A.—3.

missioner to have the proposed road surveyed, and such survey shall be made under the authority of the Cook and other Islands Land Titles Court. 10. The Ariki and member for the district shall keep a correct account of all fines under this Ordinance, and all fines shall be paid into the Treasury at Avarua and shall be placed to the credit of the " Public Works Fund," and may, with the consent of the Resident Commissioner, be repaid out of such fund to the Ariki and member of the district in which any such fine was inflicted, for the purchase of food for those who assist in the work. 11. In the case of the refusal or neglect of any person to pay any fine to which such person is liable under this Ordinance, the same, together with costs of Court, may be recovered before the High Court of the Cook Islands. 12. Any European or other foreigner whose name shall appear in the assessment roll under the provisions of " The Public Works Rating Act, 1899," shall be exempt from any work whatsoever under this Ordinance : Provided that no European or other foreigner shall be rated under the said Act at less than sixteen shillings per annum. 13. The following are hereby repealed : Sections four, five, six, seven, eight, and nine of " The Au Empowering Act, 1899," and section three of " The Au Empowering Act Amendment Ordinance, 1904."

Schedule. District of Avarua : From the main boundary between the districts of Matavera and Avarua to the main boundary between the districts of Avarua and Arorangi. District of Arorangi : From the main boundary between the districts of Avarua and Arorangi to the main boundary between the districts of Arorangi and Takitumu. District of Titikaveka : From the main boundary between the districts of Arorangi and Takitumu to the main boundary between the districts of Takitumu and Ngatangiia — namely, from Toreaiva to Te Rauia. District of Ngatangiia : From the main boundary between the districts of Takitumu and Ngatangiia to the main boundary between the districts of Matavera and Avarua—namely, from Taakarua to Te Rauia. Passed by the Federal Council, this twenty - seventh day of July, one thousand nine hundred and seven. S. Savage, Clerk to Council. Assented to in the name and on behalf of His Majesty. Plunkbt, 14th September, 1907. Governor.

No. 12. Sir, — Rarotonga, sth December, 1907. I have the honour to forward, in duplicate, a Federal Ordinance entitled the Offences Ordinance No. 1, of 1907. This Ordinance has been drawn in order to suit the peculiar conditions of these Islands and the strong prejudices of the people, and also to remove certain clauses of the old statutes wherein the Maori and European versions vary to such a degree as to make the law on these subjects inoperative. The proviso in section 7 as to Europeans is necessary, in order to prevent the police laying charges without the smallest grounds —in other words, on mere suspicion. A Maori does not mind being brought before the Court on a baseless charge of that nature, but if we were to allow this with Europeans there would soon be trouble. This Ordinance will simplify the work of outlying Magistrates, and please the religious orders. I have therefore the honour to ask for approval. I have, &c, W. E. Gudgeon, Resident Commissioner. The Hon. Jas. McGowan, Minister administering Islands.

No. 13. Sir, — Cook and other Islands Administration, Wellington, 30th January, 1908. 1 have the honour to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of the sth December last, forwarding Federal Ordinance No. 22, passed by the Federal Council, dealing with certain offences contrary to public morality, for the assent of His Excellency the Governor. I return herewith the Ordinance duly assented to by His Excellency. I observe that section 3 of " The Island Statutes Amendment Act, 1900," is not included in the repeals. • I have, &c, The Resident Commissioner, Rarotonga. James McGowan.

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