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tion in matters when required. The relief of the indigent Natives has always been wholly undertaken by the Inspectors under the control of the Department and Boards, though, as stated, in certain isolated cases other machinery has been used. It cannot, therefore, be said that there is la.ck of co-operation between the Department and the Hospital Boards, though some of the smaller local authorities may consider themselves somewhat aggrieved that they have not been asked to undertake responsibilities." The work done by the Maori Councils and Komiti Marae has already been referred to. The powers of Maori Councils are outlined in section 68 of the Public Health Act. I regret that prolonged absence from headquarters in connection with the epidemic and other departmental matters, and the work occasioned by the prolonged session, have not errabled me to report as fully as I would have liked, but I trust during the recess to publish a report setting out all the necessary details, and the lessons to be learned from the epidemic which until recently has been rife in the northern parts of this Dominion. I have, &c, T. H. A. Valintinb, Chief Health Officer and Inspector-General of Hospitals. The Hon. the Minister of Public Health, Wellington.

No. 40. New Zealand, No. 191. Sir, — Government House, Wellington, 12th December, 1913. I have the honour to enclose a copy of a memorandum which I have received from my Prime Minister, regarding a request made by the Governor of the French Institutions of Oceania, Papeete, and Tahiti, through the Resident Commissioner at Rarotonga, for information regarding the establishment of a wireless-telegraph station at Rarotonga. 2. My Ministers would be glad if the information embodied in the Prime Minister's memorandum could be conveyed to the Governor of the French institutions mentioned above. I have, &c, LIVERPOOL, The Right Hon. Lewis V. Harcourt, P.C., &c, Governor. Secretary of State for the Colonies.

Enclosure. Prime Minister's Office, Wellington, 6th December. 1913. Memorandum for His Excellency the Governor. The Prime Minister presents his compliments, and begs to acquaint His Excellency with the fact that a communication has been received from His Excellency the Governor of the French Institutions of Oceania, Papeete, Tahiti, through the Resident Commissioner at Rarotonga, requesting information regarding the establishment of a wireless-telegraph station at Rarotonga. Mr. Massey would be glad if His Excellency would transmit the following information to His Excellency the Governor of the French Institutions of Oceania : There is no present intention on the part of the New Zealand Government to erect a wireless station at Rarotonga. The first cost would be very high, and the expense of working the station heavy. There is, in the meantime, little prospect of any business justifying the cost of either erection or maintenance, even making an allowance for a connection with Tahiti. All that has been done hitherto is to secure a site at Rarotonga for a wireless station. W. F. Massey.

No. 41. New Zealand, No. 192. Sir, — Government House, Wellington, 12th December, 1913. With reference to your despatch, No. 403, of the 14th October, forwarding copy of a letter from the Board of Education asking to be supplied with the information specified in regard to English teachers employed under the Education Department of New Zealand, I have the honour to inform you, by request of my Ministers, that the returns asked for are being prepared, and that in accordance with the practice of previous years the statement will be sent direct to the Board of Education, London. I have, &c, LIVERPOOL, The Right Hon. Lewis V. Harcourt, P.C., &c, Governor. Secretary of State for the Colonies.

A.-2, 1914, No. 85.