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A.—l

Sub-Enclosure. The Hon. J. Ballance to Sir William Jervois. Sir, — Native Office, Wellington, 18th November, 1885. I have the honour to state that, whilst in Auckland lately, I had an interview with the Queen of Rarotonga, Makea Ariki, her consort, Makea Tane, and suite, consisting of the following persons—viz., Tutini, Makora, Tapou te Rangi, Taraare Matiapo, Vakapora Matiapo, and Enoka. On the first occasion of my meeting them I welcomed them on behalf of the Government of the colony. The Queen stated that she had visited New Zealand, not for any specific purpose, but to see a colony of which she had heard so much, and some of whose citizens she had known in her own country. Our first interview was purely formal. On the second occasion I met them the question of the relationship between New Zealand and the islands over which she and others exercise sway was referred to. The Queen, her husband, and all the principal members of her party, expressed a strong desire for the protection of the British Crown, and for a closer commercial relationship with the colony. They all seemed to be gravely apprehensive of some hostile action on the part of either Germany or France. Although they did not say so in express terms, I am inclined to think that this fear had something to do with their visit to New Zealand. I asked them whether they were prepared, on behalf of their people, to prefer a request for a protectorate. They said that, although that was their strong desire, they would not do anything of a formal or specific character until they had first consulted their people, upon their return to the islands. They seemed to desire to retain, even were a protectorate granted, their own government and institutions. All the members of the party appeared to be very intelligent, to be imbued with a high sense of self-respect, and to have attained a comparatively high standard of civilization. They left the colony deeply impressed with the signs of industrial enterprise which they had witnessed, and with the hospitality of the people of Auckland. They suffered much from the cold, and the fear of a still more severe climate than Auckland was to them deterred them from visiting Wellington and the other cities of the south. It is probable that upon their return to Rarotonga they will obtain from the people permission to make a formal request for the protection of the British Crown, and for annexation to New Zealand. I understand that no treaties with foreign Powers have been entered into by the rulers or people of the group, and it would be therefore desirable, for Imperial reasons, that the protectorate asked for should be granted. At the same time, the people should be allowed the opportunity to work out their own destiny with as little interference as possible. If the islands were annexed to New Zealand, it should be a stipulation that the right of self-government to the people of Rarotonga and the other islands should be guaranteed. As they asked me for a written expression of my views, I submitted the following : " The islands shall come under the protection of the British Crown upon a request of the rulers, expressed to the Government of New Zealand. An alliance shall be formed between New Zealand and the islands on a basis of commercial reciprocity, the islands retaining their local institutions and the right of internal self-government." Of course, I was careful to explain that I could personally give no guarantee as to how either the British Government or the colony would act. I think, however, that, in view of a desire being expressed by the people of the group for a protectorate or a treaty, the Secretary of State should authorize your Excellency to act in such a manner as would, both for Imperial and colonial interests, be most expedient. I have, &c, John Ballance, His Excellency the Governor. Native Minister.

No. 14. (No. 126.) Sir, — Christchurch, sth December, 1885. I have the honour to state that I have this day transmitted a telegram to you, of which a copy is enclosed herewith. I have, &c, Wm. c. dpummond jepvois. The Eight Hon. Colonel Stanley, M.P.

Enclosure. Referring to your telegram re commissions Royal Engineers, names candidates New Zealand University will be submitted in the early part of next month.