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Deeds (paid from fees), J. Seard. Te Pou te Eangi was appointed as first Chief Judge of the Supreme Court, the Parliament having referred this appointment to be filled by the Government. The offer of Donald and Edenborough, in their letter of 16th July (copy attached), to act as bankers for the Government, was accepted. Interest to be 8 per cent, instead of 10 per cent., as originally proposed. Persons authorised to take declarations on oath, the Judges of all local Courts only. The minutes of the meeting of arikis then present at Earotonga, held at the request of the British Eesident on the sth June, were read and confirmed. Prayer by Maretu Orometua. The Council adjourned at 6 p.m.

Sub-enclosure. Sic, — Earotonga, 16th July, 1891. We have the honour to communicate with you in reference to your proposal to appoint as bankers for the Cook Island Government. Our proposals on the subject are as follows : (1.) That we would be willing to take charge of all moneys belonging to the Government, to pay all cheques that may be drawn on us by the paymaster in such manner as would meet your approval, and to keep correct accounts of same. (2.) That we would allow the Government an overdraft of $500 without interest. (3.) That should the Government require further advances at any time, interest will he charged by us at the rate of 8 per cent, per annum, (i.) That this agreement should remain in force for twelve months, and then be subject to three months' notice on either side. We remain, &c, F. J. Moss, Esq., British Eesident. . Donald and Edenboeough.

No. 8. Mr. F. J. Moss to His Excellency the Goveenor (Supplementary to No. 11/91). My Loed,— 23rd July, 1891. The "Richmond " being late, I have the opportunity of informing your Excellency that the meeting of the arikis was held to-day at noon. The minutes of proceedings is enclosed. They confined the Commission to three at my request, but all will go if a vessel can be found to accomodate them. This is very unlikely. The Commission is a visible sign that the Government exists, and is recognised by all the arikis except apparently Mangaia. In that light it will do good, and the Mangaians who took so active a part in the formation of the federation, are not likely to object now I have, &c, Ebbdeeick J. Moss, British Eesident. His Excellency the Earl of Onslow, G.C.M.G., Governor of New Zealand.

Enclosure. Minutes of Meeting of the Goveenment at Makea's, on Thursday, 23rd July, IS9I, at noon Prayers by Ngamaru. Chairman : Ngamaru elected, to be assisted by Tepou. Present : The following arikis (11): Makea, Eao mana, Pa, Kainuku (of Earotonga), Ngamaru, Eongo Matane, Parua (Atiu, Mitiaro, and Mauke), Vaeruarangi, Tamatoa, Te UraKura, Manarengi (Aitutaki), Vaipo, of Mangaia, Governor and Chief of Ivirua, was also present. Resolved, That as Mangaia was not present at the meeting of the Government on Friday, the 17th July, it is desirable to find out the true reason why these arikis did not attend. That a Commission be therefore appointed to proceed to Mangaia by the first opportunity, and make inquiry in order that the truth may be known. That the following shall form the Commission : Ngamaru (ariki of Atiu), Tepou te Eangi [(Chief Judge of the Supreme Court of the Cook Islands), John Mokoenga (Aitutaki, Member of Parliament of the Cook Islands). That the Commission may take evidence on oath, and. shall report to the Government on their return to Earotonga. Prayers by Maretu.

No. 9. Mr. F. J. Moss to His Excellency the Govebnoe. My Loed, — Earotonga, 22nd July, 1891. Respecting the affairs of the Island of Mangaia, I have the honour to inform your Excellency that I took the opportunity of the return of the Mangaian members of the Parliament to their homes on the ] Oth June to send by one of them (Ngatama, the brother of King John) a letter to those who had been the leaders in Pearse's expulsion, informing them that I should now adjudicate in that matter, and inviting them to send some one to speak on their behalf. I had told them that this would be done when I met them at Mangaia, on the 2nd May, on H.M.S. " Goldfinch;" but that I should not go into it then, as I had come to speak of federation, and there would be no time for anything else. On the 21st June I received from Ngatama a letter dated 19th June, informing me that the chief concerned would not listen to the letter nor come to Earotonga. The old quarrels, suspended by the receipt of Sir John Thurston's letter in March, and the visit of H.M.S. "Goldfinch" in May, had broken out with new virulence, and I felt that prompt action was necessary. Having already thoroughly investigated the case, I proceeded at once to judgment, taking care to award only amounts of which the justice could not be questioned. I enclose copies of the award and of a letter which I addressed to the chiefs in connection with it. To insure its delivery I sent both by a special messenger, Eaia, the chief of the police here, and himself a

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