A.—3.

her to cease listening to all who talked to her for their own purposes, and to depend on my desire to help her and her people. The " Richmond " left next day, so that I could not learn the result, but have little doubt that Pel's strong good sense will prevent her acting rashly. I am glad to add that the natives are taking again to the use of their old drink, kava, obtained by maceration from the root of the Piper methisticum. The use of this was prohibited by the early missionaries, but it is now generally admitted that the prohibition was a mistake. Kava is not alcoholic but narcotic, very refreshing, and only injurious when used to rare excess. Trusting that the measures thus taken in an emergency, with reference to the liquor-traffic, though they were in excess of my instructions, will meet with your Excellency's approval, I have, &c, To His Excellency Earl of Onslow, G.C.M.G., Fbedekick J. Moss. Governor of New Zealand.

No. 13. Mr. F. J. Moss to His Excellency the Govebnob, Wellington. My Lobd, — Auckland, 17th January, 1891. Eeferring to my despatch to your Excellency (No. 2, 1890) of the 21st November, I have the honour to enclose the desd of gift (from Makea to Her Majesty the Queen) of 4J- acres of land,* one of the choicest positions for a Eesidency in Earotonga. The land was at Makea's disposal, and is a gift of considerable value, as very little building-land of any kind is available in the neighbourhood of the harbour. The position is central, and in every respect suitable for the intended purpose. The deed has been properly registered in the Consulate at Earotonga, and the description been made as accurate as circumstances would permit in the absence of any survey of the island, or of a professional surveyor. Makea and her husband, Ngamaru, Ariki of Atiu, have taken great interest in this and marked out the land carefully. Makea voluntarily took upon herself also the responsibility of building what she considered a suitable residence. Since then the other Arikis of Earotonga and the Arikis and chiefs of the other islands have, I believe, agreed to contribute the proportions of the cost of materials assigned to them. Makea has further undertaken to find the labour necessary for building the house, and Ngamaru will superintend the work and see that it is properly done. I am informed by Mr. Exham that arrangements have been made with Messrs. Donald and Edenborough, of Earotonga and Auckland, for the supply of material to the extent of $3,500 (in British sterling, about £525) ; and that they are only awaiting the preparation of the necessary plans in order to begin operations. I have undertaken that these plans shall be prepared for them in New Zealand, and trust that the Government Architect may be instructed to take them in hand. I have, &c, To His Excellency the Earl of Onslow, G.C.M.G., Fbedebick J. Moss. Governor of New Zealand.

No. 14. Mr. F. J. Moss to His Excellency the Govebnob, Wellington. Report on the Protectorate of the Cook Islands. 17th January, 1891. The Cook Islands are about seventeen hundred miles from Auckland by steamer. The most southerl}', Mangaia, is in latitude 21° 47' south, and the most northerly, Aitutaki, in 18° 15' south. Earotonga, the most westerly, is in 160° west, and Mauke, the, furthest to the east, lies in 157° west longitude. The group thus extends, at irregular intervals,- over an ocean area about two hundred miles in length, and nearly the same in breadth. It consists of seven islands—Mangaia, Atiu, Mauke, Mitiaro, the Hervey Islands proper, Aitutaki, and Earotonga. The so-called Hervey Islands are an atoll with the usual low islets on the surrounding reef, and are frequented by the natives from Aitutaki to make copra from the cocoanuts which grow luxuriantly and without care in such positions. Barotonga is the most important, being the only island in the group with harbours. There are three small harbours in the coral reef with which this island is fringed. The best of these, Avatiu, is the centre of trade for the group. There is also good anchorage outside the reef. Earotonga is very beautiful and fertile, having a volcanic surface-soil with coral subsoil. The island is small —about twenty-five miles in circuit—but the central hills rise to a height of nearly 3,000 ft. Water is consequently good and abundant. The climate is dry and unusually cool. The native population are estimated at over two thousand. The foreign residents number some fifty adult males, engaged in trade or planting. They are chiefly British, with a mixture of Americans, Germans, French, and Chinese. Most of the Chinese claim to be British subjects by birth, but seem to have come from California. Earotonga has a resident European missionary, and a native school in which teachers are trained for mission-service in other islands in connection with the London Missionary Society. Several of these teachers have for some time past been doing good service in other Pacific islands and in New Guinea. Mangaia is of about the same size as Earotonga, but chiefly a coral formation and less fertile. The climate is equally good, but the hills do not reach 500 ft. in height. It is without harbours or anchorage. Ships must lay off and on, and the landing is by canoe on the surf-beaten reef. The population is estimated at two thousand, with only four Europeans who are engaged in trade. There is a resident English missionary and native school.

* See Appendix G in No. 14.

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