A.—3

1927. NEW ZEALAND

COOK AND OTHER ISLANDS. [In continuation of Parliamentary Paper A.-3, 1926.]

Presented to both Houses of the General Assembly by Command of His Excellency.

MEMORANDUM. Cook Islands Department, Wellington, 10th June, 1927. I submit the attached annual reports of the Cook Islands and Niue Administrations. As they cover all phases of their respective Administrations in a full and interesting manner, it is not necessary for me to supplement them to any extent on this occasion. I am glad to be able to record that after long years of waiting a suitably equipped and reasonably fast steamer has been provided for the transport of fruit during the coming Cook Islands orange season. The vessel in question, the " Waipahi," will furnish a valuable supplementary service to that provided by the Wellington - San Francisco mail-steamers. In view of this improved transport I have impressed on all concerned in the islands the need for exercising the greatest care in picking, grading, and packing their fruit, in order to ensure that it shall arrive in the Dominion markets in the best possible condition. I desire again, in conclusion, to pay a sincere tribute of praise to the Resident Commissioners and all officers of the Pacific Administrations under my control. As I said last year, they are ably and successfully carrying on their work under difficult and trying conditions, and achieving results of which New Zealand may well be proud. M. Pomare, Minister for the Cook Islands.

REPORT OF COOK ISLANDS ADMINISTRATION. Rarotonga, 22nd April, ]927. Visit op His Excellency the Governor-General op New Zealand. During the year the Group was greatly honoured by an official visit from His Excellency General Sir Charles Fergusson, Bart., Governor-General of New Zealand, accompanied by the Lady Alice Fergusson. The viceregal party arrived at Rarotonga by the N.Z.G.S. " Tutanekai," escorted by the H.M.S. " Laburnum," on the 4th May last. Sir Maui Pomare, Minister of the Cook Islands, came from New Zealand to represent the New Zealand Government, and was accompanied by Lady Pomare and Mr. J. D. Gray, Secretary of the Cook Islands Department. The scene at the wharf on the landing of Their Excellencies was a very inspiring one, the surroundings being gaily decorated, and the whole of the approach from the landing-stage, along the wharf, and to the Government Buildings was lined with Native dancers in brightly coloured costumes, who sang a vigorous song of welcome. The Native and European population of the whole island

I—A. 3.