A.—3.
No. 13. My Lord, — Barotonga, 21st March, 1901. I propose, with your approval, to send Mr. Goodwin to Auckland during the month of May, in order to take a crew of Cook-Islanders to bring the Government schooner to Barotonga; also to purchase oil for the use of the schooner's engine, and to procure a large supply of fruitboxes for the use of the native inhabitants, so that they may be independent of local fruit-buyers, and may send their fruit to the best markets. At the present moment they are bound to supply the fruit to those who will supply them with the boxes. May I ask Your Lordship to let me know by the May steamer whether our boat will be ready during that month, for, if not, I would keep Mr. Goodwin and the crew here until the following month ? I have, &c, W. E. Gudgeon, His Excellency the Earl of Eanfurly, K.C.M.G., British Eesident. Governor of New Zealand.
No. 14. My Lord, — Barotonga, 25th March, 1901. With reference to your despatch of the 12th instant, and the telegram from the Bight Hon. the Premier of New Zealand, returned herewith, I have the honour to inform you that on receipt of the said despatch I called a meeting of the Arikis and placed the matter before them, with the result that, while both Makea and Ngamaru express their gratification at the invitation to attend and witness the ceremonies attending the reception of Their Eoyal Highnesses, they regret that their ill-health will prevent their acceptance. So far as Makea is concerned, she still suffers from rheumatism contracted some years since in New Zealand, and therefore fears the winter climate of that colony. Ngamaru is an old man, and has been in bad health for the last three months, and I concur in thinking that it would be very unwise for him to visit New Zealand at present. He is too valuable a man to be allowed to risk his life. The result of the Arikis' meeting was that they- resolved that Pa, the Ariki of Takitumu, should attend as representative of the chiefs and people of Barotonga, Atiu, Mauke, Mitiaro, and Aitutaki, and that his passage to and from Wellington should be paid by the Government of the Cook Islands ; but that the Colony of New Zealand should be asked to pay his personal expenses while in that colony. Pa has a very fair knowledge of the English language, and will not require an interpreter. It will not be an easy matter to communicate with Mangaia at present, but if John Ariki can be pursuaded to visit New Zealand I will endeavour to bring him to Barotonga for that purpose, and will see that his passage is paid to and from this island. I submit for Your Lordship's consideration that the opportunity of visiting all the islands of this group, as also the Northern Islands, in the " John Williams," about the 9th May, should not be lost, and therefore it would be better that I should not visit New Zealand. I have, &c, His Excellency the Earl of Eanfurly, K.C.M.G., W. E. Gudgeon, Governor of New Zealand. British Eesident.
Enclosure. Copy of Telegram from the Bight Hon. the Premier, 12th March, 1901. To His Excellency the Governor, Auckland. The Premier presents his compliments to His Excellency, and is of opinion that, amongst the other arrangements in connection with the reception of Their Boyal Highnesses, it would be very pleasing if, on their arrival in Auckland, Colonel Gudgeon and, say, Queen Makea and her husband, King John and the Queen of Mangaia, and King Tongia and his wife, of Niue, should come over and represent the newly acquired portion of the Empire, and be presented to Their Eoyal Highnesses. I think this would be an excellent idea in regard to him, and it would be also a good thing for the Islands, and would be appreciated by the Duke and Duchess. I have no doubt the Islanders would bring with them some presents from their respective homes. I have sent a private letter to Colonel Gudgeon making this suggestion, and hope Your Excellency will think well of it. The mail, I believe, leaves to-day for Barotonga, and if you think the suggestion a good one Your Excellency might intimate to Colonel Gudgeon that it might be submitted to the Island Parliament, so that those coming may be duly accredited. B. J. Seddon.
No. 15. My Lord, — Barotonga, 26th March, 1901. I have the honour to forward for your information a letter from Makea Ariki, in reply to your despatch of the 12th instant, inviting both Makea and Ngamaru to attend at the ceremonies incidental to the visit of Their Boyal Highnesses in June next. I have, &c, His Excellency the Earl of Eanfurly, K.C.M.G., W. E. Gudgeon, Governor of New Zealand. British Eesident, 3—A. 3.
See No. 14
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