A.—6

14

Section 3. —The rates of postage to be charged at all the post-offices within the Cook Islands shall hereafter be as follows :— Within the Federation. Letters, closed, per half-ounce or fraction of a half-ounce (one penny half-penny) ... ... ... ... ... ... ... lcjd. Letters, open, per ounce or fraction of an ounce (one penny) ... ... Id. Post-cards, each (one penny) ... ... ... ... .. Id. Newspapers ... ... ... ... ... ... ... Free. Beyond the Federation. Letters, closed, to all countries, per half-ounce or fraction of a half-ounce (twopence-halfpenny) ... ... ... ... ... ... 2^d. Letters, open, per ounce or fraction of an ounce (one penny) ... ... Id. Newspapers, each (one penny) ... ... ... ... ... Id. Section 4. —Chilian or other coin may be received by any of the postmasters at such rates as the Chief Postmaster may from time to time declare by a public notice to be posted at his office. Makea, Approved, 4th June, 1892. Ariki, Chief of the Government. Feedeeick J. Moss, British Eesident.

No. 3. Mr. F. J. Moss to His Excellency the Goveenoe. My Loed, — British Eesidency, Earotonga, 19th July, 1892. I have the honour to report that the Earotonga Council held its annual meeting on the 29th June, at the residence of Makea, Ariki of Avarua. The Arikis of Arorangi and Takitumu, with their attendants, and the other official members of the Council, were present. The day was occupied in the settlement of land disputes between Native chiefs (which were satisfactorily arranged), and with questions connected with the Chiefship of the Federation, the postage-stamps to be used, and other matters with which the Federal Parliament, including as it does all the other islands, could alone deal. The personal rivalries of the Arikis, which are referred to in my despatch of yesterday's date, have so far prevented the formation of an Executive (local) in Earotonga ; and as no business had therefore been prepared for the Council, I suggested the appointment of a Committee, and an adjournment to a future day. This suggestion was adopted, and the Committee prepared a report and certain Bills, which were laid before the Council at the adjourned meeting on the 13th instant. The Bills were : (1.) To alter the date of future meetings so as not to clash with the meeting of the Federal Parliament. (2.) A Divorce Bill (for Earotonga only). (3.) An Appropriation Bill, to allocate between the three districts $2,665, available for public works from the subsidies granted from the Federal revenue, and from the local revenue of the island. The day was again consumed with land and other disputes; and, on being asked to help them with the Appropriation Bill, I declined to assent unless the allocation was made with due deliberation, and accompanied by safeguards for the proper expenditure of the money. The Council, therefore, adjourned to the 31st August, as the coffeepicking required all their attention at present. The disputes as to position and precedence are confined to this island, and as they have pretty well worn themselves out, I anticipate a more useful meeting on the next occasion. I have, &c, Feedeeick J. Moss, His Excellency the Earl of Glasgow, G.C.M.G., &c. British Eesident.

No. 4. Mr. F. J. Moss to His Excellency the Goveenoe. My Loed, — British Eesidency, Earotonga, 19th July, 1892. I have the honour to enclose copy of a Bill passed by the Parliament for the adoption of a Federa flag. Each island has its own flag, and it was only after much consideration that the flag of Earotonga was adopted, the three stars representing the three districts of that island being struck out by consent. The Parliament desired much to retain the Union-jack, which has been used on the Earotonga flag since the Protectorate ; but I did not feel justified in formally approving, and deferred the Bill for your Excellency's consideration. The people in these islands will be much gratified if the Union-jack is allowed. I have, &c, Feedeeick J. Moss, His Excellency the Earl of Glasgow, G.C.M.G., British Eesident. New Zealand.