A.—3b

1899. NEW ZEALAND.

PACIFIC ISLANDS: ESPATCH FROM SAMOAN COMMISSION ACKNOWLEDGING SERVICES RENDERED BY THE S.S. "TUTANEKAI."

Presented to both Houses of the General Assembly by Command of His Excellency.

My Lord,— Apia, 10th July, 1899. I beg to express to your Lordship, on behalf of myself and of the Samoan Commission, our best thanks for the generous offer of your Lordship's Government to put the " Tutanekai" at our disposal for a week or ten days. We ventured to retain her for the longer period, as we were about to commence a tour round the islands which could not begin before the sth July. The services of the "Tutanekai" on such an occasion were invaluable, as she was able to approach comparatively near the points where we wished to land, while the other ships which we could have used would have been compelled to remain a considerable distance out to sea. The Commission also desire to express their thanks to Captain Post for his courtesy and polite attention, which have rendered the journey not only useful but agreeable. The " Tutanekai " intends to leave to-morrow at 10 a.m. I have, &c, C. N. B. Eliot. His Excellency the Earl of Eanfurly, K.C.M.G., &c. Approximate Cost of Paper.— Preparation, not given; printing (1,325 copies), 18s. 6d.

By Authority: John Mackay, Government Printer, Wellington.—lB99. Price 3d.]