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Enclosure. Memorandum for His Excellency. (No. 19.) Premier's Office, Wellington, 9th May, 1895. The Premier returns herewith the despatch, No. 2, of the 7th January, 1895, from the Secretary of State for the Colonies in reference to the position of the British Eesident in the Cook Islands. Paragraph 5 of the despatch shows clearly what was understood to be the position of the Eesident, and so far it is satisfactory. The Premier would ask that instructions should be given, as indicated in paragraph 6, that the High Commissioner should not make any regulations which would extend to the group so long as New Zealand pays the salary of the Eesident. The Premier does not wish the jurisdiction of the High Commissioner's Court to be vested in the Eesident by giving him the powers of a Deputy Commissioner, and the distance of the islands from New Zealand and the uncertain communication would render it impossible for the prisons of the colony to be made the receptacle for prisoners from the Cook Islands. The Premier further respectfully desires His Excellency to intimate to the Secretary of State that, notwithstanding trade relations between the islands and New Zealand have not been as successful as was anticipated, provision will be made on the estimates for the Eesident's salary under the existing arrangement, it being the great desire of this Government to extend British influence in the South Pacific, and fearing a withdrawal would militate against such influence. E. J. Seddon.

No. 2.

(No. 23.) My Lord, — Government House, Wellington, 25th June, 1895. In reply to your despatch (New Zealand, No. 22) dated the 19th April, 1895, I have the honour to inform you that my Government have no objection to the proposed approval of the appointment of the Belgian Consul-General to act under section 6 of " The Public Trust Office Acts Amendment Act, 1891," and that such approval has been notified in the Neiu Zealand Gazette, under date the 20th June, 1895. I have, &c. The Eight Hon. the Secretary of State for GLASGOW. the Colonies.

A.-2, 1896. No. 4.

No. 3.

(No. 25.) Sir, — Government House, Wellington, 4th July, 1895. I have the honour to forward for your information a copy of the proceedings of the British Eesident at Rarotonga (Cook Islands) containing certain despatches and copies of the Acts passed by the Federal Parliament of the group during the year 1894, as well as—what I submit is worthy of your attention from the light it throws on the customs of the Polynesian race in the Pacific Islands— a declaration as to the tenure of the land, and the leasing and fencing of the same. I have only to add that, so far, the experiment of establishing a native legislature in this group has worked on the whole very harmoniously ; and I have no hesitation in attributing its success mainly, if not wholly, to the skilful management, tact, and moderation of Mr. Moss, who as Eesident has gained both the confidence and respect of chiefs, people, and traders. I have, &c, The Eight Hon. the Secretary of State for GLASGOW, the Colonies.

A.-3, 1895.

No. 4.

(No. 27.) Sic, — Government House, Wellington, 6th July, 1895. I have the honour to enclose, at the request of my Premier, memorandum with reference to compassionate pensions for old soldiers living in the colonies. I have, &c, The Eight Hon. the Secretary of State for GLASGOW. the Colonies.