A.—3.

Thus remains the question of marriages between natives of this and other islands, which, of course, can be legalised in the cases wherein Mr. Lawes is able to officiate. But this is not sufficient, for after careful consideration by Mr. Lawes and myself I came to the conclusion that the native pastors (who are also the teachers in each village) should be authorised in that behalf. It is believed that it would be scarcely possible to overcome native prejudice so far as to induce all of those proposing marriage to come to Alofi to be married by Mr. Lawes, and if this were insisted on the result would probably be that people would live together without going through the form of marriage. The teachers in each village are just as much native ministers as those which have been ordained in New Zealand, being Maoris, and therefore I trust there will be no difficulty in licensing the following people : — Teacher at Appointed Kaea ... ... ... ... Takepa 16th May, 1883. Pulekula ... ... ... Liku 30th September, 1887. Toaforia ... ... ... Tamahatokula 31st January, 1890. Ikifana... ... ... ... Hakupu 14th December, 1888. Kulatea ... ... ... Mutalau 14th April, 1897. Fakalagotoa ... ... ... Makefu 27th October, 1899. Manamana ... ... ... Fatiau 2nd September, 1898. Patu ... ... ... ... Avatele 3rd February, 1899. Pamatagi ... ... ... Tamakautoga Bth December, 1899. Nea ... ... ... ... Alofi November, 1891. I have, &c, Percy Smith, Government Eesident Agent, Niue. His Excellency the Governor, Wellington.

No. 53. Sir, — Barotonga, 2nd October, 1901. I have the honour to acknowledge the receipt of your wire (No. 5), notifying me that Captain Martin Nagle had been appointed Customs and Post Officer at Penrhyn. I have fixed the salary of this office at £150 per annum, and have informed him that the appointment will depend upon his suitability for the post. This he thoroughly understands; but I may say that, knowing the man as I do, I have no misgiviug, and in a few months I shall be prepared to recommend that he be appointed Eesident Agent and local Magistrate. I am refraining from any comment on your remarks in reference to the tariff to be imposed on the northern islands, as Mr. Colebrook is preparing a report on the tariff, on which I propose to comment at length. I have, &c, W. E. Gudgeon, The Bight Hon. the Premier of New Zealand, Wellington. British Eesident.

No. 48.

No. 54. My Lord, — Alofi, Niue Island, 11th October, 1901. I have the honour to report my proceedings under Your Excellency's letter of instructions dated the 29th July, 1901. I left New Plymouth on the sth August, having received intimation from Captain Worsley, of the schooner "Countess of Banfurly," that he proposed to sail on the 6th. It was not, however, until the 15th that the vessel got away. We called in at Sunday Island on our way to Barotonga, in order to make inquiries as to the missing vessel " Maungaroa," but could hear nothing of her. We arrived at Barotonga on the 4th September, and left again, having Lieut.-Colonel Gudgeon, C.M.G., with us, on the 6th September, and, after calling at Aitutaki for men, anchored off here on the 11th September. I may, en passant, refer to the new schooner, about which many disparaging remarks were current in Auckland. She has turned out to be a very staunch and quick boat, easily handled, and safe. We experienced a somewhat severe gale off the Kermadee Islands, which put her sea-going qualities to the test, and nothing could be better than her behaviour, for she never shipped a sea the whole time, though the decks were necessarily constantly wet from the spindrift, making it a very uncomfortable time for the passengers. Immediately on landing, Colonel Gudgeon sent for Tongia, the Patuiki, or King (so called), to meet us at Alofi, but he was ill-advised enough not to attend. A satisfactory meeting of welcome with the Alofi people took place on the day of our arrival, and, as Colonel Gudgeon could not wait to visit Tongia, I arranged to meet him and the chiefs of the Island at Tuapa, where Tongia lives, on the 17th September. I proceeded to Tuapa on the day fixed, accompanied by the Bey. F. E. Lawes, who then and ever since, with the greatest kindness, has acted as my interpreter. I was received very heartily with the accustomed welcome of the people, who gave a feast, accompanied by their native dances, singing, &c. On the following day I met the Patuiki and the chiefs from all parts of the island, and explained the object of my coming and the changes which I considered necessary in the form of government, the impending imposition of Customs duties, the abrogation of the native method of levying fines, &c, the necessity for appointing capable men to administer justice amongst themselves, and other matters which I proposed to enter into more fully with them at a meeting of

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