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I note your remarks with reference to the letter that appeared in the Auckland Star of the 13th May. I enclose another extract from the issue of the 11th July. It contains nothing beyond what you have already reported yourself, but I forward it in case you may care to make any comment upon it. I wish you, however, to take immediate steps to remove all lepers to one island, if that is possible pending legislative authority being obtained, as this seems to be the only means of preventing the spread of the disease. 1 recognise the difficulty of securing any means of transport, for people suffering from this awful malady, but I am confident that you will do everything that can be done under the circumstances. I have, &c, The Resident Commissioner, Rarotonga. C. H. Mills.

No. 36. Sir,— Cook and other Islands Administration, Wellington, 4th August, 1904. I have to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of the 20th June, No. 217/N, sub- No. 10. mitting a proposal for the improvement of the wharf at Alofi, by dispensing with the present movable decking, and filling in between the piers with stone bedded in concrete. I approve of the suggestion, and shall be glad to hear in due course that the work has been successfully carried DO JO T 1 0 out. l naye > &c -> C. F. Maxwell, Esq., Resident Commissioner, Niue. C. H. Mills.

No. 37. Sir,— Cook and other Islands Administration, Wellington, 4th August, 1904. I am in receipt of your letter of the 23rd June, No. 48, with reference to the application No. 12. made to me when at Mangaia for a grant of money in aid of road-formation. As it is apparently neither necessary nor expedient to comply with the request under the circumstances you describe, you will please take no action on my letter of the 30th May. The construction of a pier into the lagoon will certainly be a more profitable expenditure of any money that may be available for the island. I have, <fee, The Resident Commissioner, Rarotonga. C. H. Mills.

No. 38. Sir,— Cook and other Islands Administration, Wellington, 4th August, 1904. I have to acknowledge the receipt of your letters of the 24th and 29th June, Nos. 54 and Nrs. 13 59, together with plan and description of the proposed accommodation-house at Rarotonga. The and 19. plan appears to me to be very suitable, and the accommodation shown should meet the needs of the Islands for some time to come. lam submitting it to Cabinet, and if it is decided to adopt it I will send you authority to proceed with the work. I note that you will be unable to commence building before the end of October. I have, &c., The Resident Commissioner, Rarotonga. C. H. Mills.

No. 39. Sir,— Cook and other Islands Administration, Wellington, sth August, 1904. Referring to my letter of the Bth June, I now beg to enclose for your information a copy See A.-3, of the reply I have received, from the m.anaging director of the Union Company, with reference 1904 Nos, to the proposal to establish a second steamer-service between New Zealand and the Islands. I 211 & 212, have since written to the company asking if, when the accommodation-house is completed, they will be prepared to run a trial service from Wellington during the best months of the fruit and tourist season, so as to practically test the possibilities of the trade. I have not yet had their reply. l have, Ac., The Resident Commissioner, Rarotonga. rl. Mills.

No. 40. Sir,— Cook and other Islands Administration, Wellington, sth August, 1904. I am in receipt of your letter of the 11th June, No. 212/N, with reference to road-work No. 7. on the island requiring immediate attention. I note your need of the services of a farrier. In his report on the survey of Niue Mr. Haszard suggested that a few young men might be brought to New Zealand and trained in useful trades, as he had recognised your need- of some such assistance as you refer to. Please let me know whether you think arrangements might be made in this direction, so that if necessary I may make inquiries as to whether anything can be done here to meet the need. I have, <fee, The Resident Commissioner, Niue. C. H. Mills.