A.—6

19

We then went to Makea (Ariki). On explaining our errand, Makea asked Mr. Martin if he had been to Mr. Moss, and Mr. Martin replied in the affirmative. Makea did not seem enchanted with the proposal, and inquired as to what class of people he intended to introduce, and where he proposed obtaining them. Mr. Martin replied that he would be wholly responsible for his labourers, and would, if necessary, enter into bonds for £500 to that effect; and he proposed getting them from Tokehau. Makea ultimately consented, and referred us to you. We went to your office, but I did not go inside with Mr. Martin, and cannot say what occurred between you. I acted merely as interpreter, saying nothing for or against the proposition. I was under the impression that you knew and approved ; but cannot call to mind that Mr. Martin exactly said so. I think he rather led us to infer that he had your approval. The document alluded to was dictated by Mr. Martin to Tepou; but I was not asked to, nor did I, make any translation of the same. I have, &c, F. J. Moss, Esq., British Resident. H. Nicholas.

Enclosure No. 9. The Beitish Eesident to Mr. J. P. Goee Maetin. Sic, — British Eesidency, Earotonga, 28th July, 1892. I am requested by Judge Tepou to (? ask you to) cancel and return to me —for him—a document which he gave you on the 26th instant, and which you registered in the Eegistry of Deeds here in the original Maori, and without translation. Tepou tells me that he gave this under a misapprehension as to his own powers, and only because he understood you to say that I approved of the proposed importation of labourers from other islands. When you spoke to me at my office on the subject, I showed you the long-established law, prohibiting all such importation, and told you that no one had power to act in opposition to this law. The document, you must therefore have been aware, is entirely illegal and worthless. I have, &c, J. P. Gore Martin, Esq., Auckland. Feedeeick J. Moss, British Eesident.

No. 10. Mr. F. J. Moss to His Excellency the Goveenoe. My Loed, — British Eesidency, Earotonga, 29th August, 1892. I have the honour to enclose for your Excellency's information the following Acts passed by the Earotonga Council at its sitting on the 23rd instant: (1) " Divorce Act, 1892 ; " (2) " Appropriation Act, 1892-93." The Divorce Act will, it is hoped, end a very unsatisfactory state of affairs in that respect. The Appropriation Act was passed after three sittings of the Council. There was, naturally, much division at first, as this is the first revenue ever appropriated by the Council. lam glad to report that in the end the best feeling prevailed, and the old jealousies practically disappeared. I also enclose: (3) Estimate of Eevenue for 1892-93; (4) Eeport of Licensing Officer. The only other subject of interest was a lease of certain land executed by Karika, Ariki, in favour of a European, and in respect of which Karika is said to have proceeded to Wellington early this month in the "Linda Weber." The land is occupied by a considerable number of Natives, and cannot be leased without the consent of Pa, the Ariki of the district in which the land is situated. Pa refuses to give his consent, or to allow the present occupants to be removed. The Council unanimously agreed with Pa, and the lease was formally destroyed. The money appropriated will, I have no doubt, be carefully expended, and the roads much improved. The other Island Councils will hold their meetings before the end of the year, and appropriate similarly the money at their disposal. I have great pleasure in stating for your Excllency's information that there is nothing but satisfaction among the Native people at the present state of affairs. They are proud of their Government, and begin to appreciate the benefit to be derived from its systematic operation. Nor have I any reason to suppose that there is discontent of any kind among the Europeans and other foreign residents, though occasional complaints—none of them of any moment—are inevitable. I have, &c, Feedeeick J. Moss. His Excellency the Earl of Glasgow, G.C.M.G., &c. British Eesident.

Enclosures. ACTS PASSED BY THE RAROTONGA COUNCIL, 1892. [Teanslation.] Eepoet of the Committee appointed by the Council at its meeting on the 29th June, to prepare such business as it may be desirable to bring before the Council at its Adjourned Meeting of the 13th July. In accordance with the resolution of the Council as to the formation of this Committee, the British Eesident undertook to act as Chairman, and reports : — 1. That the following appointments were sent to him of persons to act as members of the Committee—namely: From Arorangi, Mr. J. M. Salmon; Takitumu, Teatuairo; Avarua, Tepou-o-te-Eangi.