Papers Past | Parliamentary Papers | Appendix to the Journals of the House of Representatives | 1903 Session I | PACIFIC ISLANDS. [In continuation of Parliamentary...

Image
Text
Research info
Title and Usage info

A.—3

1903. NEW ZEALAND.

PACIFIC ISLANDS. [In continuation of Parliamentary Paper A.-3, 1902.]

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

INDEX.

I—A. 3.

J- U\JtJ. NEW ZEALAND. PACIFIC ISLANDS. [In continuation of Parliamentary Paper A.-3, 1902.] Presented to both Houses of the General Assembly by Command of His Excellency. INDEX. No. of Series. Froin Date. Subject. Page. 1 2 3 4 5 Resident Commissioner 7 Mar., 1902 21 April, „ 21 April, . 23 April, „ 24 April, „ Investigation of titles to land Palmerston Island Council, Selection of Probable leprosy at Niue Erection of offioes at Niue Mr. Maxwell, at Niue, to correspond direct with Premier Report on Marriage and Divorce Act of Niue Receipts and expenditure for nine months ending 31st March, 1902 Palmerston Island Council Mr. Maxwell, at Niue, is not to correspond direot with Premier Customs matters to be under Resident Commissioner, who will decide on interpretation of the tariff Acknowledging receipt of No. 4 Ports of Earotonga, Cook Islands, and Alofi, at Niue, established Island Councils established at Penrhyn, Rakahanga, Manihiki, and Palmerston Acknowledging receipt of No. 10 Accounts of schooner " Countss of Ranfurly " for nine months ended 31st March, 1902 Order in Council establishing Cook and other Islands Land Titles Court, and appointment of Judges, &o. Marriage and Divorce Act of Niue will have to be reserved for Royal assent Federal Ordinances, Nos. 5 to 10 Acknowledging receipt of No. 13 Hon. C. H. Mills to administer Cook and other Islands Appointment of Judges for Land Titles Court Dr. Gatley. Medical Officer for Islands Aitutaki Island Council Ordinance No. 1 Petition for an hotel at Rarotonga Acknowledging receipt of No. 16 Hotel at Rarotonga: Federal Council should pass an Ordinance Acknowledging receipt of No. 22 Return wanted by House of Representatives as to " Countess of Ranfurly " Aitutaki Ordinance No. 1 assented to Federal Ordinances Nos. 5 to 10 assented to.. Appointment of Mr. Maxwell as Judge of Land Titles Court at Niue Financial position of Niue.. Return asked for in No. 28 Chief Health Officer, Dr. Mason, will visit the Islands Mr. T. R. Herd appointed Collector of Customs and Postmaster Amount of revenue for half-year ended 30th September, 1902 Measles at Rarotonga Rarotonga Island Council Ordinance No. 1 (Sale of Liquor) Rarotonga Island Counoil Ordinance No. 2 .. Measles at Rarotonga Acknowledging receipt of No. 36 2 2 2 3 6 7 30 April, „ — May, „ 3 3 8 9 Premier 28 May, . 28 May, , 3 4 4 10 Commissioner ef Trade and Customs Premier 4 June, „ 5 5 11 12 5 June, „ 18 June, „ 5 13 Resident Commissioner 19 June, „ 5 5 14 15 24 June, „ 30 June, „ 6 16 Premier • .. 7 July, . 6 17 9 July, „ 10 10 12 12 18 13 13 14 Iβ 18 19 20 '21 22 23 24 25 26 Resident Commissioner Premier Resident Commissioner - July, „ 17 July, , 22 July, „ 23 July, „ 23 July, „ 24 July, „ 31 July, „ 22 Aug., „ 25 Aug., „ Hon. C. H.'Mills 15 15 27 28 25 Aug., „ 25 Aug., „ 29 80 81 25 Aug., , 26 Aug., „ 26 Aug., , 15 16 16 32 88 34 35 Resident Commissioner 18 Sept., „ 19 Sept., „ 29 Sept., „ 1 Oot., Iβ 16 Iβ 17 Premier Hon. C. H. Mills Resident Commissioner 7 Oct., „ 17 36 17 17 37 38 12 Nov., „ 13 Nov., , 39 40 41 Hon. C. H.'Mills — Dec, , 8 Dec, „ 9 Dec, „ 18 19 ■20 20 1—A. 3.

A.—3

INDEX— continued.

No. 1. Sir, — British Residency, Earotonga, 7th March, 1902. In pursuance with the instructions contained in your letter (No. 74) of the 29th January, I have the honour to forward a draft Order in Council for your approval, which will, 1 think, confer on the Land Court of these islands all power necessary to decide and determine disputed titles. I may say that there are not less than twenty such cases awaiting adjudication. I presume that the personnel of the Court will also require an Order in Council. I therefore beg to recommend that Stephen Savage, the Interpreter to the Government, be Interpreter of the Court, and that Edward Blame be Registrar of the Court and of Titles under the Act. W. E. Gudgeon, The Right Hon. the Premier, New Zealand. Resident Commissioner.

A.-3, 1902, No. 52.

No. 2. Sir, — British Residency, Rarotonga, 21st April, 1902. I have the honour to inform you that I visited Palmerston Island on the 6th instant while en route to Niue, and after handing the warrant of appointment to Joel Masters, as Resident Agent for New Zealand, I caused the inhabitants to select a Council for the island. The following men have been selected and approved by me: — Joel Masters, President. John Masters, Thomas Masters, Andrew Masters, Members. Turu Masters, James Masters, The residents of Palmerston are very anxious to live under binding local laws, which will enable them to prevent the younger members of the community from bringing spirits on shore, or wasting the common stock of cocoanuts, &c. I have, &c, W. E. Gudgeon, The Right Hon. the Premier, New Zealand. Resident Commissioner.

No. 3. Sib, — British Residency, Rarotonga, 21st April, 1902. From information I have received from Mr. Maxwell and the Rev. Mr. Lawes, I am of opinion that leprosy has been introduced into the Island of-Niue from Samoa, no less than six members of one family having died of this disease. In the event of this proving to be leprosy, it is necessary that the family and those who may be affected should be carefully isolated. I therefore recommend that a doctor should be sent from New Zealand, to remain at least one month at Niue, and report generally upon the health of that island. I have, &c, W. E. Gudgeon, The Right Hon. the Premier, New Zealand. Resident Commissioner.

No. of Series. From Date. Subject. Page. 42 Hon. C. H. Mills 11 Dec, 1902 Rules and Regulations, Land Titles Court, laid before the Governor.. Rarotonga Island Council Ordinance No. 2 assented to Sitting of Land Titles Court at Aitutaki Gift of Takutea Island to the King Appointment of J. T. Large as Interpreter, Land Titles Court Meteorological instruments for Niue Acknowledging receipt of No 45 Acknowledging receipt of No. 44 Used fruit-cases not to be sent to Islands Sitting of Land Titles Court at Penrhyn, Rakahanga, and Manihiki.. Appointment of Interpreter to Land Titles Court Acknowledging receipt of No. 51 Death of Ngamaru and Parua, Arikis Vanilla plants from Fiji Report on trade and revenue for 1902 Acknowledging receipt of No. 54 His Majesty's thanks for gift of Takutea Island 43 44 45 46 Resident Commissioner 17 Dec, „ 17 Dec, „ 23 Dec, „ 29 Dec, „ 20 20 20 20 Hon. C."h. Mills 21 21 21 21 21 47 48 49 50 61 29 Dec, . 31 Jan., 1903 9 Feb., „ 9 Mar., „ 9 Mac, „ Resident Commissioner 52 58 54 55 56 57 58 Hon. C. H. Mills Resident Commissioner Hon. C. H. Mills Resident Commissioner Hon. C. H. Mills 9 Mar., „ 81 Mar., „ 1 April, „ 4 April, „ 0 April, 22 April, „ 22 May, „ 21 22 22 22 22 22 80 81

A.—3.

No. 4. Sik, — British Besidency, Earotonga, 23rd April, 1902. I have the honour to forward attached a-plan of a building now in course of erection at Niue as a Customhouse, Post-office, and residence for the Agent at that place. The coral foundation for the house has been finished and most of the heavy timber squared, but operations must shortly be suspended unless doors, windows, and iron for the roof, is supplied. I have therefore the honour to request that you will authorise the sum of £100 for this purpose, either as a free grant, or as a loan against future revenue. I will see that the material is transported to Niue by the island schooner at very small expense. The Natives of Niue have behaved exceedingly well in this matter, for not only are they building this house, but by subscriptions they have purchased a piece of land as a gift to His Majesty, for which they have paid £50. I have, &c, W. E. Gudgeon, The Eight Hon. the Premier, New Zealand. Eesident Commissioner.

No. 5. Sik, — British Eesidency, Earotonga, 24th April, 1902. As the communication between this group and Niue is uncertain, I have directed Mr. Maxwell to correspond direct with you on all important matters, merely sending me copies of such despatches, so that valuable time may be saved, and local Ordinances receive confirmation without delay. I have every faith in Mr. Maxwell's judgment, and that he will not attempt to pass vexatious on unnecessary Ordinances. I have, &c, W. B. Gudgeon, The Eight Hon. the Premier, New Zealand. Eesident Commissioner.

No. 6. Sih, — British Eesidency, Earotonga, 30th April, 1903. In accordance with the instruction contained in your letter, No. 23 of the 22nd March, I have the honour to report that the Marriage and Divorce Act of Niue is a simple and useful measure which is approved by the Eev. Mr. Lawes as necessary under the present circumstances of the island. There are one or two matters which should be avoided when the Act is re-enacted, and I have pointed out these to Mr. Maxwell, viz. : To avoid any reference to New Zealand laws which may or may not exist, but which have not been applied to the island ; to give the Eesident Agent only the judicial powers under the Act; and, lastly, to make all ministers registered in New Zealand, and the resident missionary or missionaries of the London Mission, the marriage ministers under the Act. I have, &c, W. B. Gudgeon, The Eight Hon. the Premier, New Zealand. Eesident Commissioner.

A.-3, 1902, No. 96.

No. 7. Cook and othee Islands Administkation. Summary of Receipts and Expendituee for Nine Months ending 31st March, 1902. Dr. £ s. d. Or. £ c. d. By Cash in Treasury, 30th June, By Expenditure as per schedule 2,295 12 3 1901 ... ... ... 1,301 3 1 Suspense Account ... ... 39 15 0 Eevenue— Cash in Treasury — Customs and shipping ... 1,923 3 5 Bank of Aus- £ s . d. Post Office: stamp sales and tralasia 1,596 19 11 money order commission 292 16 7 Less unpreTrade licenses ... ... 217 3 4 sentedcheque 3 2 2 Court fees and fines ... 194 2 1 1,593 17 9 Miscellaneous receipts ... 59 12 7 Cash in hand ... ... 134 12 6 Eefunds, contingent expenditure ... ... ... 44 17 0 Public Works Account ... 30 19 5 £4,063 17 6 £4,063 17 6 A. E. Milleb, Treasurer. Audited and found correct —E. Blame, Auditor.

A.—3

Schedule. Statement of Expenditure for Nine Months ending 31st March, 1902.

A. R, Millee, Treasurer Audited and found correct. —B. Blame, Auditor. 25th May, 1902.

No. 8. Sir,— Premier's Office, Wellington, 28th May, 1902. I have the honour to acknowledge the receipt of your letter (No. 21), of the 21st April, informing me of the election of a local Council for Palmerston Island. I have, &c, J. G. Wakd, The Resident Commissioner, Rarotonga. Acting-Premier.

No. 9. Sib, — Premier's Office, Wellington, 28th May, 1902. I have the honour to acknowledge the receipt of your letter (No. 28), of the 21st April, in which you state you have directed Mr. Maxwell, at Niue, to correspond direct with me. In reply I have to state that it is to be regretted communication with Niue is so uncertain, still, it is impossible you should delegate your functions to that officer, although he has your confidence. Moreover, as regards local Ordinances, it is provided by section 8 of the Cook and other Islands Government Act that they shall be transmitted by yourself. You will, therefore, be good enough to revoke your authority to Mr. Maxwell and inform him accordingly. I have, &c, J. G. Waed, The Resident Commissioner, Rarotonga. Acting-Premier.

No. 5.

Vote.' Service. Voted. Expended. Unexpended. Excess, 1 2 3 4 5 Customs, Post, and Revenue Officer Ditto, Aitutaki ... Pilot, Aitutaki .. High Court Postmaster: Mangaia, Mauke, and Mitiaro Secretary, Interpreter, and Printer Auditor Medical and Health Officer Treasurer and Paymaster Hospital supplies Hospital, ground-rent Chief of the Federal Government ... Vice-Chief of Federal Government... Tereora School grant Printing material Judges, Arikis , Courts — Rarotonga Aitutaki Mangaia Atiu, Mauke, and Mitiaro Police— J Earotonga { Mangaia Aitutaki, Atiu, Mauke, and Mitiaro Clerks, Arikis' Courts Contingent expenditure ... Final payment for Government Buildings Subsidy in aid of Government schooner £ s. d. 161 5 0 75 0 0 7 10 0 45 0 0 13 10 0 £ s. d. 66 8 6 50 0 0 4 0 0 27 5 9 6 5 0 £ s. d. 94 16 6 25 0 0 3 10 0 17 14 3 7 5 0 £, s. d. 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 75 0 0 11 5 0 202 10 0 30 0 0 135 0 0 5 5 0 45 0 0 11 5 0 93 15 0 15 0 0 75 0 0 11 0 0 196 3 4 38 15 0 139 8 7 3 15 0 45 0 0 11 5 0 71 13 4 18 1 3 0 - 5 0 6 6 8 lib o 8 15 0 4 8 7 22 1 8 31 3 16 17 18 19 52 10 0 18 0 0 18 0 0 12 0 0 51 5 0 17 0 0 15 0 10 0 18 0 0 12 10 0 6'io o 20 15 0 0 10 2 6 20 5 0 30 0 0 157 7 0 200 0 0 15 19 11 10 2 6 8 5 0 L4 4 0 7 2 9 0 19 11 21 22 23 24 12 0 0 15 16 0 150 4 3 200 0 0 25 300 0 0 933 1 4 633 1 4 26 27 28 Government Agent, Penrhyn Subsidy, House, Penrhyn Registrar, High Court ... 112 10 0 75 0 0 45 0 0 77 10 0 35 0 0 75 0 0 46 5 0 1 5 0 1,991 19 6 2,295 12 3 348 8 4 652 1 1

A.-3

No. 10. Office of Commissioner of Trade and Customs, Sir,— - Wellington, 4th June, 1902. I have the honour to inform you that it has been decided in Cabinet that, in respect to Customs revenue and Customs officers, all the islands are to be under you as Administrator of the Government, and interpretations of the tariff are to be decided by you. To aid you in this the decisions given by the Commissioner of Trade and Customs in New Zealand from time to time will be sent to you. It will not therefore be necessary to send forward protests of importers, as these can be dealt with on the spot by you under the above directions. I have, &c, The Eesident Commissioner, Barotonga. C. H. Mills.

No. 11. Sic, — Premier's Office, Wellington, sth June, 1902. Eeferring to your letter, No. 26, of the 23rd April, forwarding a plan of a building now in course of erection at Niue for Customs and Post-office and residence for the Agent, which I herewith return, I have now to inform you that the expenditure of £100 to provide doors and windows and iron for the roof is approved. This is to be regarded as a loan against the revenue of Niue. I have, &c, The Eesident Commissioner, Earotonga. J. G. Ward, Acting-Premier.

No. i.

No. 12. Sir,— Premier's Office, Wellington, 18th June, 1902. I have the honour to forward for your information, and of the Eesident Agent at Niue, two copies of the New Zealand Gazette of the 12th instant, containing Governor's Orders establishing the Port of Earotonga, Cook Islands, and the Port of Alofi, Island of Niue. I have, &c, The Eesident Commissioner, Earotonga. J. G. Waed, Acting-Premier.

No. 13. Sic, —■ British Eesidency, Earotonga, 19th June, 1902. I have the honour to report that I have taken advantage of the presence of the mission steamer "John Williams " to visit the northern islands, from Penrhyn to Pukapuka; and in pursuance with the instructions contained in section 7 of " The Cook and other Islands Government Act, 1901," have instituted Island Councils at Penrhyn, Eakahanga, Manihiki, and Palmerston. At Pukapuka I found a very singular population, who have now some knowledge of the Earotongan language, but whose language is not intelligible to the Maori of the Pacific. This is such a very primitive people that I considered it advisable for the present to leave them under their own ancient form of government, inasmuch as they are seldom visited by Europeans and produce only a little copra. I have further to report that I found the islands in a very satisfactory condition. In Penrhyn, Captain Nagle has done excellent work, and the people of the Omoka Village have formally presented to me, as representative of the New Zealand Government, with a piece of land and the buildings thereon —viz., a good iron and weatherboard dwelling-house, a good iron store, and a stone wharf. They have also given a large piece of the lagoon, which will be planted with shell, for the purposes of the Island Government. At the present moment there are a number of land disputes which require to be settled, as the irritation caused by these disputes is very great, and may at any time cause a serious breach of the peace. There are also civil actions pending which must be settled. I therefore propose to visit the northern islands during the hurricane season, when there is nothing doing in the Cook group, and hold a sitting of the High Court (or Land Court, if constituted), in order to settle all disputes. This may probably take at least two months, but I can well spare the time in December, January, and February. A plan of the land and lagoon given to the Government will be forwarded so soon as I can obtain a survey of that and other places. I have, &c, W. E. Gudgeon, The Eight Hon. the Premier, New Zealand. Eesident Commissioner.

No. 14. Sic, — British Eesidency, Earotonga, 24th June, 1902. I have the honour to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of the 4th instant, No. 286/53, notifying me that the Customs revenue and Customs officers in all of the islands were to be under me as Administrator of the Government, and, as a sequence, that the interpretations of the tariff were to be decided by me. I have the honour to thank you for this decision, which will, I think, prevent many unnecessary references to you. I have, &c, W. B. Gudgeon, The Hon. C. H. Mills, Commissioner of Customs. Eesident Commissioner.

No. 10,

A.—3

No. 15. Sir, — British Residency, Earotonga, 30th June, 1902. I have the honour to report, for the information of the Government, that the accounts of the '.' Countess of Eanfurly " for the nine months ended 31st March, 1902, have been as follows : — £ s. d. Total cost ... ... ... .. ... ... 1,492 3 0 Freight received ... ... ... ... ... 234 10 1 Debit balance ... ... ... ... ... £1,257 12 11 The items of cost are as follows :— £ s. d. Outfit and repairs ... ... ... ... ... 607 16 3 Provisions ... ... ... ... ... ... 344 16 11 Wages ■ .... ... 438 14 5 Miscellaneous ... ... ... ... ... ... 100 15 5 £1,492 3 0 In explanation of these accounts, I may point out that last year the schooner had no chance of taking her share in the trade of the islands for the reason that she did not arrive in Earotonga until September, and had then to take Mr. Smith to Niue, and on her return was ordered to take me round the northern islands. This last trip ended in the month of November, after which date there is no carrying trade by reason of the fact that the hurricane season commences in December and ends late in March. It will therefore be seen that the " Countess of Eanfurly " could not compete in last year's trade. The item of £607 16s. 3d. is not likely to recur, though renewals and repairs may amount to £200 per annum. I have never supposed that this schooner will pay her way, for the reason that the competition of the Union Company is now unremitting, and there are still a few schooners taking part in the trade on behalf of certain firms. But it is well known that, prior to our schooner coming on the scene, the Union Company's boats would only call at the outlying islands on a £50 guarantee. Now those islands have the same trade opportunities as Earotonga, and this fact has done much to improve the circumstances of the said islands and benefit the public. As I have pointed out, the schooner cannot be expected to pay, but indirectly she is invaluable, for the reason that the government of the northern islands cannot be carried on effectively without a schooner of this type, and the Cook Island Government can well afford to pay £1,000 per anuum for a boat that reduces the price of freight and passages, gives prompt and certain communication between all the islands, and retains money in the group that would otherwise go into the pockets of foreign firms. Until lately, the Cook Islands Trading Company have been the agents of the schooner, they having consistently employed her; but, on the representation of other firms that they might be prejudiced by the said company, knowing what trade they are sending away, I have made the agency a Department of the local Government under Mr. Blame. The prospects of the Government boat improve daily. At the present moment we have our Maori boat and the oil-engine schooner " Vaiti " competing against us, but neither of these boats can pay, and before the end of the year I anticipate that the schooner " Countess " will have all the trade in her hands, and this means not only low freights, but a boat open to all merchants on equal terms. I may point out that the freight on material required for Post-office and Customhouse, Earotonga, would, by the Union Company, amount to £180. The schooner will save this sum. I have, &c, W. B. Gudgeon, The Right Hon. the Premier, New Zealand. Resident Commissioner.

No. 16. Sib,— Premier's Office, Wellington, 7th July, 1902. Eeferring to your letters Nos. 26 and 15, of the 28th November, 1901, and 7th March, 1902, I have now the honour to forward fifty copies of an Order in Council establishing the Cook and other Islands Land Titles Court. Also the appointments of yourself as Chief Judge, and Pa, Ariki, as Judge of the Court; the appointment of Mr. Blame as Eegistrar, and Mr. Savage as Interpreter. I also forward the forms of title asked for in your letter of the 18th November, and copies of the rules of the Native Land Court. For convenience, it would be well if Mr. Maxwell and one of the Natives of Niue were appointed Judges to carry out the Order in Council there. If, therefore, you will nominate some one to act with him, His Excellency the Governor will be advised to appoint them. I have, &c, J. Caeeoll, The Resident Commissioner, Earotonga. For the Premier.

No. 1

A.—3

Enclosure. Establishing Cook and othee Islands Land Titles Court. Ranfurl?, Governor.—Order in Council. At the Government House, at Wellington, this seventh day of July, 1902. Present: His Excellency the Governor in Council. Whereas by the sixth section of "The Cook and other Islands Government Act, 1901," it is enacted that the Governor, by Order in Council, may from time to time establish a tribunal or appoint an officer or officers with such powers and functions as he thinks fit in order to ascertain and determine the title to land within the Islands situate within the boundary-lines set forth in the Schedule to the said Act, distinguishing titles acquired by Native customs and usage from titles otherwise lawfully acquired, and may provide for the issue of instruments of title, and generally make such provision in the premises as he thinks fit : Now, therefore, His Excellency the Governor of the Colony of New Zealand, in pursuance and exercise of the powers and authorities conferred by the said Act, and by and with the advice of the Executive Council of the said colony, doth hereby order as follows : — I. Interpretation. 1. In this Order in Council, if not inconsistent with the context, — " Said Act " means " The Cook and other Isfands Government Act, 1901," or any Act to be hereafter passed in lieu thereof, or any Act or Acts amending the same respectively: " Alienation " means any sale, lease, contract, or other disposition, absolute or limited, mortgage, charge, lien, or encumbrance : " Certified plan " means a plan certified to by a duly authorised surveyor as correct for the purposes of the said Court: " Chief Judge " means the Chief Judge of the said Court: " Court " means the Cook and other Islands Land Titles Court: " European " means a person other than a. Native : " Islands " means the Islands situate within the boundary-lines set forth in the Schedule to the said Act : " Judge " means a Judge of the Court, and includes the Chief Judge : " Land " means any land in the said Islands owned, held, or occupied by any person, whether under Native customs and usages, or lease, or otherwise howsoever, and include any estate or interest therein : " Native " means an aboriginal native of the said Islands : " Order" means order of the Court in the form prescribed for any proceeding by rules made under this Order in Council, or in any form approved of by the Chief Judge, or to the effect thereof respectively, authenticated by the signature of a Judge and the seal of the Court : " Party" means any person or number of persons appearing to support or to oppose, or to protect his or their interests in respect of, any application made to or proceeding in or before the Court, and includes every applicant : " Person " means any person, whether Native or European, and includes a corporation : " Prescribed " means prescribed by rules or regulations under this Order in Council: " Registrar " means Registrar of the Court, and includes a Deputy Registrar: " Resident Commissioner " means the Resident Commissioner under the said Act: " Successor " means the person who on the death of any Native is, according to Native custom, or, if there be no Native custom applicable to any particular case, then according to the law of New Zealand, entitled to the interest of such Native in any land or personal property. 11. Creation and Constitution of Court. 2. There shall be within the said Islands a Court of Record to be called " The Cook and other Islands Land Titles Court," which shall have the jurisdiction and powers hereinafter set forth. 3. The Court shall consist of such Judges, not less than two, as the Governor may from time to time appoint. One of such Judges shall be the Chief Judge, who shall be a European. There shall also be such Registrars, Deputy Registrars, Clerks, Interpreters, and other officers as may be required for the conduct of the business of the Court, and as may be appointed by the Governor under the provisions of the said Act. 4. The jurisdiction of any Judge other than the Chief Judge may, except in the case of a rehearing as hereinafter provided, be limited to any one or more of the said Islands. 5. The Chief Judge may from time to time appoint any fit and proper Native to act as Assessor for the assistance of the Court at any sitting or sittings of the Court, as the Chief Judge may determine. 6. The records, plans, and documents relating to the business of the Court shall be deposited, and the official or administrative work carried on, at such place or places in the said Islands as the Chief Judge, with the approval of the Resident Commissioner, shall appoint. 7. Registers shall be kept by the Court in which shall be recorded minutes of all applications made to the Court, and orders and proceedings made and had thereon. 8. Registers shall also be kept by the Court in which shall be entered particulars of all instruments of title issued by the Court, and of all deeds, documents, writings, and other matters requiring to be registered in connection with such instruments of title.

A.—3

9. The Court shall have in the custody of the Chief Judge or Begistrar a seal, which shall be the seal of the Court, and shall be used for sealing documents which require to be sealed. 111. Jurisdiction. 10. The Court shall have jurisdiction— (1.) To investigate the title to and to ascertain and determine the owners of any land within the said Islands, distinguishing titles acquired by Native custom and usage from titles otherwise lawfully acquired : (2.) To determine the relative interests in any land of the persons entitled thereto, and to partition any land among such persons : (3.) To affect an exchange between Natives of any land owned by them : (4.) To determine any successor : (5.) To grant probate of the will and letters of administration of the estate and effects of any Native now dead, or who shall hereafter die : (6.) To render any land inalienable, or to impose such limited restrictions on the alienation of any land as the Court may think fit, and to vary or remove any restrictions: (7.) To determine all claims to land based on any lease or occupation heretofore or hereafter to be made or allowed by a Native : (8.) To confirm, vary, or alter any lease of land heretofore or hereafter to be made by a Native: (9.) To restrain any person from injuring, or damaging, or dealing with any property the subject-matter of any application to the Court : (10.) To determine whether or not any land is to be held by the nominal owner or owners thereof in trust for any Natives, and to determine who are the Natives (if any) entitled beneficially to any land so held in trust, and to order the inclusion of such Natives in the title, either together with or in lieu of the nominal owner or owners, and for the purpose aforesaid to order the cancellation or amendment of any instrument of title, and the issue of any other instrument of title as may be necessary. (10a.) To reserve and vest in His Majesty any lands required for townships, public works, and offices or buildings, including hospitals, cemeteries, lunatic asylums, gaols, schools, or colleges, and to determine if necessary who were the former owners thereof, and the amount of compensation (if any) to be paid to them : Provided that any lands so reserved for townships may, mutatis mutandis, be dealt with as nearly as may be in accordance with the provisions of the Act of the General Assembly of New Zealand intituled " The Native Townships Act, 1895," and the regulations made under the authority thereof: (11.) To fix the rent of any land occupied or hereafter to be occupied by any Native other than the actual owner or owners : (12.) To apportion amongst the owners, or some of them, the rent or rents payable for any land, and for the purposes of any partition to negative, modify, or apportion any of the express or implied provisions of any lease of such land as to any parcel or parcels or as to the whole of such land: (13.) To issue instruments of title to lands the title to which shall have become ascertained, subject to any trusts, restrictions, or encumbrances (if any) affecting the same: (13a.) To appoint a trustee or trustees, and in each case to define their powers, for any Native under and during disability, and at any time afterwards to alter, amend, vary, or revoke any such appointment: (14.) To order any person appointed a trustee of any land belonging to any Native to furnish an account of his trusteeship, and, on examination and investigation thereof by the Court, to order the payment by such trustee of such sum or sums of money to such person or persone and on such terms as may appear just: (15.) To deal with in any manner whatsoever any lease or other matter the subject of any previous application to or proceeding before the Land Board at Barotonga under the provisions of " The Land Act, 1899," enacted by the Cook Islands Parliament, and to confirm, vary, or alter any order or decision of the said Land Board : (15a. ) To rehear any claim or other matter whatsoever the finding in relation to which has been appealed against within two months from the date thereof. Every such rehearing shall take place before at least two Judges, and the finding thereon shall be final and conclusive, and shall be substituted for the original finding, which shall thereupon become void : (16.) By order to vest land in any person whom, in the exercise of the powers aforesaid, the Court determines to be entitled thereto, and generally to do all acts and things necessary to the effectual exercise of the jurisdiction conferred upon the Court by this Order in Council. IV. Practice and Procedure. 11. The Coart shall sit at such times and places as the Chief Judge, by notice given in such manner as may be prescribed, shall appoint. After the commencement of a sitting the presiding Judge, or, in the absence of a Judge, the Begistrar, may adjourn such sitting from time to time and from place to place, or may so adjourn any part or parts of the business notified to be dealt with at any such sitting, or adjourn the same respectively sine die.

A '-5

12. The jurisdiction of the Court in any matter may be exercised on the written application of any person claiming an interest therein, and in the course of the proceedings on any application the Court may, without further application, and upon such terms as to notice to parties and otherwise as the Court thinks fit, proceed to exercise any other part or parts of its jurisdiction which it may consider necessary or expedient to exercise. And the Court may in its discretion deal with the subiect-matter of any application wholly or in part or parts, and issue separate orders in respect of such part or parts ; and any application may be dismissed or (with the consent of the Court) extended, amended, or withdrawn wholly or in part. And the Court may, on the completion of any stage in any proceedings, make any interlocutory order which it may deem necessary or expedient. 13. The Chief Judge, or any other Judge being a European, sitting alone, may exercise all the powers of the Court; but no Judge being a Native shall exercise any of the said powers except in conjunction with a European Judge. 14. Proceedings may be continued before a Judge or Judges other than the Judge or Judges before whom they were commenced, or before the same Judge and another Judge. 15. No person may appear or be assisted in Court by counsel or agent without the assent of the presiding Judge first obtained. Such assent may at any time be withdrawn. Evidence. 16. The Court may act on any testimony, sworn or unsworn, and may receive as evidence any statement, document, information, or matter which, in the opinion of the Court, may assist the Court to deal effectually with the matters before it. 17. The Court may, by summons in writing under the hand of a Judge or the Registrar, require any person to appear before the Court, at such time and place as shall be specified in the summons, to give evidence in the matter of any proceeding, and such person may be required by summons to produce any books, deeds, papers, and writings relating to such proceeding, and in his possession or under his control. 18. Any person on whom any such summons shall have been served personally, and to whom at the same time payment or a tender of his expenses shall have been made on the scale to be prescribed, and who shall neglect or fail without sufficient cause to appear or to produce any books, deeds, papers, or writings required by such summons to be produced, and any person, whether summoned to attend or not, who, being present in Court and being required to give evidence, shall refuse to be sworn or give evidence, or who, having been sworn to give evidence in a proceeding, shall neglect or fail to appear at such time as the Court may direct for the purpose of giving further evidence in such proceeding, shall be liable to a penalty not exceeding ten pounds, and in default of payment to be imprisoned for any term not exceeding one month. Judgment Orders. 19. Every definitive judgment, decision, or award of, and every imposition of penalty by, the Court shall be by order. 20. The Chief Judge may sign any order which ought to have been sigued by a deceased or retired Judge. 21. An order of the Court shall bear date and shall be deemed to have been made on the day on which the Court decided that such order should be made, and shall take effect as from such date; but the Court may in any order direct that the same shall take effect on some day before or after the day on which the same is made. 22. An order may issue in the name of a deceased Native. 23. The Court may from time to time extend any time limited or fixed by any order, whether or not such time has or shall have expired. 24. Every order vesting land or any parcel of land shall describe the same by reference to some certified plan thereof, or, if there be no certified plan thereof, shall describe the same with sufficient accuracy to enable the same to be identified and the boundaries thereof to be correctly laid down on survey. Amendment. 25. All amendments necessary to remedy or correct defects or errors in any proceeding or document, or to give effect to or record the intended decision in any proceeding, may be made at any time by the Court, whether applied for or not, and upon such terms as to the Court may appear just. Surveys. 26. The Chief Judge, or the Registrar with the approval of a Judge, may authorise any surveyor or any other person to enter upon any land to make any survey, or for any other purpose expedient or necessary. 26a. The Government of the Colony of New Zealand may in its discretion advance the cost of any survey so authorised, and in any such case the charge, by way of lien, as hereinafter provided, shall be held by the Resident Commissioner on behalf of His Majesty. 27. Any person obstructing or threatening to obstruct any surveyor or other person acting under any authority issued under the preceding section (such authority having been produced to any person threatening or engaged in such obstruction) shall be liable to a penalty not exceeding ten pounds, or to imprisonment for any term not exceeding one month. 28. The Court may charge by way of lien any land or parcel of land to secure the payment of an amount as being the reasonable cost or portion of the cost of any survey thereof authorised as aforesaid, and also the payment of any moneys due to the Court on account of fees ; and such lien shall be indorsed by the Registrar on the instrument of title to the land, and shall have the effect of the lodging of a caveat against any dealing with such land until such moneys are paid and 2—A. 3.

A.—3

satisfied, or until such lien shall by order of the Court be removed. The Court may at any time make such order or orders for payment of such moneys by instalments out of rents or otherwise as to the Court shall deem expedient, and may on any subsequent partition apportion any such lien or charge over the several partitions. 29. The payment by any person into the office of the Registrar of a sum of money secured by such lien shall be a discharge thereof. The money so paid to the Registrar shall be held in trust for and paid to such person as the Court shall determine to be entitled to the same. V. Bules and Regulations. 30. The Chief Judge may from time to time, with the approval of the Resident Commissioner, make and prescribe, and alter and revoke, rules of practice and procedure and forms of proceedings and documents in the various matters in which jurisdiction is or may be conferred upon the Court, and also regulations for the government of all persons acting under this Order in Council, and for regulating the sittings of the Court, and for fixing the fees to be paid under this Order in Council, and the time and mode of payment, and for enforcing payment thereof. 31. All such rules and regulations, and every alteration and revocation thereof, shall, within one month after the approval thereof, be published in the Cook Islands Gazette. A copy of such rules and regulations, and every alteration and revocation thereof, shall also, as soon as possible after approval thereof, be transmitted to the Governor. 32. All fees payable under this Order in Council shall be paid by the Registrar into the Cook Islands Treasury. Alex. Willis, Clerk of the Executive Conncil.

No. 17. Sir,— Premier's Office, Wellington, 9th July, 1902. Referring to your letter (No. 31) of the 30th April, respecting the proposed Marriage and Divorce Act of Niue, 1 have to point out when passed by the Island Council it will have to be reserved by the Governor for the Royal assent, His Excellency's Instructions precluding him from assenting to any Bill for the divorce of persons joined together in holy matrimony. I have, &c, J. Carroll, The Resident Commissioner, Rarotonga. For the Premier.

No. 6,

No. 18. Ordinances op the Federal Council op the Cook Islands, Nos. 5 to 10 inclusive, forwarded by the resident commissioner foe the assent op hls excellency the Governor. (July, 1902.) No. s. — An Ordinance to extend the Provisions of " The Traders' License Act, 1898," to the Island of Niue. (3rd July, 1902.) Be it enacted by the Federal Council of the Cook and Other Islands : — 1. The Short Title of this Ordinance is " The Traders' License Extension Ordinance, 1902." 2. " The Traders' License Act, 1898," and the regulations made thereunder, are hereby extended to and shall have force within the Island of Niue as from the first day of April, 1902.

No. 6. — An Ordinance to amend " The Local Statutes Amendment Act, 1900." (sth July, 1902.) Be it enacted by the Federal Council of the Cook and Other Islands:— 1. The Short Title of this Ordinance is " The Islands Statutes Amendment Ordinance, 1902." 2. Section three of " The Island Statutes Amendment Act, 1900," is hereby amended by striking out the words "Provided always that her husband shall have formally consented to the sentence in open Court."

No. 7. — An Ordinance to further Restrict the use of Chili and other Foreign Money. (sth July, 1902.) Whereas by Proclamation made under the provisions of " The British Currency Act, 1894," the first day of January, one thousand eight hundred and ninety-five, was fixed as a date from and after which the gold, silver, and other coinage of Great Britain and Ireland should be the only coinage current as legal tender in the Cook Islands: And whereas it is expedient to further restrict the use of foreign money within the Cook Islands and the other islands included within the boundaries of New Zealand by virtue of the Proclamation of the eleventh day of June, one thousand nine hundred and one, other than the Island of Niue (all of which are hereinafter called and referred to as " the said islands "): Be it therefore enacted by the Cook and Other Islands Federal Council as follows : — 1. The' Short Title of this Ordinance is "The Chili and Foreign Coinage Restriction Ordinance, 1902." 2. No person shall make payment for the purchase, nor shall any person receive payment for the sale of auy fruit, copra, pearlshell, or other produce of the said islands, in money other than the current coinage of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland. Any person infringing the provisions of this section shall be liable for each offence to a penalty not exceeding two pounds, or in default not exceeding one month's hard labour.

A.—3

3. No person shall make payment, nor shall any person receive payment, for labour or services of any kind in money other than the current coinage of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland. Any person infringing the provisions of this section shall be liable for each offence to a penalty not exceeding one pound, or m default not exceeding fourteen days' hard labour. 4. There shall be paid on all Chili and other foreign coinage and money imported into the said islands an import duty of twenty per cent, ad valorem. 5. In any law or laws in force within the said islands or any of them at the date of the coming into operation of this Ordinance, under which law or laws payment of any fees or fines or payment of any kind whatsoever is to be made in dollars, such payment shall hereafter be made in current coinage of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland at the rate of one shilling and ninepence for each dollar. 6. In any deed or agreement made before the coming into operation of this Ordinance in which payment of any kind is agreed or expressed to be made in dollars, such payment shall hereafter be made in current coinage of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland at the rate of one shilling and ninepence for each dollar, and, on payment being made in such current coinage of Great Britain and Ireland at the rate aforesaid, the terms and conditions of any such deed or agreement shall be deemed to be so far satisfied or complied with. 7. All proceedings in respect of offences under this Ordinance shall be taken either before the High Court of the Cook Islands or before the Eesident European Magistrate at the island where the alleged offence was committed.

No. B. — Wandering Animals Ordinance, 1902. (sth July, 1902.) Whereas within the Island of Barotonga all agricnlture has heretofore been impossible by reason of wandering pigs, horses, and other animals: And whereas from this and other causes, many thousands of acres of the most fertile land have for years been unproductive, and it is imperative that a better condition of affairs should prevail : Be it therefore enacted by the Cook and Other Islands Federal Council: — 1. The Short Title of this Ordinance is " The Wandering Animals Ordinance, 1902." 2. The administration of this Ordinance shall be left in the hands of the Island Council of Rarotonga, and shall apply to this island only : Provided always that any one of the Cook or other islands included within the boundaries of New Zealand may by resolution of their Island Council adopt this Ordinance and bring it into force within the limits of that island. 3. All fees and fines collected under the provisions of this Ordinance shall be devoted to the public works of the island. 4. Each Island Council shall, subject to the approval of the Eesident Commissioner, appoint one or more Inspectors, whose duty it shall be to carry out the provisions of this Ordinance and see that all fines are paid into the Treasury, or to the Government Agent, as may hereafter be directed. 5. The Eesident Commissioner may make rules for the guidance of the Inspectors, and for the regulation and payment of the fees and fines chargeable under this Ordinance. Such rules shall be gazetted and shall have the force of law. 6. The owner or owners of any piece of land may shoot or otherwise destroy all pigs trespassing thereon, unless the owners of the said pigs be known to them, in which case it shall be the duty of the landowner to hand the pigs over to the Inspector, or to a member of the police force, in order that the owners thereof may be summoned before the nearest Court. Any offender under this section may avoid a summons by paying to the Inspector a fine of five shillings, together with a sum of money equivalent to the damage done, if any : Provided that in any offence under this section the fine shall not exceed five shillings , nor the expenses of the Court two shillings; nor shall the compensation allowed for damage exceed ten shillings. 7. The owner or person in charge of any stallion who shall suffer such animal to be at large, shall be guilty of an offence and be charged with the same before the nearest Court, and on conviction may be fined not exceeding one pound for each offence, in addition to the compensation allowed by the Court for any damage done by the stallion. For any offence under this section the offender may, in default of payment, be ordered to work out both fine and damage, but in no instance shall the labour awarded exceed forty days. 8. Any person suffering damage from a wandering horse, cow, or goat, may hand the animal over to the Inspector or a member of the police, or may cause the Inspector to summon the owner of the animal before the nearest Court, and there recover a fine of not exceeding five shillings, together with compensation for any damage fairly due. In default of payment the fine and damage may be worked out at the rate of one shilling per diem. 9. In any case where the Inspector shall apply to the High Court and show that a man has offended on more than one occasion against the provisions of this Ordinance, and has not paid the fine and damage awarded against him, the Court may order the offending animal to be sold by public auction, and the proceeds devoted to the fine and damages due and Court expenses, and the residue, if any, shall be paid to the owner of the animal sold.

No. 9.— An Ordinance to Provide for the Fencing of Public Lands. (7th July, 1902.) Be it enacted by the Cook and Other Islands Federal Council: —■ 1. The Short Title of this Ordinance is " The Public Eeserves Fencing Ordinance, 1902." 2. This Ordinance shall apply to the Island of Earotonga, but may be adopted by the Island Council of any island by resolution duly gazetted in the Cook Islands Gazette.

A.—3

3. Any prisoner who shall have been sentenced to hard labour on the public roads may be lawfully employed either in fencing the Ariki's or other public lands, or in the making of island produce, whether limejuice or copra : Provided always that any person employing prisoners in the making of such produce, or in the planting or clearing of land, shall pay into the Treasury one shilling per diem for each man so employed. 4. And whereas the industries of the island suffer by reason of wandering pigs and horses, and it is advisable that enclosures of coral rock should be erected by each " tapere," in order to keep the animals within bounds, it shall be the duty of each District Ariki, assisted by his Mataiapos, to set aside public reserves for this purpose. 5. Bach public reserve of this nature shall be authorised by the Federal Council, and shall by Proclamation in the Cook Islands Gazette authorise the Ariki of the district to fence the reserve and call out all of the people of the " tapere " for that purpose. 6. Any person refusing or neglecting to aid in work done or ordered under the provisions of this Ordinance shall on conviction be liable to a fine of two shillings, or, in default, two days' hard labour for each day's default.

No. 10. — An Ordinance to Impose a Tax upon all Dogs within the Cook and other Islands. (7th July, 1902.) Be it enacted by the Cook and Other Islands Federal Council: — 1. The Short Title of this Ordinance is " The Dog-tax Ordinance, 1902." 2. On or after the first day of January in each year there shall be collected a dog-tax on every dog within the limits of the Cook and other Islands. The amount of the tax shall be fixed by the Island Council of each island, and shall be payable to the Inspectors appointed under this Ordinance. 3. Every person owning a dog or dogs within the limits of the said islands shall register such dog in accordance with the Schedule hereto, at the office of the Eesident Agent or such other person as may be appointed for the purpose by the Eesident Commissioner; and any person in whose custody, charge, or possession, or in whose house or premises, any dog or dogs shall be found or seen shall, unless the contrary be proved, be deemed to be the owner of such dog or dogs for the purpose of this Ordinance. 4. Any person owning a dog or dogs who shall on the first day of June of any year have failed to register such dog or dogs, or to pay the fee under this Ordinance, shall be liable to a penalty not exceeding six shillings, or, in default of payment, to imprisonment with hard labour not exceeding six days, but such penalty or imprisonment shall not act as a discharge of the obligation to register and pay the fee therefor in accordance with the provisions of section three hereof. 5. The Inspector or any island policeman may take charge of any dog that does not appear to belong to any person, and may detain such dog until the owner has claimed the same and paid all the expenses incurred by reason of such detention : Provided that when any dog taken in pursuance of this Ordinance has been detained for seven days, and during such period shall not have been claimed, the Inspector shall cause the dog to be destroyed. 6. The Eesident Commissioner shall appoint one or more Dog-tax Inspectors for each island. 7. Section twenty of " The Au Empowering Act, 1890," is hereby repealed.

Schedule. No. . Rarotonga, , 190 . ,of • , is hereby registered in accordance with the provisions of " The Dog-tax Ordinance, 1902," as the owner of the dog described below. Sex: Colour: Marks (if any) : , Resident Agent [or Inspector].

No. 19. Sib,— Premier's Office, Wellington, 17th July, 1902. I have the honour to acknowledge the receipt of your letter (No. 37) of the 19th June, reporting the establishment of Island Councils at Penryhn, Eakahanga, Manihiki, and Palmerston Islands. I am particularly pleased to hear of the friendly action of the people of the Omoko Village in presenting the Government with land and buildings, and a portion of the lagoon, for which you will be good enough to thank them. I have, &c, J. Cakkoll, The Eesident Commissioner, Barotonga. For the Premier.

No. 13

No. 20. Sir,— Premier's Office, Wellington, 22nd July, 1902. I have the honour to inform you that it has been decided by the Government that for the future the Hon. C. H. Mills shall have charge of the administration of the Cook and other Islands, and to request, therefore, that you will be good enough to address your communications to that gentleman. I have, &c, J. G. Ward, The Eesident Commissioner, Earotonga. Acting-Premier.

A.—3

No. 21. Sir, — British Eesidenoy, Rarotonga, 23rd July, 1902. I have the honour to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of the 7th July, No. 56, having reference to the appointment of Judges for the Land Titles Court of this group. The appointment of Mr. Maxwell would be of very great value to the people of Niue, but I would respectfully point out that it would not be wise to appoint any one man of Niue to sit with Mr. Maxwell, as the tribes are intensely jealous of each other. It would be better to give Mr. Maxwell power in each case to summon some one or more Natives to assist him as Assessors. Even here I could not well ask Pa to sit on all cases, and there would be great jealousy if he were not already a Judge of the High Court, and the Natives will consider him as sitting in that capacity. Pending your decision I will write at once to Mr. Maxwell asking him if he can nominate some man for the office, but I am convinced that the course I suggest will be the best. I have, &c, W. E. Gudgeon, The Eight Hon. the Premier, Wellington. Eesident Commissioner.

No. 16

No. 22. Sib, — British Eesidency, Earotonga, 23rd July, 1902. I have the honour to report that Dr. Gatley has arrived to take over the medical charge of these islands. He appears to be a very suitable man for the work, but he complains that he has been misled as to the amount or value of the private practice, Dr. Mason having told him it would amount to at least £'200 per annum, whereas it will not exceed £50. Under these circumstances Dr. Gatley tells me that he cannot remain long in the Group as nothing less than £350 per annum will suit him. The amount set down in the estimates for doctor's salary is £270, and expenses of Hospital £200. From this last item I propose to take £80 to supplement the £270, as it does not appear to me that we shall obtain the services of a competent medical man under the £350 asked. I propose, however, to wait your approval before doing this. The two votes will hardly be exceeded. I have, &c, W. E. Gudgeon, The Eight Hon. the Premier, New Zealand. Eesident Commissioner.

No. 23. Sir, — British Eesidency, Earotonga, 24th July, 1902. I have the honour to forward for the assent of His Excellency the Governor an Ordinance of the Island Council of Aitutaki, which is intended to provide for the regulation of village life in that island. Some of the clauses are somewhat repugnant to the European mind, but they are entirely in consonance with Native ideas. The original manuscript sent to me required to be boiled down and put in form, and I have done so, retaining, however, each clause of the Council. I have, &c, W. E. Gudgeon, The Eight Hon. the Premier, New Zealand. Eesident Commissioner.

Enclosure. No. I. — An Ordinance to regulate Village Life in Aitutaki. (18th June, 1902.) Be it enacted by the Island Council of Aitutaki : — 1. The Short Title of this Ordinance is " The Village Eegulation Ordinance, 1902." 2. A curfew bell shall be sounded in each of the Aitutaki villages at 9 p.m. every evening, after which bell all beating of drums and other loud noises shall cease, and the villagers retire to their houses : Provided always that this section shall not be deemed to apply to those who have a valid excuse for being abroad after 9 p.m.: Provided also that the President of the Island Council may grant permission to any " tarekareka " or entertainment to be extended to midnight. 3. It shall be the duty of the police to see that the provisions of this Ordinance are strictly observed. Any person offending against the provisions of section two, or obstructing the police in the execution of their duty, shall be liable on conviction to a fine of not exceeding twenty shillings, and in default of payment to twenty days' hard labour. 4. Within one month after the publication of this Ordinance in the Cook Islands Gazette all owners of cattle on the Island of Aitutaki shall register, in the office of the Eesident Magistrate, the colour, marks, brands, and ages of the cattle owned by them or under their charge; and a return of this nature shall be furnished yearly thereafter in the month of June in each year. 5. It shall not be lawful to tether cattle within the village enclosure unless the written permission of the President of the Council shall first have been obtained, and no beast shall be tethered in such a position that it can reach nearer than ten feet to the public thoroughfare. The President may revoke any permission that he may have given under this section.

A.—3

6. No cattle shall be allowed to run loose on any part of Aitutaki, except in the Lagoon side enclosure. Any person infringing the provisions of this and the two preceding sections shall be liable to a fine of not exceeding twenty shillings for each offence. 7. Except with the permission of the Island Council, no human corpse shall be buried in any place other than a burial-ground recognised by the Native inhabitants as such, or reserved or set apart by them or some duly constituted authority as a burial-ground. Any person infringing this section shall be liable on conviction to a penalty not exceeding twenty shillings. 8. Any person found playing for money, whether by cards or any other game, within the precincts of a village shall be liable on conviction to a penalty of not exceeding twenty shillings. Any owner or occupier of a house or premises situate in any village who shall permit or allow gambling or playing for money in such house or upon such premises shall be liable to a penalty of not exceeding twenty shillings. 9. The President of the Island Council may, by notice in writing, direct the owner or occupier of any house or other building in a dirty or unwholesome state to clean or cause the same to be cleaned within a time specified in such notice. And if, after the service of such notice upon him, any person shall refuse or neglect to comply with such notice, he shall be liable to a penalty not exceeding twenty shillings. 10. No nightsoil, refuse, or offensive rubbish shall be cast, or deposited, or allowed to flow into any spring, stream, or watercourse that flows through or past any Native village, and which is used as a water-supply by the inhabitants of such village. All refuse as aforesaid shall be buried in the earth without delay. Any offender against this section shall be liable to a fine not exceeding twenty shillings. 11. Except with the permission of the President of the Island Council, no guns shall be fired within the limits of any Native village between the hours of 9 p.m. and 6 a.m. Any offender against the provisions of this section shall be liable to a penalty of not exceeding ten shillings. 12. And whereas many women of Aitutaki are in the habit of deserting their families by stowing away on board of trading schooners, and it is expedient that some restraint should be placed on the visits of such women to trading schooners : From and after the passing of this Ordinance it shall not be lawful for any woman to visit a trading schooner or other vessel unless provided with a pass signed by the Resident Magistrate of the Island. Any master or officer in charge of a vessel who shall permit a woman to come on board such vessel shall be liable to a fine of not exceeding two pounds sterling. Any woman offending under this section shall be liable to a fine of not exceeding ten shillings ; and any person who shall aid or abet her in breaking the provisions of this section shall be liable, on conviction, to a fine of twenty shillings, and in default of payment twenty days' hard labour.

No. 24. Sic, — British Residency, Earotonga, 31st July, 1902. I have the honour to forward, attached, a petition from the Europeans of Rarotonga, representing fairly the disadvantages under which this place labours in having no hotel or other place in which tourists or travellers generally can find accommodation. I have no doubt whatever that Rarotonga would become a favourite health resort for the winter if moderate accommodation could be provided, but, as things now are, such persons are compelled to pass on to Tahiti. Makea and. the Maoris generally would be glad to sign this petition if I could intimate my approval of the same, but this I hesitate to do until I know how far my action would be approved by you. You will notice that the Rev. Mr. Lawrence approves, with the qualification that the sale of liquor should be under Government control. If this means that we are to accept the Gothenburg system, pure and simple, then there can never be an hotel, for we have not the funds to start the establishment, nor a reliable man to conduct it. If, however, it means that the hotel is to be conducted under the supervision of the Government, and the barman appointed by the Government, in order to obtain strict attention to the rules forbidding the sale of spirits to the Natives, then I think the system would work in a very satisfactory manner, arid would be of the greatest possible advantage to both Europeans and Natives. Under any circumstances, nothing could be worse than the present system, which for the last ten years has tended to demoralise the whole population. I have, &c, W. E. Gudgeon, The Right Hon. the Premier, New Zealand. Resident Commissioner.

Enclosure. The Resident Commissioner, Rarotonga. This petition, from the Europeans and Arikis of Rarotonga, showeth,— That, in their opinion, the time has now come that a well-conducted hotel should be established on the island for the following reasons : — (a.) That there is no house or hotel for the accommodation of travellers or visitors to the island. (b.) That occasionally drunkenness occurs, and it is very difficult to trace where the liquor was obtained, which would not be the case were only one hotel to be established here, under proper supervision.

A.—3

(c.) That instances have occurred where visitors to the island have had to proceed to Tahiti to spend their holidays. (d.) That it would add to the prosperity of the place if it was known there was a respectable hotel on the island. (c.) At present the liquor is served out by the Collector of Customs to people who have an order from local storekeepers, and is vexatious, inasmuch as it is only on stated days in each week that a person can get served with liquor. Your petitioners therefore pray that you will take such steps as you think necessary to give effect to this petition. [Here follow signatures.] I would heartily indorse the proposal that a good house for the entertainment of visitors be established, but am of opinion that the Government should be the only importer and retailer of liquor on the island. Wμ. N. Lawhbnce, L.M.S. 30th June, 1902.

No. 25. Sib, — British Residency, Earotonga, 22nd August, 1902. I have the honour to acknowledge the receipt of your letter, and of copies of Order in No. 16, Council appointing Judges and other officers to the Land Titles Court. I have already some twenty cases set down for hearing before the Court at Aitutaki, and have the honour to suggest that John Thomas Large, of Aitutaki, may be gazetted an interpreter to the Court, as this will enable me to have Mr. Savage here and save expense. I have, &c, W. E. Gudgeon. The Bight Hon. the Premier, New Zealand. Resident Commissioner.

No. 26. Sib,— Premier's Office, Wellington, 25th August, 1902. In reply to your letter, No. 55, of the 31st July, forwarding a petition praying for the No. 24 establishment of an hotel at Rarotonga, I have the honour to inform you that the Government has considered the matter, and has decided that the best way to give effect to the wishes of the petitioners would be for the Island Council to pass an Ordinance similar to " The Sale of Spirituous Liquors Act, 1899," passed by the Federal Government but never brought into operation, with such amendments as may appear to you to be necessary to meet the case. It is not considered expedient to extend the provisions of the licening laws of New Zealand to the Cook and other Islands. I have, &c, The Resident Commissioner, Rarotonga. C. H. Mills.

No. 27. Sir, — Premier's Office, Wellington, 25th August, 1902. I have the honour to acknowledge the receipt of your letter No. 51 of the 23rd July, No. 22. reporting the arrival of Dr. Gatley, and the arrangements you propose to make respecting his salary, and in reply to state that the Government have no objection to offer. I have, &c, The Resident Commissioner, Rarotonga. C. H. Mills.

No. 28. Sic, — Premier's Office, Wellington, 25th August, 1902. I have the honour to forward an extract from the Journals of the House of Representatives, ordering a return giving certain information respecting the " Countess of Ranfurly," and to request that you will be good enough to furnish the information required. I have, &c, The Resident Commissioner, Rarotonga. C. H. Mills.

Enclosure. EXTEACT FROM THE JOURNALS OP THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, WEDNESDAY, 13TH AUGUST 1902. " Ordered, —That there be laid before this House a Return showing (a) the total amount of cargo conveyed from the Cook and other Islands in the " Countess of Ranfurly " to Auckland for the year ending 31st March, 1902 ; (b) the freight charged per ton for such cargo, and the total amount received for freight between the islands and Auckland; (c) the number of trips run during the year from the islands to Auckland and vice versa ; (d) the total cost of running the steamer during the year ; and (c) the total cargo carried between the different islands, and the total freight earned thereon, for the year ending the 31st March, 1902."—(0n the motion of Mr. Herries).

A.—3.

No. 29. Sib,— Premier's Office, Wellington, 25th August, 1902. In reply to your letter (No. 53) of the 24th July, I have the honour to forward, No. 1: "An Ordinance to regulate Village Life in the Island of Ailutaki," duly assented to by His Excellency the Governor. I have, &c. The Besident Commissioner, Earotonga. C. H. Mills.

No. 23.

No. 30. Sic, — Premier's Office, Wellington, 26th August, 1902. I have the honour to forward the following Ordinances passed by the Federal Council, with the assent of the Governor duly entered on each : — 5. To extend the provisions of " The Traders' License Act, 1898," to Niue. 6. To amend " The Local Statutes Amendment Act, 1891." 7. To further restrict the use of " Chili " and other Foreign Money. 8. In restriction of Wandering Animals. 9. To provide for the Fencing of Public Lands. 10. An Ordinance to impose a Dog-tax. I have, &c, The Eesident Commissioner, Barotonga. C. H. Mills.

No. 31. Sib,— Premier's Office, Wellington, 26th August, 1902. In reply to your letter (No. 50) of the 23rd July, I have now to forward an Order in Council appointing Mr. Maxwell a Judge of the Land Titles Court, with jurisdiction, however, limited to the Island of Niue. I agree with you, it would not be prudent to appoint a Native as Judge to sit with Mr. Maxwell, for the reasons stated. Under the Order in Council constituting the Court, he can summon Assessors to assist him. I have, 4c, The Eesident Commissioner, Earotonga. C. H. Mills.

No. 21.

No. 32. Sic, — British Eesidency, Earotonga, 18th September, 1902. In order to furnish the return asked for as to the financial position of Niue, it will be . necessary for me to visit that island, and I propose to proceed thither with as little delay as possible. I have at present the ironwork for the Niue wharf and building material for Mr. Maxwell's residence on board the " Countess," and the sooner that is landed the better. It is, moreover, advisable that I should settle certain Customs affairs at Niue, for I have now put an end to the 10 per cent, on goods landed from Tonga and Sydney, and have caused the New Zealand tariff to be collected on all such goods. Naturally the Sydney traders do not like this, but I cannot see that the New Zealand merchant can compete on equal terms unless the New Zealand tariff is collected on outside goods. I have, &c, W. B. Gudgeon, The Hon. C. H. Mills, New Zealand. Eesident Commissioner.

No. 33. Sib, — British Eesideney, Earotonga, 19th September, 1902. In pursuance of the instructions contained in your letter (No. 66) of the 25th August, I have the honour to forward enclosed the return called for. I may point out that the vessel did not arrive here until the copra season was nearly over, and she had then to take Mr. Smith to Niue, and in October and part of November was ordered to take me round the northern islands. This was done under instructions from the Hon. the Premier, the result being that the schooner carried little or nothing during the six months, although usefully employed. During the second half-year the boat has done better, but she will never pay expenses, and we must have a schooner at our disposal here or the islands cannot be governed in a satisfactory manner. We have just imported 100 tons of material from New Zealand, and have credited the schooner with the cost of freight at the rate of £1 ss. per ton ; but had we been compelled to send it by the Union Company it would have been £2 per ton. The services of the Government schooner are not to be gauged by actual earnings, and, though the cost is heavy, it falls on the people of the Cook Islands only, and they do not complain. That the firm of Donald and Edenborough or the Union Company should not approve of the schooner is only natural, for their ancient monopoly has been broken down by that vessel. I have, &c, W. E. Gudgeon, The Hon. C. H. Mills, New Zealand. Eesident Commissioner.

No. 28.

A.—3

Enclosure. (a.) Total amount of cargo conveyed from the Cook and other Islands to Auckland for year ended 31st March, 1902 : 72 tons copra, 1 case taro,-4 cases hats. (b.) Freight charged per ton for such cargo, 15s. Total amount earned for freight, Islands to Auckland: £55 Is. Bd. (c.) The number of trips run during year ended 31st March, 1902, from Islands to Auckland and vice versd: Auckland to Islands, two trips; Islands to Auckland, one trip. (d.) The total cost of running the vessel during year ended 31st March, 1902 (paid by the Cook Islands Administration) : £1,492 3s. Note. —This amount is made up as follows : Outfit and repairs (including £369 ss. lid. for outfit before vessel left Auckland), £607 16s. 3d.; provisions, £344 16s. lid.; wages, £438 14s. 5d.; miscellaneous, £100 15s. sd. : total, £1,492 3s. Note. —The freight and passage-money earned for this period (less 1901-March, 1902) was £234 10s. Id. The vessel has not been credited with freight on about 100 tons of coal carried from Auckland to Earotonga for the New Zealand Government, nor with the cost of a voyage to Niue to convey Mr. S. Percy Smith, nor of a voyage to Penrhyn and the northern islands to establish authority there. (c.) Total cargo carried between different islands for the year ended 31st March, 1902, 35 tons 18 feet; total freight earned, £16 17s. Id. Supplementary. For the period Ist April to 18th September, 1902, the amount paid by the Cook Islands Administration for the running of the vessel was £901 13s. 6d. ; less freight, &c, earned, £472 19s. 7d. : total, £428 13s. lid. W. B. Gudgeon, Earotonga, 18th September, 1902. Eesident Commissioner.

No. 34. Sm,— Premier's Office, Wellington, 29th September, 1903. I have the honour to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of the 21st April, reporting the existence of leprosy amongst the Natives of the Island of Niue, and asking that a doctor may be sent to report generally upon the health of that island. In reply I have to state that the Chief Health Officer, Dr. Mason, will visit the islands as soon as possible. I have, &c, J. G. Waed, The Eesident Commissioner, Earotonga. Acting-Premier.

No. 3,

No. 35. Sib, — Premier's Office, Wellington, Ist October, 1902. I have the honour to transmit herewith warrants under the hand of His Excellency the Governor, appointing Mr. Thomas Eiddle Herd Collector of Customs at Earotonga, and Postmaster at Earotonga. I have, &c, The Eesident Commissioner, Rarotonga. C. H. Mills.

No. 36. Sib, — British Eesidency, Earotonga, 7th October, 1902. I have the honour to report that the revenue for the half-year ended the 30th September, 1902, amounts to £2,143 17s. 10d. collected in Earotonga, as also a further sum of £268 ss. Bd. collected in New Zealand on sale of Penrhyn postage-stamps, in all £2,412 3s. 6d. In other words, the revenue actually received exceeds the estimate for the whole year by £212 3s. 6d. This is a very satisfactory condition of affairs, and not altogether unexpected ; but as I have already pointed out, it is dangerous to overestimate revenue in these islands, and a steady and progressive surplus is a necessity of our position. I have, &c, W. E. Gudgeon, The Hon. C. H. Mills, New Zealand. Eesident Commissioner.

No. 37. Sib,— British Eesidency, Earotonga, 12th November, 1902. I regret to inform you that measles have been introduced into this island by the s.s. " Ovalau," and we have now some fifty cases in the Village of Avarua. The annoying circumstance connected with the disease is that this introduction is due to the neglect of 3—A. 3,

A.- 3

Dr. Gatley, who allowed a suspicious case to pass him without reporting the same to me. The consequence was that twenty-five men were allowed to leave for Tahiti to work the cargo at that place, and on their return spread the disease throughout this settlement. So far there have been no deaths, thanks to the very mild weather, and I am in hopes that at this season, when the warm moist weather of the summer is certain to prevail, there will be few if any deaths. I have, &c, W. E. Gudgeon, The Hon. C. H. Mills, New Zealand. Resident Commissioner.

No. 38. Sir, — British Residency, Rarotonga, 13th November, 1902. I have the honour to forward herewith an Act passed by the Island Conncil of Rarotonga with the view of placing the sale of intoxicating liquor on a better footing. At the present moment we are acting under an old law, by which every foreigner and Native is entitled to three bottles of spirits per week, provided—in the law of the Natives—that the Ariki will sign a permit; and it is only due to the fact that the Arikis will not sign permits that the Natives do not get liquor direct from the Government bond. Our system is, however, bad in the extreme, for many Chinamen and others sell their liquor clandestinely to the Natives, and it would require 'an efficient and expensive police service to prevent snch sales. The primary object of the Ordinance is to establish an hotel at which persons visiting the island can be accommodated. At present we have only a second-class Chinese boarding-house. The Ordinance also forbids the sale of spirits to Natives, and leaves it in the hands of the Island Council to say whether a limited quantity of claret or beer shall be issued to such Natives as may deserve it. I would point out that an hotel would greatly assist the police of the islands, since there would be no possible means of obtaining spirits except through the hotel, and the owner thereof would hardly be likely to aid sly-grog sellers. I have, &c, W. B. Gudgeon, The Hon. C. H. Mills, New Zealand. Resident Commissioner.

Enclosure. Rarotonga Island Council.—Local Ordinance No. 1. Whereas for many years past the laws relating to the sale of intoxicating liquor in the Island of Rarotonga have been in doubt and unsatisfactory : And whereas, in spite of restriction to the contrary, intoxicating liquor has continued to be sold to and drunk by many of the Natives of Rarotonga, to the detriment of the moral and physical welfare of the said Natives : And whereas there has been up to the present want of a properly conducted house for the accommodation of travellers and tourists to the said Island and other people : And whereas it is desirable that the importation to and sale of intoxicating liquor in the said Island should be further regulated, and be under Government supervision, and that there should be in the said Island a properly conducted house for the accommodation of travellers, tourists, and others : Be it therefore enacted by the Island Council of Rarotonga as follows : — 1. The Short Title of this Ordinance is "The Importation and Sale of Intoxicating Liquor Ordinance, 1902." 2. Prom and after the date on which this Ordinance shall come into operation no person shall, except as hereinafter provided, import into or sell in the Island of Rarotonga any beer, wine, spirits, or other intoxicating liquor. Any person infringing the provisions of this section shall be liable on conviction to a penalty not exceeding one hundred pounds. 3. Any person who may have or who may erect on a site in Avarua, in the said Island of Rarotonga, to be approved of by the Resident Commissioner and the Island Council of Rarotonga, a house or building containing fit and proper accommodation for the board and lodging of not less than eight persons, exclusive of the accommodation required for such person first mentioned or his manager, and his family and servants, may apply to the Resident Commissioner and the said Island Council for a license to import into and sell in the Island of Rarotonga wine, beer, spirits, and other intoxicating liquor. 4. The Resident Commissioner and the said Island Council, if satisfied with the suitability of ' such applicant and of the said house and building, may grant and license to such applicant, subject to such conditions in addition to those imposed by the Ordinance as the Resident Commissioner and the said Island Council may think fit. 5. Such license may be for a period not exceeding ten years, and there shall be paid into the public revenue of the Cook Islands an annual fee of twenty-five pounds for such license. 6. For a period of ten years from the coming into operation of this Ordinance there shall not be granted more than one such license. 7. The grant of such license shall imply the following conditions binding the licensee : — (1.) That all wine, beer, and spirituous liquor for sale by the licensee shall be of good quality, and shall be sold at a reasonable price.

A.—3

(2.) That all liquor sold or exposed for sale under any brand or trade-mark shall be the gennine liquor to which such brand or trade-mark refers. (3.) That no liquor shall be sold between the hours of ten p.m. and seven a.m. (4.) That no liquor shall be sold on Sundays except to bond fide lodgers in the said house. (5.) That no person in a state of drunkenness, nor any person against whom a prohibition order has been issued, as hereinafter provided, shall be served with intoxicating drink, nor shall any person in a state of drunkenness be allowed to remain in any part of the said house. (6.) That any person authorised by the Resident Commissioner may, at any reasonable time, be permitted to enter into the said house for the purpose of inspecting any liquor exposed for sale, and such person may take samples of such liquor for the purpose of testing the same. (7.) That any barman or other person appointed by the licensee for the purpose of selling liquor shall be approved of from time to time by the Resident Commissioner, and shall be subject to removal at the request of the Resident Commissioner. (8.) That the licensee shall be responsible for the act or acts of any servant or servants in contravention of the license and the conditions under which the same is granted. (9.) That no spirituous liquor shall be sold to any Native except upon the written order of the Government medical officer : Provided that a limited quantity of beer or wine shall be allowed to be sold to any Native, such limit to be defined by regulation made by the said Island Council. (10.) That if there shall be any breach by the licensee or his servant or servants of the conditions of the license, the same shall be an offence against this Ordinance, and the said licensee shall be liable on conviction to a fine not exceeding twenty pounds. If the.said licensee shall be three times convicted of any offence under this Ordinance his license shall be liable to forfeiture by the Resident Commissioner. 8. Any license granted under the provisions hereof may be transferred with the sanction of the Resident Commissioner and the said Island Council. 9. Immediately after the date on which this Ordinance shall come into operation the Collector of Customs may take possession of all intoxicating liquor on the Island of Rarotonga, and may pay such compensation therefor to the owners thereof as shall be arranged between the said Collector of Customs and the said owners : Provided that any person being in possession of liquor as aforesaid may export same if he object to the compensation offered : Provided also that the Collector of Customs may refuse to take over any liquor which in his opinion is unsaleable. 10. An order prohibiting the supply of intoxicating liquors to any person, whether European or Maori, may be granted by the High Court of the Cook Islands upon due cause being shown, and may thereafter be revoked ; the Registrar of the High Court shall forthwith forward to the licensee a notice of the said order or of any revocation thereof having being made 11. Any person who shall distil or manufacture any intoxicating liquor other than orange, banana, or pine-apple beer, shall be liable on conviction to a penalty not exceeding £100, or, in default, twelve months' hard labour. 12. All informations and complaints under this Ordinance shall be heard before the High Court of the Cook Islands. All penalties recovered hereunder shall be paid into the public revenues of the Cook Islands, but the Court may order portion of such penalty to be paid to any person or persons. 13. This Ordinance shall come into operation by proclamation of the Resident Commissioner in the Cook Islands Gazette not less than three months after the Governor shall have assented to the same. Passed this Bth day of November, 1902. S. Savage, Clerk to Council. Makba. NGAMABU. TINOMANA. Pα. Kaeika.

No. 39. Oedinance op the Island Council of Raeotonga, No. 2, 1902, fobwaeded by the Resident Commissioner foe the Assent of His Excellency the Goveenoe (December, 1902.) No. 2. — An Ordinance to conserve the Coast Forests of Barotonga. Whebeas certain persons have sold timber growing on land situated between the coast road and the lagoon, and this timber has been cut without the knowledge of the Ariki, and contrary to the old law of the land, and to the injury of those cultivating the adjacent land : And whereas these lands have for more than twenty years been recognised as under the special control and mana of the district Arikis, and it is desirable that the coast shelter should be rigidly conserved : Be it enacted by the Island Council of Rarotonga : — 1. The Short Title of this Ordinance shall be "The Coast Timber Conservation Ordinance, 1902." 2. From and after the date of this Ordinance it shall not be lawful for any landholder to cut or sell any tree growing on land situated between the sea and the coast road known as the Purumu,

A.—3

nor shall it be lawful to exercise any act of ownership on the land as aforesaid except under the written permission of the district Ariki and the Eesident Commissioner. Any act in contravention of this Ordinance shall be punishable by a fine of not exceeding £10, or in default four months' hard labour. 3. All offences under this Ordiuance shall be heard and determined by the High Court. Passed this Bth day of November, 1902. S. Savage, Clerk to Council. Makba. Ngamaku. TINOMANA. Pα. Karika.

No. 40. Sm, — Premier's Office, Wellington, Bth December, 1902. 1 have the honour to acknowledge the receipt of your letter (No. 94) of the 12th November, reporting an outbreak of measles at Earotonga. It is to be hoped Dr. Gatley will be more careful in future, and that no serious results will follow his indiscretion. I have, &c. The Eesident Commissioner, Earotonga. C. H. Mills.

No. 37

No. 41. Sik, — Premier's Office, Wellington, 9th December, 1902. I have the honour to acknowledge the receipt of your letter (No. 82) of the 7th October, reporting that the revenue for the half-year ended the 30th September, 1902, amounts to £2,140 17s. 10d., an excess of £268 ss. Bd. over the estimate for the whole year, and to congratulate you on the very satisfactory state of affairs. I have, &c, The Eesident Commissioner, Earotonga. C. H. Mills.

No. 36.

No. 42. Sik, — Premier's Office, Wellington, 11th December, 1902. I have the honour to acknowledge the receipt of your letter (No. 100) of the 14th November, forwarding the rules and regulations of the Cook and other Islands Land Titles Court, and to inform you that they have been duly submitted to His Excellency the Governor. I have, &c, The Eesident Commissioner, Earotonga. C. H. Mills.

No. 43. Sm, — Premier's Office, Wellington, 17th December, 1902. I have the honour to enclose the Earotonga Island Council Ordinance, No. 2: "The Coast Timber Conservation Ordinance, 1902," duly assented to by His Excellency the Governor. On the covering sheet which you forwarded you omitted to insert the Short Title of the Ordinance, which, you will observe, is referred to in the certificate which the Solicitor-General has to sign, and I have to request that you will be careful to insert it on all future occasions; and also, as there are many legislating Councils, that you should add the word "Federal" in the case of Federal Ordinances, and, in the case of an Island Council, the name of the island in the Short Title. I have, &c, The Eesident Commissioner, Earotonga. C. H. Mills.

No. 44. Sik,— Earotonga, 17th December, 1902. 1 have the honour to report for your information that I have this day returned from the Island of Aitutaki, where I had opened the first sitting of the Land Titles Court held within this Group. In the fourteen days' sitting I managed to settle twenty-two cases that have long been in dispute. The fees charged are very small indeed, but nearly £40 will be the result of the fourteen days' sitting, and it is evident that the Court and Surveyor will be well-nigh self-supporting for the next five years. I have, &c, W. G. Gudgeon, The Hon. C. H. Mills, New Zealand. Eesident Commissioner.

No. 45. Sik, — British Residency, Earotonga, 23rd December, 1902. I have the honour to inform you that on the 19th instant, Ngamaru, the chief Ariki of Atiu, Mauke, and Mitiaro, caused the title of the Island of Takutea to be investigated by the Court. There was really no question as to the ownership, and the island, comprising some four hundred acres of very fertile land, was awarded to Ngamaru.

A.—3

Immediately after the Court had made the order, Ngamaru rose, and calling on the Arikis, Makea, Paruarangi, and Bongomatane to witness his act, said : " This island I hand over to my Ariki, His Majesty King Edward, for the benefit of his subjects in this Group," and, he added, " I wish the Court to write this in their books in order that there may be no mistake." This island, if properly planted, will be valuable, and as a penal settlement will be most useful. I have therefore the honour to recommend the acceptance of this generous offer. I have, &c, W. B. Gudgeon, The Hon. C. H. Mills, New Zealand. Eesident Commissioner.

No. 46. Sm, — Premier's Office, Wellington, 29th December, 1902. Referring to your letter (No. 61), of the 22nd August last, I haye now to forward you the appointment, under the hand of His Excellency the Governor, of John Thomas Large to be as Interpreter of the Cook and other Islands Lands Title Court. I have, &c, The Eesident Commissioner, Earotonga. C. H. Mills.

No. 25.

No. 47. Sik, — Premier's Office, Wellington, 29th December, 1902. I have the honour to inform you that by the " Euapehu " arrived two cases of meteorological instruments for Niue, Mr. Maxwell having represented so far back as March last that they were necessary. Will you be good enough to inform that officer, and that they have been forwarded to Niue by the Collector of Customs at Auckland, who was instructed to receive and forward them. Mr. Maxwell should, as opportunity offers, forward the results of his observations to this office through you. I have, &c, The Eesident Commissioner, Earotonga. C. H. Mtlls.

No. 48. Sir, — Premier's Office, Wellington, 31st January, 1903. I have the honour to acknowledge the receipt of your letter (No. 104), of the 23rd December last, notifying that the Island of Takutea has been presented a free gift to His Majesty the King. His Excellency the Governor has been asked to submit Ngamaru's offer to the Secretary of State for the Colonies for the acceptance of His Majesty. I have, &c, The Eesident Commissioner, Earotonga. C. H. Mills.

No. 44,

No. 49. Sm, — Premier's Office, Wellington, 9th February, 1903. BYom your letter of the 17th December I learn that you had had a satisfactory sitting of the Land Court at Aitutaki, and that the Court will be well-nigh self-supporting. lam much pleased at hearing this, and hope you will be as successful at the other islands of the Group. I have, &c, The Eesident Commissioner, Earotonga. G. H. Mills.

No. 50. Sib, — Premier's Office, Wellington, 9th March, 1903. Eeferring to your letter of the 15th October last, I have the honour to inform you that the Government has declined the request of Messrs. Donald and Edenborough that they might be allowed to send used fruit cases to the Islands ; and, as to your suggestion that such cases might be used provided they were accompanied by a certificate of fumigation, the Government is advised that no system of fumigation could be successfully adopted. I have, &c, The Eesident Commissioner, Earotonga. C. H. Mills.

No. 51. Sik,— Earotonga, 9th March, 1903. I have the honour to inform you that I left in the schooner " Countess of Eanfurly " for Penrhyn and the northern islands on the 24th January, and returned to this Island on the sth March, after visiting Penrhyn, Eakahanga, and Manihiki.

A.—3

At each of the three islands named I opened the Land Titles Court, and put several blocks of land through the Court to the final stage. By so doing I succeeded in showing to the Native inhabitants the value of the institution, and as a natural sequence I was requested to take cases that would have given me at least three months' work. As I was unable to accede to this request I have promised to give them three months next December. I have, &c, W. B. Gudgeon, The Hon. C. H. Mills, New Zealand. Resident Commissioner.

No. 52. Sir,— Premier's Office, Wellington, 9th March, 1903. I have the honour to forward a dozen copies of an Order in Council appointing Messrs. Browne (two), Salmon, Proctor, Yon Nagel, Wilson, Williams, and Ellis, to be Interpreters of the Cook and Other Islands Land Titles Court. I have, &c, The Resident Commissioner, Rarotonga. C H. Mills.

No. 53. Sir,— Premier's Office, Wellington, 31st March, 1903. I have the honour to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of the 9th March reporting your visit to Penrhyn and the northern islands, and your having held Land Courts at Penrhyn, Rakahanga, and Manihiki. Also of your intention to return there for the same purpose next December. I have, &c, The Resident Commissioner, Rarotonga. C. H. Mills.

No. 54. Sir, — Rarotonga, Ist April, 1903. I have the honour to report for your information that the Ariki Ngamaru died on the 31st March last. This man was the real chief of all the people of the three islands, Atiu, Mauke, and Mitiaro, and possessed power that no other Ariki has or is likely to have in the future. Early in the month of March another of the old Arikis of Atiu died, viz., Parua, but she had but little influence, and it is not intended that her Arikiship should be filled by any one, since she has no direct descendants. I have, &c, W. E. Gudgeon, The Hon. C. H. Mills, New Zealand. Resident Commissioner.

No. 55. Sir,— Premier's Office, Wellington, 4th April, 1903. Referring to your letter of the 7th May last, I have now to inform you that Mr. Kirk, of the Department of Agriculture, arranged for 200 vanilla plants to be sent by Mr. Holmes, of Fiji, to Rarotonga, and it is presumed he has sent them to you direct from thence. I have, &c, The Resident Commissioner, Rarotonga. C. H. Mills.

Sib, — Rarotonga, 6th April, 1903. I have the honour to forward herewith a report on the Cook and Northern Islands, in which I have dealt with the trade and revenue of the Group for the year 1902. You will be glad to learn that these islands have never been so prosperous as at the present moment. I have, &c, W. E. Gudgeon, The Hon. C. H. Mills, New Zealand. Resident Commissioner.

Enclosure. Report on the Cook and Northern Islands for Year ending 31st March, 1903. I have the honour to report that the trade prospects of this Group show distinct signs of improvement. In the trade returns attached hereto (Appendix A), it will be seen that the imports and exports for the year ending the 31st December, 1902, are valued at £27,623 and £34,821

A.—3

respectively, as against £24,862 and £27,819 for the previous year. This, 1 submit, is a very satisfactory result, for the orange andjcoffee crop of 1902 was a very small one, and the expansion of our exports must of necessity be a slow process, since it will depend for the most part on the increased production of copra, an increase that can "only be looked for six years hence. Copra. For the last fifteen years the Island of Penrhyn has not exported ■ copra, indeed the numerous trees have not produced sufficent nuts for home consumption ; but now, from some unexplained cause, the palms have suddenly regained their old fertility, and this year no less than 100 tons of copra has been exported, and thousands of young trees planted on land only a few feet above sealevel, where they are growing as vigorously as those planted on the best alluvial land of Earotonga. From Manihiki 135 tons, and from Eakahanga 160 tons, of copra have been exported during the past year, under circumstances very unfavourable to the production of that article of commerce. In most of the islands we have reason to complain of the lethargy of the inhabitants, who will not plant their lands; but in these two islands there are at least five palms growing where there should be but one, and it is a difficult matter to prevail on the owners to thin out the trees, for they deem it an act of vandalism to cut down a cocoa palm. It is however probable that the people will follow the example of our Resident Agent, Mr. H. Williams, who has reduced the number of the trees on his property, with the result that those remaining bear a much greater number of nuts per acre than the neighbouring lands. This fact is already impressed on the Native mind, and when once they find that increased production follows the thinning out process they will adopt it. At Eakahanga the Resident Agent is one Panapa, a teacher of the London Mission Society, and a man of great influence with his people. He may be relied upon to adopt any measure that will tend to the advantage of the island and its people. For many years the Island of Manihiki has been governed by a most rascally lot of men, who formed the self-appointed Au or Council of the island, who would seem to have taken pleasure in every act of misgovernment, even to the extent of acting as agents for the sale of spirits, imported by certain Tahitian traders. On one occasion this Au placed a rahui over the coeoanuts for ten months and refused to allow the people to clear their lands, so that the nuts that fell during that year have now formed a forest round the older trees. Mr. Williams has, however, altered all these things, and the people now gather the nuts and clean the land from undergrowth every three months. Aitutaki, though a small island, produced no less than 303 tons of copra last year, and have, moreover, planted to such an extent that the export of copra must be doubled within the next seven years. Even Earotonga has planted largely, especially on the land leased to Europeans, and I have to report that the Maori mind now turns in the direction of,, leasing the waste lands to suitable men for terms not exceeding sixty years. On my first arrival in this Group I found that of all the Arikis, Makea was the most conservative, and therefore opposed to the alienation of land. Now she is in favour of both surveys and leases, and has already alienated some good land, that will be planted forthwith. Takutea is an island of from 300 to 400 acres, and produces not more than 10 tons of copra per annum. As, however, this island has now been presented to His Majesty for the use of the Group, I propose to plant it throughout, for it should produce at least 200 tons each year. Mangaia, and the other windward islands, are not progressing in the same measure as those islands I have already mentioned. The first named has not only poor soil, but a very narrowminded and conservative people, who are wedded to their own way of doing things, and are but servants of the so-called aronga mana (leading men of the island). Eesident Agents are required in all such islands to protect the small people and urge upon them habits of industry, and indicate to them the best methods whereby they may improve their own position and that of the island generally. The copra trade of the northern islands is for the most part in the hands of Tahiti firms, who ship both to New Zealand and to San Francisco. It is said that fairly remunerative prices are obtainable at the latter place, and if such is the case the copra of the Cook and Society Islands will probably gravitate in that direction, unless the Levers Pacific Plantation Company should establish oil-mills in Fiji. This firm has already purchased all the copra islands lately in possession of the Pacific Islands Company, and as they require something like 60,000 tons of copra annually for their own works, their competition in the trade may prove of great value to these islands. Bananas. During the last two years the banana has assumed a leading position among the exports of the Cook Group. In 1901 this item was valued at £2,494, and in 1902 the value had risen to £4,150, and it may be said that there is hardly any limit to this product, for no island in the world is better suited to the growth of the banana than Earotonga. Coffee. The crop of last year was small, and sold for the most part either in Tahiti or Australia. This year we have not only a very heavy crop but the beans are well grown and even in quality. The prices offered are, however, so low that it seems doubtful whether one-third of the beans will be gathered.

A.—3

Candlenuts. This industry has been long in abeyance, but it has been revived during the past year, and 145 tons shipped to New Zealand. It is due to the labour of women and children that this industry has been revived, and it probably will not be permanent, for it requires considerable skill to free the kernel from the hard shell, and I doubt whether an expert would make more than Is. 6d. per diem, for only £5 per ton is paid for the dried kernel. Beche-de-Mer, During the year 1902, 4 tons weight of this sea slug have been gathered in the Aitutaki Lagoon and exported to New Zealand. The industry is said to pay well, and if such is the case it will extend quickly, for there is no lack of the black variety on any coral reef, and the lagoon at Palmerston would probably supply 10 tons per annum. The Health of the Group. Credit is due to the Eesident Agent at Penrhyn, who has at last placed the lepers of that island under proper care and control. He has induced the Island Council to set aside 1 per cent. of all shell taken from the lagoon, in order to purchase food and clothing for these unfortunate people, with the result that they are no longer left to the doubtful charity and control of distant relatives, but receive regular supplies of provisions. The same officer has caused all of the canoes to be removed from the island on which the lepers are confined, for the reason that he found that they were in the habit of visiting the different settlements by night, and in so doing were aided by their relatives. Under present regulations no one is allowed to visit the leper island, Morokai, unless he is under the supervision of the chief police officer of Omoka, who is a reliable man, and this restriction includes ministers of religion, who are expected to conduct to conduct their services, if possible, from the boat. Since my last report one leper has died, and I am happy to say that no fresh cases have been reported. Until lately there has been a leper resident among the people of the Tauhonu Village, of Manihiki; but the Resident Agent, aided by the Council, have now isolated this man on the extreme point of the island, nearly two miles from the village. This has not been done without difficulty, and Mr. Williams has caused much bad feeling and ill-will towards himself by his action, for it is not easy to make a Maori understand the necessity for isolation in such cases. During the year 1902 there has been much sickness in the Group, owing to the introduction of measles and Cape cholera from New Zealand, the latter disease having caused many deaths, but from the former very few have died except at Aitutaki, where the disease was brought from Tahiti, and was of a very virulent type. I submit the following return of the vital statistics of six islands : — Births. Deaths. Earotonga ... ... ... ... ... ... 73 68 Mangaia ... ... ... ... ... ... 59 53 Aitutaki ... ... ... ... ... ... 34 40 Atiu ... ... ... ... ... ... 22 23 Manihiki ... ... ... ... ... ... 13 12 Eakahanga ... ... ... ... ... ... 5 9 206 205 The Land Titles Court. This Court was opened at Aitutaki in December last, and of the forty-six applications before the Court twenty-one were heard and decided during the three weeks' sitting. Most of the cases heard were long-standing disputes that had been heard and decided by each succeeding Native Judge for the last thirty years, but in each instance the defeated litigant had announced that he would not abide by the decision of the Court. Now, the Maoris realise that there is finality in the decision of this Court, and as a natural sequence regard it as a valuable institution. I hope to resume work at Aitutaki in July, when all lands that pass the Court will be surveyed at once. During the month of February the Court visited Penrhyn, Manihiki, and Eakahanga, where twenty-four claims were heard and decided, twenty-two of which were forthwith surveyed; and so numerous were the applications at Penrhyn that I found it necessary to promise that the Court would sit in that island during December and January next, and as far as possible define the ownership of the cocoanut lands of that island. In Earotonga, Makea and Pa Ariki vigorously support the operations of the Court, and Mr. H. M. Connal is now engaged in the survey of the Takitumu district, which is rather more than one-third of the whole island. Makea, Pa, and Karika are large landholders in this section, and it is their intention to lease to Europeans. Makea has become alive to the fact that Maori tenants are not an unmixed blessing, and that the rent paid by a good European tenant is preferable to the pig that is so seldom forthcoming from the Maori even when demanded. It seems probable that at no distant date the Titikaveka district, one of the best in this island, will be settled by Europeans only, and in such case it will soon be one grove of palms. 354 acres are already under lease to foreigners, and have been planted or are in course of planting, the new owners being alive to the fact that from this land they may expect nearly a ton of copra to the acre.

A.—3

Ngamaru Ariki is very anxious that I should sit at Atiu and survey the tribal boundaries of that island during his lifetime, and I am aware that he has reason for his anxiety, for in the event of his death it would be next to impossible to ascertain the true ownership of the lands of that island ; at the same time I wish to fiuish the Takitumu and Titikaveka districts before I under-take-new work. The Federal Council. The legislative work of the Council has been confined to the passing of a few Ordinances which were deemed necessary for the well-being of the islands, due regard being paid to the fact that the circumstances of life are so primitive in these islands of the South Seas that only the simplest form of law is required. Ordinance No. 1 extends the provisions of the Traders' License Act to Penrhyn, in order to place the traders of the Cook Islands on an equal footing with those of Tahiti. Ordinance No. 2 makes the tapere (community) liable for malicious damage to property, or continuous acts of theft, in any instance in which the Court shall have reason to believe that the offenders are being screened by their fellow villagers. This Ordinance is designed to meet one of the worst traits in the Polynesian character, viz., the malicious destruction of the property of those to whom a family may have taken a dislike. Not long since, on the Island of Mauke, rather more than half a ton of copra was stolen from one of the resident foreigners, and as usual the police professed their inability to discover the thieves. When the complaint was brought before the High Court, I could not avoid seeing that so large a quantity of copra could not have been stolen without the knowledge of half the community; I therefore ordered the whole island to pay a fine of £8 unless the thieves were discovered and punished forthwith. Within fourteen days two men had been convicted, and the owner of the copra paid in full for his loss. Ordinance No. 3. —To prevent the sale of stolen cocoanuts by children, who can now sell nuts in the presence of the police only. Ordinance No. 4 restricts the size of pearl-shell that shall hereafter be taken and exported from the Penrhyn Lagoon, and generally regulates that trade. Ordinance No. 5 extends the Traders' License Act to the Island of Niue. Ordinance No. 6 removes restrictions on the punishment of married women. Ordinance No. 7 restricts the use of the Chili dollar by providing that all island produce shall be paid for in British coin. The result of this Ordinance has been that the Chili dollar has been driven from the Cook Islands. Ordinance No. 8 deals with the wandering animals nuisance, and is the most useful Ordinance that has yet been passed. The effect has been to remove the nuisance of wandering horses and pigs, who have for many years prevented all planting. Ordinance No. 9 gives the Arikis and heads of taperes power to call out the whole of their people to erect enclosures in which to run pgis and horses. Ordinance No. 10 imposes a tax on all dogs, in order to get rid of the numerous curs who for the most part live on the poultry of the Native inhabitants. In addition to the above, the Island Council of Earotonga has passed an Ordinance affirming the necessity for an hotel, with the double purpose of preventing the sale of spirits to the natives of the Cook Islands, and also to induce the visits of tourists and others to this Group by providing the usual accommodation for travellers. Previous to the passing of the statute of Earotonga in 1899, the sale of spirituous liquors to Maoris was not illegal : any Native could obtain three bottles a week on a permit from an Ariki or the representative of an Ariki. Since the date abovementioned it has however been ar. offence to sell to a Native; but so long as spirits can be purchased three bottles at a time, and at wholesale prices, so long will the Natives find it easy to obtain liquor of the worst quality, adulterated by Chinamen. It is in the interests of the Native inhabitants that an hotel should be established in Rarotonga, which shall have the sole right to import such liquor as is sold within the island. Ido not assert that the hotel will entirely abolish the sale of spirituous liquor to Natives, for that much will' not be achieved under any regulation ; but, with an hotel, those who are and have been suspected of selling to Natives can be compelled to drink their liquor over the bar, and may be refused the privilege of taking it away in bottles. The hotel, moreover, has too much to lose to venture on any course of trade that would entail the cancellation of the license. Government Offices. During the past six months a building containing a Court-room, Post and Customs Office, Bonded Store, Land Office, Survey Office, Printing Office, and an office for the Resident Commissioner has been erected under the supervision of Mr. Connal, C.E. The building is of concrete throughout, and built on a solid platform above the reach of tidal or hurricane waves. From the solid and substantial nature of this structure it has been more expensive than was anticipated; but, as it will practically last for ever, the money has been well spent. The cement used is New Zealand made, and it has giyen results equal to the best Portland. The labour employed has been exclusively Maori. These men are slow in movement, but have shown remarkable aptitude in learning European methods, and have enabled us to finish the building at a cost considerably below the cost of such a building in New Zealand. Revenue and Expenditure. I am fortunately in the position that I am able to report that the revenue of these islands has increased in the most satisfactory manner, and has more than justified the large but necessary expenditure on public buildings already reported. 4—A. 3,

A.—3

The receipts for the year ending 31st March, 1903, are as follows : — £ s. d. Customs duties ... ... ... .... ... ... 2,674 9 5 Traders' licenses ... ... ... ... ... ... 418 9 5 Liquor dues ... ... ... ... ... ... 5 17 11 Sale of stamps ... ... ... ... 1,132 3 0 Fees and fines— High Court ... ... ... ... ... ... 147 9 1 Arikis' Courts ... ... ' ... ... ... 178 15 4 Aitutaki R.M. Court ... ... ... ... ... 123 16 6 Land Titles Court ... ... ... ... ... 16 19 0 Eents ... ... ... ... ... ... ... 116 0 0 Sale of old buildings ... ... ... ... ... 63 0 0 Money-order commission ... ... ... ... ... 0 12 6 Sale of forms ... ... ... ... ... ... 1 15 4 Shipping fees ... ... ... ... ... ... 7 15 0 Balance on hand on 31st March, 1903 ... ... ... 1,697 10 10 £6,584 13 4 Expenditure for year ending 31st March, 1903 ... ... 4,725 16 11 Surplus on hand, 31st March, 1903... ... .. £1,858 16 5 In addition to the above general revenue there is also the local or public works revenue of the Island of Earotonga. Here also there is a substantial surplus, but it will require to be supplemented from the general revenue of the Group, in order to meet the expenditure connected with three small but necessary bridges on the south side of the island, as also a low concrete wall round the Government Offices and Hospital, and stone retaining wall to the Avarua Creek. The following is the state of the local revenue : — £ s. d. Balance on 31st March, 1902 ... ... ... ... 30 19 5 Bates under Public Works Eating Act ... ... ... 36 10 0 Fines under Wandering Animals Ordinance ... ... ... 20 0 0 Dog-tax fees ... ... ... ... ... ... 17 5 0 £104 14 5 Expenditure for year ending 31st March, 1903 ... ... ... 36 17 0 Surplus in Treasury, 31st March, 1903 ... ... £67 17 5 In Appendix B, attached, I submit an itemized schedule of the expenditure for the year 1902-3, which it will be seen exceeded the amount voted by £978 Is. 2d., a fact due chiefly to the excess on the public buildings vote of £863 12s. Bd., and on the passages vote of the Native Land Titles Court of £92 12s. 6d. The Government Schooner. On the 24th June, 1902, this vessel was taken over as a Government department, and there can be no doubt that the change of management removed the cause of many small jealousies, and thereby improved the usefulness of the boat. I must, however, admit that, as the schooner interferes with several monopolies, she will meet with influential and bitter opposition so long as she runs as a Government institution. The difference between earnings and expenses for the nine months ending 31st March, 1903, is £514 10s. 9d., to which must be added £125 credited for freight earned in 1901. The loss on the running of the vessel for nine months has therefore been £439 10s. 9d. Of the £1,000 voted as a subsidy for 1902-93, this Department has only drawn £377 7s. 7d. The balance of the £1,000, viz., £622 12s. 5d., was paid out in April, May, and June, and is made up as follows : Wages, &c, £230 ; Auckland expenses (provisions, outfit, and repairs), £377 12s. sd. ; and miscellaneous expenses, £15. With reference to the amount, £238, due by the New Zealand Government, and shown in the balance-sheet, it is made up as follows: Freight on coal, £125 ; services of schooner at the " Elingamite " wreck, £92; passage-money, £21. The following is the balance-sheet for the year ending 31st March, 1903 : — Dr. £ s. d. Cr. £ s. d. Freights ... ... ... 736 19 1 Provisions ... ... ... 499 3 0 Passenger-fares ... ... 140 2 6, Wages ... ... ... 803 1 5 Special charters ... ... 260 10 0 ! Outfit and repairs "... ... 590 10 8 Cash subsidy ... ... 1,000 0 01 Miscellaneous expenditure ... 181 18 10 Cash from previous agents ... 146 3 5 Amount due by New Zealand GoSundry creditors ... ... 60 17 1 vernment ... ... ... 238 0 0 Captain's advance account ... 8 17 1 : Sundry debtors ... ... 1158 Cash balance... ... ... 21 5 5 £2,344 12 1 £2,344 12 1

A.—3

Comparative Return of Revenue and Expenditure. In concluding this report, I have the honour to submit for your information comparative returns for the last eleven years, showing the revenue and expenditure and the imports and exports during that period : — Revenue. Expenditure. Surplus. Year. £ s. d. £ s. d. £ s. d. 1892-93 ... ... 825 9 0 933 19 8 1893-94 ... ... 1,246 7 1 860 17 4 1894-95 ... ... 1,287 1 4 1,376 8 9 1895-96 ... ... 1,428 17 8 1,441 0 8 1896-97 ... ... 1,230 2 9 1,654 0 3 1897-98 ... ... 1,379 10 0 1,439 9 5 1898-99 ... ... 1,801 13 4 1,402 12 5 1899-1900 ... ... 3,165 7 10 2,188 9 10 1900-01 ... ... 4,252 17 11 2,951 14 10 1,301 3 1 1901-02 4,063 9 6 2,335 7 3 1,728 10 3 1902-93 ... ... 6,584 13 4 4,726 16 11 1,856 16 5 Imports and Exports. Imports. Exports. Year. £ £ 1892 ... ... ... ... ... ... 16,249 20,337 1893 ... ... ... ... ... ... 19,284 19,668 1894 ... ... ... ... ... ... 22,435 *20,665 1895 ... ... ... ... . . ... 23,269 *20,138 1896 ... ... ... ... ... ... 23,068 *16,819 1897 ... ... ... ... ... ... 26,861 24,132 1898 ... ... ... ... ... ... 18,155 12,617 1899 ... ... ... ... ... ... 13,555 14,219 1900 ... ... ... ... ... ... 21,181 22,379 1901 ... ... ... ... ... ... 24,862 27,819 1902 ... ... ... ... ... ... 27,623 34,821 * Four years during which the Rarotonga coffee brought 20 cents per pound. Appendices C and D attached to this report are the estimates of revenue and expenditure for the ensuing year. W. E. Gudgeon, Resident Commissioner.

APPENDIX A. Imports for Year 1902.

Article. Whence imported. Value. Total. Article. Whence imported. Value. Total. I AnimalR— Horses .. .. Tahiti Sheep .. .. New Zealand Apparel .. .. New Zealand Now South Wales Victoria Tahiti .. Brought forward Books, printed £ £ 3,363 £ £ 40 110 507 30 5 248 New Zealand .. 20 New South Wales 140 Tahiti .. .. 1 Boots and shoes New Zealand .. 247 Tahiti .. .. 38 161 285 Arrowroot.. .. Tahiti Bacon and hams .. New Zealand Bamboo (for hat- Tahiti making) Beef, salted .. New Zealand Viotoria ' Tahiti 796 21 48 84 Building materials, unenumerated New Zealand .. 215 «A *-* W ■—* 4 * * -* ■- ■-V V *~-° » ■ New South Wales 10 Tahiti .. .. 6 452 3 6 I Butter Brushware and brooms New Zealand New Zealand .. 24 231 280 i 461 461 Tahiti .. ' .. | 3 27 273 Beer, bottled .. New Zealand Bicycles and fittings New Zealand i Tahiti .. New South Wales Victoria United States .. 210 25 174 4 30 77 210 t Casks Carriages and carts, and materials New Zealand New Zealand .. 55 Tahiti .. .. 11 310 65 1 310 Cement ! New Zealand .. 280 Tahiti .. .. 2 66 Biscuits, fancy .. New Zealand .. Tahiti New South Wales Cider Cordage 282 25 „ plain .. New Zealand Victoria New South Wales Tahiti .. : yCJ 1,020 3 4 118 7!) New Zealand New Zealand .. j 142 Tahiti .. .. J 200 342 1,145 1,145 Cotton piece-goods New Zealand .. 1,535 New South Wales ! 194 United Kingdom 436 United States .. 375 Tahiti .. .. I 959 Blue .. .. United Kingdom New Zealand 15 14 29 Forward .. 29 3,499 Forward 3,303 3,303 I .. I 8,834

A.—3.

APPENDIX A—continued. Imports for Year 1902 — continued.

T. E. Heed, Collector of Customs.

Article. Whence imported. Value. Total Article. Whence imported. Value. Total. £ £ 8,834 £ £ 19,863 Brought forward Drapery .. New Zealand .. United Kingdom New South Wales United States .. Tahiti .. , 2,543 45 10 39 154 Brought forwar Oi I s— continued. Unenumerated New Zealand Tahiti Viotoria 58 3 10 Onions Paints New Zealand New Zealand Tahiti New South Wales 71 30 Drugs and medicines New Zealand Tahiti New South Wales 109 38 9 2,791 80 45 7 Earthenware and glassware 132 New Zealand 85 156 Photographic goods Potatoes New Zealand New Zealand Tahiti .. 75 8 29 Tahiti .. 8 93 Fancy goods New Zealand New South Wales Tahiti United States .. 40 8 35 15 Provisions, unenumerated New Zealand 443 83 Fish-hooks 98 Tahiti .. New South Wales 22 42 507 United Kingdom Tahiti 45 21 Rice New Zealand Tahiti New South Wales 244 168 2 Pish, preserved New Zealand United States .. Tahiti .. j 320 50 163 66 444 533 Sacks New Zealand Tahiti .. 279 10 Flour New Zealand Tahiti .. 648 670 Saddlery and harness 89 35 289 1,318 24 New Zealand Tahiti Fruits, dried » preserved .. New Zealand New Zealand Tahiti .. 30 45 Silks Soap New Zealand New Zealand New South Wales 124 123 75 437 5 Furniture.. New Zealand New South Wales Tahiti .. 126 40 89 Spirits : Brandy .. New Zealand Tahiti 48 12 442 Grain, pulse, and chaff Hardware New Zealand New Zealand Tahiti .. United Kingdom Victoria New South Wales 830 291 5 7 89 255 135 Geneva .. Bum Wliii-ky .. Perfumed Stationery New Zealand New Zealand New Zealand Tahiti New Zealand New South Wales Tahiti .. 60 100 30 80 19 139 18 10 Iron — galvanised, corrugated New Zealand 524 1,222 Sugar New Zealand Tahiti Victoria 785 4 '3 167 Tahiti New South Wales Victoria United Kingdom 401 38 178 38 Tea New Zealand Tahiti .. 52 6 792 Iron, unenumerated Jams Jewellery New Zealand New Zealand New Zealand New South Wales Tahiti .. 1,179 30 58 Tanks New Zealand Victoria New South Wales 58 39 11 9 12 12 12 36 Maohines, sewing .. New Zealand Tahiti .. Victoria 19 96 26 59 Timber: Fruit-cases Sawn, unnumerated New Zealand New Zealand 1,127 1,480 Matches, wooden .. 200 33 37 141 Tahiti .. Victoria New South Wales 444 288 4 1,863 New Zealand United Kingdom Tahiti .. 270 Tobacoo Trunks .. Umbrellas Meats, preserved .. New Zealand Tahiti .. I 1,668 21 New Zealand Tahiti .. New Zealand Tahiti 31 5 317 15 Milk, preserved New Zealand Tahiti 254 5 1,689 36 259 Ve g e t a b 1 e s, preserved New Zealand 18 Nails, iron New Zealand Tahiti .. 149 20 Tahiti 30 48 Oils : Benzine Kerosene 169 120 Wine New Zealand Tahiti .. 15 27 New Zealand New Zealand Tahiti .. New South Wales 267 15 7 Goods unenumerated New Zealand Tahiti .. 338 5 42 289 343 Forward .. 19,863 Total £27,623

A.-3

Return of Exports during Year 1902.

T. R. Heed, Collector of Customs.

B. Expenditure for Year ending 31st March, 1902.

W. E. Gudgeon, Eesident Commissioner. Earotonga, 2nd April, 1902. T. E. Hekd, Treasurer.

Article. Where Exported to. Quantity. Value. Total. Cocoanuts Coffee ... New Zealand Tahiti" New Zealand 1,167 sacks 20,400 1b. 22,2001b. 810 tons 145 „ £ 240 345 375 s. a. 0 0 0 0) 0 Of 240 720 s. d. 0 0 0 0 Copra Candlenuts ... Fruit, Fresh— Bananas 7,650 840 0 0 0 0 Oranges Pineapples Unenumerated ... Dried bananas Limejuice Beehe-de-mer Fungus ... Hats Curiosities Copper, old Kumaras, taro, and yams ... 7 a 21,132 cases and 20,070 bunches 36,652 cases 3,936 66 10 cwt. 17,300 gallons ... 4 tons ... 22 cwt. 210 dozen 4,150 6,120 650 10 10 720 110 35 130 45 15 76 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 a a n 14cwt.... 24 tons a From Northern Islands - • 1,500 2,500 2,400 6,900 0 0] o of 0 0) 0 0) New Zealand Tahiti New Zealand Tahiti 180 „ ... 320 „ ... 52,9201b. 152,1001b. 21,521 0 0 Copra 4,000 0 0 Pearlshell 9,300 0 0 £34,821 0 0

ote. Service. Voted. Expended. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 I { Postmaster, Customs Officer, and E.M., Aitutaki Pilot and boat, Aitutaki ! Medical and Health Officer I Secretary, Interpreter, and Printer... Eesident Agent, Penrhyn... Registrar, High Court Three Native Judges, High Court ... High Court expenses Postmasters, Mangaia, Atiu, Mauke, Mitiaro Supplies for Hospital ; Ground-rent, Hospital Chief of the Federal Government ... Vice-Chief, Federal Government Grant-in-aid, Tereora School Two Judges, Arikis' Courts, Earotonga Three Judges, Arikis' Courts, Aitutaki Three Judges, Arikis' Courts, Mangaia Three Judges, Arikis' Courts, Atiu, Mauke, Mitiaro ... Police, Earotonga and Aitutaki Police, Mangaia, Atiu, Mauke, Mitiaro Two Clerks of Arikis' Courts Ground-rent, Wharf and Government Buildings Contingent expenditure ... Foreman of Works Subsidy in aid of the Government schooner ... Salaries unpaid on the 31st March, 1902 Public Office Buildings Supplementary. Chief Judge, Native Land Titles Court, travelling-expenses Registrar, Native Land Titles Court Passages £ i. i. £ s. d. 120 0 0 120 0 0 10 0 0; 10 0 0 270 0 0, 308 1 8 120 0 0 120 0 0 150 0 0 150 0 0 60 0 0 66 13 4 30 0 0 22 10 0 70 0 01 35 6 6 18 0 0 15 JO 0 200 0 0 129 13 3 7 0 0 7 10 0 60 0 0 60 0 0 15 0 0 15 0 0 125 0 0 96 17 6 60 0 0 60 0 0 24 0 0 15 0 0 24 0 0 16 10 0 16 0 0 16 0 0 50 0 0 45 0 0 25 0 0 23 10 0 40 0 0 35 0 0 13 15 0 13 15 0 200 0 0 341 1 6 70 0 0 60 0 0 1,000 0 0; 1,000 0 0 50 0 Oj 66 15 0 700 0 0 ! 1,563 12 8 1 2 3 66 13 4 66 13 4 133 6 8 133 6 8 20 0 0 112 10 6 3,747 15 0 4,725 16 11

A.—3

C. Estimated Revenue for Year ending 31st March, 1904.

D. Estimated Expenditure for Year ending 31st March, 1904.

No. 57. Sib,— Premier's Office, Wellington, 22nd April, 1903. I have the honour to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of the Ist instant reporting the death of Ariki Ngamaru, of Atiu, Mauke, and Mitiaro, and of Ariki Parua, of Atiu. I have, &c, Jas. McGowan, The Resident Commissioner, Rarotonga. For the Hon. Mr. Mills.

No. 54

Department. Amount. ]ustoms 'ostal, and sale of stamps ... traders' licenses ... and fines, local Courts and fines, High Court i'ees, Land Titles Court Surveys ... liscellaneous rents, &c. £ a. d. ... 2,000 0 0 700 0 0 400 0 0 200 0 0 100 0 0 200 0 0 250 0 0 70 0 0 Surplus for year ending 31st March, 1903 3,920 0 0 ... 1,856 16 6 £5,776 16 6

i Vote. r ote. Service. Amount. Service. • 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 £ s. 6. Medical and Health Officer .. ... ... ... ... 350 0 0 Registrar, Land Titles, and High Court .. ..7 ... ... 270 0 0 Civil Engineer and Surveyor .. ... ... ... ... 250 0 0 Secretary, Interpreter, and Government Printer ... ... ... 120 0 0 Postmaster, Rarotonga ... ... .. ... ... ... 50 0 0 Chief of the Federal Council ... ... ... ... ... 80 0 0 Vice-President of the Federal Council ... ... ... .... 15 0 0 Two Native Judges, High Court ... ... ... ... ... 20 0 0 Contingent expenditure, High Court ... ... ... ... j 50 0 0 Hospital supplies ... ... .... ... ... ... j 150 0 0 Tereora School subsidy ... ... ... ... ... ... 125 0 0 Two Judges, Arikis' Courts, Rarotonga, £40 and £20... ... ... 60 0 0 Police, Rarotonga ... ... ... ... ... ... 25 0 0 Clerks of Courts, Rarotonga, £10 and £5 ... ... ... ... 15 0 0 Rent, wharf site, £5, Post Office, £8 15s., Hospital, £7 • ... ... i 20 15 0 Subsidy in aid of Government schooner ... ... ... ... 1,000 0 0 Contingent expenditure ... ... ... ... ... ... 150 0 0 Travelling-expenses, Native Land Titles Court ... ... ... j 200 0 0 i Resident Agent, Penrhyn ... ... ... ... ... ... J 150 0 0 Resident Agent and Magistrate, Aitutaki ... ... ... ... ! 150 0 0 Pilot boat, Aitutaki ... ... ... ... ... ... 10 0 0 Three Native Judges at Aitutaki ... ... .. ... ... 15 0 0 Police at Aitutaki . ... ... .. ... ... 25 0 0 Three Native Judges at £8, Mangaia ... ... ... ... 24 0 0 Three Clerks of Court, Mangaia, at £4 ... ... ... ... 12 0 0 Postmaster, Mangaia ... ... ... ... ... ... 10 0 0 Police, Mangaia... ... ... ... ... ... ... 15 0 0 Three Postmasters, Atiu, Mauke, and Mitiaro ... ... ... 12 0 0 Three Judges, Atiu, Mauke, and Mitiaro ... ... ... ... 16 0 0 Police, Atiu, £4; Mauke, £3; Mitiaro, £2 ... ... ... ... ! 10 0 0 Clerks of Courts, Atiu, £4; Mauke, £3; Mitiaro, £2 ... ... ... 9 0 0 Resident Agent, Mangaia... ... ... ... ... .. 150 0 0 Public Works— Two residences, for Customs Officer, &c, at £400 ... ... 800 0 0 Fencing Hospital and Government Buildings, and retaining wall for 100 0 0 creek £4,458 15 0

A.—3

No. 58. Sir,— Premier's Office, Wellington, 22nd May, 1903. Referring to my letter of the 31st January last, I have now the honour to enclose for your No. 45. information copy of a despatch from the Eight Hon. the Secretary of State for the Colonies, conveying His Majesty's thanks for the gift of Takutea Island of the late Ariki Ngamaru. It is understood that His Excellency has written direct to Ariki Makea on the subject. I have, &c, W. G. Walkee, The Eesident Commissioner, Earotonga. For the Hon. Mr. Mills.

Enclosure. My Lord,— Downing Street, 31st March, 1903. I have the honour to acquaint you, for the information of your Ministers, that I duly laid No. 22 before His Majesty the King your despatch (No. 11) of the 6th February, reporting the offer to His Majesty of the Island of Takutea by Ngamaru, the chief Ariki of Atiu, Mauke, and Mitiaro. I am commanded by His Majesty in reply to desire you to convey an expression of his thanks to Ngamaru for his gift, and to say that the King trusts that His Ministers in New Zealand will secure that the island is used for the general benefit of the people of the Cook Islands as desired by the donor. I have, &c, J. Chamberlain. Governor the Eight Honourable the Earl of Eanfurly, G.C.M.G. Approximate Cost of Paper.— preparation, not given ; printing (1,375 copies), £ 26 Gs. 6d.

By Authority: John Mackay, Government Printer, Wellington.—l9o3. Price 9d.]

This report text was automatically generated and may include errors. View the full page to see report in its original form.

Permanent link to this item

https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/parliamentary/AJHR1903-I.2.1.2.3

Bibliographic details

PACIFIC ISLANDS. [In continuation of Parliamentary Paper A.-3, 1902.], Appendix to the Journals of the House of Representatives, 1903 Session I, A-03

Word Count

22,214

PACIFIC ISLANDS. [In continuation of Parliamentary Paper A.-3, 1902.] Appendix to the Journals of the House of Representatives, 1903 Session I, A-03

Using This Item

No known copyright (New Zealand)

To the best of the National Library of New Zealand’s knowledge, under New Zealand law, there is no copyright in this item in New Zealand.

You can copy this item, share it, and post it on a blog or website. It can be modified, remixed and built upon. It can be used commercially. If reproducing this item, it is helpful to include the source.

For further information please refer to the Copyright guide.

PACIFIC ISLANDS. [In continuation of Parliamentary Paper A.-3, 1902.] Appendix to the Journals of the House of Representatives, 1903 Session I, A-03

Using This Item

No known copyright (New Zealand)

To the best of the National Library of New Zealand’s knowledge, under New Zealand law, there is no copyright in this item in New Zealand.

Pages 1-20 of 31

Pages 1-20 of 31

Pages 1-20 of 31

Pages 1-20 of 31

Permanent link to this item

Bibliographic details

Word Count

PACIFIC ISLANDS. [In continuation of Parliamentary Paper A.-3, 1902.] Appendix to the Journals of the House of Representatives, 1903 Session I, A-03

Using This Item

No known copyright (New Zealand)

PACIFIC ISLANDS. [In continuation of Parliamentary Paper A.-3, 1902.] Appendix to the Journals of the House of Representatives, 1903 Session I, A-03

Using This Item

No known copyright (New Zealand)