15
A.—6
Enclosure. Cook Islands Flag. It is hereby enacted by the British Eesident and the Parliament of the Cook Islands: — 1. That the flag for the Federation of the Cook Islands shall be as described in the schedule hereto. 2. That all vessels belonging to any of the Cook Islands shall use the said flag, but that on shore the flag given to us at the Proclamation of Great Britain's protectorate —namely, the Unionjack —shall continue to be hoisted on all public places. Dated at Avarua, 6th July, 1892. Eeserved for the consideration of his Excellency the Governor of New Zealand. Feedeeick J. Moss, 9th July, 1892.
Schedule. Description of Flag for Marine Use. —Three longitudinal stripes—red, white, and red—of equal width, with the Union in the upper corner of the red stripe if it be allowed.
No. 5. His Excellency the Goveenoe to Mr. F. J. Moss. Sic, — Government House, Wellington, 3rd April, 1893. In reply to your Despatch No. 6, of the 19th July, 1892, with reference to the proposed adoption by the Cook Islands of a Federal flag, and also with regard to the use of the Union-jack on shore in those islands, I beg to acquaint you that I have received a letter from the Secretary of State for the Colonies, informing me that the Lords Commissioners of the Admiralty have no objection to the flag you propose for marine use, provided that the centre of the Union-jack be defaced by a shield bearing some device; and I would suggest that there should be on the centre of the Union-jack a circular shield, bearing on it a palm-tree. I shall be obliged for eight copies of a coloured drawing of the flag you settle to adopt. I have to add there is no objection to the use of the Union-jack on shore in the Cook Islands. I have, &c, The British Eesident, the Cook Islands. Glasgow.
No. 6. M. F. J. Moss to His Excellency the Goveenoe. My Loed, — British Eesidency, Earotonga, 6th May, 1893. I have the honour to acknowledge the receipt of your Excellency's letter of the 3rd April, informing me'that the Union-jack may be placed upon the Cook Islands flag, on condition that a shield bearing some device be placed in the centre. Your Excellency suggests a circular shield with a palm-tree ; but as the Natives make their own flags, I fear the device will be considered too difficult. The Federal Parliament will meet on the sth July, and the contents of your Excellency's despatch will be communicated to them. In case the palm-tree should prove too difficult, I should be glad to know if a circular or oblong shield sewn to each side of the flag, and with a central opening showing the junction of the red cross, would be considered by your Excellency sufficient to meet the conditions. When finally settled, coloured drawings of the flag shall be sent to your Excellency as requested. I have, &c, His Excellency the Earl of Glasgow, G.C.M.G. Feedeeick J. Moss.
No. 7. His Excellency the Goveenoe to Mr. F. J. Moss. Sic,— Wellington, 10th June, 1893. I have the honour to acknowledge the receipt of your Despatch No. 7, of the 6th May, stating that you apprehend a difficulty in carrying out my suggestion to " differentiate " the Unionjack by means of a medallion or shield bearing a palm-tree, and you suggest " a circular or oblong shield sewn on each side of the flag, with a central opening showing the juncture of the red cross." I regret to say that I do not quite comprehend the proposal, and would be glad if you will send me a water-colour sketch showing your idea. It really matters little what is placed on the "Jack," but I should think a shield of white calico, with a simple drawing in black paint of a conventional cocoanut tree, like that in the margin, should not be difficult. I am, &c, The British Eesident, Earotonga. Glasgow.