17

A.—3

These values are only given according to the present prices of arrowroot, and only as far as my own personal judgment estimates them from a business point of view. E. Basil Jones, Manager.

Department of Agriculture (Chemical Laboratory). I have analysed the four samples of arrowroot obtained from the Pacific Islands by His Excellency the Governor. The amount of mineral matter found ranges from 13 per cent, (lowest) in the " Pia Maori" (indigenous arrowroot) up to 35 per cent, (highest) in the " Maniota," grown at Arorangi, Rarotonga. These and other tests show the samples to be free from adventitious earthy matters and from adulteration. B. C. Aston, Government Agricultural Chemist.

No. 21. His Excellency the Goveenoe to Lieut.-Colonel Gudgeon. Sic, — Government House, Wellington, 13th September, 1900. I have the honour to inform you that I have received instructions from the Secretary of State for the Colonies that the training-ship of the Eepublican fleet of Chili, " General Baquedano," will be in the neighbourhood of New Zealand towards the close of the year. The Secretary of State would be glad if the officers and midshipmen of the ship in question should receive from the authorities of the ports visited the facilities which they may require on their voyage. 2. Should this ship by any chance touch at Barotonga, I should be glad if the above instructions could be carried out. I have, &c, Lieut.-Colonel Gudgeon, British Eesident, Earotonga. Ranfuely.

No. 22. Lieut.-Colonel Gudgeon to His Excellency-the Goveenor. My Lokd, — British Eesidency, Earotonga, 4th October, 1900. I have the honour to acknowledge the receipt of your despatch (No. 623) and report from No. 20. the Department of Agriculture on the samples of arrowroot forwarded to you. I will have the same published for general information. The reports are very much what I expected—that it was only the manufacture of" the article that was defective. The Natives of these tropical islands will never do anything thoroughly, unless under supervision. I have, &c, W. E. Gudgeon, His Excellency the Earl of Eanfurly, K.C.M.G., British Eesident. Governor of New Zealand.

No. 23. His Excellency the Goveenoe to Lieut.-Colonel Gudgeon. Sic, — Government House, Wellington, 20th December, 1900. With - reference to your despatch (No. 32/1900) dated 10th September, 1900, forwarding No. 19. a letter of sympathy from Makea and the Arikis of Rarotonga to Her Majesty the Queen on the occasion of the death of His Royal Highness the Duke of Edinburgh, I have the honour to request that you will give the enclosed letter to Makea from the Right Hon. the Secretary of State for the Colonies. A copy of the letter is enclosed herewith. I have, &c, Lieut.-Colonel Gudgeon, British Resident, Rarotonga. Ranfuely.

Enclosure. Madam, — Government House, Wellington, 20th December, 1900. I have the honour to inform you that I have received the following reply from the Right Hon. J. Chamberlain, Secretary of State for the Colonies, to your letter of condolence to Her Majesty Queen Victoria on the occasion of the death of His Royal Highness the Duke of Saxe-Coburg-Gotha:— " My Loed, — " I have laid before the Queen the letter of condolence on the death of His Royal Highness the Duke of Saxe-Coburg-Gotha received by you from Makea, Chief of the Federal Government of the Cook Islands. " Her Majesty desires that, in thanking Makea and the Arikis on her behalf for this expression of sympathy, you will convey to them her gratification at the assurance of their loyalty contained in the letter. " J. Chambeelain." I have, &c, To Makea, Chief of the Federal Government, Cook Islands. Ranfuely. Approximate Cost of Paper.— Preparation, not given; printing (1,375 copies), £Q 19s.

By Authority : John Mackay, Government Printer, Wellington.—l9ol. Price 9d.] 3—A. 3. .