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1903. Can you suggest any amendment that would make the Ordinance more effective in restricting emigration, without unduly interfering with the liberty of the people? In the Cook Islands the Ordinance dealing with this matter limits the number of men that may be taken by any firm. I assume that you require that all labourers shall be returned to Niue on expiration of their contract term. C. H. Mills. 24/8/04.

No. 55. Sir, — Cook and other Islands Administration, Wellington, 25th August, 1904. I have to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of the 20th instant, and have to thank you for your courteous reply to my inquiry as to the possibility of a trial service to the Islands when the accommodation-house has been completed. I am glad to have your assurance that the company will do what it can to promote a tourist traffic to the Cook Group when the time is opportune. I have, &c, C. H. Mills. The Managing Director, Union Steamship Co. (Limited), Dunedin.

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No. 56. Sir, — Rarotonga, 25th August, 1904. I have the honour to inform you that H.M.S. " Clio " left this island for Mangaia on the evening of the 21st instant, and worked hard on the 22nd and 23rd blasting a boat-passage through the reef at Mangaia. Unfortunately there was a heavy sea, which retarded operations and was dangerous, for the gunner, Mr. Cassidy, was washed out to sea and was saved with difficulty. Mr Connal reports that very good, work has been done, and that the channel can now be opened out by shore parties working with dynamite. This matter we have left in the hands of Mr. John Craig, a practical miner. I have, &c, W. E. Gudgeon, Resident Commissioner. The Hon, C. H. Mills, Minister administering Islands, Wellington.

No. 57. Sib,— Niue, 29th August, 1904. I have the honour to forward to you herewith Ordinance No. 15, " The Niue Island Sale' of Cocoanuts Prohibition Ordinance, 1904," for transmission to His Excellency the Governor for his consideration. This Ordinance was passed by the Niue Council on the 25th instant. Though apparently trivial in character, it is a matter of considerable importance to this island, as copra forms the staple article of commerce. While the traders are allowed to purchase dry nuts, stealing of cocoanuts is a serious evil, as it is difficult to detect the offenders, and impossible to identify the stolen property. Owing to the manner in which they are acquired, the nuts are sold for a trifle, and the legitimate owners suffer considerably. It was therefore deemed expedient to deal with the matter by Ordinance. I hope you will be "able to advise that the assent of His Excellency be granted to this measure. I have, &c, C. F. Maxwell, The Hon. C. H. Mills, Minister in Charge, Resident Commissioner, Niue. Cook and other Islands Department, Wellington.

Enclosure. No. 15.—"The Niue Island Sale op Cocoanuts Prohibition Ordinance, 1904." Niue Island Council. Whereas it is expedient that the sale of dry cocoanuts by Natives to traders should be prohibited, as the practice is detrimental to making of copra by the people of Niue, and gives rise to dishonesty by the theft of fallen cocoanuts for sale to the stores: Be it enacted by the Niue Island Council, with the approval of the Resident Commissioner, as follows : — 1. The Short Title of this Ordinance is "The Niue Island Sale of Cocoanuts Prohibition Ordinance, 1904." 2. No Native of Niue, or Natives of other islands in the Pacific residing in Niue, shall sell any cocoanuts to traders, and no trader shall purchase any cocoanuts save and except green cocoanuts for drinking purposes, or dry cocoanuts for feeding fowls or other animals. 3. Any Native of Niue, or Native of any other island in the Pacific, contravening the provisions of this Ordinance shall be liable to a penalty not exceeding ten shillings (10s.) for each offence, or one week's hard labour on the public roads.