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No. 21. Sir, — British Eesidenoy, Rarotonga, 23rd July, 1902. I have the honour to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of the 7th July, No. 56, having reference to the appointment of Judges for the Land Titles Court of this group. The appointment of Mr. Maxwell would be of very great value to the people of Niue, but I would respectfully point out that it would not be wise to appoint any one man of Niue to sit with Mr. Maxwell, as the tribes are intensely jealous of each other. It would be better to give Mr. Maxwell power in each case to summon some one or more Natives to assist him as Assessors. Even here I could not well ask Pa to sit on all cases, and there would be great jealousy if he were not already a Judge of the High Court, and the Natives will consider him as sitting in that capacity. Pending your decision I will write at once to Mr. Maxwell asking him if he can nominate some man for the office, but I am convinced that the course I suggest will be the best. I have, &c, W. E. Gudgeon, The Eight Hon. the Premier, Wellington. Eesident Commissioner.
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No. 22. Sib, — British Eesidency, Earotonga, 23rd July, 1902. I have the honour to report that Dr. Gatley has arrived to take over the medical charge of these islands. He appears to be a very suitable man for the work, but he complains that he has been misled as to the amount or value of the private practice, Dr. Mason having told him it would amount to at least £'200 per annum, whereas it will not exceed £50. Under these circumstances Dr. Gatley tells me that he cannot remain long in the Group as nothing less than £350 per annum will suit him. The amount set down in the estimates for doctor's salary is £270, and expenses of Hospital £200. From this last item I propose to take £80 to supplement the £270, as it does not appear to me that we shall obtain the services of a competent medical man under the £350 asked. I propose, however, to wait your approval before doing this. The two votes will hardly be exceeded. I have, &c, W. E. Gudgeon, The Eight Hon. the Premier, New Zealand. Eesident Commissioner.
No. 23. Sir, — British Eesidency, Earotonga, 24th July, 1902. I have the honour to forward for the assent of His Excellency the Governor an Ordinance of the Island Council of Aitutaki, which is intended to provide for the regulation of village life in that island. Some of the clauses are somewhat repugnant to the European mind, but they are entirely in consonance with Native ideas. The original manuscript sent to me required to be boiled down and put in form, and I have done so, retaining, however, each clause of the Council. I have, &c, W. E. Gudgeon, The Eight Hon. the Premier, New Zealand. Eesident Commissioner.
Enclosure. No. I. — An Ordinance to regulate Village Life in Aitutaki. (18th June, 1902.) Be it enacted by the Island Council of Aitutaki : — 1. The Short Title of this Ordinance is " The Village Eegulation Ordinance, 1902." 2. A curfew bell shall be sounded in each of the Aitutaki villages at 9 p.m. every evening, after which bell all beating of drums and other loud noises shall cease, and the villagers retire to their houses : Provided always that this section shall not be deemed to apply to those who have a valid excuse for being abroad after 9 p.m.: Provided also that the President of the Island Council may grant permission to any " tarekareka " or entertainment to be extended to midnight. 3. It shall be the duty of the police to see that the provisions of this Ordinance are strictly observed. Any person offending against the provisions of section two, or obstructing the police in the execution of their duty, shall be liable on conviction to a fine of not exceeding twenty shillings, and in default of payment to twenty days' hard labour. 4. Within one month after the publication of this Ordinance in the Cook Islands Gazette all owners of cattle on the Island of Aitutaki shall register, in the office of the Eesident Magistrate, the colour, marks, brands, and ages of the cattle owned by them or under their charge; and a return of this nature shall be furnished yearly thereafter in the month of June in each year. 5. It shall not be lawful to tether cattle within the village enclosure unless the written permission of the President of the Council shall first have been obtained, and no beast shall be tethered in such a position that it can reach nearer than ten feet to the public thoroughfare. The President may revoke any permission that he may have given under this section.