A.—3

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No. 4.

It is, however, on the general subject of Resident Agents that I now write. You have already my views on this subject with reference to the Island of Mangaia, and have heard the well-founded complaint of Taie as to the oppression of the small people by Miringitangi. These are facts that I have long known, and I have now come to the conclusion that in all of the larger islands there should be European officers holding the chief judicial power, for in no other way can the people be protected and the resources of the island developed. Wholesome advice must be given again and again, to take hold of the Polynesian mind. In the case of Atiu there is no immediate hurry, but an officer will be required for that island in the not very remote future, for now that Ngamaru is dead, there is no one of Native birth who can keep the rather savage people of that island in order. The presence of a paid officer would, however, civilise the people and lead them gently and imperceptibly into our method of dealing with lands. This is important, because there is four times as much waste land at Atiu as there is at Rarotonga. The Polynesian mind is not receptive, and they require feeding gently with new ideas, especially on the subject of land. Since your visit, a Mr. J. C. Cameron, of New Zealand, has come to reside among us ; he is a certificated interpreter, and a man who would make a very good Resident Agent. Colonel Roberts, S.M., of Tauranga, would be able to give you his character, and I am of opinion that he would be a decided improvement on Mr. Proctor, who is too nervous to be an effective officer. I have, &c, W. E. Gudgeon, Hon. C. H. Mills, Minister for the Islands. Resident Commissioner.

Enclosure. Sir,— Rarotonga, 27th May, 1903. We are not satisfied with the management and behaviour of Mr. Yon Nagel, who has been appointed Acting Resident Agent at Atiu. Our cause of dissatisfaction is that he identifies himself with parties on the island, and does not confine himself to the duties of Resident Agent, which in this case should be the suppression of cliques, so that all might work for the good of the island. We are all of opinion that it would be better that a man of British descent should be appointed to this post. Enough. From your servant, Colonel W. E. Gudgeon, Resident Commissioner. Makea.

No. 17. Sib, Customs, Alofi, Niue, Ist June, 1903. 1 have the honour to bring to your notice the desirability for having moorings for ships 'laid down in Alofi roadstead. At present, in the event of a westerly wind setting in, sailingvessels are obliged to slip their cables, with little chance of recovering them again. A 10 cwt. anchor and J in. chain and buoy would serve the purpose, but a heavier anchor would be preferable. The Government schooner " Countess of Ranfurly " might lay it on one of her periodical visits to Niue. Trusting that this suggestion may meet with the favourable consideration of the Government. I have, &c, C. F. Maxwell, Government Agent, Niue. The Hon. the Minister for Trade and Customs, Wellington.

No. 18. Sir,— Alofi, Niue, 2nd June, 1903. I have the honour to apply to you for direction with reference to vessels visiting Niue to recruit labour for the guano islands or for cocoanut-plantations on other islands in the Pacific. The barque "Jerfalcon," owned by Messrs. Grice, Sumner, and Co., of Melbourne, is the only vessel which carries a formal license, signed by the Governor of Victoria. Messrs. Lever Bros', steamers call here for men as the firm or their predecessors have done for thirty years past. They have no license and inform me that they cannot obtain one. I have not refused to permit them to recruit a few men, as they apparently treat them very well, and Natives are eager to go with them. I should like definite instructions how to deal with them in future. It appears to me that licenses should be obtained from the New Zealand Government before these vessels are permitted to recruit labour in New Zealand territory. I have, &c. C. F. Maxwell, Government Agent, Niue. The Hon. C. H. Mills, Minister for Trade and Customs, Wellington.

No. 19. Sir, Niue, sth June, 1903. You will doubtless remember that one of the Native speakers who addressed you at the meeting at Alofi on the 16th May last, referred to the fees charged Niue Natives emigrating to