19

A.—3

and could not be left to act for themselves. He was glad to say that every year they were getting more and more able to act for themselves, and if they had their children taught in English, so as to read English books, they would not only be a.ble to do their own work, but to send out people to do good work in New Guinea and other islands. (Applause.) As to being of one mind, that was impossible. When he looked round he did not find any two of them dressed in the same coloured clothing; and it was the same in all things. The way to w r ork together was for each to think for himself, but when it came to the vote, if four said " Yes," and three said " No," let the three say, "As we are in the minority, we will give way and all work together." That is how the English people and the English Parliament and the New Zealand Parliament worked together, and he hoped they would do the same. Several of the members here wished to say that they were fully aware of the good help New Zealand had given them in forming their Government, and in sending Mr. Moss to guide them. Not only they but their children after them would remember this, and be thankful for it. With this the Parliament ended its session of 1896, and parted with three cheers for the Resident and for Queen Makea. The Bills passed will be found notified elsewhere in our columns.

No. 5. Mr. F. J. Moss to His Excellency the Goveenoe. My Loed, — Cook Islands, British Residency, Rarotonga, 22nd August, 1896. I have the honour to inform your Excellency that the Rarotonga Council met on the 15th instant, in accordance with the law, and to enclose the opening address of the local Government. In consideration of its being an unusually busy time, with the export of fruit and other produce, the Council adjourned till the 28th instant. I have, &c, Feedeeick J. Moss, His Excellency the Earl of Glasgow, G.C.M.G., British Resident. Governor of New Zealand, &c.

Enclosure. From the Goveenment (the Arikis) to the Council of Raeotonga. Salutations ! We are glad to meet you again in Council, and to inform you what has been done during the past year, and what, in our opinion, should be done for the year to come. The Bevenue £ s. d. From all sources was ... ... ... ... ... 617 17 0 To which add the balance from 1895 ... ... ... ... 114 4 1 £732 1 1 The Expenditure Has been ... ... ... ... ... ... ... £656 8 9 leaving a balance of £75 12s. 4d. with which to begin the present year. Full details will be laid before you, but we bring to your notice that some of the receipts have proved much below the estimate. We invite you to make full inquiry and proper provision under these heads for the future. They are — Arikis'Court receipts, estimated ... ... £120; yielded only £59 16 9 Road-tax „ ... ... 45; „ 25 14 11 Dog-tax „ ... ... 20; „ Nil. Totals ... ... ... ... £185 ... £85 11 8 showing a deficiency of nearly £100 on these items. If the falling-off is due to a decrease in offences it is a matter for congratulation, and indicates a lessening of the burden formerly borne by the people in this respect. The total cost of the three Arikis' Courts and police being £270 a year, it follows that over £200 of the amount had to be provided from other revenue in the past year. The Free Public Schools for teaching in English, which you provided for at last meeting, have been opened, and over 350 children are being regularly taught. Proper provision will require to be made for these schools. We commend them to your liberal consideration, for upon them the future prosperity and progress of Rarotonga will depend. The provision for school-fittings made by the Federal Government leaves you to find the funds for teaching only, and for keeping the school-buildings in proper order. The Hospital is established by the Federal Government, and under their control, but we may congratulate the people of Rarotonga, as well as those of the other Cook Islands, on its opening, which took place on the Ist May. Boad-ivorks. No new roads or works were attempted last year, the funds sufficing only to keep those already made in good repair. We shall be glad to see appropriations for new roads when means are available.