the purposes of a landing-place and storage-sheds and a road respectively, as mentioned in the said Schedule. Schedule. Land for landing-place and storage-sheds: All that piece of land at Tauuganui,: Island of Mauke, being section No. 6, containing 20 ars, more or less, exclusive of main road, starting from concrete block No. 5, near the southern side of the main road; thence southerly 76 meters to an iron bolt; thence westerly 71"5 meters to high-water mark; thence northerly along high-water mark 41 meters; thence easterly 675 meters to an iron bolt; thence southerly 326 meters to concrete block 5, at the starting-point. Land for road : All that piece of land in the Island .of Mauke, 10 meters wide, starting from a point at high-water mark which is westerly 70 meters from concrete block No. 5, on the eastern boundary of the Taunganui Landing-place ; thence easterly 80 meters ; thence south-easterly 72 meters to concrete block No. sa; thence south-easterly 465 meters to concrete block No. 4; thence south-easterly 305 meters; thence south-easterly 235 meters; thence south-easterly 200 meters to the south-west corner of Section 5; thence easterly 115 meters; thence easterly 120 meters to concrete block No. 1; on the junction of roads; thence easterly 850 meters; thence southerly 270 meters to concrete block No. 21 ; thence southerly 220 meters to concrete block No. 22, on the western side of the said main road. Area, 243 hectare, more or less. The said lands are more particularly delineated in the plan deposited in the office of the Cook and other Islands Land Titles Court, at Avarua, Rarotonga. As witness the hand of His Excellency the Governor, this nineteenth day of November, one thousand nine hundred and seven. James McGowan.

Regulations as to tub Administration ov Landing-place and Storage-sheds at Taunganui, Section 6, Island of Mauke. Plunket, Governor. Whereas by section three of " The Cook and other Islands Government Act Amendment Act, 1904," it is enacted that the Governor may make regulations prescribing generally whatever he thinks necessary in order to give full effect to the said section : And whereas by virtue of the said section the Governor has notified that certain land, being Section No. 6, Island of Mauke, has been taken under the provisions of the said Act for certain public works, to wit, for a landing-place and storage-sheds:

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Now, therefore, I, William Lee, Baron Plunket, the Governor of the Dominion of New Zealand, in. exercise of the power and authority conferred by the said section of the said Act, and of all the other powers enabling me in this behalf, do hereby make the regulations following :— 1. The Resident Commissioner of the Cook Islands may from time to time grant occupation rights to applicants for the same in respect of any portion of the said land, but not more than fourteen meters frontage to the main road shall be granted to any one applicant. 2. The sites so granted shall be used for the purpose of erection of storage-sheds for landing or shipping cargo only, and shall not be used for stores, tea-shops, or dwellinghouses. •3. Any buildings to be erected on the said land or any part thereof shall be constructed of wood or iron. No native thatch shall be allowed. 4. The term of any grant shall not exceed thirty years, and the annual rental for each site .shall not be less than 10s. The grant may contain such other conditions as to the Resident Commissioner shall seem expedient. As witness the hand of His Excellency the Governor, this nineteenth day of November, one thousand nine hundred and seven. Jambs McGowan.

PROHIBITION OF THE IMPORTATION OF CERTAIN PERFUMED SPIRITS AND PERFUMERY INTO THE COOK ISLANDS. No. 30. Sm,— Rarotonga, Ist November, 1907. I have the honour to forward the draft of an Order, under section 13, subsection (2), of the Act of 1901, for your approval. The circumstances which render such an Order necessary are as follows : For some time past it has been known that the Native inhabitants of these islands would, in default of other drink, consume perfumed spirits. Of late this habit has grown, and we have reason to believe that special brands of perfumed spirits are being manufactured in Auckland for this special trade. Under these circumstances it will be well to put an immediate stop to such a traffic. One firm has just received 280 10 oz. bottles clearly for drinking purposes. I have, &c, W. E. Gudgeon, Resident Commissioner. The Hon. James McGowan, Minister administering Islands.

No. 31. Sib, — Cook and other Islands Administration, Wellington, 14th January, 1908. I have the honour to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of the Ist November, forwarding the draft of an Order prohibiting the importation into the Cook and Northern Islands of certain perfumed spirits and perfumery except under specified conditions. The Order has been duly made by His Excellency the Governor, and will come into force from the date of its publication in the Cook Islands Gazette. I enclose six copies herewith. You will observe that the clause in the draft Order vesting in the Resident Commissioner the power to prohibit the importation of other articles in addition to those mentioned in the Order has been omitted, as it is thought that any delegation of the Governor's powers should be made by a separate instrument. I have, &c, The Resident Commissioner, Rarotonga. James McGowan.

Enclosure. Order prohibiting the Importation into the Cook and Northern Islands op certain Perfumed Spirits and Perfumery except under Conditions. Plunket, Governor. Whereas by section thirteen, subsection two, of " The Cook and other Islands Government Act, 1901," it is provided that the Governor may from time to time, by Warrant or Order, prohibit, either absolutely or subject to such conditions as he thinks fit, the importation into the said Islands of arms or other munitions of war, intoxicating liquors, opium, or any other article of any kind which in his opinion is likely to be injurious to the inhabitants thereof; and by subsection three of the said section thirteen it is further provided that the Governor may impose penalties for the breach of any such Warrant or Order, and may make provision for the recovery of any such penalty by forfeiture of the ship or goods, or otherwise : And whereas in the opinion of the Governor the importation of certain perfumed spirits and perfumery into the Cook and Northern Islands except under conditions is likely to be injurious to the inhabitants thereof by reason of their using the same as drink of an intoxicating nature : Now, therefore, I, William Lee, Baron Plunket, the of the Dominion of New Zealand, in exercise and pursuance of the powers and authorities in me vested by the said Act, and of every other power and authority enabling me in this behalf, do hereby order that, from and after the

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date of the publication of this Order in the Cook Islands Gazette, the importation of the following perfumed spirits or perfumery—to wit, Florida-water, eau-de'Cologne, lavender-water, and bayrum, or any colourable imitation thereof respectively —into the Cook and Northern Islands shall be prohibited except subject to the following conditions :— 1. Any person desiring to import any of the said perfumed spirits or perfumery shall apply in writing to the Collector of Customs at liarotonga for permission so to do, and such application .shall state the amount of such perfumed spirits or perfumery proposed to be imported. The said Collector of Customs may thereupon, if he thinks fit, give permission in writing for such importation. 2. All perfumed spirits or perfumery imported pursuant to such permission shall be imported only at liarotonga, and in separate packages addressed to the importer (being the person so applying for permission to import) through the said Collector of Customs. •3. Perfumed spirits or perfumery so imported may, as the said Collector of Customs thinks expedient, either be delivered to the importer or be stored in the King's bond or some other place of safe custody under the control of the said Collector of Customs for delivery to the importer from time to time in such quantities as the said Collector of Customs thinks fit : Provided that delivery shall not be given until all duties and charges payable to the Crown have been duly paid. 4. Every person or his agent importing perfumed spirits or perfumery in accordance with this Order, and every person selling such perfumed spirits or perfumery, shall keep a full and true account of all such perfumed spirits or perfumery sold by him, showing the date when and the person to whom such perfumed spirits or perfumery were sold. Such account shall be open for inspection by the said Collector of Customs at any time. 5. Any person importing any of the aforesaid perfumed spirits or perfumery except in accordance with the provisions hereof, or any person contravening in any way the provisions of this Order, shall be liable to a penalty not exceeding fifty pounds, to be recovered in the High Court of the Cook Islands, and in addition the said Collector of Customs may seize and forfeit for the benefit of the Crown all perfumed spirits or perfumery imported contrary to the provisions of this Order. As witness the hand of His Excellency the Governor, this seventeenth day of December, one thousand nine hundred and seven. Jambs McGowan.

MEDICAL ATTENDANCE IN COOK GROUP. No. 32. Sir, — Cook and other Islands Administration, Wellington, 19th December, 1907. 1 am desirous that further provision should be made for medical attendance on the Natives of the Cook Group; and I shall be obliged if you will ascertain on what terms Dr. Gatley will be prepared to make periodical visits to the various Islands of the Group, say, once or twice a, year. You will recollect that in Dr. Pomare's report he suggested that the Resident Medical Officer should have regular hours of attendance at Ngatangiia, Titikaweka, and Arorangi, and I shall be glad to learn whether anything has been done. I should also be glad to know whether the condition of the Hospital remains unchanged. 1 have, &c, The Resident Commissioner, Rarotonga. Jame« McGowan.

No. 33. Sin, — Cook Islands Administration, Rarotonga, 16th January, 1908. I have the honour to acknowledge the receipt of your letter, No. 280, of the 3rd ultimo, on the subject of visits by Dr. Gatley to the outer islands of the group. lam glad that you have seen fit to open this question of the Medical Officer, for it is one that has given me much anxiety for the last four years, and it is the only branch of the local government service that has not been satisfactory. By " The Medical Officers Act, 1898," section 3, it is provided that the Medical Officer shall visit the group at least twice a year; but Dr. Gatley has generally found that he had patients that he could not well leave, and as this was a matter I was unable to question I have always left it to his own discretion. Under these circumstances I can hardly ask Dr. Gatley on what terms he is prepared to do that which he is bound to do by law. I have not fixed any hour for regular attendance at the villages outside of Avarua, for the reason that two-thirds of the population live at the latter place, and numerous buggies come in daily from the outlying places. Moreover, Dr. Gatley drives through these villages at least twice a week and visits all those who call for him. The trouble is, as I have said, that the Natives seldom do call him in. As for the Hospital, 1 have to report that any objection there may be to it is entirety professional, and it is at least up to the standard of the New Zealand hospitals of twenty years ago. For the last three years it has, I believe, only had one Native inmate. Under these circumstances I have not felt justified in building a £500 hospital that would not be used. As regards the necessity for the Medical Officer visiting the outlying islands, I would draw your attention to the fact that under the present system there is but one method by which the

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doctor can visit the Northern Islands, and that is once a year by the "John Williams " Mission steamer. By this boat he will have one, or at the outside two days at each island, and I fail to see that the people can benefit by such flying visits. In these Northern Islands, where there are few visits from foreign ships, the people are comparatively healthy, and need but little attention ; but even there the Medical Officer should stay a week or ten days at each island. It is in the Cook Group that the people require the most attention, and at Atiu, Aitutaki, and Mangaia a doctor should reside among the people for a month at a time, and he should be a man to whom a Maori will listen. If his manners are rude or abrupt they will have none of him. For the work he does Dr. Gatley ia already too well paid, but that is rather his misfortune than his fault. I hope 1 have made it clear that if there is to be efficient medical supervision of the outlying islands there must be two qualified men. These flying visits are merely attempts to humbug the public into a belief that something is being done. It may be said that the lepers in the Northern Islands require a doctor to be at hand, but I say no. The Resident Agents know a good deal more of the early forms of leprosy than any doctor we are likely to get, and have as yet made no mistakes, whereas the doctors have already made one or two that might have been serious in the matter of leprosy. I have, &c, W. E. Gudgeon, Resident Commissioner. The Hon. James .McGowan, Minister administering Islands.

No. 34. • Sir, — Rarotonga, Cook Islands, 3rd March, 1908. With reference to my letter No. 77 and my suggestion that greater benefit would result to the people of this group if you could see your way to employ another doctor rather than a teacher, I have now the honour to inform you that a Dr. Morgan has come here by the last steamer with the intention of settling in these islands as a planter. I have asked him if he would be prepared to take six months' work in the year as a visiting medical officer at 20s. per diem, and he replied that he might do that once he had his plantation started. Whether they are likely to get land here I do not know; but, if not, the doctor and his partner will, I am told, try Atiu and Mauke for land, and in either of these cases it would be well to employ Dr. Morgan, for to have his headquarters at Atiu would be suitable for all of the Windward Group. A salary of £200 should cover everything but the travelling-expenses and drugs, and this much the local Administration would take on themselves to pay. I have, &c, W. E. Gudgeon, Resident Commissioner. The Hon. James McGowan, Minister administering Islands.

No. 35. Sir,- — Cook and other Islands Administration, Wellington, 4th April, 1908. I have the honour to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of the 3rd March, and, in reply, to inform you that 1 trust you will be able to make a satisfactory arrangement with Dr. Morgan, which will probably solve the question of better medical attendance for the Cook Group. I have, <fee, The Resident Commissioner, Rarotonga. James McGowan.

RESIGNATION OF RESIDENT AGENT, PENRHYN. No. 36. Sir,— Rarotonga, 12th March, 1908. I have the honour to inform you that, owing to his wife's illness, Captain Nagle has resigned his position as Agent at Penrhyn, but has offered to remain if he can get six months' leave. For some time past I have known that Nagle would resign, and cannot recommend the six months' leave. I have therefore to request that Nagle's resignation be accepted, and that Mr. E. F. Hawk, of Manihiki, be appointed Resident Agent at Penrhyn. Mr. Hawk is a NewZealander, a most suitable man, and speaks the northern languages, and this is a matter of extreme importance, for I know of only two men who do. Mr. Hawk is also a sober man, and a business man, and has worked for the Nathan's, of Wellington. Kindly wire approval to catch steamer, as a boat will go north some time in April. I have, &c, W. E. Gudgeon, The Hon. the Minister administering Islands. Resident Commissioner.

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FRUIT-INSPECTION. No. 37. Sir, — . • Rarotonga, Cook Islands, 31st March, 1908. With reference to the very important question of certificates issuable under the new fruit regulations, I have the honour to submit for your consideration that the Department have either forgotten or do not fully realise the circumstances of these Islands. Certificates may freely be given for all fruit coming from the Islands of Atiu, Mauke, and Mitiaro. Aitutaki may also prove a clean island; but in Rarotonga, where we have no orchards, and the orange-trees extend over some five thousand acres, certificates could only be given after close examination by an officer of the Department. I submit that no certificates would carry the required authority and be absolutely satisfactory unless issued by an officer who has been trained to the work in New Zealand, is absolutely unconnected with the industries of this island, and under the orders of the Department in New Zealand. It may be said that the inspection could be made in New Zealand as heretofore, but at the present moment there is an earnest desire on the part of many shippers, both Native and European, to send only the best fruit; and these men, who deserve encouragement, are willing to spend both time and money in a thorough examination of their produce with the view of obtaining a clean certificate. I would also point out that the mere presence of a competent inspector would do much: to improve the class of fruit exported. The Maoris are much interested, and I could now obtain the concurrence of the Council in an Ordinance giving the Inspector extended powers. It would, however, be premature to do this until I know that you are prepared to approve the suggestion that an officer of the Department should be stationed here. I propose that the officer should be entirely under the jurisdiction of his Department, and that we should pay him £200 per annum salary and £50 per.annum house allowance, and afford him all the assistance in our power during inspection. The cadets in the Land Department are, for instance, very smart boys, and it might be worth while training them as assistants. It seems to me that a strict inspection of oranges here would remove a source of danger to the New Zealand orchards. I cannot say that I regard the fruit fly as a source of danger to this island, for I now know that we have had it among us for the last ten years, and not only has not increased, but has really decreased. In any case, it does no mischief before the month of July or August, and it would be at that time we should require the services of an inspector. I haye a &c, W. E. Gudgeon, Resident Commissioner. The Hon. James McGowan, Minister administering Islands.

No. 38. Sir, — Cook and other Islands Administration, Rarotonga, 4th June, 1908. I have the honour to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of the 31st March, suggesting that an officer of the Agricultural Department should be appointed Fruit Inspector at Rarotongo. In reply, 1 have to inform you that the Agricultural Department is prepared to send a qualified officer to Rarotonga; but it is proposed that he should reside in the Islands for a time to thoroughly study and report on the conditions of the fruit industry with a view to the passing of an Ordinance by the Cook Island Government conferring such powers with regard to effective inspection in time for the next fruit season as may be found suitable, but he would not in the meantime undertake the duty of inspecting the fruit for export. The salary and expenses of this officer would probably be between £300 and £400 per annum ; and if the Cook Island Government would pay £250 per annum, as suggested by you, the New Zealand Government is prepared to contribute towards these expenses. If you are agreeable to these proposals, arrangements will be at once made for sending an officer to Rarotonga. I have, &c, The Resident Commissioner, Rarotonga. Jambs McGowan.

No. 39. Sin, — Cook and other Islands Administration, Wellington, 28th April, 1908. I have the honour to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of the 12th instant, stating that Coptain Nagle has resigned his appointment as Resident Agent at Penrhyn, and recommending Mr. E. F. Hawk for appointment in his stead. In reply, I have to inform you that the appointment of Mr. Hawk has been approved. I regret that, owing to my absence, I did not receive your letter in time to reply by the April mail. I have, &c, The Resident Commissioner, Rarotonga. Jambs McGowan,

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ABOLITION OF ARIKIS' COURTS AT RAROTONGA. No. 40. Sir, — Rarotonga, 20th April, 1908. I have the honour to suggest, for your consideration, that it is no longer expedient that Arikis' Courts should be allowed where there are European officers capable of taking the Court work. The only Court of this description is now that of Makea, and for some time past the administration of the Court has been most unsatisfactory. In every valley of her district there is Sabbath irunkeimess, and I cannot find that the offenders are punished —certainly but few fines or fees are paid into the Treasury. In Arorangi every offender is brought before my Court, and is punished. This is unfair to the people of that village if those of Avarua are allowed to go unpunished. I have therefore the honour to request that Makea be told that the Arikis' Courts be abolished. I have, &c, W. E. Gudgeon, Resident Commissioner. The Hon. James McGowan, Minister administering Islands.

No. 41. Sir, — Cook and other Islands Administration, Wellington, 28th May, 1908. I have the honour to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of the 20th April last, suggesting that Makea Arikis' Court at Avarua should be abolished. You will recollect that it was considered that section .5 of " The Cook and other Islands Government Act Amendment Act, 1904," did not apply to Rarotonga, and the Arikis' Courts were therefore allowed to remain. I think that Makea's attention should be drawn to the matter, with an intimation that if there are any complaints against the administration of the Court steps will be taken to abolish it. I have, &c, The Resident Commissioner, Rarotonga. James McGowan.

DRAINAGE OF MAERENGA LAGOON. No. 42. Sir, — Rarotonga, Cook Islands, 7th May, 1908. On the estimates for the present year there is a sum of £200 for the drainage of the ■ Maerenga Lagoon. This sum has been appropriated on several occasions, but never spent, as 1 was unwilling to spend a large sum of public money in improving land of which no use would be made by Makea. At present this land is valueless, by reason of its being covered 6 ft. deep in water for three months in each year. The mere drainage of the land for the land's sake is of small importance. It is the health of the people in this village that I have to consider, and therefore the work has to be done. The simple method of dealing with the matter would be to take the land under section 3 of the 1904 Act, but without your approval I would not do this, though at present the land lies waste, and it would make splendid taro cultivations. If, however, you should think it advisable, 1 could try and make arrangements with Makea, but she is a most impracticable woman. I think, under any circumstances, the money should not be spent unless the country has a chance of recouping by the betterment of the land drained. I have, &c, W. E. Gudgeon, Resident Commissioner. The Hon. James McGowan, Minister administering Islands.

No. 43. . Sir, — Cook and other Islands Administration, Wellington, 10th June, 1908. I have the honour to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of the 7th May last, with reference to the drainage of the Maerenga Lagoon. In the interests of the health of the people of the village the drainage should be carried out. I think, however, that you had better endeavour to make a satisfactory arrangement with Makea, but if this is not practicable, then your suggestion to take the land under the provisions of section 3 of " The Cook and other Islands Government Act Amendment Act, 1904," should be adopted. I have, (fee, The Resident Commissioner, Rarotonga. James McGowan.

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NIUE ISLAND.

REPORT OF RESIDENT COMMISSIONER FOR YEAR 1907-8. No. 44. Niue Island. —Report for the Financial Year ended 31st March, 1908. Receipts and Expenditure. The total revenue derived from all sources amounted to £1,618,85. 6d., as against £1,050 2s. 2d. collected in 1906-7, but included in the past year's figures is a sum of £289 Bs. 7d., being Customs duties collected in New Zealand on goods afterwards shipped to Niue during the financial year 1905-6, which amount should, in the ordinary course, have been credited to the Niue Island Revenue Account for the year 1906-7. The Customs duties collected in Niue show an improvement of £114 as compared with the figures for the preceding year, while Court fees and fines, trading licenses, and interest on deposits, all show a slight improvement on last year's figures. On the other hand, the total stamp sales in New Zealand and Niue only realised £33 3s. Bd. The wants of stamp-collectors would now appear to have been fully satisfied, and it is not expected that this item of revenue will realise much above £25 per annum in future. The total expenditure for the year amounted to £1,910 Os. 4d., and may be classified as follows : — . £ s. d. Permanent charges ... ... ... ... ... 306 17 8 Public works (labour and purchase of material) ... ... ... 831 3 7 Refund to New Zealand Treasury of amount of Customs duties over-credited in year 1905-6 ... ...' ... ... 478 4 1 Other charges ... ... ... ... ... ... 293 IB 0 The expenditure for the year exceeded the revenue by £291 11s. 10d. As will be seen from the foregoing figures, a larger turn was spent on public works than usual, but much good and useful work has been accomplished, the particulars of which are given elsewhere. Public Works. During the financial year the sum of £579 10s. 6d. was expended in labour on public works, and material to the value of £169 2s. lid. was used. The following is a detailed list of the works carried out during the year: —

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Particulars of Work. Cost of Work. Total Cost. Remarks. Labour. Material. £ s. d. 33 10 0 £ s. d. 1 17 8 £ s. d. 35 7 8 Construction of Hakupu Reservoir Construction of Liku Reservoir Avatele Reservoir: Repairs to, and fitting new and larger pipes Lakepa Reservoir: Repairs to, extension of roof, fitting pump, &c. Mutalau Reservoir : Extending roof, fitting pump, &c. Tuapa Reservoir: Changing pump, &c. Hikutavake Reservoir: Repairs to pipes, fitting pump, &c. Makefu Reservoir : Construction of Tamakautoga Reservoirj: Construction of Alofi-Hakupu Road Part cost charged to last year. 40 6 0 50 2 8 90 8 8 7 17 5 4 6 9 12 4 2 The concrete work was damaged by earthquake. 6 15 7 3 13 0 10 8 7 4 0 0 3 14 10 7 14 10 0 13 10 0 1 4 0 15 2 2 4 5 1 19 8 4 4 1 10 12 2 30 5 4 40 17 6 Not completed. 1 2 7 1 2 7 Work just commenced. 21 0 0 0 11 2 21 11 2 Two miles of surface-work completed. Half mile removing rocks and widening completed. Three miles removing rocks and widening completed. Four and half miles removing rocks and widening completed. Five and half miles removing Frock and widening com'pleted. Necessary repairs. Alterations for, and fitting up. For storing cement and lime. Preliminary work, Alofi-Avatele Road 16 13 0 TO .7 8 17 0 8 Alofi-Liku Road 124 5 0 1217 7 137 2 7 Avatele-Hakupu Road 136 12 0 14 3 9 150 15 9 Tuapa-Mutalau Road 143fl6 0 14 16 7 158 12 7 i Residency New office New store-shed School-site .. 18 6 0 7 7 6 4 16 9 0 14 10 10 6 9 9 7 3 9 8 4 28 12 9 16 14 9 14 5 1 0 14 10 748 13 5 579 10 6 169 2 11

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When the Tamakautoga Reservoir is completed, ten out of the eleven villages will be provided with reservoirs. The exception —Fatiau —is the smallest village on the island, having a population of only eighty people, and, as they already have a plentiful supply of fresh water, it is not necessary to build one there. As will be seen from the foregoing table, miles of roadwork has been completed during the past year. Much of the work was of a very heavy character, which necessitated the use of a considerable quantity of explosives. In one instance —viz., Avatele-Hakupu Road—it was necessary to make a diversion from the old track in order to avoid a very heavy incline. The result has proved very satisfactory, as an excellent road for wheeled traffic has been opened up where previously it was very difficult and dangerous. Imports and Exports. As the returns of imports and exports are compiled for calendar years the matter has already been dealt with in a separate report. Communication with New Zealand. The sale of the schooner " Countess of Ranfurly " will relieve Niue of a heavy expenditure, for which the island received no adequate return. In recent years her running has been very irregular and uncertain, with the result that traders, in most cases, found it impossible to ship by her. The withdrawal of the schooner from the trade will, however, be felt, as, although her services were useless in other respects, she gave the island an occasional means of communication, the loss of which can be ill spared. Negotiations are now being entered into with the view of securing a regular service between Niue and Auckland by means of a subsidised vessel. Should the negotiations prove unsuccessful the island will be in a worse position in the matter of communication than it was prior to the date of annexation by New Zealand, with the imminent risk of the trade of Niue passing into foreign hands. Public School. The matter of the education of the Native children of Niue has hitherto been in a very unsatisfactory condition. This state of things will now be altered, as the New Zealand Government has made an offer to select and pay the salary of a suitable schoolmaster, provided the Niue Island Administration is willing to undertake the cost of erection of a schoolhouse and schoolmaster's residence, and maintain the same. This offer has been accepted by the Niue Island Council, and a suitable piece of land has been purchased by the Native people of Niue for £108, by public subscription, and presented to the Crown. The work of erecting the school-buildings will be proceeded with as soon as the necessary material arrives from Auckland—probably about June next —and the buildings should be completed by the end of the present year. Vital Statistics. The following are the vital statistics for the year ended 31st March, 1908, compared with the figures for the preceding year: — 1907-8. 1906-7. Births ... ... ... ... ... ... 97 90 Marriages ... ... ... ... ... ... 31 53 Deaths ... ... ... ... 104 95 Males born ... ... ... ... ... ... 57 52 Females born ... ... ... ... ... ... 40 38 97 90 Males died ... ... ... ... ... ... 47 53 Females died ... ... ... ... 57 42 104 95 From the foregoing figures it will be seen that there is a slow but steady decline in the population, due to the excess of deaths over births. Medical Officer. The Government of New Zealand has recently offered to pay the cost of periodical visits to Niue by one of the Tongan medical officers, if such visits can be arranged, and I am now in communication with the Tongan Government on the subject. While the offer of the New Zealand Government is much appreciated in Nino, periodical visits of short duration cannot be of much practical use in the way of improving the health of the people. lam in hopes that, as soon as the public school and other projected works are completed, the island may, with some slight assistance, be in a position to provide the necessary funds, and secure a resident medical officer. It is rather unique to find in these days a population of some 4,000 persons absolutely without the services of a medical man. Office-quarters. The lease of the old premises used for office purposes since the establishment of the Government has been terminated, and the office removed to that portion of the residency building ori-

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ginally designed for the purpose. It was necessary to make some slight alterations to the building to secure the privacy of the residential quarters, and these have been carried out with very satisfactory results at a total cost of £16 14s. 9d. The change has proved very popular both with the white people and the Natives, and it is now possible to conduct business much more expeditiously and with due regard to privacy. The annual rent of £13 paid for the old office will now be saved. The Residency. On taking over control of the island I found the Residency building in a very dilapidated state. The building was erected in 1902 by the Natives, who gave their labour and material free of cost; but, as no practical builder or carpenter superintended the construction, much of the work is of a very faulty character, and repairs are constantly required. I have had some of the more necessary repairs and alterations carried out, and, as opportunity offers, I propose to put the building in thorough repair. Emigration and Immigration. One hundred and forty persons left Niue for other islands during the year, and 148 persons returned during the same period, the net gain being eight. Following are the particulars of the departures and arrivals : — Place of Departure to, or Arrival from. Departures. Arrivals. New Zealand ... ... ... ... ... ... 3 2 Tonga ... ... ... ... ... ... 66 67 Samoa ... ... ... ... ... ... 31 34 Maiden Island ... ... ... ... ... ... 40 37 Rarotonga ... ... ... ... ... 8 140 148 Niue Island Council, Native Magistrates, and Police. Owing to dissatisfaction expressed by the Niue Island Council with respect to the small salaries paid to Councillors, Magistrates, and police, it was deemed expedient to raise their respective salaries from £3 per annum to £5 per annum, all extra allowances to cease from the date of the increases. These matters were given effect to by Ordinances entitled " The Niue Island Council Constitution Ordinance 1902 Amendment Ordinance, 1907," and " The Niue Island Native Magistrates and Police Ordinance 1904 Amendment Ordinance, 1907," which were duly passed by the Council on the 16th December, 1907, and have been forwarded to His Excellency the Governor for the assent of the Crown. The increases will result in an addition to the permanent charges of about £49 per annum, but 1 am fully satisfied that they will be the means of obtaining better work from the Native officials. Contemplated Works. The building of the public school, schoolmaster's residence, &c, will probably be commenced in June if the necessary material comes to hand from New Zealand. After the school-buildings have been completed I propose to extend the present concrete jetty a further 20 ft., widen the existing portion by about 3 ft., and erect a new derrick and suitable winch. As the jetty stands at present it is not possible to get a lighter alongside without endangering the boat and cargo, but with the proposed extension, landing and shipping cargo will be made comparatively easy, as it will then be possible to work the boats with a minimum of risk. Small concrete landing-platforms are also required on the reefs at Avatele and Tuapa, and it is proposed to blow out the obstructions in the boat-channel at Avatele. When all the villages are provided with concrete reservoirs I propose to devote some attention to the matter of providing fresh water in the interior of the island, where the food plantations are located. There is absolutely no water fit for drinking purposes in the interior, and the Natives, who are constantly working on the plantations, have perforce to pick large quantities of young cocoanuts for drinking purposes. While it is a debatable question as to whether the excessive drinking of green nuts is detrimental to health, it is certain that the practice has a marked effect on the output of copra, and, with a view to preventing the wastage from this cause as far as possible, I propose to erect, at convenient points, galvanised-iron tanks and place them under corrugated-iron structures of sufficient catchment-area to keep them well supplied with rainwater. When the installation of these tanks is completed it is expected that there will be a considerable increase in the copra crop, which is hardly possible under existing conditions. There are still about fifteen miles of roads remaining , to be dealt with as soon as circumstances will permit—viz., Lakepa to Alofi Road, 5J miles; Alofi to Liku, 3 miles (6 miles already completed), and Liku to Hakupu, miles —but there is no immediate hurry for these works, as all the more important roads are now in first-class condition. The road over the hill between Tuapa and Mutalau requires regrading, as it is impossible to take loaded vehicles over the present severe grade. 1 propose to give precedence to this work, as it is a serious obstacle to traffic on the most important road. H. Cornwall, Resident Commissioner. Niue, sth April, 1908.

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No. 45. Sir,— Cook and other Islands Administration, Wellington, 18th May, 1908. I have the honour to acknowledge the receipt of your report of the sth April last for the year ended the 31st March, 1908. I have, &c, James McGowan. The Resident Commissioner, Niue.

No. 46. Sir, — Niue Island Administration, Niue, 15th January, 1908. I have the honour to transmit t,o you herewith the returns of imports and exports for Niue Island for the year ended 31st December, 1907. Imports. You will observe that the total imports for the year were valued at £8,491, as compared with £6,707 for the preceding calendar year. Included in the imports for 1907 is specie valued at .£7OO, but apart from the specie the figures for last year exceed those for the previous year by £1,084. Turning to the principal items it will be found that apparel and slops amounted to £823, as against £508 for 1906; biscuits, £520, as against £329; cotton piece-goods, £1,293, as against £1,136; drapery, £524, as compared with £309; meats (preserved), £561, as against £545. Following is a comparison of the value of the imports for the years 1906 and 1907, and the value and proportion to the total imported from each country : —

Exports. The exports for the year ended 31st December, 1907, as compared with those for the preceding calendar year, show a falling-off from £8,315 to £7,955, or £360. A reference to the principal items shows that the export of copra was less by 176 tons and £1,457, while fungus shows a decline of 2,3201b. and £30 value. The most satisfactory feature of the return is the large increase in the number and value of hats exported, those for the year 1907 amounting to 4,441 dozen, valued at £2,952, as against 2,233 dozen for £1,474 exported during 1906, an increase of 2,208 dozen and £1,478. In my last annual report I ventured to predict that the output of copra for the year under review would be much above the average, and, indeed, it would have been but for heavy winds and unfavourable weather at the critical stage causing the young nuts to fall. However, the prospects for 1908 copra-crop appear to indicate that last year's output will be considerably exceeded. I am pleased to be able to report that the hat trade is again in a sound condition. From the number of large orders that have already come to hand it appears that the Niue plaited hats are in great demand, and it is more than likely that the output for the current year will exceed 6,000 dozen. Altogether the prospects for 1908 may be considered very satisfactory.

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1906. ■7. Country. Value. Proportion, per cent, to Total. Value. Proportion, per cent, to Total. Few Zealand aistralia 'onga [alden Island rerman Samoa .. larotonga Inited States of America .. Ingland 'ago Pago rermany Few Guinea [iscellaneous £ 5,079 646 268 85 334 16 94 151 ••□ 29 4 1 75-73 9-63 4-00 1-27 4-98 0-24 1-40 2-25 £ 6,803 924 239 187 158 72 46 35 16 11 80-12 10-88 2-82 2-20 1-86 0-85 0-54 0-41 0-19 0-13 .. I 0-43 0-06 0-01 6,707 100-00 8,491 100-00

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The following figures show the value of exports of Niue produce for the past two years, and the value and proportion to the total shipped to the various countries : —

I have, &c, H. Cornwall, Resident Commissioner. The Hon. Minister in Charge, Cook and other Islands Administration, Wellington.

Enclosures. Niue Island Administration. Return of Imports for Year ended 31st December, 1907.

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19i 1C. I 19i 17. I Country. Value. Proportion, per cent, to Total. Value. Proportion, per cent, to Total. Zealand >amoa .. £ 4,549 1,918 1,118 75 59 58-93 24-85 14-48 0-97 •fO-77 £ 5,515 1,840 73-43 24-50 -onga .. tarotonga Lustralia 131 25 1-74 0-33 7,719 100-00 7,511 100-00

Article. Whence imported. —* Value. Total. Agricultural produce, not otherwise enumerated .. New Zealand Australia £ 7 2 £ » >? Tonga New Zealand Australia Maiden Island United States America.. Pago Pago German Samoa Tonga 9 185 Animals, living—Horses Apparel and slops 494 124 104 41 4 33 23 • Arms and ammunition New Zealand Australia German Samoa 97 3 1 823 Bacon and hams Bags and sacks Beer and stout New Zealand .. 101 9 45 German Samoa Pago Pago New Zealand .. 17 8 1 Beverages, non-alcoholic Bicycles, and parts of same ,, . . . . 26 3 53 6 Tonga 59 Biscuits New Zealand Australia German Samoa 460 59 1 Blue Boots and shoes 520 2 New Zealand Australia Tonga 42 5 1 Brushware Butter New Zealand 48 5 Australia 40 2 42

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Niue Island Administration— continued. Return of Imports for Year ended 31st December, 1907 —continued.

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Article. ienoe lmpon lue. Carriages, carts, and materials .. New Zealand .. Australia £ 32 25 £ Cement Clocks and watches New Zealand].. 57 48 Australia Maiden Island 7 2 5 14 20 Confectionery Cordage and twine New Zealand .. 26 2 j> * ■ German Samoa 28 Cotton piece-goods New Zealand .. Australia Rarotonga England Tonga German Samoa 953 224 62 35 13 6 1,293 Cutlery New Zealand .. Maiden Island Australia Pago Pago 45 12 11 4 Drapery New Zealand .. Australia German Samoa Germany Tonga 72 401 87 22 11 3 Drugs and chemicals 524 New Zealand .. Australia German Samoa 32 13 3 Earthenware and glassware 48 New Zealand .. Australia 28 2 30 37 Explosives (blasting) Fancy goods New Zealand .. Australia 58 16 Fish-hooks, lines, and rods New Zealand .. Australia German Samoa 74 72 6 1 79 Fish, preserved New Zealand .. Australia 248 3 New Zealand .. Australia New Zealand .. 251 14 Flags Flour .. 31 27 Fruits, preserved 58 New Zealand .. Australia 12 '3 15 Furniture .. . New Zealand .. Maiden Island Australia 63 20 1 84 Hardware New Zealand .. Maiden Island Australia 181 28 18 Hats Hops New Zealand .. 227 72 1 77 ' '

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Niue Island Administration — continued. Return of Imports for Year ended 31st December, 1907 —continued.

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Article. tenoe importei lue. I Hosiery New Zealand .. Australia £ 9 4 Instruments, musical 1, New Zealand .. Rarotonga 17 10 Iron, galvanised corrugated New Zealand . . Australia 315 156 Jams Jewellery Lime, hydraulic Machines, sewing New Zealand .. >> • • 471 10 1 7 5» * ' 34 5 7 >5 ' * Australia German Samoa < 16 Matches New Zealand .. German Samoa Australia 133 25 1 Meats, preserved .. New Zealand .. Australia 528 33 159 561 Meats, salted New Zealand .. Tonga German Samoa 92 3 1 Milk, preserved New Zealand .. Australia 24 1 96 25 Nails New Zealand .. Australia 29 4 Oils, kerosene .. *. New Zealand .. Australia America German Samoa 55 16 5 1 33 Oils not otherwise enumerated .. New Zealand .. Australia German Samoa Tonga 39 7 6 3 77 Paints and varnish New Zealand .. German Samoa Australia 17 8 3 55 Paper Perfumery, not otherwise enumerated New Zealand .. 28 6 ?> * • Australia 49 9 Photographic goods Pipes, smoking ' New Zealand .. 58 3 Australia 23 2 25 .'5 Potatoes Provisions, not otherwise enumerated New Zealand .. Australia German Samoa 71 3 1 Rice New Zealand .. Australia 92 1 75 Saddlery and harness .. New Zealand .. Tonga Australia 33 n i 93

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Niue Island Administration— continued. Return of Imports for Year ended 31st December, 1907 —continued.

Total Values. 1907. 1906. £ £ New Zealand ... ... ... ... ... 6,803 5,079 Australia ... ... ... ... ... ... 924 646 Tonga ... ... ... ... ... ... 239 268 Maiden Island ... ... ... ... ... 187 85 German Samoa ... ... ... ... ... 158 334 Rarotonga ... ... ... ... ... 72 16 United States of America ... ... ... ... 46 94 England ... ... ... ... ... ... 35 151 Pago Pago ... ... ... ... ... ... 16 Germany ... ... ... ... ... ... 11 29 New Guinea ... ... ... ... ... ... 4 Miscellaneous ... ... ... ... ... • ... 1 £8,491 £6,707 H. Cornwall, Resident Commissioner. 15th January, 1908.

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Article. ; Whence imported. Value. i Total. £ 4 Salt Silks ., .18 1 Australia New Zealand .. Australia 19 Soap 85 3 SpiritsBrandy Geneva New Zealand .. I 88 10 » • - German Samoa Australie f 5 1 2 Whisky German Samoa New Zealand .. 8 18 6 Perfumed Stationery and books .. Australia New.Zealand .. Australia 24 4 26 13 89 Sugar New Zealand .. Australia 42 1 Tanks, iron Tea Timber Tobacco New Zealand .. >> • • 43 39 13 91 j> ■ • ■425 18 Maiden Island 443 Cigars and cigarettes .. New Zealand .. Australia 9 2 11 Tools New Zealand .. Australia 31 5 Trunks Wines, colonial Woodenwarp] New Zealand .. i> • • 71 7 2 36 8 5 Australia German Samoa Specie New^Zealandj.. 80 700 £8,491

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Niue Island Administration. Return of Exports for Year ended 31st December, 1907.

Total Values. 1907. 1906. £ £ New Zealand ... ... ... ... ... 5,515 4,609 German Samoa ... . ... ... ... 1,840 1,918 Australia ... ... ... ... .... ... 469 345 Rarotonga ... ... ... ... .. 131 295 Tonga ... ... ... ... ... 1,148 £7,955 £8,315 H. Cornwall, Resident Commissioner. 15th January, 1908.

No. 47. Sir, — Cook and other Islands Administration, Wellington, 18th May, 1908. I have the honour to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of the 15th January last, with returns of imports and exports for the year ended 31st December, 1907. I observe that there was a falling-off in the output of copra for the year, but I hope that your anticipations for a better result this year will be realised. The recovery in the hat trade is satisfactory, and I trust it will be maintained. I have, &c, The Resident Commissioner, Niue. Jambs MoGowan.

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jticl le. iere expoj luantii ;ylue. 'otal £ 7 £ ■ 7 Arrowroot German Samoa 523 lb. Baskets New Zealand 57 doz. Cocoa nuts Australia 400 Copra New Zealand German Samoa 189 tons 122 „ 2,464 1,677 Cotton . . New Zealand 311 i> 4,141 312 lb. 4 Curios . . ); I I 11 Fungus .. German Samoa 12,026 lb. 5,267 „ 172 88 New Zealand Rarotonga .. 17,293 „ 260 Hats (plaited) 4,231 doz. 210 „ 2,821 J 31 Kits .. 4,441 )5 2,952 New Zealand 220 doz. 34 34 Yams German Samoa Australia 12 tons 6 „ 68 21 Specie .. Australia 18 92 444 444 £7,955

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No. 48. Sir, — Niue Island Administration, Niue, 4th April, 1908. I have the honour to forward you herewith Revenue Account for the financial year ended 31st March, 1908, .showing a total balance to the credit of this Administration of. £1,743 os. 10d. I have, &c, H. Cornwall, Resident Commissioner. Hon. Minister in Charge, Cook and other Islands Administration, Wellington.

Niue Island Revenue Account for Tear ended 31st March, 1908. 1907. Receipts. £ s. d. j Expenditure. £ g. d. April 1 Balance brought forward .. 2,034 12 8 Salaries— Customs duties collected at Niue .. 821 14 1 Assistant .. .. .. .. 133 12 7 Customs duties collected in New Niue Island Councillors. . .. .. 83 0 0 Zealand— » Magistrates .. .. 29 16 6 For the year 1905-6 .. .. 289 87 j Native police .. .. .. 36 17 7 For the year 1906-7 .. .. 188 15 6 AllowancesEmigration fees .. .. 23 16 0 Niue Island Councillors. . .. .. 5 4 0 Shipping fees .. .. ..410 „ Magistrates .. .. 300 Court fines and fees .. .. 54 12 3 Native police .. .. .. 15 7 0 Trading licenses ;., 53 15 0 Rent of office .. .. .. .. 4611 Stamp-sales, Niue .. .. 20 0 5 Amount paid on termination of lease of office.. 5 0 0 New Zealand .. 13 3 3 Rent of gaol-site .. .. .. 012 0 Interest on bank deposits .. 70 6 3 Publip library .. .. .. .. 1076 Sundry receipts .. .. 5 6 2 Printing, stationery, office stamps, &c. .. 9 4 6 Refund by New Zealand Treasury, Horse-feed . . .. .. .. 8 17 7 Exhibition expenses . . .. 66 5 6 Sundry disbursements .. .. . . 512 9 Liquor-sales, under " Licensing Acts Public works— Amendment Act, 1904" .. 7 4 6 Labour— : Hakupu Reservoir .. .. .. 33 10 0 Liku Reservoir .. .. .. 40 6 0 Avatele Reservoir .. .. .. 7 17 5 Lakepa Reservoir . . .. .. 6 15 7 Mutalau Reservoir . . .. .. 4 0 0 Tuapa Reservoir .. .. .. 013 10 Hikutavake Reservoir .. .. 2 4 5 Makefu Reservoir .. . . .. 10 12 2 Alofi-Hakupu Road .. .. .. 21 0 0 Alofi-Avatele Road .. .. .. 16 13 0 Alofi-Liku Road .. .. .. 124 5 0 Avatele-Hakupu Road .. . . 136 12 0 Tuapa-Mutalau Road .. .. 143 16 0 School premises, surveying and pegging out site . . .. .. .. 0 14 10 Alterations to'premises for and fitting up new offices .. .. .. 7 7 6 Renovations and repairs to Residency .. 18 6 0 Erecting new Government store-shed .. 4 16 9 Material and goods .. . . .. 179 15 9 Freight .. .. .. 41 11 5 Provisions for Native labour . . .. 9 19 11 Tobacco for Native labour .. .. 11110 Compensation for cocoanut trees destroyed 8 15 0 Miscellaneous labour .. .. .. 35 13 7 One - sixth loss on running Government schooner, 1906-7 . . .. .. 77 3 10 Expenses relieving Resident Commissioner .. 52 0 0 Passage fares, Natives from Christchurch Exhibition .. .. .. 30 0 0 Interpreter for Natives, Christchurch Exhibition (balance due) .. .. .. 310 0 Medical attendance at Auckland on Natives returning from Christchurch Exhibition .. 110 Passage fare, assistant . . .. .. 6 0 0 Furniture for Residency .. .. .. 22 16 9 Signal-flags and code-book „ .. .. 13 16 6 Refund to New Zealand Treasury, on account of Customs duties overcredited to Niue in the year 1905-6 .. . . .. 478 4 1 Liquor purchased under " Licensing Acts Amendment Act, 1904" .. .. 7 12 1 Balance, 31st March, 1908— Cash in hand .. .. .. .. 209 3j 1 Account, Current, Bank of New Zealand .. 293 11 6 Fixed deposit .. . . .. .. 1,000 0' 0-Post-Office Savings-Bank Account . . 240 6 3 £3,653 I 2 £3,653 i-|2 H. Cornwall, Resident Commissioner. 4th April, 1908.

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No. 49.

Sib, — Cook and other Islands Administration, Wellington, 15th May, 1908. I have the honour to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of the 4th April last, forwarding revenue accounts for the year ended 31st March, 1908. I have, &c, The Resident Commissioner, Niue. Jambs McGowan.

VITAL STATISTICS. No. 50. Sib, — Niue Island Administration, Niue, 16th April, 1907. I have the honour to enclose to you, for transmission to the Registrar-General, a summary of births, marriages, and deaths in the Niue Island from Ist April to 31st March, 1907, which has just been sent to me by the Rev. F. E. Lawes. You will gather from these figures that the Native population is slowly but surely decreasing in numbers. This state of things is to be deplored, but there appears to be no particular reason for it other than the well-known tendency of aboriginal races to decline when brought into contact with civilisation. I have, &c, C. F. Maxwell, Resident Commissioner. The Hon. James McGowan, Minister in charge, Wellington.

Births, Marriages, and Deaths from 1st April, 1906, to 31st March, 1907.

F. E. Lawes, Missionary, L.M.S.

No. 51. Sih, — Cook and other Islands Administration, Wellington, 12th July, 1907. I have the honour to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of the 16th April last, forwarding return of vital statistics in Niue Island for the year ended 31st March, 1907. I have, &c, The Resident Commissioner, Niue. Jambs McGowan.

ELECTION OF MEMBERS OF ISLAND COUNCIL. No. 52. Sir, — Niue Island Administration, Niue, 29th August, 1907. I have the honour to inform you that, in accordance with the " Niue Island Constitution Ordinance, 1902," the term of office of the Niue Island Council expired on the 25th instant. The villages have nominated the members of the new Council, and I beg to submit herewith a list of their names for the approval of His Excellency the Governor.

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lirti IS. leal LS. Village. Male. Female. Marriages. — I Male. Female. TotaL Total. I 14 9 5 1 9 6 9 8 5 7 2 i 15 2 1 3 1 1 5 1 5 1 Alofi Tamakautoga Avatele Fatiau Hakupu Liku Tamalagau .. Mutalau Tamah.ato.kula Uhomotu Makefu 13 1 8 3 10 6 6 5 2 8 4 9 1 3 1 3 4 L0 6 3 22 2 8 3 13 7 9 9 12 14 7 3 4 4 6 5 3 1 1 1 2 29 11 5 2 12 7 10 13 6 12 3 66 40 106 30 75 35 110

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With the exception of the villages of Hikutavake, Lakepa, and Liku, the former members of the Council have been re-elected. I have, &c, C. F. Maxwell, Resident Commissioner. The Hon. Minister in Charge, Cook and other Islands, Wellington.

List of Names of Members op the Niue Island Council for the Period ending 25th August, 1910. Member for 1. Tagavaitoa .. .. .. .. .. .. Alofi North. . 2. Tatagata .. .. .. .. .. .. Alofi South. 3. Logo .. .. .. .. .. .. .. Makefu. i. Pila .. .. .. .. .. .. Tuapa. : 5. Togialele.. .. .. .. .. .. .. Hikutavake. 6. Togaiki .. .. .. .. .. .. .. Mutalau. 7. Poloti . . .. .. .. .. .. . . Lakepa. 8. Te au Tahi .. . . .. .. .. . . Liku. 9. Puletagaloa . . ... .. .. .. .. Hakupu. 10. Hegotule.. .. .. . . .. .. .. Avatele and Fatiau. 11. Lahega .. .. .. .. .. .. .. Tamakautoga. C. F. Maxwell, Resident Commissioner.

No. 53. Sir, — Cook and other Islands Administration, Wellington, 17th September, 1907. I have the honour to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of the 29th August last, forwarding a list of the members of the Niue Island Council elected under "The Niue Island Constitution Ordinance, 1902," for the ensuing term of three years. I have, &c, The Resident Commissioner, Nine. James McGowan.

No. 54. Sih, — Niue Island Administration, Niue, 11th April, 1908. I have the honour to inform you that Pila, Member of the Niue Island Council for the Village of Tuapa, has been retired, on account of offences committed by him against the laws of Niue. His retirement dates as from the .2nd instant. Palalagi, of Tuapa, has been elected as his successor. I have, &c, H. Cornwall, Resident Commissioner. The Hon. Minister in Charge, Cook and other Islands, Wellington.

No. 55. Sir, — Cook and other Islands Administration, Wellington, 15th May, 1908. I have the honour to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of the 11th April last, reporting that Palalagi, of Tuapa, has been elected a Member of the Niue Island Council for the Village of Tuapa, in the place of Pila, who has been retired. I have, &c, The Resident Commissioner, Niue. James MoGowan.

APPOINTMENT OF MR. H. G. CORNWALL TO BE RESIDENT COMMISSIONER, ETC., AT NIUE. No. 56. Sir, — Cook and other Islands Administration, Wellington, Ist August, 1907. I have the honour to transmit to you the accompanying Warrants, under the hand of His Excellency the Governor, appointing you to be—(l) Resident Commissioner at Niue; (2) Postmaster at Niue; (3) Collector of Customs at Niue. Your salary from this Department will be at the rate of £300 a year, and will commence from to-day.

8-A. 3.

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• I enclose warrant, under the hand of the Minister of Customs, appointing you to be Collector of Customs. I have, &c, H. G. Cornwall, Esq., Niue. James McGowan.

No. 57. Sib—*- Cook and other Islands Administration, Wellington, 13th August, 1907. I have the honour to forward herewith a Warrant, under the hand of His Excellency the Governor, appointing you to be the officer who may -sell or supply liquor under the provisions of section 22 of " The Licensing Acts Amendment Act, 1904," in the Island of Niue. I have, &c, H. G. Cornwall, Esq., Resident Commissioner, Niue. James MoGowan.

SALARIES OF PRESIDENT AND MEMBERS OF COUNCIL AND MAGISTRATES AND POLICE. No. 58. Sir, — Niue Island Administration, Niue, 29th August, 1907. I have the honour to forward to you herewith a letter, and translation thereof, from the President and members of the Niue Island Council to the Government of New Zealand, asking for an increase of their salaries. It will save time if I make a few remarks explaining the position. The " Niue Island Council Constitution Ordinance, 1902," provides that the President of the Council shall be paid £50 per annum and members of the Council shall receive £3 per annum. In addition to this the members are paid 2s. allowance for each meeting of the Council they attend. By the " Niue Island Native Magistrates and Police Ordinance, 1904," Native Magistrates are paid at the rate of £6 per annum and constables £3 per annum. Magistrates report to me every month, and are allowed 2s. for expenses each visit. Constables receive 2s. per day when employed on special duty, and Government work is given them whenever possible, in order to keep them employed in their villages. When the last Council was elected three years ago a similar demand was made for increased remuneration, but it was not granted by the Minister in charge at that time. With regard to the proposal that the salary of the President of the Council should be increased from £50 to £100 per annum, I can see no justification for such a course. Togia the Patuiki was given £50 a year as a kind of pension when the island was annexed, and made President of the Council. Beyond notifying members to attend Council meetings his services in an official capacity are practically nil. I cannot recommend any increase in his salary. The Councillors are quite adequately remunerated for their services. It is unlikely that more than two meetings of the Council in the year will be required in future, and they will receive £1 12s. for each meeting, which never occupies more than one day. As, however, they can be of assistance to the Magistrates and constables in maintaining order in their villages, I think their salary might be raised to £5 per annum, and the allowance of 2s. discontinued. The Magistrates do the real work of the Government here, and their salaries should be raised from £6 to £10 per annum; the outlay, I think, would be recouped by their increased activity. The pay of the police should be raised from £3 to £5 per annum, and allowances discontinued, except when employed as Customs searchers and other special service. The cost of Native officials at above rates will work out as follows :— Per Annum. £ President of Council ... ... ... ... ... ... 50 Eleven Councillors at £5 each ... ... ... ... ... 55 Five Magistrates at £10 each ... ... ... ... ... 50 Twelve police at £5 each ... ... ... ... ... ... 60 £215 Upon the decease of the present President of the Council his successor should not be paid more than £10 per annum; a saving of £40 per annum will consequently be effected, thereby reducing the cost of Native officials to £175 per annum. I have, &c, C. F. Maxwell, Resident Commissioner. The Hon. Minister in Charge, Cook and other Islands, Wellington.

. Enclosure. [Translation.] Niue, 28th August, 1907. To the Chiefs who have been appointed to conduct the work of the Government in New Zealand. 1. This is a letter from us, the King and members of the Council of Niue.

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2. With regard to the work and covenants made between us and Mr. Smith in the year 1902, he fixed the remuneration of the officers of this Administration, and wrote it in the law. 3. The President (of the Niue Island Council) to receive £50 per annum, the members of the Council £3, the constables £3, and the Magistrates £6 per annum. We think that was for the beginning of the work. 4. The year 1907 is now here, and the members (of the Niue Council) have been re-elected. 5. We have considered the matter, and we desire that the salaries should be increased suitably. 6. The Patuiki, who is President of the Council, should receive £100 per annum, the members of the Council £10, the Magistrates £12, and the constables £6 per annum. 7. We have decided that this should be the annual remuneration of the officers administering the Niue Government. Salutations to the Chiefs of the Government (of New Zealand). Toqia, Patuiki of Niue Fekai. I certify that this is a correct translation. —F. E. Lawbs.

No. 59. Sir, — Cook and other Islands Administration, Wellington, 20th September, 1907., I have the honour to acknowledge the receipt of Mr. Maxwell's letter of the 29th August last, forwarding a request from the President and members of the Niue Island Council for an increase of their salaries. The Minister has no objection to the increase of the salaries of the members of the Council to £5 per annum each, but he thinks that there is no necessity to increase the salary of £50 per annum paid to the President of the Council. Similarly, he has no objection to the increase in the case of the Magistrates and police. But he wishes you to report to him whether the proposed increases are likely to meet with opposition, and whether the somewhat slender finances of the island will stand them. If there be no objection on this score the Minister will advise that assent be given to the Ordinances making the necessary changes. I have, &c, The Resident Commissioner, Niue. Jambs McGowan.

No. 60. Sib,- Niue, 20th December, 1907. s With reference to your letter (No. 202) of 20th September last, concerning the proposed increases to the salaries of members of the Niue Island Council, Native Magistrates, and Native police, I have the honour to inform you that I have carefully gone into the matter, and have come to the conclusion that the increases recommended by Mr. Maxwell are the best that could be devised. In the past it has been the practice to pay Councillors a special allowance of 2s. for each sitting; also allowances have been regularly made to Magistrates and police when their duties have called them away from their own villages, &c.; these allowances will cease directly the new scale of salaries becomes payable. The total allowances paid have, during the last three years, averaged about £17 per annum; therefore if that sum be deducted from the total proposed increases in salaries— viz., £66 per annum —it will be seen that the net increase will only amount to about £49 per annum. I am fully satisfied the new apportionment will prove more equitable in every way, and that probably the greater part of the increased cost will be recouped by more Court fines and fees being paid into the Niue Treasury, owing to the increased vigilance on the part of the Magistrates and police. The Niue Island Council has agreed to the increases as recommended, and I beg to forward the following new Ordinances, in the English and Niue languages, for the assent of His Excellency the Governor: — (1.) "The Niue Island Council Constitution Ordinance 1902 Amendment Ordinance, 1907." (2.) " The Niue Island Native Magistrates and Police Ordinance 1904 Amendment Ordinance, 1907." When the aforementioned Ordinances have been assented to by His Excellency the Governor I shall be glad if you will have them printed in both languages, and forward me one hundred copies of each version I have, &c, H. Cornwall, Resident Commissioner. The Hon. the Minister in charge of Cook and other Islands, Wellington.

Enclosures. Ordinance No. 20. — " The Niue Island Council Constitution Ordinance 1902 Amendment Ordinance, 1907." Whereas it is expedient to increase the salaries of the members of the Niue Island Council:— Be it therefore enacted by the Niue Island Council, as follows : — 1. The Short Title of this Ordinance is "The Niue Island Council Constitution Ordinance 1902 Amendment Ordinance, 1907." 9—A. 3.

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2. The salary of each member of the Niue Island Council shall be at the rate of five pounds (£5) per annum; and such salary shall commence on the day this Ordinance be assented to by His Excellency the Governor of New Zealand. 3. Clause sixteen (16) of " The Niue Island Council Constitution Ordinance, 1902," in so far as it relates to the payment of salaries to members of the Niue Island Council, is hereby repealed. Passed by the Niue Island Council, this seventeenth day of December, one thousand , nine hundred and seven. Togia, President of Niue Island Council. Approved. H. Cornwall, Resident Commissioner, Niue. Assented to in the name and on behalf of His Majesty. Plunket, 20th February, 1908. Governor.

Ordinance No. 21.—" The Niue Island Native Magistrates and Police Ordinance 1904 Amendment Ordinance, 1907." Whereas it is expedient to increase the salaries of the Native Magistrates and Police : Be it therefore enacted by the Niue Island Council as follows :— 1. The Short Title of this Ordinance is " The Niue Island Native Magistrates and Police Ordinance 1904 Amendment Ordinance, 1907." 2. Each Native Magistrate shall be paid a salary at the rate of ten pounds (£10) per annum, and each policeman shall be paid a salary at the rate of five pounds (£5) per annum. 3. The increased salaries referred to in clause two (2) hereof shall commence on the day this Ordinance be assented to by His Excellency the Governor of New Zealand. 4. Clauses four (4) and twenty-seven (27) of " The Niue Island Native Magistrates and Police Ordinance, 1904," in so far as they relate to the payment of salaries to Native Magistrates and policemen, are hereby repealed. Passed by the Niue Island Council, this seventeenth day of December, one thousand nine hundred and seven. Togia, President of Niue Island Council. Approved. H. Cornwall, Resident Commissioner, Niue. Assented to in the name and on behalf of His Majesty. Plunket, 20th February, 1908. Governor.

No. 61. • Sir, — Cook and other Islands Administration, Wellington, 12th March, 1908. I have the honour to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of the 20th December last, and, in reply, to return to you " The Niue Island Council Constitution Ordinance 1902 Amendment Ordinance, 1907 " (No. 20), and " The Niue Island Native Magistrates and Police Ordinance 1904 Amendment Ordinance, 1907 " (No. 21), duly assented to by His Excellency the Governor. I have, &c, The Resident Commissioner, Niue. James MoGowan.

TARIFF ACT. No. 62. Sir, — Cook and other Islands Administration, Wellington, 27th September, 1907. I have the honour to forward to you, under a separate cover, copy of the Tariff Bill as it passed the House of Representatives. You will observe that section 14 provides that the Act shall not come into force in the Cook and other Islands until a day to be determined by the Governor in Council. The effect of section 14 is that until the issue of the Order in Council the existing tarifi will be maintained in the islands; and thereafter, in addition to the duties specified in the new tariff, the duties mentioned in subsection (4) will be levied on sugar and cotton piece-goods, &c, entered in the islands. . I have, &c, The Resident Commissioner, Niue. James McGowan,

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No. 63.

Sic, — Cook and other Islands Administration, Wellington, 19th November, 1907. Keferring to previous correspondence, I have the honour to transmit to you the accompanying copy of an Order in Council bringing " The Tariff Act, 1907," into force in the Cook and other Islands on and after the Ist day of January, 1908. I have, &c, The Resident Commissioner, Niue. James McGowan.

REPORT ON ROAD WORKS, ETC. No. 64. Sir, — Niue Island Administration, Niue, 9th October, 1907. I have the honour to report that matters here are going along smoothly. So far I have not started any fresh works, but in the course of a week or two I intend to commence one or more of the following roadworks: Tuapa to Mutalau, Alofi to Liku, Alofi —Liku Road to Lakepa, Hakupu to Avatele, Tuapa to Hikutavake. All the aforementioned roads are very narrow and rocky, and I propose to have all the rocks removed and the roads widened and formed to an average width of 16 ft. When these roads are put in good order the cost for maintenance will be practically nil. No money has ever been expended on the road on the eastern side of the island, from Mutalau passing through the Villages of Lakepa, Liku, Hakupu, and on to Avatele. The road, such as it is, was made by the Natives before the island was annexed to New Zealand. For a considerable part of the distance it is in fair order, but there are very many rough stretches which require forming. This work I propose to undertake when the first-mentioned roads have been completed. With reference to the office quarters, I have to report that I have terminated the lease between the Niue Administration and Farani Fataiki as from the 31st October, 1907, in consideration of the payment of a sum of £5. The necessary alterations to the room in the north-west corner of the Residency are now being made, with the view of transferring the office quarters at the end of the current month. As the Mission steamer "John Williams," leaving in a day or two for Samoa, will probably afford us the last chance of getting orders to New Zealand and supplies shipped to Niue to reach here before the end of December, and as it is probable that there will be no ship arriving at Niue from New Zealand, Tonga, or Samoa during the three months following December, I am forwarding orders by this mail for goods to be shipped via Tonga, per Union Steamship Company's steamer, leaving Auckland on or about the end of November for Niue'direct. With reference to Customs duties chargeable in the Cook and other Islands, I should be glad, in view of any amendments to the tariff that may have taken place, if you would cause me to be advised of the same by first mail. I have, &c, H. Cornwall, Resident Commissioner. The Hon. the Minister in charge, Cook and other Islands, Wellington.

No. 65. Sir, — Cook and other Islands Administration, Wellington, 14th November, 1907. I have the honour to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of the 9th October last, reporting that you propose to proceed with certain roadworks presently, and, in reply, to inform you that I approve of the proposals stated therein. I have, &c, The Resident Commissioner, Niue. Jambs McGowan.

OFFICE-ACCOMMODATION. No. 66. Niue Island Administration, Niue, 9th October, 1907. Sir,- — Office Quarters. With reference to the office quarters, I have to report that I have terminated the lease between the Niue Administration and Farani Fataiki as from the 31st October, 1907, in consideration of the payment of a sum of £5. The necessary alterations to the room in the north-west corner of the Residency are now being made, with the view of transferring the office quarters at the end of the current month. I have, &c, H. Cornwall, Resident Commissioner. The Hon. James McGowan, Minister in charge, Cook and other Islands, Wellington.

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Cook aDd other islands Administration, Wellington, 14th November, 1907. Sir, — Office Quarters. I have the honour to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of the 9th October last, stating that you have terminated the lease of F. Fataiki's building used for office quarters, and, in reply, to inform you that your action meets with my approval. I have, &c, The Resident Commissioner, Niue. James McGowan.

SIGNALLING FLAGS AND CODE. No. 68. Sir, — Niue Island Administration, Niue, 10th October, 1907. I have the honour to request that a set of signalling flags and a copy of the " International Code of Signals " be obtained for this Administration and forwarded by an early boat. At times ships stand in close to the island and make signals, but at present we have no means of reading them nor of making any reply. I havej &c, H. Cornwall, Resident Commissioner. The Hon. the Minister in charge, Cook and other Islands, Wellington.

No. 69. Sir, — Cook and other Islands Administration, Wellington, 2nd December, 1907. I have the honour to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of 10th October last, asking to be supplied with a set of signalling-Hags and a copy of the " International Code of Signals " for the use of the Niue Island Administration. In reply, I beg to inform you that a set of signalling-flags and a copy of the Code have been obtained, and will be forwarded to you by the first opportunity. The cost, amounting to £13 16s. 6d.—viz., flags, £12 145.; Code, £1 2s. 6d.—has been paid out of advances, and I shall be glad if you will forward a cheque for the amount as early as possible. I have, &c, The Resident Commissioner, Niue. James McGowan.

ESTABLISHMENT OF A SCHOOL AND APPOINTMENT OF EUROPEAN TEACHER. No. 70. Sir, — Niue Island Administration, Niue, 12th November, 1907. With reference to the matter of establishing a school in Niue for teaching the English language, &c, I have the honour to report that the Niue Island Council is desirous that such a school should be established in Niue, and two suitable sites situated in Alofi have been offered to me for that purpose. I propose to accept the most suitable site on condition that it is conveyed to the Crown free of cost. This, of course, will be subject to your approval. It will probably be some time before the matter is finally settled, as the Natives of the island are proposing to compensate the owners of the chosen site. If we get the land the greatest obstacle will have been cleared away. I notice, according to a discussion that took place in the House this session (see Hansard, pages 419 and 420), that there is an impression abroad that the London Missionary Society is doing great things in the matter of teaching English to the Natives of the Islands. Certainly something has been done in Rarotonga and Aitutaki, for which the Rarotongan Administration contributes as subsidy £250 per annum; but nothing of any practical value has been attempted in Niue, where there is a native population of just under four thousand. The London Missionary Society is not prepared to do anything at Niue, although their receipts in Niue exceed the expenditure by about £400 per annum, which money is being used for missionary work in other lands. The absence of a school is a matter that is freely commented upon by some of the white residents, and more especially by persons who visit Niue. If the land is given to us, as I anticipate, it will be necessary to erect a schoolhouse and schoolmaster's residence. That would probably run into, say, £300, and the working-expenses would, I estimate, amount to about £300 per annum — &&j, £250 per annum for a teacher and £50 per annum for contingencies. The most promising boys and girls from each village could be trained, and in time they would become qualified to take charge of village primary schools. In that way we could develop a regular system, with the head school at Alofi. lam of the opinion

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that the schoolmaster should be chosen not so much for his educational qualifications, but rather that he should be capable of establishing, in conjunction with "the ordinary school, a small technical branch, in: which suitable boys could be taught carpentry, wood-turning, and, if possible, metalwork. The position briefly is this : Niue urgently requires both a mail and cargo service and a school, but, owing to her limited resources, she could not bear the cost of both; therefore, if the New Zealand Government is unwilling to help Niue in one of the .projects, one or the other will have to be abandoned —an event I should greatly deplore. As the matter is one that is looming large in the Native eye just now, I should be glad if you will inform me by return boat of the Minister's views on the subject. I have, &c, . H. Cornwall, Resident Commissioner. The Hon. the Minister in Charge, Cook and other Islands Administration, Wellington.

No. 71. Sir, — Cook and other Islands Administration, Wellington, 3rd December, 1907. I have the honour to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of the 12th November, with reference to the matter of establishing a school in Niue. In reply, I have the honour to inquire whether the Islands Administration will provide a school-building and a residence for the teacher, and also undertake the upkeep of the school and residence. If so, this Government will be prepared to pay the salary of the teacher, who would be selected in New Zealand. I have, &c, The Resident Commissioner, Niue. James McGowan.

No. 72. Sir, — Niue Island Administration, Niue, 30th December, 1907. I have the honour to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of the 3rd instant, with reference to the matter of establishing a school for Niue. In the short time at my disposal before the " Waiapu " sails again there is not sufficient time to call the Island Council together to discuss the matter, but I am confident that the Council will agree to provide a school-building and residence for the teacher, and also maintain the buildings, providing the Government of New Zealand will undertake the payment,of the teacher's salary. Ido not think there will be any difficulty in the matter of obtaining a site, as I have several pieces of land under offer at the present time, any of which I am informed will be presented to the Crown for school purposes free of cost. I have suspended negotiations with the Natives lately, as I desired to obtain your views before finally committing myself in the matter. I will undertake to convey the Island Council's decision in the matter by the first mail that leaves after the hurricane season, and will forward to you sketch-plans and a list of the necessary building materials that will be required. Should the proposal be finally approved by the Minister, arrangements can then be made to have the orders for the necessary material executed, and the erection of the buildings can be taken immediately on the arrival of the material at Niue. I hope that when the time comes for selecting a schoolmaster every effort will be made to obtain a man who will be capable of establishing a small technical school in conjunction with the ordinary school, as indicated in my letter of the 12th November last. The action of the New Zealand Government in agreeing to pay the salary of the teacher will, I am surej give great satisfaction here, and will strengthen my hands very much. I have, &c, H. Cornwall, Resident Commissioner. The Hon. Minister in Charge, Cook and other Islands Administration, Wellington.

No. 73. Sir, — Niue Island Administration, Niue, 4th April, 1908. With reference to your letter (C.1.07/100) dated 3rd December last, and my reply thereto of the 30th of the same month, concerning the establishment of a public school at Niue, I have the honour to report as follows : — The Niue Island Council has agreed to build a school and schoolmaster's residence, and maintain the same, out of the funds of the Niue Island Administration, provided the New Zealand Government will send a suitable schoolmaster to Niue and pay his salary. In putting the project before the Council and Natives generally, I managed to work up a considerable amount of interest in the matter, with the result that representative Natives from each of the eleven villages met at Alofi, and decided that, as soon as I had selected a suitable piece of land and arranged as to the price to be paid to the owners, they would publicly subscribe, the necessary sum a,nd present the land to the King of England. . •

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After protracted negotiations I decided upon a suitable piece of land, known as " Tufu," situate in South Alofi, and the owners agreed to sell the land for the sum of £100. On making my decision known to the Natives, they at once set about collecting subscriptions, with the result , that £108 was raised, and it was agreed that the whole sum should be paid to the owners of " Tufu." I then prepared the necessary deed of conveyance, in the English and Niue languages, and it was duly signed on the Ist instant, in the presence of a large gathering of representative Natives. As no survey has been made in the neighbourhood of " Tufu," I prepared the plan attached to the deed of conveyance by observations made by means of a prismatic compass, and am satisfied that the plan and descriptive matter is sufficient to fully identify the property. On the 2nd instant a meeting of the Niue Island Council was held, and an Ordinance was passed confirming and ratifying the sale. The deed of conveyance and the Ordinance are being forwarded by this mail under separate cover. I have prepared plans for a building 100 ft. in length by 30 ft. in breadth, the whole to be surrounded by a verandah 8 ft. 3 in. wide. The building will be divided into three rooms, and the floors will be made of concrete throughout. The principal class-room will be 40 ft. by 29 ft., and the other two rooms 29 ft. by 29 ft. each. One of the two smaller rooms will probably have to be fitted up as a sleeping-room for boys who come from distant villages (see ground-plan attached hereto). The walls of the building will be 13 ft. high, and will be constructed of timber covered with laths and plaster made from coral lime. lam ordering a quantity of kauri timber for those parts of the building where it is necessary to have perfectly straight and square timber. For ordinary studs between windows and doors, tie beams, king posts, struts, &c, I propose to use kavika (Niue hardwood), which is very strong and durable. I am also ordering corrugated galvanised iron, ridging, guttering, downpipes, nails, hydraulic lime and cement, &c. The Natives have promised to make and present to me, free of cost, all the lime I require for the schoolhouse and master's residence, and as a considerable quantity will be necessary, their generous offer will mean a considerable saving in the cost of construction. As the roof of the schoolhouse will provide an excellent catchment, I propose to construct a concrete tank with a capacity of about 7,500 gallons, so that the school may always be provided with a good supply of fresh water for washing and domestic purposes. I attach hereto the orders on Auckland firms with whom we are in the habit of dealing for the necessary material required for the schoolhouse, and, provided there is no hitch, I should be glad if you would forward the orders to the Auckland firms addressed as early as possible, so that the material may be prepared in time for despatch by the first direct ship. If, as I expect, the material comes to hand about June, the building will be put in hand straight away. In the meantime I will have the ground cleared and the concrete foundations put in. I now propose to get out plans for a residence containing about five rooms, suitable for the schoolmaster, and will order the necessary material therefor by the next mail. The material should then come to hand about the time the schoolhouse will be completed, and the men will then be available to commence building the residence. In conclusion, I would like to acknowledge the great assistance I have received in this matter from the Rev. F. E. Lawes, Resident Missionary, in bringing the negotiations to a successful issue. I have, &c, H. Cornwall, Resident Commissioner. The Hon. Minister in Charge, Cook and other Islands Administration, Wellington.

No. 74. Sic, — Cook and other Islands Administration, Wellington, 2nd June, 1908. I have the honour to acknowledge the receipt of your letters of the ith April, stating that the Niue Island Council has agreed to erect a school building and teacher's residence and to maintain the same, and that the Natives had collected a sum of money with which a site has been purchased and conveyed to His Majesty the King. It is gratifying to find the Natives taking so much interest in the matter, and, as I have already stated, this Government will select a suitable master for the school in New Zealand, and will pay his salary. The orders for the material for the schoolhouse have been sent forward to the respective parties. I shall be glad if you will advise me as to when the buildings will be ready, so that the necessary arrangements can be made with regard to the teacher. I have, &c, The Resident Commissioner, Niue. - James McGowan.

No. 75. Sir, —- Niue Island Administration, Niue, 4th April, 1908. I have the honour to transmit herewith the deed, in the English and Niue languages, conveying the piece of land selected as a site for a public school from the Native owners to His Majesty King Edward the Seventh; also an Ordinance entitled " Niue Island Public School Ordi-

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nance, 1908," passed by the Niue Island Council, in which the sale of the land is confirmed and ratified, and the proposals of the New Zealand Government agreed to. The two parts of the deed of conveyance will, I presume, be filed in Wellington; therefore I have retained copies for future reference. Will you kindly cause the " Niue Island Public School Ordinance, 1908," to be forwarded to His Excellency the Governor, for the assent of the Crown, and, when completed, supply me with 100 copies of each version thereof. The Native version of the Ordinance has been reviewed and corrected by the Rev. P. E. Lawes, and may therefore be printed as it is written, without further revision. I have, &c, H. CORNWALL, Resident Commissioner. The Hon. J. McGowan, Minister administering Islands, Wellington.

No. 76. Sir, — Cook and other Islands Administration, Wellington, 2nd June, 1908. I have the honour to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of the 4th April last, forwarding the Niue Island Public School Ordinance passed by the Island Council, and also deed of conveyance, in English and Niuean, from the Native owners to His Majesty the King, of a piece of land as a site for a public school at Niue Island. The deeds will be filed here for safe custody, and the Ordinance will be submitted to His Excellency for his assent. • I have, <fee, The Resident Commissioner, Niue. James McGowan.

No. 77. Sir, — Cook and other Islands Administration, Wellington, 17th June, 1908. Referring to previous correspondence, I have the honour to return to you " The Niue Island Public School Ordinance, 1908," duly assented to by His Excellency the Governor. I also forward 100 copies of the Ordinance printed in English and Niuean. I have, &c, The Resident Commissioner, Niue. James McGowan.

Enclosure. Ordinance No. 22.—Niue Island Public School Ordinance, 1908. Whereas it is expedient and necessary to establish a public school at Niue, and that land should be acquired as a site therefor, and a public schoolhouse, schoolmaster's residence, and other necessary buildings be erected. And whereas a suitable piece of land has been selected, being part of a block of land known as " Tufu," in the district of South Alofi. And whereas the said piece of land has been purchased from the owners thereof for the sum of £108, which sum was collected by public subscription by the Native people of Niue, and paid by them to the said owners, who, on the Ist day of April, 1908, executed a deed of conveyance of the said piece of land to His Majesty King Edward the Seventh, his heirs and assigns. And whereas by the law of Niue no land can be alienated by sale. Be it therefore enacted by the Niue Island Council as follows:— * 1. The Short Title of this Ordinance is " Niue Island Public School Ordinance, 1908." 2. The sale and conveyance of the piece or parcel of land at South Alofi, Niue, being part of the block of land known as " Tufu," the particulars whereof are set out in the deed of conveyance hereinbefore referred to, dated the Ist April, 1908, and delineated on the plan attached thereto, is, notwithstanding the beforementioned law of Niue, hereby ratified and confirmed, without reserve or condition. 3. That, in consideration of the New Zealand Government providing and paying the salary of a qualified schoolmaster, the cost of erecting a public schoolhouse, schoolmaster's residence, and other necessary buildings and conveniences, and also the subsequent maintenance thereof, be paid out of the Niue Island revenue. The foregoing "Niue Island Public School Ordinance, 1908," was passed by the Niue Island Council, at Alofi, on the second day of April, 1908. Togia, President of Niue Island Council. Approved. H. Cornwall, Resident Commissioner, Niue. Assented to in the name and on behalf of His Majesty. Plunket, 13th June, 1908. Governor.

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MEDICAL ATTENDANCE. No. 78. Sik, — Cook and other Islands Administration, Wellington, 3rd December, 1907. Referring to our conversation before you left Wellington, I have to request you to be good enough to ascertain whether arrangements could be made for periodical visits to Niue by the Medical Officer resident in Tonga. If such an arrangement could be carried out for a reasonable sum, this Government will be prepared to undertake the expense. I have, &c, The Resident Commissioner, Niue. Jambs McGowan.

No. 79. Sir, — Niue Island Administration, Niue, 30th December, 1907. I have the honour to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of the 3rd instant (No. 274), with reference to arranging periodical visits to Niue by the Medical Officer resident in Tonga. I am writing to the British Consul at Nukualofa by this mail to see if any thing can be done in the matter, and, if so, on what terms. Of course, you will understand that the medical men in the Tongan Group are all officials of the Tongan Government. While it is very gratifying to learn that the New Zealand Government is prepared to undertake the expenditure of a reasonable sum in securing periodical visits of a medical man to Niue, it appears to me that little good would result unless such medical officer could spend a few weeks here on each visit. While the general health of the people of Niue is very good, there are several bad skin-diseases running wild in the villages on the eastern side of the island; therefore, if the visit of a doctor is to be of any use at all, he would require to spend some time here. I think it would be as well to allow the matter to stand over until the regular service is established, as we shall then know whether it will be practicable to obtain the services of one of the Tongan doctors. I have, &c, H. Cornwall, Resident Commissioner. The Hon. Minister in Charge, Cook and other Islands Administration, Wellington.

Approximate Cont of Paper. —Preparation, not given ; printing (1,550 copies), £.',C> 17s. Od.

Authority : John Mackay, Government Printer, Wellington.—l9oB.

•Price, Is. 3d.

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