A.—3

2

[Translation.] Mangaia, 17th May, 1899. This is a letter to Lord Ranfurly. Greetings. Great was my delight when I listened to the words that flowed from your mouth. I was rejoiced to hear those words. You have also visited the Cook Islands, and have seen with your own eyes the ancestors of the New Zealand Maoris. This fact will ever be remembered by me, and your words will not fade, but remain as gold imperishable. From Tangitoro Daniela, Te Ariki in Oneroa and Atiu. [Note. —The words that delighted Daniela were those used by your Lordship when referring to the migrations of the Maori people from these islands to New Zealand. W. E. Gudgeon, Lieut-Colonel.]

No. 2. His Excellency the Governor to Lieut.-Colonel Gudgeon. Sir, — Government House, Wellington, Bth July, 1899. No. 1. With reference to your despatch (No. 21/99), dated the 13th June, 1899, regarding Daniela Tangitoru's gift of land to the Queen, I have the honour to inform you that I have forwarded to England his proposal, to await Her Majesty's commands on this subject. Will you please inform him accordingly. I have, &c, Lieut.-Colonel Gudgeon, British Resident, Rarotonga. Ranpurly.

No. 3. Lieut.-Colonel Gudgeon to His Excellency the Governor. My Lord, — Cook Islands : British Residency, Rarotonga, 19th July, 1899. No. 1. With reference to the piece of land at Oneroa (Mangaia) which Daniela Tangitoro desires to present to Her Majesty the Queen, it appears to me that he has been actuated by two motives —namely, that some years ago Makea made a similar present of the land whereon the Residency is built; and, secondly, that he desires to have a piece of land whereon the British Resident can reside by right on any occasion that he may find it necessary to visit Mangaia. Under these circumstances you may probably be able to accept the offer provisionally; but, if not, I would suggest that Daniela be told that, much as the offer is appreciated, it cannot be accepted. 1 have, &c, W. E. Gudgeon, His Excellency the Earl of Ranfurly, K.C.M.G., British Resident. Governor of New Zealand.

No. 4. Lieut.-Colonel Gudgeon to His Excellency the Governor. My Lord, — Cook Islands : British Residency, Rarotonga, 19th July, 1899. After giving the matter due consideration, I have resolved to bring the Liquor Traffic Bill before the Parliament this session, in order that the principle of the Bill may be affirmed, leaving the power in the hands of the Government to bring the Act into force whenever they deem it advisable to do so. The Act as it now stands has only eleven clauses, including one against the illicit distillation of spirits or manufacture of intoxicating liquor, and may be said to be merely an administrative Act. I regret that I cannot send you a copy of the Bill by this mail, as it is now in Mr. Goodwin's hands for translation, but by the August steamer I will forward it without fail. I have, &c, W. E. Gudgeon, His Excellency the Earl of Ranfurly, K.C.M.G., British Resident. Governor of New Zealand.

No. 5. His Excellency the Governor to Lieut.-Colonel Gudgeon. Sir, — Government House, Wellington, 7th August, 1899. U oi 4. I have the honour to acknowledge receipt of your despatch of 19th July, 1899 (No. 29/99), informing me that you had decided to bring the Liquor Traffic Bill before this session of the Cook Islands Parliament. I have, &c, Lieut.-Colonel Gudgeon, British Resident, Rarotonga. Ranfurly.