COOK AND OTHER ISLANDS. [In continuation of Parliamentary Paper A.-3, 1908.]

Appendix to the Journals of the House of Representatives, 1909 Session II, A-03

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1909. NEW ZEALAND.

COOK AND OTHER ISLANDS. [In continuation of Parliamentary Paper A.-3, 1908.]

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

INDEX.

I—A. 3.

No. of Series. Subject. Page. 1,2 27,28 33,34 25,26 29,30 31,32 23,24 5 3,4 Cook Islands. Annual report of Resident Commissioner, Rarotonga Accommodation-house, Lease of Auditor's report .. ... Claret, Sale of, to travellers .. .. ... Land taken for Government residence, Aitutaki .. Land taken for Hospital-site, Rarotonga Land Titles Court, Aitutaki, Report re Medical Officer's report of visit to islands of Group Lepers on Penrhyn Island Ordinances— Election of Arikis, No. 26 Fruit Inspection and Diseases, No. 28 Gambling, No. 27 Protection of Birds, No. 25 Poison for rats Representation of Islands in New Zealand Parliament Representation of European residents in Federal Council . . Smuggling, Prevention of, in Islands Vital statistics . . 3 29 31 28 29 30 28 20 20 8 11,12 9,10 6,7 13-16 17,18 17,18 19-22 5 22 23 22 21 25 26 20 27 20 35,36 37-39 44-46 40-43 NlUE. 49-51 47,48 47,48 49,50 Annual report of Resident Commissioner Education —Appointment of school-teacher Medical attendance Members of Island Council elected Ordinances — Courts of Justice, No. 25 .. Native Meetings Regulation, No. 24 Trade Regulation, No. 23 Village By-laws, No. 26 .. 32 42 43 43 46 45 45 47

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MEMOEANDUM.

Cook and other Islands Administration, Wellington, 6th September, 1909. The annual reports of the Resident Commissioner at Rarotonga and Niue are attached hereto, together with a selection from the correspondence between the Government of New Zealand and those officers. Lieut.-Colonel Gudgeon, C.M.G., who has been responsible for the administration of the Islands for the past eleven years, has now retired from the post of Resident Commissioner. Under his rule the Islands have made material progress, and I take this opportunity of placing on record my appreciation of the excellent services he has rendered. Revenue and Expenditure. The finances of the Island Administration are in a sound position. In the Cook Islands the revenue for the year ended 31st March, 1909, amounted to £7,146 9s. Id., an increase of £797 3s. over the preceding year. The expenditure for the same period amounted to £5,718 3s. 7d., a reduction of £471 10s. 6d. over the preceding year. The financial operations of the year, including the balance brought forward, resulted in a cash surplus of £5,011 18s. 4d. In the Island of Niue the revenue for the year amounted to £1,809 Bs. lid., an increase of £191 os. sd. over the preceding year. The expenditure was £2,346 Is, 9d., an increase of £436 Is. sd. over the preceding year. The increase in expenditure is mainly due to the' amount expended on public works ; but, in spite of this increase, the year closed with a credit balance of £1,206 Bs. These results must be regarded as extremely satisfactory, and show that the Islands are administered with prudence and economy. Trade, etc. The imports into the Cook Islands show a substantial increase ; and, as usual, the bulk of the imports come from New Zealand. The value of the exports was £9,074 above the values for 1908. The imports into Niue amounted to the value of £6,458, a decrease oyer the year 1907 of £2,033. The exports also fell off slightly; but the report of the Resident Commissioner deals fully'with the causes of the decrease under both heads. The exports of the two staple products of the Cook Islands, fruit and copra, show substantial increases. Since the inauguration of the direct-steamer service between Wellington and Rarotonga, the continual complaints, both from the Islands and the fruit-dealers in New Zealand, as to the unsatisfactory conditions under which the fruit trade was carried on, have ceased. Last year a Fruit Inspector was detached from the Department of Agriculture, and sent down to Rarotonga. Some slight difficulties were met with at first; but the Inspector's powers have been defined by " The Fruit Inspection and Diseases Ordinance, 1909," and everything is now working smoothly. Some strong feeling was exhibited against a proposal to treat the Cook Islands as subject to regulations governing the importation of fruit from places outside New Zealand. I was able, however, to convince the fruit-inspection authorities that the Cook Islands were, for the purposes of the regulations, an integral part of New Zealand, and that, therefore, fruit coming from the Islands was entitled to be treated as coming from one"part of the Dominion to another. Education. I have not as yet been able to arrive at a solution of the problem of education in the Cook Islands. The Government of New Zealand is not prepared to take over and administer the whole education system, and there is no necessity for such a drastic change, as the mission authorities still continue the good work they have been doing in the past. An improvement could be effected in connection with the training of teachers for the village schools, and I hope to make some progress in this direction before long. A school has been established at Niue, and was opened on the 10th August, 1909, with an attendance of sixty-four boys. Over two hundred pupils offered ; but, unfortunately, all could not be taken. Arrangements are being made to take some thirty girls. Provision will also be made for technical training. . ■ Communication with Niue. A contract has been entered into for a schooner service with Niue, under which the schooner " Kereru " will make five trips per annum between Auckland and Niue. The subsidy to be paid is £100 per trip ; and three trips have been made up to the present date. I believe that the service is giving satisfaction to the residents of Niue. J. Carroll.

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COOK ISLANDS.

REPORT OF RESIDENT COMMISSIONER. No. 1. Sir, — Rarotonga, Cook Islands, 3rd May, 1909. I have the honour to forward enclosed my report on the Cook Islands for year ending 31st March, 1909. The Islands are in a most satisfactory condition financially and otherwise, and will eventually become very valuable possessions. I have, &c, W. E. Gudgeon, Resident Commissioner. The Hon. James Carroll, Minister administering Cook Islands.

Enclosure. COOK AND NORTHERN ISLANDS. REPORT FOR YEAR ENDING 31st MARCH, 1909. Health of the Group. For the last seven years the health of the Native population of these Islands has been a matter for anxiety, inasmuch as it has been obvious that, however capable the Medical Officer might be, there was always a possibility that the Native population might take exception to his voice or manner, and refuse to go near him. This has already happened in these Islands, and I have found it waste of time to attempt to combat their prejudices. If the people generally approve of a man, there is hardly anything that they will not do for him, and for this reason the mere fact of their belief has a real medical value so far as they are concerned. A visit from a sympathetic and gentlemanly doctor in whom they believe will often rouse a Maori patient from that condition of mental depression which is the normal condition of the sick Polynesian— the mental condition to which I have referred is well known. It may perhaps be too much to say that the Maori can die at will, but this much may be said: that if he believes that his time has come he will take neither food nor medicine; and in such case only a great tohunga can revive in him the desire of life. Under these circumstances it will not be difficult to realise the gratification of the Native population when they found that Dr. C. M. Dawson had been appointed Medical Officer for the Group. From the first day of his arrival they have taken to him, and since then the attendance has been from fifty to seventy patients daily. Nothing has yet been done to extend the benefits of the present medical service to the outlying islands ; nor is it possible to make permanent arrangements until Dr. Dawson has visited the several islands and ascertained the requirements thereof. This he will be able to do in May next, when the Mission steamer " John Williams " will visit each island. He will then submit a scheme for the approval of the Government of New Zealand, which must include a permanent assistant, and a headquarters hospital outside the boundaries of the village. This arrangement will probably double the cost of the present medical service, but it will be money well spent, and we can afford it, provided there is no interference with our fruit trade. I submit the vital statistics of the three chief islands. From the outlying islands I have not yet received returns, and there is no possibility of obtaining them till the " John Williams " has been there. These three returns may be regarded as favourable, for they disclose a natural increase for the year of sixty-seven births over deaths, though the latter are excessive.

Aitutal i. angai: Raroton; ;a. Vital Statistics. a d 3 3 a. 3 -*> 0 <s E-t C3 O a O c8 3 c3 a cS g CS 5 » .2 '5b | be a S w O w cS JS CD g o Population of Three Islands. x. « a u "> 1-1 lirths •eaths larriages 42 24 14 5 7 6 4 6 4 37 15 8 15 11 3 10 9 12 60 45 14 9 20 9 11 4 6 12 5 (5 12 17 11 226 159 5,240 88 i

A.—B.

Roughly, the figures work out as follows :— Births per Deaths per ~ Thousand. Thousand. Rarotonga .. .. .. .. . . .. 45 - 34 Mangaia .. .. .. .. .. ..40 22-6 Aitutaki .. .. .. ./ : .. ..42 30 It is worthy of notice that these statistics show that the birth-rate is higher in the chief villages and ports of the island, such as Arutanga, Avarua, and Oneroa. The other villages see but little of the travelling public. It is therefore clear that the general health and well-being of these Islands is but little affected by the visits of strangers. That disease is occasionally brought in from Tahiti we know, but it does not affect the birth-rate. The Fruit Industry. About the month of June last it was thought advisable that representations should be made to the Government of New Zealand to the effect that the local Administration was prepared to pay £250 per annum towards the salary and expenses of a Fruit Inspector, provided that a trained officer of the Dominion Agricultural Department should be appointed. This proviso was an essential, for we had a right to assume that an officer who had authority to examine and pass fruit at a New Zealand port might also be considered reliable even though stationed for a time in the Cook Islands. Mr. Reid arrived here in July, and has proved himself a most capable and active officer, and under the orders of his Department in New Zealand has done good work in a limited degree, for he has not been allowed to examine the fruit shipped with the view of preventing all disease from entering New Zealand. The fruit industry of these Islands has of late years assumed great importance, and, so far as the southern markets are concerned, has been greatly assisted by the Government of New Zealand in the matter of the Wellington line of steamers. Under ordinary treatment we might soon be in a position to supply all New Zealand with tropical fruits; but under any circumstances it would surely be better to have all doubtful fruit inspected here rather than put the producers to the expense of paying for boxes and freight with the prospect of having their fruit destroyed on arrival in New Zealand. It is this uncertainty that has injured our trade in the past and prevented the proper development of the Islands, for it cannot be expected that the producers will plant out new orchards of the orangetree, or, indeed, take any interest in a trade wherein they are forced to ship fruit at great expense that may be destroyed on arrival. At the present time New Zealand takes the revenue derived from fruitinspection. We on our part are ready to employ and pay two officials of the Department from New Zealand (one of them during the orange season only), but we cannot do this unless we can charge a moderate sum of Id. per case in order to pay the salary of these officers, and this we cannot do if we know that a similar charge is to be made in New Zealand. I submit that the presence of a Fruit Inspector on these Islands will insure that no fly-infected fruit will be sent to New Zealand, for the simple reason that it will be possible to subject our fruit to a much more severe examination than is possible in either Auckland or Wellington. Here we have generally four days in which to inspect from four to five thousand cases of oranges, and can therefore do it thoroughly. In either of the ports above mentioned there may be twice that number of cases to examine, and much of the work must necessarily be perfunctory. All that the fruit-growers hope or expect is that the Dominion will provide an effective staff at the expense of the Islands to inspect the fruit before leaving our shores, and will accept the certificates of their own officers as final. The progress made by the Takuvaine Fruit Company during the last twelve months is most encouraging. They have realised that honest dealing and care in the packing of their fruit is an essentia] of success. The result has been that their shipments are sought after, and fetch the highest prices in the New Zealand market. This object-lesson cannot fail to act favourably on the future of the fruit trade. We have not yet reached the point of progress represented by the grading of oranges, but the people will sooner or later reach this point under the tuition of Mr. Reid. In concluding this subject, I may say that the whole future of this Group depends on the reception of the certificate issued by the Inspector appointed to these Islands. The Land Titles Court. During the year ending 31st March, 1909, this Court has held sittings on fifty-one days, during which 358. orders were made, and fees imposed to the amount of £623 7s. 3d. The fees collected and paid into the Treasury during the year were £578 16s. Id., making a total of £2,436 ss. lid. from this source collected and paid into the Treasury since the inception of the Court. The fees outstanding to date amount "to £1,549 35., and will be easily collected at the rate of about £600 per annum. Up to the 31st March last the titles to no less than 1,623 blocks of land have been heard and decided by the* Court. Further details on these points will be seen on reference to Mr. Blame's report, marked A, attached. • It is now seven years since Mr. Blame undertook the duties of Registrar of the. Land Titles and High Courts, and during that period I have been greatly indebted to him by reason of his legal knowledge and the careful manner in which he has performed the duties of his several offices.

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Public Works. During the past year the following public works have been carried out in the several islands : — Rarotonga— £ s. d. Three concrete bridges, Arorangi District . . .. . . 572 16 2 Resumption of land, Sections 10 and 3 .. .. . . 250 0 0 Waterworks, Avarua (for year) .. .. .. .. 317 18 6 Rarotonga and Mangaia — Painting Government buildings . . .. .. ..118146 Mangaia Reef passage .. .. .. .. .. 336 11 4 Aitutaki — Addition and repairs to Government building .. .. 114 7 0 Resumption of land, Section 3 .. .. .. 47 0 0 £1,757 7 6 In addition to the above, £68 16s. Id. has been expended from the local Public Works Fund in repairs to roads and bridges damaged by the high seas on the 7th March last. With reference to the item, " Resumption of land, £250," I may explain that the whole of the amount due on the " Whare Manabiri " site and village-site taken four years since has now been paid off. Section 3, Arutanga, was taken to extend the Government offices site at Aitutaki and to prevent the erection of stores within a few feet of the Courthouse. In the matter of the water-supply, thirty-one houses have been connected with the main pipe-line during the year. The total expenditure on this work to date has been £2,232 15s. 2d., of which sum £446 7s. is recoverable from ratepayers, leaving £1,786 Bs. 2d. as the net cost of the work to this Administration. Of the £446 7s. chargable to ratepayers, the sum of £362 ss. 4d. has already been recovered, leaving a balance of £84 Is. Bd. still due. There are now 120 ratepayers on the roll, who return an income of £120 per annum, or 6| per cent, on the outlay. The total expenditure on public works during the last ten years has been £12,929 Is. 2d. Future Works required. Concrete shed, 20 ft. by 15 ft., on the end of the Aitutaki Wharf, as a store for copra or fruit, to protect same from the weather. Urgent. £100. The heavy seas of the morning of the 7th March destroyed or damaged five wooden bridges and swept away the approaches of three concrete bridges. These damages we are now making good, and the cost will probably amount to £400. The continuous rains of the last fifteen months have prevented all work on the Maraerenga Lagoon. This work must, however, be finished during the present year, and may cost anything up to £200. Urgent. At Mangaia, I propose to vote £60 towards the cost of cement for two tanks at Ivirua and Oneroa respectively, the people of the island providing stone and gravel and doing the work. I propose also to place £400 on the estimates in aid of the reef-passage. I have always been doubtful as to the utility of this passage, but it may be worth the trial. About 30 acres of the Island of Takutea remain to be planted, and the 170 acres already planted must be cleared. Cost, £100. At Rarotonga we must meet the requirements of the place, viz. : Hospital, £400 ; Medical Officer's residence, £200 ; two fumigating-chambers, £200 ; cement-store and two cells, £200. It may be that we shall find that this large sum of £2,260 is beyond our financial power, but in such case the least important of these works can wait. The Island of Atiu. This very fine island has hitherto been left severely alone by reason of the fact that the people arc the least civilised of the whole Group, and that it was advisable that they should observe the influence of civilisation on the other islands before it was tried on themselves. Moreover, our finances did not permit us to establish European officers on every island, however much they might be required. As to all of these islands, it may be truthfully said that we have had to develop the trade and revenue before we could take the civilising measures that are apt to cost money. The area of Atiu is about the same as Rarotonga, but the percentage of good land is somewhat greater ; but, notwithstanding these advantages, the exports of the island are very small,. and do not exceed those of Mauke, an island that has about one-fifth of the area of Atiu, and not half the population. The popidation of this island does not exceed nine hundred of all ages and sexes, but it is absurd to find that they did not export more than 41 tons of copra during the year 1907, only 13,762 cases of oranges, and 36 tons of candlenuts —a most inadequate return for an island that could well support five thousand prosperous people. I would suggest that the time has now arrived when this island should be placed under the tutelage of a Resident Agent, and taught how to take its true position in the Group. The sooner the people are encouraged to call in the Land Titles Court to settle their numerous disputes, and prevent the further encroachments of the aronga mana (chiefs), the better will it be for them, for it has already been demonstrated that security of tenure only will develop the resources of an island. If we can give a valid title to the lands, leases to Europeans will follow, and the rapid development of the island under European methods will encourage the Native landowners to imitate those methods. These things can only be

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done by a European officer who will reside among the people and endeavour to obtain their confidence. Probably the most suitable officer I have for this purpose is Mr. J. T. Large, who is anxious to undertake the work. I may say that I should have recommended Mr. Large for this position six months or more ago had I then been certain that the revenue would bear the extra charges that must fall upon it this year. Pukapuka (Dancer Island). On this island we have no Resident Agent, but for some time past the Native pastor, Tou, has acted as our agent whenever_occasion arose, and whatever there may have been to do he has done well. On my visit to this island in May, 1908, I was accompanied by Dr. Gatley, who found two. lepers in this primitive community (leremaia and Paki), and recommended that they should be isolated by enclosure within a palisade, as was the old custom in New Zealand. In September last I received a letter from Tou to the effect that these two men had been enclosed in a palisaded yard 20 yards by 14 yards, and were well housed, and that a pool of stagnant water had been filled in with earth, in accordance with Dr. Gatley's wishes. During the May visit I had strongly urged the people to plant one of their islands on the reef, which had long been neglected ; and I now learn by the same September letter that under the influence of Pastor Tou the people had commenced the planting on the 6th July last, and had resolved to give one month in each year to the planting and clearing of this island. There is something obscure in the occurrence of these cases of leprosy in this remote and littlevisited island, for the people assert that they have had no previous cases of this disease, and that the two men have never been away from the island. Aitutaki. We have here succeeded in obtaining an Island Council that has both the will and the ability to govern the people thoroughly and justly, and run it on the lines of the old legal maxim, " Stilus reipuhlicoß suprema est lex." This maxim is in strict accord with the feelings of the people, who prefer the patriarchal form of government that compels them to perform those things that they know should be done, but which they are inclined to put off from day to day indefinitely. In th's island there is no written law by which a man can be compelled to plant food for his family. It is an island in which the breadfruit flourishes, and heads of families have for years trusted to this natural product and to the fish-supply. The Council have, however, resolved that there shall be no element of chance in the food-supply of their island. They have decided that men shall plant, and that they shall be punished if they do not. To this end the Council inspects all of the land of the island once or twice in each year, and the man who has not planted has to appear before the Council and give an account of his stewardship. In like manner the Council exercises a rigid supervision over the houses, and anything dangerous to the health of the people is at once removed. For these very satisfactory conditions we have primarily to thank the Resident Agent, Mr. Cameron, and his Council, but the people of Aitutaki, who are probably the most intelligent Natives in the Group, deserve equal commendation. Manihiki and Rakahanga. On these two islands there have at all times been two factions, each one bitterly hating and striving for power over the other. This state of affairs has probably arisen from the fact that the social condition of these islands has always been faulty. For instance, there have never been hereditary chiefs with the natural inherited authority usual among Polynesians, by which alone it was possible to obtain peace and order. The so-called Arikis are merely the descendants of the fainga aitu, or heathen priests, whose duty it was to keep hurricanes from the island. Since the introduction of Christianity these men have had but little power, and the northern Group has been governed by a gang of self-elected men who have constituted themselves the hau (governing body) of the islands. The tyranny of these men has only been held in check by a strong-minded pastor. It was a man of this class who defeated the attempt made many years ago to bring about the annexation of Manihiki and Rakahanga by the French. This he did by hoisting the English flag before the French could land, and refused to allow it to be hauled down. I do not wish it to be inferred that those who brought the French had any desire to see them masters of the island. All that they desired was to deprive the Mission or British party of all power, and to effect this they were prepared to sacrifice their own independence. This bad feeling was in existence when I visited these islands in company with Lord Ranfurly, and the French party then had their turn, for it was Aporo and Tupou-a-rota who prevented the annexation at that time. When, however, the islands had been annexed the British party asserted themselves, and in Manihiki fixed themselves firmly in power, and even in Rakahanga managed to secure a majority of the Council members. The result of the institution of popular government in the Group was that the turbulent element were deprived of all power, and this condition prevailed up to the month of March, 1908, when the fall in the price of copra irritated the whole population, whose belief was that they had a right to fix the price of island produce. In Manihiki this belief did little harm ; but in Rakahanga most of the people supported the malcontents, and gave their duly elected Council no support when the enemy, under the leadership of Pukerua, ejected the Council, pulled down the British flag, and generally took the direction of affairs into their own hands. I cannot say that all of these men deserved severe punishment, for some of them were merely ignorant and violent, and required the lesson they have now received in order to prevent a recurrence of these disorders. Ido not anticipate any further trouble.

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Mangaia. In this island there are two parties. The people generally support Mr. Large and the Council, but a powerful, minority, including most of the chiefs, support John Ariki. It is unfortunate that this misunderstanding should exist, for the simple reason that there has never been any necessity for it, " but so far it has only interfered with the gratuitous work given by the island in aid of the reef-channel. In other respects the condition of the island is satisfactory. The cases heard and punished by the Island Court are 344 in number, and include the following characteristic Polynesian offences : Brewing or drinking bush beer, 102 ; adultery, 30 ; illegal cohabitation, 51 ; assault with intent, 6 ; wife- ■ beating, 11 ; larceny, 9 ; wilful destruction of property, 11. The revenue collected on the island during the financial year has been—Court fees and fines, £70 ss. 3d. ; Customs, £75 13s. sd. ; trade, licenses, £78 ; stamps, £20 15s. Rarotonga. I enclose a report by Mr. Blame, Registrar of the High Court (marked B), showing the number of cases dealt with by the High Court in its civil and criminal jurisdiction. From this return it will be seen that, though the partial prohibition in force in these Islands may have done much towards enforcing sobriety among Europeans, it has failed to affect the Native inhabitants. I have never believed that the Natives were large consumers of imported liquor, but that they manage to attain the same results by means of orange, banana, and pineapple beer is obvious, for no less than 324 have been punished for this offence during the year, and it is safe to say that twice that number ought to have been punished but have escaped by the assistance of their friends. The appointment of a European as Chief Constable will, I hope, do much towards the detection of bush-beer makers, but to put a stop to it altogether is impossible. He will, however, put a stop to the smuggling of cheap rum made in Tahiti. I may point out that the appointment of a Chief Constable had become an absolute necessity, for by him only could the prisoners who elect to work out their sentences be profitably employed. In effect, he will be not only Chief Constable, but also Tidewaiter and Foreman of Public Works. During the past year I have to report the death of Ariki Tinomana Mereana, the direct descendant of the ancestor Arikis Tangiia, Pa, and Karika. This is the fourth Ariki who has died on this island during my residence —viz., Ngamaru, Karika Tavake, Pa Maretu, and Tinomana. Revenue and Expenditure. I have the honour tp repprt that the financial position of this Administration is most favourable, and the returns disclose a steadily progressive surplus for the last ten years. The total expenditure for the year ending 31st March, 1909, amounts to £5,718 3s. 7d. (Return C), as against £6,189 14s. Id. for the previous year. The revenue has, however, reached the satisfactory sum of £7,146 9s. Id. (Return D), an increase of £797 3s. over the year 1.908. The cash surplus shown for the year 1907-8 was £3,583 12s. 10d., but this year it has risen to the very respectable sum of £5,011 18s. 4d., to which must be added the outstanding fees of the Land Titles Court, £1,549 3s.—a total of £6,561 Is. 4d. The estimated ordinary expenditure for the ensuing year (Return E), is £4,573 155., and the publicworks estimate (Return F) £2,310 ; in all, £6,883 15s. These estimates of expenditure are larger than usual, but I am of opinion that they can be met easily out of the ordinary revenue. Imports and Exports. In each succeeding report for the last nine years I have been able to point out the steady and satisfactory progress of our trade, and on this occasion I have to report the same progress, as disclosed by the following comparative table:— V Value of Exports. Value of Imports. 1907 .. .. .. .. .. .. 51,578 50,756 1908 .. .. .. .. .. .. 60,652 55,021 These figures require no comment, but they will account for the very satisfactory state of the finances of the Group and for the general well-being of the people. It has taken many years to impress upon the Native inhabitants of this most fertile island that spasmodic spells of work were not sufficient to develop its resources, and that it was incumbent on them to devote themselves to a special line of produce suitable to the land they held, and give that line continuous attention. Some of the most energetic among the Native landowners realise the truth of this European view of work, and in their own Polynesian way are doing a good deal; but the lesson has by no means been universally learned. This much may, however, be said : that the Natives of Rarotonga will now work on their own plantations rather than for others, and are in many cases employers of labour. The past year has been one of incessant rain, and hence unfavourable for the production of fruit other than the banana. I submit a table of the rainfall for the three chief islands, which will show that no less than 116 in., of rain fell on each extremity of Rarotonga, as against an average of in. for the previous^en^years.

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At Aitutaki and Mangaia the hills are low, and do not attract the clouds, but even there the fall has been excessive.

I have the honour to attach subreport, and statements of revenue and expenditure, exports and imports, marked respectively from A to 0. W. E. Gudgeon, Resident Commissioner.

(A.) The Cook Islands Land Titles Court, Sir, — Registrar's Office, Rarotonga, 3rd April, 1909. I have the honour to report on the work of the Cook Islands Land Titles Court for the year ending 31st March, 1909. During the year the Court held sittings on fifty-one days—viz., thirty days at Rarotonga and twenty-one days at Aitutaki. The total number of orders made at these sittings were 358, of which 202 were made at Rarotonga and 156 at Aitutaki. The Court and survey fees imposed for the year were as follows : Rarotonga, £305 ; Aitutaki, £225 15s. ; in addition to which fees were imposed in the Registrar's office amounting to £92 12s. 3d., making a total for the year of £623 7s. 3d. The fees collected during the year and paid into the Treasury were £576 16s. Id., making a total of £2,436 ss. lid. collected and paid into the Treasury since the inception of the Court. The fees outstanding on 31st March, 1909, are as follows : — £ s. d. Rarotonga .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 1,186 12 6 Mauke .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 169 5 0 Aitutaki .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 158 17 0 Rakahanga .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 21 3 6 Mangaia .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 200 Mitiaro .. .. .. .. .. .. ..• 550 Atiu .. .. -.. .. .. .. .. 550 Manihiki .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 015 0 £1,549 3 0 The surveys of all blocks the titles to which have been investigated by the Court have been completed, and plans of all lands are now being indorsed on the various orders of title. .Approximately, the number of blocks which have now been investigated by the Court in each island is as follows : — Rarotonga .. .. .. . . .. .. . . .. 1,066 Aitutaki .. .. .. .. . . .. .. 308 Mauke .. .. .. .. .. .. .. ..168 Mangaia .. .. .. .. .. . . .. .. 13 Atiu .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 3 Mitiaro .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 3 Penrhyn .. . . .. . . . . . . . . . . 7 Manihiki .. .. .. .. .. . . .. .. 12 Rakahanga .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 40 Manuae and Teauotu.. .. . . . . .. . . .. 2 Takutea .. .. .. .. . . .. .. .. 1 Since the inception of the Court certificates of title numbering ninety-five have been issued to European holders of land. The adoptions registered during the year were seventy-one, making a total of 154 to date. I have, &c, The Resident Commissioner, Rarotonga. E. Blame, Registrar.

■ Island. I 5 i S 1 9 .8 ■s a O u 0 1 o ft u § a Total. "E a. -1 I larotonga— Avarua.. Titikaveka .itutaki .. [angaia .. 4-77 7-53 10-02 9-02 15-43 16-39 8-81 18-87 22-26 17-79 11-81 7-80 5-70 3-63 7-91 6-48 9-10 6-79 9-98 8-17 9-98 5-80 3-13 4-23 4-71 6-10 2-15 5-36 6-86 6-45 7-28 4-48 8-41 6-37 2-46 5-36 3-61 2-20 9-60 2-98 15-52 17-19 10-45 9-08 11-77 10-16 11-29 4-17 116-64 116-20 89-65 82-92

A.—3.

(B.) The High Court of the Cook Islands, Sir, — Registrar's Office, Rarotonga, 3rd April, 1909. I have the honour to report on the work of the Court for the year ending 31st December. 1908, as follows :— The number of cases heard by the Court in its criminal jurisdiction was 233, as set out hereunder. Adultery and illegal cohabitation .. .. .. .. 46 Drunkenness and bush-beer drinking .. .. .. .. 66 Assault .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 30 Theft .. .. .. .. .. .. .. ..28 Trespass g,. .. .. .. .. .. .. ..20 Wandering animals .. .. . . . . .. . . 15 Miscellaneous .. . . .. .. .. .. 28 233 The sixty-six cases of drunkenness and bush-beer drinking involved the appearance of 324 defendants before the Court. The total fines imposed amounted to £170 12s. In its civil jurisdiction the Court heard sixty-five cases, viz. : — Divorce .. .. .. .. . . .. .. 47 Debt .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 16 Miscellaneous . . . . .. .. .. .. .. .. 2 65 The total Court fees imposed amounted to £53 16s. In addition to holding sittings of the Court once a week at Rarotonga, the Chief Judge also held sittings at Aitutaki, Mangaia, Mauke, Atiu, Mitiaro, Manihiki, Rakahanga, Pukapuka, and Palmerston, During the absence of the Chief Judge from Rarotonga the Registrar of the Court filled the position of Acting-Judge. It may be mentioned that, as Arikis' Courts have now ceased to be held in Rarotonga, the work of the High Court has consequently increased. The amount of Court fees and fines collected for the financial year ending 31st March, 1909, and paid into the Treasury, was £263 13s. I have, &c, The Resident Commissioner, Rarotonga, E. Blame, Registrar,

(C.) Cook Islands Administration. Statement of Expenditure for Year ended 31st March, 1909.

2—A. 3.

9

Service. Voted. Expended. 1. Medical and Health Officer 2. Hospital supplies and attendance 3. Island allowance, Collector of Customs 4. Contingent expenditure, High Court, including prisoners' food 5. Registrar Land Titles and High Court .. 6. Civil Engineer and Surveyor (half-time) 7. Draughtsman, Survey Department 8. Surveyor (Native boy) .. -" . . 9. Cadets (2)—one £60, one £35 .. 10. Secretary, Interpreter, and Government Printer 11. Chief of the Federal Government 12. Vice-President of the Federal Council 13. Subsidy in aid of food for children, Araura School 14. ,, cool-chamber.. 15. Police, Rarotonga, £30 ; High Court police, £24 16. Clerks, Arikis' Court, Rarotonga —one £10, one £5 17. Subsidy for food, Tereora School 18. Rents-—Wharf, £5 ; Section 10, £14 ; Post-office site, £8 15s. 19. General contingent expenditure 20. Resident Agent, Penrhyn 21. ,, Aitutaki 22. ,, Mangaia .. .. . . 23. ,, Manihiki and Rakahanga 24. Subsidy —Pilot, Aitutaki, £10 ; canoe, Mangaia, £5 25. Native Assessors (3), Aitutaki .. i • £ s. d. 350 0 0 .175 0 0 50 0 0 100 0 0 300 0 0 150 0 0 75 0 0 70 0 0 95 0 0 175 0 0 100 0 0 .20 0 0 50 0 0 100 0 0 54 0 0 15 0 0 200 0 0 27 15 0 250 0 0 200 0 0 200 0 0 200 0 0 50 0 0 15 0 0 15 0 0 £ s. 350 0 330 3 50 0 159 13 300 0 150 0 75 0 52 10 95 0 175 0 100 0 5 0 50 0 100 0 54 0 15 0 200 0 20 15 427 9 172 4 200 0 200 0 50 0 15 0 15 0 d. 0 6 0 7 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 3 4 0 0 0 0 Q

A.—3

10

Cook Islands Administration— continued. Statement of Expenditure for Year ended 31st March, 1909—continued.

Rarotonga, Cook Islands, 16th April, 1909. W. J. Stevenson, Treasurer. Audited and found correct. —Percy Brown, Auditor.

(D.) Cook Islands Administration. Revenue for Year ended 31st March, 1909. £ s. d. £ s. d. Balance, Ist April, 1908 .. .. .. .. .. .. 3,583 12 10 Customs duties .. .. .. .. .. . .. 3,493 19 10 Traders' licenses .. .. .. . . .. . . 435 10 0 Sale of stamps .. .. . . .. .. 285 16 11 Pees and fines, High Court .. .. .. .. .. 263 13 0 R.M. Court, Aitutaki . . . . . . . . 121 14 0 R.M. Court, Mangaia .. . . . . . . 83 11 3 „ Arikis' Court .. . . .. .. .. 36 6 0 Fees, Land Titles Court .. ... .. .. .. 576 16 1 Shipping fees .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 750 Rents . . .. .. . . . . . . . . .. 110 0 0 Water rates .. .. . . . . . . . . .. 109 19 0 Interest on fixed deposits and debentures . . . . . . . . 610 0 Sale of material.. .. .. .. .. .. .. 13 18 0 Cash profit, sale of wines and spirits . . .. .. .. 101 3 5 Refunds, Waterworks Account, 1907-8 . . ... . . . . 44 6 10 5,744 19 4 Received from New Zealand Government—Customs duties collected in the Dominion during year ended 31st March, 1908 .. .. 1,347 4 5 Received from Niue Administration—Subsidy in aid of Government schooner, 1907-8 .. .. . . . . . . .. 54 5 4 £10,730 1 11 Rarotonga, Cook Islands, sth April, 1909. W. J. Stevenson, Treasurer. Audited and found correct.—Percy Brown, Auditor, Rarotonga, Cook Islands, 16th April, 1909.

Service. Voted. Expended. 26. Police, Aitutaki .. ' 27. Assessors (2), Mangaia, £10 ; police, £29 ... 28. Postmasters —Atiu, £6 ; Mauke, £3 ; Mitiaro, £3 . . 29. Clerks of Court—Atiu, £4 ; Mauke, £3 ; Mitiaro, £3 30. Assessors—Atiu, £8 ; Mauke, £5 ; Mitiaro, £5 . . 31. Police—Atiu, £6 ; Mauke, £6 ; Mitiaro, £4 32. Bonus for destruction of flying-fox 33. Travelling-expenses, Land Titles Court 34. Assistant printer 35. Carrying mails to outlying islands 36. Two concrete bridges, Rarotonga (3 built) 37. Two concrete tanks, Mangaia (transferred to Vote 38) 38. Reef-passage, Mangaia (including Vote 37) 39. Drainage of Avarua Lagoon 40. Tank at Aitutaki 41. Resumption of land Refund of Customs duties overpaid by New Zealand Government, 1904—5 Fruit-inspection . . .. . . Repairs, Government buildings, Aitutaki Refund to Niue Administration, insurance fund, " Countess of Ranfurly " Total expenditure Balance in hand, including investments £ s. d. 29 0 0 39 0 0 12 0 0 10 0 0 18 0 0 16 0 0 50 0 0 200 0 0 30 0 0 10 0 0 300 0 0 120 0 0 370 0 0 200 0 0 60 0 0 200 0 0 £ s. d. 29 0 0 39 0 0 12 0 0 10 0 0 18 0 0 16 0 0 29 10 6 199 19 5 30 0 0 10 0 0 572 16 2 336 11 4 297 0 0 443 1 6 90 4 7 114 7 0 108 17 5 5,718 3 7 5,011 18 4 Total 10,730 1 11

11

A.—3

(E.) Cook Islands Administration. Expenditure. — Estimates for the Year ending 31st March,. 1910. Public Health. ■ . Service. Amount. £ s. d. 1. Medical and Health Officer . . .. . . .. . . . . 400 0 0 2. Assistant Medical Officer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 270 0 0 3. Hospital supplies and attendance ... . . .. .. . . .. 200 0 0 High Court and Land Titles Court. 4. Registrar, Land Titles and High Court .. .. - . . . . .. 325 0 0 5. ~ „ house-allowance.. .. .. .. 30 0 0 6. Interpreter, Secretary, and Government Printer . . . . . . . . 200 0 0 7. Contingent expenditure, High Court .. .. .. .. . . . . 125 0 0 8. „ Land Titles Court .. .. . . . . . . 200 0 0 9. Two cadets—one at £60, one at £40 . . .. .. .. . . . . 100 0 0 10. Chief Constable, High Court (also Tidewaiter and Foreman of Works) . . . . 100 0 0 11. High Court police—one at £24, one at £19 .. .. .. .. .. 43 0 0 Island Administration. 12. Resident Agent, Penrhyn .. .. .. . . . . . . .. 200 0 0 13. ~ Aitutaki .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 200 0 0 14. „ Mangaia .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 200 0 0 15. „ Atiu .. .. ... .. .. .. .. 200 0 0 16. ~ Manihiki and Rakahanga . . . . . . .. .. 60 0 0 17. Three Native Assessors, Aitutaki, at £5 .. .. .. .. .. 15 0 0 18. Police, Aitutaki .. .. .. .. ..... .. .. 29 0 0 19. Two Assessors, Mangaia, £10 ; police, at £29 .. .. .. .. .. 39 0 0 20. Postmasters—Atiu, £6; Mauke, £3; Mitiaro, £3 . . . . 12 0 0 21. Clerks of Courts—Atiu, £4 ; Mauke, £3 ; Mitiaro, £3 .. . . .. .. 10 0 0 22. Assessors—Atiu, £8 ; Mauke, £5 ; Mitiaro, £5 .. • .. . . .. 18 0 o 23. Police—Atiu, £6 ; Mauke, £6 ; Mitiaro, £4 .. . . .. . . 16 0 0 23a. Police—Rarotonga, £30 ; Clerks of Arikis, Courts, £5 . . . . .. .. 35 0 0 Surveys and Public Works. 24. Civil Engineer and Surveyor (half-time) ' .. .. .. .. . . 150 0 0 25. Draughtsman .. . . . . .. . . .. .. .. 75 0 0 26. Surveyor (Native), (half-time) . . . . .. . . .. .. 50 0 0 Miscellaneous. 27. Island allowance, Collector of Customs .. . . . . ... .. 75 0 0 28. Chief of Federal Government (Makea) .. . . . . . . . . 100 0 0 29. Subsidy to Council, Aitutaki . . .. . . . . . . . . 50 0 0 30. Subsidy in aid of cool-chamber .. . . .. .. .. . . 100 0 0 31. Subsidy, Tereora School .. .. .. .. .. ... .. 200 0 0 32. ~ destruction of flying-fox . . .. . . .. .. • . . 50 0 0 33. „ pilot service—Aitutaki, £10; Mangaia, £5 . . .. .. . . 15 0 0 34. Rents—Wharf site, £5 ; Post-office site, £8 15s. . . .. . . .. 13 15 0 35. Contingent expenditure - .. .. .. .. . . .. .. 250 0 0 36. Assistant printer .. .. . . . . .. . . . . .. 30 0 0 37. Carrying mails to outlying islands . . .. .. .. .. .. 10 0 0 38. Fruit Inspector .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 250 0 0 39. Expenses,. Lunatic Donaldson .. .. .. .. ~ . . 53 0 0 40. Auditor .. .. .. ... .. .. .. .. .. 25 0 0 41. Penrhyn lepers .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 50 0 0 _ £4,573 15 0

(F.) Cook Islands. Public-ivorhs Estimates for Year ending 3\st March, 1909. Service. Amount. £ 1. Repairs to roads and bridges damaged by sea on 7th March .. .. .. .. 400 2. Drainage of Maraerenga Lagoon .. .. . . .. .. .. .. 200 3. Planting Takutea .. .. . . .. .. .. 100 4. Hospital and doctor's residence outside village .. .. . . .. .. 600 5. Two fumigating'-chambers for fruit .. .. .. .. .. .. 200 6. Store for tools and cement, and two prison-cells .. .. .. .. .. 200 7. Reef-passage, Mangaia .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 400 8. Cement for tanks at Oneroa and Ivirua (Mangaia) .. .. .. .. .. 60 9. Concrete cargo-shed on end of wharf, Aitutaki .. .. .. .. .. 150 £2,310

A.—3

12

(G.) Cook Islands Administration. Statement of Liquor Account for Year ended 31st March, 1909. £ s. d. £ s. d Stock on hand, Ist April, 1908 .. .. 65 3 1 By Sales .. .. .. .. 608 15 1 Supplies .. .. .. .. 221 15 4 Stock on hand, 31st March, 1909 .. .. 81 15 9 Freight.. .. .. .. 14 13 1 Bottling .. .. .. 18 18 9 Duty|>.. .. .. .. .. 244 11 .0 Fittings . . .. .. .. 413 6 Balance .. .. .. .. 117 16 1 £690 10 10 £690 10 10 Profit and Loss Account. £ s. d. I £ s. d. To Stock .. .. .. 81 15 9 By Balance, Ist April, 1908 .. .. 65 3 1 Profit transferred to general revenue .. 101 3 5 „ 31st March, 1909 .. .. 117 16 1 £182 19 2 £182 19 2 Rarotonga, Cook Islands, 6th April, 1909 W. J. Stevenson, Treasurer. Audited and found correct. —Percy Brown, Auditor, 16th April, 1909.

(H.) Cook Islands Administration. Statement of Waterworks Account for Year ended 31st March, 1909. Installation. £ s. d. £ s. d. Outstanding, 31st March, 1908 .. .. 125 210 Refunded .. .. .. .. 184 0 2 Additional cost .. .. . . .. 150 3 0 Exemptions .. .. .. .. 7 4 0 Outstanding, 31st March, 1909 .. . . 84 1 8 £275 5 10 £275 5 10 Rates. £ s. d. £ s. d. Outstanding, 31st March, 1908 . . .. 7 0 0 Collected .. .. .. .. 109 19 0 Leviable, 1908-9 .. . . .. 126 0 0 Exemptions .. .. .. .. 7 0 0 Outstanding, 31st March, 1909 .. .. 16 1 0 £133 0 0 £133 0 0 Rarotonga, Cook Islands, 6th April, 1909. W. J. SteVf.nson, Treasurer. Audited and found correct. —Percy Brown, Auditor, 16th April, 1909.

(I.) Cook Islands Administration. Details of Item 33, Travelling and other Expenses, Land Titles Court. £ s. d. Travelling-allowance, Chief Judge . . . . . . . . 100 0 0 Labour, Rarotonga . . .. .. . . . . .. ■ 30 1 6 „ Aitutaki .. .. .. .. .. .. 41 2 0 Office-rent, Aitutaki .. . . .'. . . ' .. .. 2 0 0 Buggy-hire ... .. .. .. .. •. • ■ 716 0 Travelling-expenses .. .. .. .. .. .. 950 Survey instruments and material . . . . . . .. 914 11 £199 19 5 Rarotonga, Cook Islands, 7th April, 1909. W. J. Stevenson, Treasurer.

A.-3

(J.) Cook Islands Administration. Details of Item 2, Hospital Supplies and Attendance. £ s. d. Supplies .. .. •...'... .. .. .. .. 145 4 1 Freight .. . . .. .. . . . . .. 3 119 Assistance .. . . . . .. . . .. . . 13 7 6 Repairs to Health Officer's boat .. .. .. .. .. 679 Food for patients .. .. .. . . .. . . 313 9 Repairs to instruments .. .. .. .. .. .. 046 Travelling-expenses in Cook Group .. .. .. .. 8 7 6 Medical inspection, Aitutaki .. .. .. .. . . 43 5 0 Passage, Dr. Gatley, to Auckland .. .. . . .'.. 10 0 0 ~ Dr. Dawson, Wellington to Rarotonga . . .. . . 12 15 0 Salary, locum tenens, one month .. .. .. .. . . 41 13 4 ~ ~ in lieu of notice .. . . .. . . 41 13 4 £330 3 6 Rarotonga, Cook Islands, 16th April, 1909. W. J. Stevenson, Treasurer.

(K.) : Cook Islands Administration. Details of Item 4, Contingent Expenditure, High Court. £ s. d. Salaries, constables and bailiff, Rarotonga . . .. . . 14 10 0 Salary, Sergeant (two months) . . .. . . . . .. 16 13 4 Judge, High Court, Mangaia .. . . . . . . 10 0 0 ~ High Court policeman, Mangaia . . . . . . . . 6 0 0 Passages, prisoners .. .. .. .. .. .. 900 Travelling-expenses . . . . . . . . . . . . 27 4 0 Meals, police . . . . . . . . . . . . .. 5 6 0 Food for prisoners . . . . . . .. .. .. 26 13 9 Stationery .. . . . . .. . . . . . . 1 10 0 Bonus, constable ... . . .. . . . . . . 5 0 0 Passage and maintenance, lunatic . . .. .. . . 37 16 6 £159 13 7 Rarotonga, Cook Islands, 7th April, 1909. W. J. Stevenson, Treasurer.

(L.) Cook Islands Administration. Details of Item 19, Contingent Expenditure, for Year ended 31st March, 1909. £ s. d. Stationery and printing-material . . . . . . . . 45 1 9 Boatman to Collector of Customs and Health Officer . . . .' 6 2 0 Tidewaiter. H.M. Customs . . .. . . . . . . 19 19 0 Safe (new) .. ...... .. .. .. .. 35 10 9 Tools .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 430 Rat-poison .. . . . . . . .. .. . . 9 0 0 Painting and repairs, residence, Medical Officer . . . . . . 38 15 3 , Government buildings, Rarotonga . . . . 55 14 8 Mangaia .. .. 13 3 5 „ Flagstaff, Rarotonga . . .. . . 418 2 ~ " Whare Manuhiri," Rarotonga . . . . 5 3 0 ~ Hospital, Rarotonga . . .. . . 0 8 0 Repairs to prison cart .. .. .. .. .. .. 040 ~ fence, Section 10, Tutakimoa . . . . . . . . 0 3 4 ~ safe .. .. .. .. .. .. 060 ~ residency, Ngatipa .. .. .. . . .. 014 1 House allowance, Registrar . . . . .. .. . . 30 0 0 Buggy-hire .. .. .. .. - .. .. .. 200 Maintenance, Penrhyn lepers .. .. .. .. .. 26 0 3 William Hood .. .. .. .. .. 15 17 0 Passage to Auckland, William Hood .. ..• .. .. 600

13

A..—B

14

£ s. d. Benevolent allowance, J. Snow .. .. .. .. .. 926 Cost of collecting Customs duties paid in New Zealand . . .. 16 13 7 Office-furniture .. .. .. .. .. .. 466 Auditor's fee .. . . . . . . .. . . .. 20 0 0 Advertising " Whare Manuhiri "in New Zealand ..• .. . . 4 0 0 Travelling-expenses .. . . . . .. . . . . 26 13 0 Furniture, " Whare Manuhiri " .. . . .. . . .. 12 18 0 Entertaining officers, H.M.S. " Cambrian " . . .. . . 1 13 0 Typewriting .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 110 Freight on plants .. .. .. .. .. .. 080 Cleaning offices .. .. .. .. .. .. 100 Compensation for destruction of mission-house at Tukao . . . . 10 0 0 Blasting obstruction in Vaikapaurangi Creek . . . . .. 0 10 0 £427 9 3 Rarotonga, Cook Islands, 17th April, 1909. W. J. Stevenson, Treasurer.

(M.) Cook Islands Administration. Return showing Exports from each Island during Year 1908.

W. J. Stevenson, Rarotonga, Cook Islands, 30th April, 1909. Collector of Customs.

Cook Islands Administration. Port of Rarotonga. — Return showing Value of Imports during Year ended 31st December, 1908.

Bam mas. to cr R u o a; 6 y. a o O 6 o o \ m u | £ M a o o o a 4) | | 3 3 x sC ft iarotonga iitutaki dangaia Uiu Hauke .. Hitiaro .. Hanuae ?enrhyn vlaniliiki iakahanga Palmerston 5uwarrow Pukapuka Cases. 78,054 213 11,151 21 Belies. 9,386 Cases. 32,024 14,443 8,972 10,974! 12,384 249 Cases. 2,490: 4,514 2,320 31 13! Cases. 108 10 26 .. Tons. 172 287 43 145 94 81 49 173 116 119 32 Lb. 24,600 26,000 5,900 1,000 Cases. I Number 115j 52,300 21,600 3,353: 38,680 Gal. 7,910 100 Tons 4 Tons. •• ■■ *' 6 3,468112,580 2,447 71,550 Totals, 1908 89,439 9,386 79,046 9,368 144 1,317 57,500 8,010 4 Totals, 1907 75,295 14,727 104,201 5,352 143 934 45,060 5,840 39 27

Article. Whence imported. Value. Total. .- agricultural produce, not otherwise enumerated .. .nimals, living— Birds Fowls Horses .. Pigs Sheep .pparel and slops New Zealand £ £ 317 1,267 596 2 30 52 28 25 237 4 11 15 5 15 United Kingdom New South Wales Germany France United States America Maiden Island Tahiti 2,237 ,, ,, ,, . . . . . .

15

A.—3

Cook Islands Administration— continued. Port of Rarotonga. — Return showing Value of Imports during Year ended 31st December, 1908—continued.

Article, Whence imported. Value. Total Arms, ammunition, and explosives New Zealand United States America £ 247 1 £ ), ii ii Arrowroot Bacon and hams Bags and sacks Bamboo (for hat-making) Beverages, non-alcoholic Beer and stout Tahiti New Zealand 248 49 76 260 260 84 Tahiti" New Zealand . . ,, . . United Kingdom Tahiti 64 29 2 95 ,, Bicycles, and parts of same New Zealand United Kingdom New South Wales United States America 145 25 12 30 212 ,, ii 11 ii •'• .. . Biscuits ii New Zealand Tahiti United States America 2,466 23 56 2,545 ii Blue New Zealand United Kingdom 3 10 13 jj Boots and shoes New Zealand Tahiti United States America .. 439 1 34 ,, • * 474 Building-material, not otherwise enumerated jj j) New Zealand New South Wales United States America. . 186 10 26 222 JJ !) Butter and cheese New Zealand Tahiti 670 8 678 j, Carriages, and parts of same . . j> jj New Zealand Tahiti United States America.. 459 48 857 1.364 115 jj jj Casks, empty Cement New Zealand . . 219 20 New South Wales 239 1.0 Coal Confectionery New Zealand 1.25 2 5 j? ■ • * * New South Wales Tahiti 132 jj • • Cordage and twine New Zealand New South Wales United Kingdom United States America . . 293 2 8 113 416 153 jj j, Copper sheathing Cotton piece-goods New Zealand 1,314 2.939 221 8 680 914 jj jj United Kingdom New South Wales France United States America.. Tahiti jj 6,076 jj Drapery New Zealand United. Kingdom New South Wales France Germany Tahiti ' 1,994 376 7 1 20 203 jj jj ,,

16

A—3

Cook Islands Administration — continued. Port of Rarotonga. — Return showing Value of Imports during Year ended 31st December, 1908-continued.

Mt< Article. Whence imported. Value. Total. Drugs and chemicals . . New Zealand United Kingdom. New South Wales France United States America. . Tahiti £ 247 19 4 1 8 12 £ 291 Earthenware and glassware New Zealand United Kingdom New South Wales United States America. . 327 31 19 26 403 )) J J Fancy goods and toys •>; ' ' J) * " New Zealand United Kingdom New South Wales Germany United States America... Tahiti 959 128 92 25 20 64 1,288 jj * * Fish, preserved J! jj New Zealand .. ... United Kingdom Germany British Columbia United States America . . Tahiti 415 2 51 259 184 16 J* JJ 927 Flour ,, . . New Zealand United States America. . Tahiti 2,125 540 211 2,876 JJ ' ■ ' ' Furniture jj New Zealand New South Wales United States America.. Tahiti 615 165 8 4 jj jj Hardware New Zealand New South Wales United Kingdom France Germany United States America.. Tahiti 1,038 41 163 1 13 87 41 792 1,384 Hats jj • • New Zealand United Kingdom Tahiti 197 23 23 jj • • Hosiery ' V New Zealand United Kingdom New South Wales United States America.. Japan 220 588 8 47 44 243 jj ■ ■ j? jj ■ ■ jj ■ * 907 Instruments, musical .. jj »j New Zealand United Kingdom Germany Tahiti 18 14 8 3 43 78 jj jj * * jj JJ Iron, bar, bolt, and rod ,, galvanised, corrugated New Zealand 651 539 13 JJ 5' " United Kingdom New South Wales i,203 278 )J 5' J' „ pipes and fittings „ wire New Zealand 89 I New South Wales United States America.. Tahiti 30 1 121 jj jj J? >' * '

17

A.—3

Cook Islands Administration — continued. Port of Rarotonga. — Return showing Value of Imports during Year ended 31st December, 1908 —continued.

3—A. 3.

Article. Whence imported. Value. Total. Jams New Zealand New South Wales United States America.. £ 61 2 1 £ jj • • 64 ,, * • • • Machines, sewing ;j jj New Zealand New South Wales United States America.. Maiden Island Tahiti 62 36 172 10 33 j- jj 313 jj jj ?) :s Matches jj New Zealand United Kingdom Tahiti 115 137 10 262 240 jj • * Meats, fresh „ preserved *New Zealand .. "M jTahiti 3,692 43 ■>■> jj 3,735 „ salted New Zealand Tahiti 494 2 jj ?j * • 496 Milk, preserved New Zealand Tahiti 226 2 jj jj Nails Nets and netting New Zealand United States America.. New Zealand New South Wales 228 603 109 Oars "70 6 Oil, kerosene and benzine New Zealand New South Wales Tahiti 76 jj j j 601 30 6 jj jj „ not otherwise enumerated .. New Zealand New South Wales United Kingdom Tahiti 637 ;j JJ 112 16 10 4 142 ;j JJ jj 55 Paints and varnish jj • * jj • • New Zealand United Kingdom New South Wales United States America.. Tahiti 177 104 34 8 21 344 jj jj • • Paper New Zealand United Kingdom 163 28 191 jj Perfumery .. New Zealand Tahiti 6 1 7 17 jj • • Photographic goods Provisions, not otherwise enumerated New Zealand .. 1,057 4 56 19 1 56 jj jj ,, .. New South Wales Victoria United States America.. Maiden Island Tahiti 1,193 jj jj jj jj jj " Rice jj • • New Zealand New South Wales United States America.. Tahiti 328 11 152 159 jj • • ■ * j j * * * * 650 Saddlery and harness New Zealand United States America.. Tahiti 124 114 10 ,, ,, 248

A.—3.

Cook Islands Administration— continued. Port of Rarotonga. — Return showing Value of Imports during Year ended 31st December, 1908 —continued.

18

Article. Whence imported. Value. Total. Silks New Zealand United Kingdom New South Wales Tahiti £ 244 17 7 8 j. JJ 5J ' * 276 Soap jj * • New Zealand United Kingdom New South Wales Tahiti 753 2 22 5 782 2,990 jj jj * * Specie Spirits— Brandy New Zealand Tahiti" 6 2 8 jj • * • * Geneva and gin New Zealand Tahiti 25 1 26 jj Rum New Zealand Tahiti 15 1 16 jj Whisky New Zealand United Kingdom 167 84 251 4 jj • ■ Methylated Perfumed New Zealand United Kingdom France Tahiti 68 4 19 jj jj • • * * Stationery and books.. New Zealand New South Wales United Kingdom France Tahiti 91 jj • • jj • • 158 78 3 5 14 258 jj * * Sugar jj * * * * New Zealand New South Wales Tahiti 1,345 17 54 1,416 jj • * Tanks, iron jj jj * ■ • • New Zealand New South Wales Maiden Island 24 20 4 jj jj • • New Zealand United Kingdom Tahiti 48 Tea ' 90 1 8 JJ • • * * 99 5,857 JJ • • * ' Timber, fruit-boxes .. New Zealand .. 1,282 1 1,466 ,, sawn v'"' ,, .. ,, ,, Fiji United States America.. 2,749 235 ,, ,, Tobacco Cigars and cigarettes Trunks New Zealand .. Hong Kong United States America.. Tahiti 45 11 12 3 8 ,, . . . . Tools New Zealand United Kingdom France New South Wales Tahiti 71 ,, 95 11 1 29 37 173 ,, ,, • * * Wine — Claret Victoria Tahiti United States America,. ,, 18 47 7 ,,

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19

Cook Islands Administration — continued. Port of Rarotonga. — Return showing Value of Imports during Year ended 31st December, 1908 —continued.

Total Values. 1908. 1907. £ £ New Zealand .. .. .. .. . • • • 39,924 United Kingdom .. .. .. .. • • 5,955 New South Wales .. .. .. .. ■• 954 Victoria .. .. • • ■ • • • • • 88 British Columbia .. .. .. .. • • 259 Fiji .. .. •• •• ■• •• ■• 1 Tahiti 2,690 United States America .. /. .. .. •• 4,835 France .. .. . • • • •■ •• Germany .. .. . • • • • • • • I^7 Japan .. .. . ■ . ■ • • • • 44 Maiden Island .. .. .. •• •• 40 Hong Kong .. .. .. .. • • • • H £55,021 £50,756 Rarotonga, 19th March, 1909. W. J. Stevenson, Collector of Customs.

(O.) Cook Islands Administration. Return showing Value of Exports for Year ended 31st December, 1908.

Article. Whence imported. Value. Total. £ £ Wine— Port New Zealand .. Victoria 6 14 JJ • * 20 Woodenwarc New Zealand .. Tahiti 99 1 100 jj Miscellaneous New Zealand .. New South Wales Tahiti 11.5 23 18 jj 156 jj £55,021

Article. Where exported. Quantity. Value. Total. Fruit, fresh — Bananas New Zealand £ £ 14,533 900 21,341 936 16 Oranges Pineapples Unenumerated Coffee .. 89,439 cases 9,386 bchs. 79,046 cases 9,368 „ 144 50,600 lb." 6,900 „ Tahiti" 1,159 143 JJ * * Copra New Zealand United Kingdom Tahiti United States America 314 tons 212 „ 220 „ 571 „ 4,186 2,768 2,420 7,994 1,302 jj • ■ 17,368 32 281 600 600 435 60 12 jj • * Candlenuts Cocoanuts Limejuice Pearlshell Kumeras and taro Cotton piece-goods Guano Curios .. New Zealand ,, • • ,, - - United Kingdom New Zealand Niue New Zealand 4 „ 112,580 number 8,010 gals. 15 tons 3,468 cases ,, • - United Kingdom '"50 150 11 * ' Carts Drapery Specie Honey New Zealand 200 20 27 1,952 37 ,, • • )> - - ?j ■ - Total 60,652

A.—3

20

Total Values. £ New Zealand .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 46,517 United Kingdom .. .. .. ... .. .. .. 3,518 United States America .. .. .. .. .. .. 7,994 Tahiti 2,563 Niue .. .. .. .. .. .: .. .. 60 £60,652 Rarotonga, 30th April, 1909. W. J. Stevenson, Collector of Customs.

No. 2. Sir, — Cook and other Islands Administration, Wellington, 13th May, 1909. I have the honour to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of the 3rd instant, forwarding your annual report for the year ended 31st March, 1909. I have, &c, The Resident Commissioner, Rarotonga. James Carroll.

FOOD FOR LEPERS ON PENRHYN ISLAND. No. 3. Bir, — Rarotonga, Cook Islands, 19th June, 1908. While at Penrhyn I inquired into the conditions of the lepers who have been isolated, and found that in consequence of the fall in the price of pearlsbell they are not too well off for food. I have therefore authorised the store of that island to supply food to the extent of £4 3s. 4d. per month, and to see that the lepers receive it. I have, &c, The Hon. James McGowan, Minister administering Islands. W. E. Gudgeon.

No. 4. Sir, — Cook and other Islands Administration, Wellington, 17th July, 1908. I have the honour to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of the 19th June last, stating that you have authorised the supply of food to the lepers at Penrhyn to the extent of £4 3s. 4d. per month, and, in reply, to inform you that your action is approved. I have, &c, The Resident Commissioner, Rarotonga. James McGowan.

MEDICAL REPORT AND VITAL STATISTICS. No. 5. Sir, — Rarotonga, Cook Islands, 20th June, 1908. I have the honour to forward attached a short report by Dr. Gatley on the result of his medical tour in the Cook and Northern Islands. Dr. Gatley is probably justified in stating that leprosy is notincreasing, though a man suffering from this disease was found at Pukapuka, where it had not previously been known. It is singular thafrthis man had not been'away from his island. It would therefore seem that leprosy may be developed without contact with a leper. At Aitutaki three people are isolated on an island in the lagoon, but it will probably be found that two of them are suffering from a well-known island form of the disease known as " kovi," a form that does not necessarily cause death. The real difficulty in dealing with all of these forms of disease is the apathy of the people and their hostility to any form of isolation. It is therefore difficult to obtain information in suspicious cases until after the disease has reached the stage when it is dangerous to others. In my report for the year ending 31st March, 1908, I furnished the vital statistics for the Group so far as I had been able to obtain them, and I now submit for your information those missing from the report. Island. Births. Deaths. Marriages. Population. Mitiaro .. .. .. ..6 18 3 210 Mauke .. .. .. .. ..6 44 .. 444 Pukapuka .. .... ..9 15 4 435 Palmcrston .. .. .. ..3 1 2 98 To the deaths of Mitiaro must be added seventeen men and women who were lost at sea while passing from the Island of Atiu to Mitiaro.

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The number of deaths is somewhat appalling, but, unfortunately, they are not preventable while the Native inhabitants are in their present state, moral and mental. The deaths are due to dysentery, >nd the relatives will not supply the sick persons with the food proper in such cases, and by which alone they can be saved. I have, &c, W. E. Gudgeon, The Hon. James McGowan, Minister administering Islands. Resident Commissioner.

Enclosure. Sir, — Cook Islands Administration, Rarotonga, 16th June, 1906. I beg to inform you that during the last four weeks I have visited all the islands of this Group. In none did I find any serious sickness —only minor complaints, such as coughs, &c. The lepers I also inspected.on their isolation islands. Persons suspected of leprosy were also examined, and their isolation effected where necessary —viz., two at Aitutaki, one at Pukapuka, and one at Pernhyn. It does not appear that leprosy is on the increase, as in all the islands at present there are only twelve afflicted ; a few years ago there were twenty on the leper island at Penrhyn. I am, &c, H. R. Gatley, The Resident Commissioner, Rarotonga. Medical Officer for the Cook Islands.

FEDERAL COUNCIL AND ISLAND COUNCIL ORDINANCES. No. 6. Sir, — Rarotonga, Cook Islands, 28th July, 1908. I have the honour to forward enclosed Ordinance No. 25 of the Federal Council, in duplicate. The aim of the Ordinance is to protect such native birds as may yet be found on the mountains, and also encourage those who import valuable insectivorous birds by protection of the same. I have, &c, W. E. Gudgeon, The Hon. the Minister administering Islands. Resident Commissioner.

Enclosure. Federal Ordinance No. 25.—The Protection of Birds Ordinance, 1908. An Ordinance for the Protection of Indigenous and Imported Birds in the Island of Rarotonga. Be it enacted by the Federal Council of the Cook and Northern Islands as follows : — I The Short Title of this Ordinance shall be " The Protection of Birds Ordinance, 1908." 2. It shall not be lawful for any person to shoot, take, or kill any indigenous wild bird or any bird which may now have been or may hereafter be imported into the Island of Rarotonga. Provided that the Resident Commissioner may from time to time by notice in the Cook Islands Gazette declare any indigenous wild bird or any imported bird exempt from this Ordinance subject to any restrictions he may think fit, and may from time to time alter, vary, or repeal such notice. 3. It shall not be lawful for any person to import into the Island of Rarotonga any bird or' birds without the permission in writing of the Resident Commissioner. The Resident Commissioner may order the seizure and destruction of any bird or birds imported without such permission. 4. Any person contravening any of the provisions of this Ordinance shall, upon conviction, be liable to a penalty not exceeding five pounds, or, in default of payment, to hard labour not exceeding one month. 5. This Ordinance shall not apply to domestic fowls, ducks, geese, or turkeys, or, as regards the provisions of section 2, to flying mammals—viz., flying-foxes. 6. Section 29 of the " Statute of Rarotonga, 1899," is hereby repealed. Passed this twenty-fifth day of July, one thousand nine hundred and eight. S. Savage, Assented to by the Governor on the 26th September, 1908. Clerk to Council.

No. 7. Sir, — Cook and other Islands Administration, Wellington, 30th September, 1908. I have the honour to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of the 28th July last, forwarding Federal Ordinance No. 25, for the protection of birds in the Island of Rarotonga, for the assent of His Excellency the Governor, and, in reply, to return to you the Ordinance duly assented to by His Excellency. I have, &c, The Resident Commissioner, Rarotonga. James McGowan.

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No. 8. Slr, — Cook and other Islands Administration, Wellington, 17th June, 1909. Referring to your letters of the 23rd October, 1908, and 30th April, 1909, I return herewith Federal Ordinance No. 26, relating to the election of Arikis, duly assented to by His Excellency the Governor. I have, &c, The Resident Commissioner, Rarotonga. J. Carroll.

Enclosure. Federal Ordinance No. 26. An Ordinance to regulate the Election of Arikis. Whereas since the annexation of the Cook and other Islands to the British Empire, the status of the Ariki has altered, and the Ariki has now only jurisdiction as an hereditary member of the Federal Council and of the Island Councils, wherefore it is advisable that, on the death or removal from office of any Ariki, the new Ariki should be chosen from the best men of the Ariki family. Be it therefore enacted by the Federal Council of the Cook and Northern Islands as follows : — 1. From and after the date of the passing of this Ordinance, any Ariki to be elected shall be chosen by the unanimous vote of all the members of the Island Council. The Island Council shall have power to call before them the Ariki family or the people of any district and hear their views before choosing any person as Ariki. 2. The person chosen for the Arikiship shall be of good character and of pure Maori blood, and a recognised member of the Ariki family. The senior line (mua tangata) of any Ariki family shall not be passed over without good and sufficient reason. 3. In the event of any dispute between the members of the Island Council in relation to the choosing of an Ariki, the Resident Commissioner shall finally decide the matter at issue. 4. The person chosen as Ariki by the Island Council shall be submitted to the Resident Commissioner for his approval, and on such approval being notified by the Resident Commissioner by publication in the Cook Islands Gazette, the said person shall be deemed to be duly elected as Ariki. 5. Any Ariki to be hereafter elected may, for good and sufficient reason, be removed from office by the unanimous vote of all members of the Island Council, with the approval of the Resident Commissioner. 6. The provisions of this Ordinance shall apply to the Island of Rarotonga, but may be made applicable to any other island by a resolution to the Island Council of any such other island, with the approval of the Resident Commissioner. Passed this twenty-fourth day of October, one thousand nine hundred and eight. S. Savage, Assented to by the Governor on the 16th June, 1909. Clerk to Council.

No. 9. Sir, — Rarotonga, Cook Islands, 22nd January, 1909. I have the honour to forward an Ordinance for the suppression of gambling within these islands, and to request the approval of His Excellency in order that it may become law. I cannot say that I think there is any very urgent necessity for the Act, but the Arikis think otherwise, and say that there are at least two professional gamblers here who ought to be suppressed—viz., a Maori and a Chinaman. I have, &c, W. E. Gudgeon, The Hon. the Minister administering Cook Islands. Resident Commissioner.

y~ Enclosure. Federal Ordinance No. 27. —The Gambling Ordinance, 1909. An Ordinance to prevent Gambling by Means of Cards or other Instruments. Be it enacted by the Federal Council of the Cook Islands as follows : — 1. The Short Title of this Ordinance is " The Gambling Ordinance, 1909." 2. It shall be unlawful for any member of the Maori race to gamble or play for money or other stakes by means of cards, dice, or other instrument or instruments. Any person offending against the provisions of this section is liable to a penalty not exceeding two pounds, or in default one month's imprisonment. 3. The owner or occupier of any house or premises who shall permit or allow gambling or playing for money or other stakes by any member of the Maori race to take place in such house or upon such premises is liable to a penalty not exceeding two pounds, or in default one month's imprisonment. 4. It shall be unlawful for any gambling or playing for money or other stakes by means of cards, dice, or other instrument or instruments to take place in any house, store, tea-shop, or other place for which a license or permit under any law now or hereafter in force is required. Any person found

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gambling or playing for money or other stakes in any such house, store, tea-shop, or other place as aforesaid, or the licensee or permittee of any such house, store, tea-shop, or other place as aforesaid, is liable to a fine not exceeding three pounds, or in default two months' imprisonment. The officer authorised to jssue such license or permit as aforesaid may, with the approval of the Resident Commissioner, refuse to issue any such license or permit for any house, store, tea-shop, or other place in respect of which a conviction has been obtained under this section. 5. It shall be lawful for any member of the police to enter any house, store, tea-shop, or other place if there is good and sufficient reason to believe that the provisions of this Ordinance are being contravened.' Passed by the Federal Council, this eighteenth day of January, one thousand nine hundred and nine. S. Savage, Approved. Clerk to Council. W. E. Gudgeon, Resident Commissioner. Assented to by the Governor on the 9th April, 1909.

No. 10. Sir, — Cook and other Islands Administration, Wellington, 14th April, 1909. I have the honour to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of the 22nd January last, and, in reply, to return herewith Federal Ordinance No. 27, the prevention of gambling Ordinance, duly assented to by His Excellency the Governor. I have, &c, The Resident Commissioner, Rarotonga. J. Carroll.

No. 11. Sir,— Eastern Pacific, Rarotonga, 27th March, 1909. I have the honour to forward enclosed two copies of Ordinance No. 28 of the Federal Council which provides comprehensively for the inspection, fumigation, and rejection of bad or unsuitable fruit. This Ordinance is badly needed, for at the present moment the Inspector has no power. Should you see fit to recommend this Ordinance for the approval of His Excellency the Governor the quality of the fruit sent will at once improve. But I would again point out that, unless the certificate of the New Zealand Inspector who has been or may hereafter be appointed to the Islands is taken as final, there can be no satisfactory trade. On this head the people of the Islands will probably mov the New Zealand Parliament by petition. I have, &c, W. E. Gudgeon, The Hon. James Carroll, Minister administering Islands. Resident Commissioner.

Enclosure. Federal Ordinance No. 28. —Fruit Inspection and Diseases Ordinance, 1909. An Ordinance to provide for the Inspection and Fumigation of Fruit intended for Export; to provide for the Eradication of Diseases and Pests affecting Plants ; and to prevent the Introduction into the Cook Islands of any such Diseases or Pests : Be it enacted by the Federal Council of the Cook Islands as follows :— 1. The Short Title of this Ordinance is " The Fruit Inspection and Diseases Ordinance, 1909." 2. In this Ordinance if not inconsistent with the context, — " Disease " means any of the diseases named in the Schedule hereto, and includes any disease which the Resident Commissioner, from time to time, by notice in the Cook Islands Gazette, declares to be a disease within the meaning of this Ordinance : " Fruit " means the edible product of any plant, and includes the peel, skin, or shell of such product; and also the seeds of such, plant, whether such fruit is or is not attached to the plant : " Infected " means infected with disease : " Inspector " means any person appointed by the Governor of New Zealand as Fruit Inspector or Deputy Fruit Inspector : " Local Inspector " means any person appointed by the Resident Commissioner as a Local Inspector under this Ordinance : " Plant " means any tree, flower, shrub, vegetable, or other vegetation : " Plantation " means any land used for the purpose of growing or cultivating any plant: " Resident Commissioner " means the person appointed to administer the Government in the Cook Islands under " The Cook Islands Government Act, 1908." 3. It shall be the duty of the Inspector to inspect all fruit intended for export, and for the purposes of such inspection the Inspector may enter by force, if necessary, any building, land, plantation, ship, or vehicle, and shall have power to open any case, sack, or package containing fruit, as he shall' deem necessary.

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4. All fruit intended for export from the Island of Rarotonga shall be conveyed by the owner or shipper thereof to and stored at the sheds and wharves at the port of Avarua prior to shipment. All fruit intended for export from any other of the Cook Islands shall be conveyed by the owner or shipper thereof to and stored at such place or places as may be appointed for that purpose by the Resident Commissioner by notice in the Cook Islands Gazette. 5. It shall be the duty of every owner or shipper of fruit intended for export, and of every person or company having the custody or control of such fruit, to allow the Inspector to inspect such fruit at such place or places as is or are mentioned in section 4 of this Ordinance, or at such other place or places as the Inspector may require. . 6. If the Inspector is of opinion that any fruit is unfit for export by reason of the same being infected, or by reason of the said fruit not being otherwise in a fit condition for export, or by reason of the same being badly or improperly packed or marked, he shall forthwith give notice in writing to the owner or shipper of such fruit, or to the person or company having the custody or control of the same, that such fruit will not be passed by the Inspector as fit for export: Provided, always, that any person, aggrieved by notice from the Inspector that any fruit will not be passed as fit for export, may forthwith appeal in writing to the Resident Commissioner, whose decision in the matter shall be final. 7. The Inspector shall give in respect of all fruit passed by him, or by the Resident Commissioner on appeal as fit for export, a certificate or certificates that such fruit has been duly passed as fit for export. No person shall export any fruit unless such certificate has been given in respect of such fruit. There shall be paid by the owner or shipper of such fruit, or by the person or company having custody or control thereof, such fee or charge for such inspection and certificate as may be prescribed by regulation under this Ordinance. . , 8. On the erection of a fumigator, all such fruit as may be prescribed by regulation under this Ordinance shall be placed in such fumigator for fumigation prior to export. The owner or shipper of such fruit, or the person or company having the custody or control of the same, shall pay such charges for fumigation as may be prescribed by regulation under this Ordinance. 9. The Inspector may require any fruit unfit for export by reason of the same being infected to be forthwith destroyed in such manner as the Inspector may deem necessary, and thereupon the owner or shipper of such fruit, or the person or company having the custody or control of the same, shall destroy the same accordingly, or the Inspector may cause the same to be destroyed, and the cost of such destruction shall be paid by the owner or shipper of such fruit, or by the person or company having the custody or control of the same. 10. (1.) The Inspector may at any time enter upon any plantation or on board any ship tor the purpose of inspecting any plants or fruit, or the packages containing the same, or with which the same may have come into contact, and shall have all such powers and authorities (including power to dig up plants, open packages, and otherwise) as he deems necessary for enabling him to enforce the provisions of this Ordinance. ~...., : ■■ , ' ..,' ~ (2.) If the Inspector declares such plants, fruit, or packages to be diseased or infected with disease he shall give notice thereof to the owner or person in charge of the same, who shall forthwith take such measures and do such acts as are necessary in order to eradicate or prevent the spread of the disease. (3.) If such owner or person fails so to do to the satisfaction, of the Inspector, such Inspector may do the'same at the expense in all things of such owner or person, who, nevertheless, shall not thereby be relieved from his other liabilities under this Ordinance. (4.) In the exercise of the powers conferred upon him by this section the Inspector may remove, treat, disinfect, destroy, or otherwise dispose of such plants, fruit, or packages in such manner as he 11. Any plant, fruit, fungus, parasite, insect, or other thing, or any box, sack, or other package, which, in the opinion of the Inspector, is likely to introduce insect-pests or disease into the Cook Islands, on being introduced or attempted to be introduced either from abroad or from one island to another, may be seized by the Inspector or other authorised officer, or an officer of Customs, and may be disinfected, destroyed, or otherwise disposed of as such Inspector or officer deems fit, at the expense of the owner or person in charge thereof. 12 The Resident Commissioner may from time to time appoint Local Inspectors tor any particular island or district, whose duty shaft be to see that all directions given by the Inspector under this Ordinance are duly carried out, and generally to assist the Inspector in enforcing the provisions of this Ordinance. 13. Every person commits an offence who directly or indirectly obstructs, hinders, or interrupts, or threatens, or assaults, or uses abusive or improper language to an Inspector whilst in the performance of his duty under this Ordinance. ~..«.,. , , x-' 14. Every person offending against any of the provisions of this Ordinance, or of any regulation made hereunder, is liable to a penalty not exceeding £10 for every such offence. 15 All penalties under this Ordinance shall be recovered m a summary way before a European Judo-e of the High Court of the Cook Islands, or before a European Resident Magistrate at the island where such offence was committed, and upon prosecution by the Inspector. All penalties and other moneys recovered or received under this Ordinance shall be paid into the Cook Islands Treasury, and shall form part of the general revenue of the Cook Islands. 16 The Resident Commissioner may from time to time make regulations and do all things necessary to secure the proper administration of this Ordinance, and for fixing any fees or charges payable thereunder. All such regulations shall be gazetted in the Cook Islands Gazette, and shall have the force of law, and any breach thereof shall be punishable under this Ordinance. 17. This Ordinance shall apply to the Island of Rarotonga, but may be made applicable either as to the whole of such. Ordinance, or as to any section or sections thereof, to any other island or islands by notice in the Cook Islands Gazette signed by the Resident Commissioner.

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Schedule. - Dacus psidii (New Caledonia fruit-fly). ~ xanthodes (pineapple fruit-fly). ~ (Cook Islands fruit-fly). Heliothis obsoleta (tomato caterpillar). Trypeta musw (New Hebrides fruit-fly). Halterpphera capitata (Mediterranean or West Australian fruit-fly). Tephrytes tryoni (Queensland fruit-fly). Aspidiotus camellios. ~ lataniw. ~ nerii. ~ rossi. Dactylopius adonidum. [ '"■ j ~ bromilice. ~ citri. „ destructor. Diapsis amygdali. „ rosce. Fiorinia camellias. Icerya purchasi. Lecanium cerasarum. „ depressum. „ hemisphwricum. ~ hesperidum. „ longulum. „ olece. Mytilapsis citricola. Aphis persicce. ~ prunif olios. Euthrips fuscus. Myzus cerasi (black aphis). Siphonophora. Myrilapsis pomorum (mussel or oyster scale). Oryetes rhinoceros (black beetle or rhinoceros beetle). Rhynchophorus ferringineus (red beetle). Passed by the Federal Council this 27th day of March, 1909. S. Savage, Approved. Clerk to Council. W. E. Gudgeon, Resident Commissioner, 27th March, 1909. Assented to by the Governor on the sth June, 1909.

No. 12. Cook and other Islands Administration, Wellington, Bth June, 1909. Sir, — Fruit Ordinance, No. 28. Referring to previous correspondence, I have the honour to return to you the Fruit Inspection and Diseases Ordinance, No. 28, duly assented to by His Excellency the Governor. I have, &c, The Resident Commissioner, Rarotonga. J. Carroll.

POISON FOR RATS. No. 13. Sir,— Rarotonga, I7th August, 1908. I have the honour to report that these Islands are infested with rats, who do much damage to the young cocoanuts and to the pineapple-crop. It is not easy to deal with the pest, for the reason that concerted action cannot be expected from these small landholders, each of whom would try to shunt the responsibility on to the shoulders of his neighbour. It is, however, possible that the local Administration may do something by the importation of the disease-producing Ratin. If, therefore, the Agricultural Department can procure a supply of this poison for us we should be glad to pay all expenses connected therewith. I have, &c. W. E. Gudgeon, Resident Commissioner. The Hon. James McGowan, Minister administering Islands. 4—A. 3.

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No. 14. Sir,— Cook and other Islands Administration, Wellington, 2nd October, 1908. I have the honour to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of the 17th August last, asking to be supplied with Ratin poison for the destruction of rats in'the Islands, and, in reply, to inform you that nothing definite is known here as to the results of the use of Ratin, which purports to be a bacteriological rat-destroyer, and I do not think it would be advisable to introduce its use unless something more were known as to its effects. ); I should be glad to know what results followed from the use of the " Common Sense poison which was sent to Penrhyn in December, 1906. I have, &c, The Resident Commissioner, Rarotonga. James McGowan.

No. 15. g IR _ Rarotonga, Cook Islands, 14th December, 1908. I have the honour to acknowledge the receipt of your letter (No. 187) of the 2nd October, on the subject of rat-poison. I have, of course, no knowledge as to the efficacy of Ratin or its probable effects, but I thought it possible that it might be well known in New Zealand. As to the action of the rat-poison sent to me from New Zealand for the Island of Penrhyn, I never could learn from Captain Nagle what effect it had, nor do I think he had even sufficient interest in the matter to learn what had been done with it. If, however, you can send me some more tins of the poison sent to Penrhyn I will have it mixed with grated cocoanuts, and used by the Europeans on their plantations, where the rats exist in thousands and are doing much harm to the young nuts. 1 have, &c, W. E. Gudgeon, Resident Commissioner. The Hon. James McGowan, Minister administering Cook Islands.

No. 16. Ste,— Cook and other Islands Administration, Wellington, Bth February, 1909. Referring to previous correspondence, I have the honour to inform you that 20 lb. of the ratpoison known as " Common Sense," similar to that forwarded to Penrhyn Island, will be forwarded to you by the " Manapouri " to-morrow, the 9th instant. Kindly let me know the results of the poison. 1 have, &c, The Resident Commissioner, Rarotonga. J • Carroll.

REPRESENTATION OF COOK ISLANDS IN NEW ZEALAND PARLIAMENT, AND ELECTION OF EUROPEAN MEMBER OF FEDERAL COUNCIL. No. 17. g IR Rarotonga, 24th October, 1908. I have the honour to forward (enclosed) a resolution by the Arikis and members of the Council of the Island of Rarotonga with reference to the presumed desire of these Islands for representation in the New Zealand Parliament. The Arikis and members who have signed this resolution do not believe that the Government of the Dominion have any intention of giving these Islands representation, but they wish to place on record the fact that they believe that such representation would be against their interests, and contrary to the conditions of annexation. I have, &c, W. E. Gudgeon, The Hon. James McGowan, Minister administering Islands. Resident Commissioner.

Enclosure. At a meeting of the members of the Federal Council and of the Rarotonga Island Council, held at Rarotonga on the 17th day of October, 1908, the attention of the members was called to certain paragraphs in the New Zealand papers to the effect that a member was required in the New Zealand Parliament to represent the Cook Islands. It was resolved that the following be submitted to the Hon. James McGowan, the Minister administering the Cook and other Islands : — " That the members of the Federal Council and of the Rarotonga Island Council whose names are subscribed hereto strongly object to any representation in the Parliament of New Zealand by means of a member for the Cook Islands, inasmuch as the Cook and Northern Islands are by the conditions of annexation a self-governing community under the British Crown, and since included in the Dominion of New Zealand for Imperial purposes only."

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" That :the said members of the Councils are also of opinion that the time has now come when 'there should be a European member of the Federal Council, who should also be ex officio a member jai each and every Island Council, and that such European member should be elected by adult male Europeans resident in the Cook and Northern Islands." Dated this 24th day of October, 1908. Makea, Ariki. Makea Daniela. Pa, Ariki. Teeiao. Karika, Ariki. Tauei. Kaimuku, Ariki.

No. 18. Sir, — Cook and other Islands Administration, Wellington, 15th March, 1909. Your letter of the 24th October last, forwarding copy of resolutions passed at a meeting of the Federal Council and of the Rarotonga Island Council, has been carefully considered, and I desire that the Arikis and members of Council be informed that this Government has no intention to propose that representation in the New Zealand Parliament shall be extended to the Cook Islands. As regards the second resolution—" That the said members of the Councils are also of opinion that the time has now come when there should be a European member of the Federal Council who should also be ex officio a member of each and every Island Council, and that such European member should be elected by adult male Europeans resident in the Cook and Northern Islands"—l am of opinion that it is desirable that the European residents should be represented as proposed. I think the matter can be dealt with by local Ordinance, as an amendment to " The Constitution Amendment Act, 1899." I have, &c, The Resident Commissioner, Rarotonga. J. Carroll.

PREVENTION OF SMUGGLING. No. 19. Sir,- — Rarotonga, Cook Islands, 21st December, 1908. I regret to inform you that I have ascertained that there is a good deal of smuggling done here on the return of the steamer from Tahiti, and that I find it impossible to deal satisfactorily with this evil so long as I have only Native constables. I propose, therefore, to employ some European, who shall go round in the steamer as an officer of the Customs. I shall close the landing-place at Avatiu, where nearly all of the smuggled goods are landed, and which it is impossible to watch with our limited staff, and shall gazette local regulations preventing canoes approaching the steamer while anchored off Avarua. The European can act as head of the police here, and take charge of hard-labour prisoners. I have, &c, W. E. Gudgeon, The Hon. the Minister administering Islands. Res dent Commissioner.

No. 20. Sir, — Cook and other Islands Administration, Wellington, sth February, 1909. I have the honour to acknowledge the receipt of your letter (No. 162) of the 21st December last, stating that you propose to appoint a European officer to check smuggling on the return of the steamer from Tahiti. In reply, I have to inform you that I approve of such an appointment being made. I have, &c, The Resident Commissioner, Rarotonga. J. Carroll.

No. 21. Sir, — Rarotonga, 3rd February, 1909. In continuation of my letter (No. 162) of the 21st December last, I have the honour to report that I have appointed Mr. William Mcßirney as Chief Constable and Tidewaiter of this island, and to have general charge of all prisoners and public works, his remuneration being £100 per annum. Mr. Mcßirney is very highly recommended by Colonel Pole-Penton and others, and has been a sergeant-major in the Royal Artillery, and for many years a clerk in the War Office. For some time past we have known that smuggling was being carried on, especially in spirits, and we also knew that the Native police neither could nor would detect the cases. It was this fact that

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caused me to appoint Mcßirney, and he has justified his appointment by seizing 50 lb. of tobacco and four bottles of rum this morning. I have the honour to request your approval of the appointment. I have, &c, W. E. Gudgeon, Resident Commissioner. The Hon. James Carroll, Minister administering Cook Islands.

No. 22. Sir, — Cook and other Islands Administration, Wellington, 15th March, 1909. I have the honour to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of the 3rd February, reporting that you have appointed Mr. W. Mcßirney as Chief Constable and Tidewaiter at Rarotonga. My approval of the appointment was conveyed to you in my letter of the sth February last. I have, &c, The Resident Commissioner, Rarotonga. J. Carroll.

LAND TITLES COURT, AITUTAKI. No. 23. Sir, — Rarotonga, 9th December, 1908. I have the honour to inform you that I have this day returned to Rarotonga from Aitutaki, at which island I have been engaged for the last month in the hearing of cases in the Land Titles Court. I have to report also that my work has been most satisfactory, for I have heard and decided over one hundred and fifty disputed titles, and the fees of the Court and survey amount to £260. I have, &c, W. E. Gudgeon. Resident Commissioner. The Hon. James McGowan, Minister administering Islands.

No. 24. Sir, — Cook and other Islands Administration, Wellington, 21st December, 1908. I beg to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of the 9th instant, reporting that you have just returned from Aitutaki, where you have been holding a Land Titles Court. I have, &c, The Resident Commissioner, Rarotonga. Jas. McGowan.

SALE OF CLARET TO TRAVELLERS. No. 25. Sir, — Eastern Pacific, Rarotonga, 29th January, 1909. With reference to the sections of the Licensing Act of 1904, Nos. 19 to 28 inclusive, I have the honour to report that the only people who are under any disability by virtue of the provisions of this Act are the people whom it was probably not intended to penalise—viz., travellers by the Union Company's steamers. Many Frenchmen pass through on their way to New Zealand and land for the day, and these people, who" drink nothing but claret and water, find it impossible to get a glass of claret. I would therefore suggest that, under subsection (1) of section 22, Mr. Laurence G. Grieves, lessee of the " Whare Manuhiri," should be authorised to sell on behalf of the Government of the Cook Islands. As lessee of the Whare, we can easily restrict the sale of claret to travellers only. I have, &c, W. E. Gudgeon, Resident Commissioner. The Hon. the Minister administering Cook Islands, Wellington.

No. 26. Sir, — Cook and other Islands Administration, Wellington, 15th March, 1909. I have the honour to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of the 29th January last, suggesting that Mr. Grieves, lessee of the " Whare Manuhiri," at Rarotonga, shall be authorised under subsection (1) of section 22 of " The Licensing Act, 1904 " (now subsection (1) of section 277 of the consolidated Act of 1908), to sell claret to travellers only.

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In reply, I have to point out that the section of the Act referred to provides that liquor may be sold or supplied for use in the arts and manufactures, or for medicinal, religious, or scientific purposes, but not for any other use or purpose, by such officers of H.M. Customs as may be specially appointed by th« Governor for that purpose. The section, therefore, does not authorise the appointment of Mr. Grieves to'sell liquor for consumption by travellers, or for any other purpose. I i I have, &c, The Resident Commissioner, Rarotonga. J. Carroll.

ACCOMMODATION-HOUSE, " WHARE MANUHIRI." No. 27. Sir, — Rarotonga, 3rd February, 1909. I have the honour to inform you that the " Whare Manuhiri " of this island, which has been closed for the last four months, has now been leased to a Mr. Grieves, late manager of the Grand Hotel, Rotorua, and is being managed in a very satisfactory manner, the accommodation provided being equal to any hotel in New Zealand. This fact will, I hope, induce a fair number of people to visit Rarotonga during the winter months. I have, &c, W. E. Gudgeon. Resident Commissioner. The Hon. James Carroll-, Minister administering Cook Islands.

No. 28. Sir, — Cook and other Islands Administration, Wellington, 20th March, 1909. I have the honour to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of the 3rd February last, stating that the " Whare Manuhiri " has been leased to Mr. Grieves, late manager of the Grand Hotel, Rotorua. I have, &c, The Resident Commissioner, Rarotonga. J. Carroll.

TAKING LAND FOR GOVERNMENT RESIDENCE AT AITUTAKI. No. 29. Sir, — Rarotonga, Cook Islands, 9th February, 1909. I have the honour to forward enclosed a Gazette notice taking land at Aitutaki for the purpose of a residence for the Resident Agent of that island. The present Government offices occupy the whole of the land on Section 3, and we have been lately threatened with the erection of a store on Section 2a, within 20 yards of the Court-room. This is an arrangement that I have succeeded in preventing for the time being. I have, therefore, the honour to request the assent of His Excellency to the attached Proclamation. I may say that for the last ten years this land has been lying waste, no use whatever being made of it by the owners, living at Vaepae. I have, &c, W. E. Gudgeon, The Hon. James Carroll, Minister administering Cook Islands. Resident Commissioner.

No. 30. Sir, — Cook and other Islauds Administration, Wellington, 20th March, 1909. I have the honour to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of the 9th February last, forwarding a notification taking lands for the purpose of a Government residence at Arutanga, Aitutaki, and, in reply, to return the notification duly signed by His Excellency the Governor. I have, &c, Resident Commissioner, Rarotonga. J. Carroll.

Enclosure. Lands taken for the Purposes of a Government Residence at Arutanga, Aitutaki. Plunket, Governor. Whereas the lands mentioned in the Schedule hereto are required to be taken under " The Cook Islands Government Act, 1908," for certain public works, to wit, for the purposes of a Government residence at Aitutaki :

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Now, therefore, I, William Lee, Baron Plunket, the Governor of the Dominion of New Zealand, in exercise and pursuance of the powers and authorities in me vested by the said Act, and of every other power and authority in anywise enabling me in this behalf, do hereby notify that on the date of the publication hereof in the Cook Islands Gazette the lands mentioned in the Schedule hereto are hereby taken for the purposes of a Government residence at Aitutaki. Schedule. All that piece of land being Allotment 2a, Tapere of Arutanga, District of Arutanga, Island of Aitutaki. Starting at a point on the western side of the Nikapaura Road near the northern side of the Wharf Road; thence south-westerly, 50 meters; north-westerly, 23-3 meters; northerly, 3-6 meters; north-westerly, 11-4 meters, to the south-east corner of Allotment 2 ; thence north-easterly, 43-4 meters ; thence south-easterly, 31-3 meters, to the starting-point. And also all that piece of land between the western side of Allotment 2a and the western side of the Nikapaura Road. Starting from the south-east corner of Allotment 2a ; thence north-easterly, 50 meters, to the western side of the Nikapaura Road ; south-westerly along the western side of the Nikapaura Road, 51-5 meters ; thence north-westerly, 7 meters, to the starting-point. The area of the two pieces of land is 14 ars, more or less. As witness the hand of His Excellency the Governor, this seventeenth day of March, one thousand nine hundred and nine. J. Carroll.

TAKING LAND AT AVARUA, RAROTONGA, AS A SITE FOR PUBLIC HOSPITAL. No. 31. Sir, — Eastern Pacific, Rarotonga, 16th April, 1909. I have the honour to forward herewith for the approval of His Excellency a legal notice taking land as a hospital-site. The land in question is a piece of sandy coral drift, and useless for any agricultural purpose, and has no tree or shrub thereon of any economic value ; but as a site for a hospital it is valuable, being on the reef frontage, and, the soil being loose and friable, the drainage is of the best. Six hundred pounds will appear on the estimates for the purpose above mentioned. I have, &c, W. E. Gudgeon, The Hon. the Minister administering Cook Islands. Resident Commissioner.

No. 32. Sir, — Cook and other Islands Administration, Wellington, Bth June, 1909. I have the honour to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of the 16th April last, forwarding a notice taking land at Avarua, Rarotonga, as a site for a public hospital, for the assent of His Excellency the Governor ; and, in reply, to return the notification herewith duly signed by His Excellency. I have, &c, The Resident Commissioner, Rarotonga. J. Carroll.

Enclosure. Land taken for a Public Hospital at Avarua, Rarotonga, Cook Islands. Plunket, Governor. Whereas the land mentioned in the Schedule hereto is required to be taken under "The Cook Islands Government Act, 1908," for certain public works, to wit, for a public hospital at Avarua, Rarotonga, Cook Islands : Now, therefore, I, William Lee, Baron Plunket, the Governor of the Dominion of New Zealand, in pursuance and exercise of the powers and authorities in me vested by the said Act and of every other power and authority in anywise enabling me in this behalf, do hereby notify that on the date of the publication hereof in the Cook Islands Gazette the land mentioned in the Schedule hereto is hereby taken for the purpose of a public hospital at Avarua, Rarotonga, Cook Islands. Schedule. All that piece of land being part of Allotment 130, Tapere of Pue, District of Avarua, Island of Rarotonga. Starting from a point on the boundary between the Taperes of Pue and Vaikai on the northern side of the Main Road ; thence easterly along the northern side of the Main Road, 128 meters ; northerly, 90 meters, to high-water mark ; thence along high-water mark westerly, 128 meters ; thence southerly, 102 meters, to the starting-point. Area, 120 ars, more or less. As witness the hand of His Excellency the Governor, this fifth day of June, one thousand nine hundred and nine. J. Carroll.

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AUDITOR'S REPORT. No. 33. Sir,— , Rarotonga, 26th April, 1909. I have the honour to forward enclosed the report of the Auditor, Mr. Percy Brown, for the year ending 31st March, 1909. This report is satisfactory, but nothing more than I had reason to expect. T have, &c, W. E. Gudgeon, Resident Commissioner. The Hon. James Carroll, Minister administering Cook Islands.

Enclosure. Cook Islands Administration, Rarotonga, 24th April, 1909. Sir,— Audit, 1908-9. I have the honour to inform you that I have now accomplished the a,udit of the Government accounts for the period 1908-9, including as under, viz. : — Treasury accounts ; Collector of Customs' accounts ; Postmaster's accounts ; Bondmaster's accounts ; Contents of Government bond and two private bonds; Public works accounts ; Waterworks accounts and water-rates accounts ; High Court books; Land Titles Court books ; and Grice, Summers, and Co.'s account. Cash Account. —The cash in hand, as shown, includes an 1.0. U. by Makea Ariki, for £19. This amount stood at the sum of £27 in last year's statement. I understand this has your consent and approval. Vouchers and Receipts and Customs Entries. —Owing to lack of communication, chiefly between the islands of the Group, I am in want of some vouchers and receipts and Customs entries for and to the quarter ending 31st March, 1909 ; also several receipts, which should arrive through post from New Zealand and elsewhere shortly. lam satisfied the payments have been made, and shall duly attend to these matters so soon as the mails arrive here with the documents. Rent in Arrears. —The rent for Palmerston Islands is now two years in arrear, viz. : — £ s. d. Due Ist January, 1908 • .. .. .. .. .. .. 25 0 0 1909 .. .. .. .. .. .. 25 0 0 For a section at Mauke, same dates as above ■ .. .. .. 10 0 £51 0 0 General. —The work this year has been fairly heavy, and it affords me some pleasure to be able to state, mainly for your satisfaction, that the accounting for moneys, &c, by the officers interested has been punctually performed, and the books and accounts are in good order and" clearly stated, and have consequently given me no unnecessary labour in the course of my duties. Finally, I am able to assure you that I am satisfied. I have, &c, Percy Brown, The Resident Commissioner, Rarotonga, Cook Islands. Government Auditor.

No. 34. Sir, — Cook and other Islands Administration, Wellington, 14th May, 1909. I have the honour to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of the 26th April last, forwarding the report of the Auditor on the accounts of the Cook Islands for the year ended 31st March, 1909. I have, &c, The Resident Commissioner, Rarotonga. James Carroll.

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NIUE ISLAND.

ANNUAL REPORT OF RESIDENT COMMISSIONER. No. 35. Sir, — Niue Island Administration, Niue, 30th April, 1909. I have the honour to forward herewith my report for the year ended 31st March, 1909, together with a statement of the receipts and expenditure of the Administration, and the Liquor Account. I have, &c, H. Cornwall, The Hon. the Minister, Cook and other Islands, Wellington. Resident Commissioner.

Enclosure. Niue Island.—Report for the Financial Year ended 31st March, 1909. Revenue and Expenditure. The total revenue derived from all sources amounted to £1,809 Bs. lid., as compared with £1,618 Bs. 6d. collected during the previous financial year. The items, Customs duties, Court fines and fees, and stamp-sales, all show increases, while the revenue benefited to the extent of £100 on account of the refund of the Niue proportion of the " Countess of Ranfurly " Insurance Fund. The expenditure for the past year amounted to £2,346 Is. 9d., the details being fully set out in the balance-sheet. The items of expenditure may be classified as follows : — £ s. d. Permanent charges (salaries, &c.) .. .. .. .. .. .. 379 3 9 Public works, labour, and purchase of material .. .. .. .. .. 1,439 2 5 Refund to New Zealand Treasury of balance of amount of Customs duties overcredited to Niue in the year 1905-6 .. .. .. .. .. .. 356 15 5 Other charges .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 171 0 2 £2,346 1 9 From the foregoing it will be seen that the increased expenditure was principally due to the large amount spent on public works, full details of which are given under the heading " Public Works." In addition there was a sum of £356 15s. sd. refunded to the New Zealand Treasury on account of an old liability, and, this being the final instalment, the expenditure in future will be considerably relieved. The credit balance on the 31st March, 1909, was £1,206 Bs., as against £1,743 os. lOd. on the 31st March, 1908, a reduction of £537 12s. lOd. ; Ifut, considering that the sum of £1,439 2s. sd. was spent during the year on public works, and material, &c, for same, it will, I think, be admitted that the financial position of the Administration has been well maintained. Trade of the Island. The total value of the exports amounted to £7,107, and of the imports to £6,458. Notwithstanding the disturbance to trade caused by the effects of the copra tapu mentioned elsewhere, the year 1908 was a record one in the matter of productiveness. Although the return of exports shows 7,182 dozen hats, valued at £4,618, and 200 tons of copra, valued at £1,898, as having been exported during the year, there was at the latter end of December 1,500 dozen hats, valued at £910, and 200 tons of copra, valued at £2,133, awaiting shipment; but, as the ship did not get away until the first week in January of this year, they will become exports of the year 1909. If to the figures shown in the return of exports for 1908 there be added the value of the hats and copra aforementioned, it will be seen that the total value of the products for the year was £10,150, a record in the history of Niue. Turning to the imports for 1908, I find that a comparison with, the return for 1907 discloses a decrease of £2,033. There were notable decreases in each of the following items : viz., apparel and slops, biscuits, cotton piece-goods, drapery, preserved fish, hardware, and preserved meats. With regard to apparel, piece-goods, drapery, and hardware, the principal cause of the decreases is due to the fact that the traders did not import to the extent they would have done had there been no disturbance to trade such as was caused through the copra tapu. As regards the decreases in biscuits, preserved fish, and preserved meats, they are wholly accounted for by the fact that, owing to the bounteous harvest of local food-products, there has been a smaller demand from the Natives for imported foods. With regard to the future trade prospects of the island, there is every indication that the copra-crop for the ensuing season will be a substantial one. The hurricane period has passed without the semblance of a blow, and, as there has been a fair rainfall, the vegetation of the island never looked better. The Natives are now beginning to realise that their principal source of wealth lies in the cocoanut, and are paying more attention to their trees, with the view of increasing the crop. In addition, many Natives are extending their plantations, with the result that in the course of a few years the output of the island should be materially increased.

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The abnormal output of Niue plaited hats during 1908—viz., 8,682 dozen—has had the effect of flooding the market, with the result that there has been a considerable drop in prices. As a consequence I anticipate the production for the current year will be on a smaller scale. It is a matter for regret that the market for these very excellent goods is still confined to New Zealand, and I feel sure "that, notwithstanding the Customs tariffs imposed in other countries, they would hold their own side by side -with any .similar product in the matter of appearance, durability, and price, if their merits were only known. Stoppage of Debt to Natives. The pernicious practice of certain traders in allowing the Natives to contract large debts at their stores on the understanding that the debts would be liquidated when the copra was harvested, has for many years been the source of much ill feeling between the traders and the Natives. In the year 1903 an attempt was made to grapple with the question, and an Ordinance entitled " The Niue Island Private Debt Ordinance, 1903," was passed which, inter alia, provided that all debts incurred after the coming into force of the Ordinance could not be recovered by law. For a time this acted as a check upon the practice, but, owing to the keen competition amongst the traders, it was found that the Natives were being given goods on credit on a greater scale than ever, and that all sorts of questionable tactics were being resorted to by the creditors with the view of getting their debts settled. As matters had, during the past year, reached an acute stage, the Niue Island Council passed an Ordinance entitled " The Niue Island Trade Regulation Ordinance, 1908," which prohibits a trader, under penalty of forfeiture of his trading license, from giving goods on credit to a Native, except in the case of goods supplied under contract to a Native family, or a division of Natives, in which case a written contract must be drawn up, and signed by the parties thereto in the presence of the Resident Commissioner. In the short time this law has been in operation, trading generally has assumed a much healthier tone. Communication with New Zealand. In the early part of the year tenders were called in Auckland for a regular service between Auckland and Niue by a vessel of not less than 80 tons register, but only one tender was received, which had to be declined owing to the subsidy asked for being considered too high. Negotiations were then opened up with the owners of the s.s. " Dawn " —a British ship —to provide a service of five trips per annum between one of the Tongan ports and Niue, but they fell through, owing to the owners not being able to see their way to man the vessel in accordance with the New Zealand shipping laws. As this service would have connected with the Union Company's steamers, and run a fixed time-table, it is a matter for regret that the proposal had to be abandoned. The passenger and cargo freights would of necessity have been somewhat higher than those by sailing-ship direct, but the traders of Niue were of the unanimous opinion that the advantages of a service running to a fixed time-table were worth the extra charges. With this view I concur, as, owing to the great distance between Auckland and Niue, and the isolated position of Niue, it appears to me that a direct steamer service with Auckland is out of the question, therefore a steamer connecting Niue with the Union Company's ships at one of the Tongan ports would have been far more convenient and reliable than any service by sailing-ship. Recently negotiations were again opened up with an Auckland firm with the view of securing a service of five direct trips per annum between Auckland and Nine by a sailing-vessel of not less than 80 tons, and at the time of writing a contract has practically been arranged, there being but a few minor details remaining unsettled. As during the past two years the trade of the island has been hampered by the want of regular communication with the outside world, it is hoped that the contract about to be concluded will provide a service that will meet requirements. Declaration of Fono (Tapu) on, Copra-making^^, The serious fall in the price of copra in the early part of the year caused a great disturbance in the minds of the Natives, who are as yet too ignorant to understand market-fluctuations. The fact that the Natives had for some time been receiving from the traders higher prices for their copra than they had ever experienced before led them to believe that the high prices would always prevail, and when the market price fell and the traders were perforce compelled to reduce the price to the Natives, there were loud grumblings and much rebellious Jalk and action. Some of the more sensible Natives took matters philosophically, and sold their copra at the lower price, but the majority decided that no copra should be sold until the traders raised the price to its former standard. Secret meetings were held by a number of the leading patus (chiefs), with the result that a fono (tapu) was declared on copra-making throughout the island, and severe penalties were provided for all Natives who did not conform to their wishes. As the peace of the island was becoming seriously endangered, I obtained information which enabled me to single out the leaders of the movement, and at once took steps which resulted in quashing the fono. Of the patus who were concerned in this affair, three were Native mission teachers, one was a member of the Niue Island Council, and another a Native Magistrate. Through his action the member of the Council forfeited his position, while the Native Magistrate was dismissed from office. The fono then gradually lost its power, and trade once again assumed normal conditions. At the first meeting of the Niue Island Council held after the incident the matter was thoroughly discussed, and an Ordinance was passed entitled " The Niue Island Native Meetings Regulation Ordinance, 1908," which seeks to prevent the declaration and enforcement of any fono in future. Health of the People. During the year there was no serious outbreak of disease, with the exception of an epidemic of influenza, which is thought to have been introduced by Natives who returned from Samoa. Ailments such as influenza, measles, whooping-cough, &c, which are looked upon as comparatively mild troubles

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in temperate climates, assume a very virulent form in tropical climes, and, as the Natives are wofully ignorant of the dangers to avoid in such complaints, fatal results frequently ensue. Generally speaking the health of the Natives of Niue compares very favourably with that of the Natives of other Pacific islands, but the many diseases which have been introduced since the advent of civilisation have gained such a firm footing that the services of a resident medical man are urgently required, in order that-an attempt may be made to at least check their ravages. One great thing m favour of the Niueans is, that they are not addicted to drinking alcoholic liquors, neither do they indulge in bush-beer drinking, consequently the many deaths and evil effects directly traceable to those habits in other islands are not experienced in Niue. The Niue Natives are, and always have been, strictly temperate, and drunkenness among them is almost unknown. With the present stringent prohibitory laws respecting alcoholic liquors, it is almost impossible for Natives living in Niue to become possessed of liquor even if they desired to do so. The following are the vital statistics for the past year, compared with those of the three preceding * ' Births. Deaths. Marriages. 1905-6 90 95 53 1906-7 •• ■• ..106 110 30 1907-8 :1 " , ■ 97 104 31 1908-9 115 95 56 From the above figures—which have been carefully compiled by the Registrar, the Rev. F. E. Lawes—it will be seen that during the last year there was a slight improvement, inasmuch as the number of births exceeded the deaths for the first time in four years. A movement is now on foot towards obtaining the services of a resident medical man, which I hope will be successful ; but, as in the case of the Cook Islands, the influence of the tohunga is very strong, consequently the advent of a European doctor is opposed by the Natives to some extent. However, I hope shortly to be able to place before you a definite proposal in the matter. Emigration and Immigration. During the year eighty-one persons left Niue for other islands, and 149 persons returned, the net gain being sixty-eight. There appears to be a growing disposition on the part of the Niue Natives residing abroad to return and assist in the development of their native land. The progress that has taken place since the New Zealand Government took over the control of the island in the matter of providing good roads, water-supply, school, &c, has no doubt been the means of stemming the tide of emigration to some extent, but there are still about five hundred Niue Natives residing abroad, principally in the Tongan and Samoan Groups. Following are the particulars of the departures and arrivals :— Place of Departure to Departures. Arrivals, or Arrival from. New Zealand . . • • • • ■ • • • .... 1 Tonga .. •• ■• •• •• •• •• 28 °7 German Samoa . . . . • • • • • • . . 18 36 American Samoa .. .. • ■ • ■ . . o Maiden Island S1 New Guinea . . • ■ • • • • • • . . 2 Rarotonga . . .. • • • • • • • • .... 81 149 Contract Labour. Niue has for very many years been a favourite recruiting-ground for labour-vessels, and the fame of the Niue Native as a good worker has spread throughout the Pacific. But the conditions of life in the Pacific islands are gradually changing, and the Natives are learning to value their labour more, consequently, the old-time contracts whereby the wages of the Native labourers were paid in highpriced trade goods of poor quality are passing, but not without a protest on the part of the employers. It may be of interest to quote a recent case in which Niue Natives were concerned. A vessel arrived at Niue last year and required thirty men to sign a contract to work at one of the guano islands for one year ■ wages, £2 10s. per month per man. After satisfying myself that the captain was fully empowered to enter into a contract, I informed him that unless he was prepared to agree to at least one half of the wages earned by the men being held and remitted to me at the expiration of the term, for payment to the men on their return to their homes, and also to abolish money fines, I could not approve the contract. The captain, knowing the worth of the Niue labourers, and recognising the force of my arguments, gave way on those two points. The contract was concluded, and the labourers departed Since the principals of the firm have learned the terms of the contract signed on their behalf, they have openly expressed their displeasure thereat, and state that the contracts signed in the Cook Group are much more acceptable to them. That being so, I presume all the recruiting will be done there in future, and that they will leave Niue severely alone. There appears to be a false impression in the minds of these employers of Native labour that they are conferring a benefit on the island by taking labourers away under contract; but the facts are, that unless the men are treated, and paid, in a reasonable manner, and return at the end of their term with a fair amount of money, instead of boxes full of shoddy goods, the island is a dist net loser by the system. It will probably be hardly credited that a gang of forty labourers that returned from one of the guano islands last year, after working there thirteen months, had only £89 cash to draw between them on their arrival here, while the total wages earned by them at the island amounted to £994. A sum of £78 was paid in advance to the men on the signing of the contract before leaving Niue, £3 was given by them to a mission fund on the guano island, and the whole of the balance of £824 had been deducted by the employers for trade goods supplied by them, and cash fines inflicted. Many of the members

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of the gang referred to had to borrow money from their relatives at Niue wherewith to pay the Customs duties on the goods brought back by them. When it is understood that the goods supplied to the men by their employers' storekeeper are charged against the men's wages at prices, in many cases, about 75 "per cent, in of Niue retail prices, in addition to which Customs duty has to be paid on them, it will readily be conceded that the Natives are entitled to receive in future greater protection in these matters than they have received in the past. Public Works.

During the financial year the funds of the Administration were called upon to bear an unusually heavy expenditure on public works, the details of which are fully set out in the table given hereunder :—

Total public works expenditure to date, £5,340 17s/Jld. As intimated in my last report, the Niue Island Administration undertook to build a public school, schoolmaster's residence, and other necessary buildings and conveniences required in connection therewith. On the 31st March last the main school building had been completed ; and the Master's residence, &c, and a concrete reservoir for the conservation of fresh water for school purposes, were well in hand. These works should be completed in the course of a few weeks. I had hoped to have had everything finished by the 31st March, but work has been considerably delayed through Native feasts and celebrations, at which times the Natives will not work, and through wet weather. The school building is of ample proportions, and has been constructed with due regard to the climatic conditions experienced here. The dimensions, excluding the verandah, are —length, 100 ft. ; and breadth, 30 ft. A verandah of a uniform width of 8 ft. 3 in. surrounds the whole. The school is divided into three rooms, the largest being 40 ft. by 29 ft., while the other two rooms each measure 29 ft. by 29 ft. The framework of the building is mainly constructed of Niue hardwood (kafika), cut in the bush and adzed into shape by the Natives ; but a fair quantity of kauri pine was also used. The framework of the walls is encased in a setting of coral lime, while the floors throughout are constructed of concrete. The building is roofed with corrugated iron, and the catchment thereby provided will prove ample to keep the reservoir, which is being constructed in the school ground, well supplied with fresh water. Owing to the uneven nature of the site it was necessary to expend a considerable sum in constructing a solid concrete foundation for the building. The master's residence, which is now almost completed, is designed after the bungalow style, and contains five rooms and necessary conveniences. It is located in a very pleasant situation overlooking the sea, and, being in close proximity to the school, will, I have no doubt, prove both comfortable and convenient. Among the works completed during the year were concrete reservoirs for the Villages of Makefu and Tamakautoga. They have each proved a thorough success, and are greatly appreciated by the Natives of those villages. ; S ' As will be seen from the table given above, a few small works of pressing necessity were also carried out, but they do not call for any special comment.

Cost of Work. Particulars of Work. Remarks. Labour. Material used. Total Cost. Construction of Makefu Reservoir Construction of Tamakautoga Reservoir Maintenance of reservoirs Alofi-Liku Road £ s. 22 18 26 5 1 12 9 2 d. 6 0 6 0 £ s. d. 7 15 8 £ s. d. 30 14 2 Part cost charged to last 27 12 5 53 17 5 year. Avatele-Hakupu Road .. j 6 10 0 1 10 0 0 2 2 1 9 5 3 2 6 9 4 2 7 19 5 Building up road through Motutapu Bush. Widening and forming approach to Avatele Village. Repairs and additions to, I and general maintenance of, Government j buildings and plant Erecting new store shed 12 18 3 18 6 0 66 18 7 109 17 1 0 6 9 4 4 9 Part cost charged to last Levelling Tufu Publicschool site and grounds Erection of Tufu Public School Erection of schoolmaster's | residence, Tufu Construction of reservoir i at Tufu Public School 48 16 434 11 26 19 23 0 6 3 6 0 5 2 10 367 6 9 53 19 4 801 18 0 year. Considerable blasting and filling-in required. There will be further small expenditure. Not completed. 220 0 0 246 19 6 11 4 0 34 4 0 ii 646 11 9 709 8 7 1,356 0 4

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Education.

The public-school building having been completed, and the schoolmaster selected by the New Zealand Government —Mr. G. H. Malcolm, late of Takahiwai Maori School —having arrived, we are now only awaiting the arrival of the school furniture and requisites before commencing work. The twomonths interval that will probably elapse before the goods come to hand will enable Mr. Malcolm to ■gain an insight-.into the local conditions, and the manners and customs of the Natives, that will be of great benefit to him. As Mr. Malcolm is skilled in wood and metal working, the establishment of a technical branch is assured. This will tend to popularise the school in no small degree, and, judging from the credentials of Mr. and Mrs. Malcolm, I am of the opinion that the Administration has secured the services of a couple in every way adapted to the requirements of the island. It is proposed to open the school with a full complement of seventy pupils—say, forty-four boys and twenty-six girls of varying ages—and in the course of a few years, or as soon as possible, to establish small schools in the various villages, and place the most competent and suitable scholars in charge of them, and thereby relieve the central school from teaching the elementary subjects. It may be found necessary later on to acquire by lease or purchase a further block of land, on which to grow the food for the Native pupils ; but the subject has not been discussed, and I think it would be wise to defer any action in the matter until the actual requirements are known. Many of the pupils will be drawn from villages which are a considerable distance from the school, consequently they will stay at the school from Monday morning until Friday afternoon, during which time they will have to be fed. The present proposal is that such pupils shall each bring to the school every Monday morning a certain quantity of uncooked food, and that further supplies, will be sent in by the parents as required. There is some doubt in my mind as to whether the proposed system will work satisfactorily ; but, in the event of it not doing so, I do not anticipate any difficulty in the matter of acquiring further land on which the pupils will plant and cultivate sufficient food for their needs, and thereby make the institution self-contained in the matter of food-supplies. The results obtained at the school during the first year or so will, I anticipate, be small, as there are many initial difficulties to be overcome ; but, once they are surmounted, the spread of the English language will be fairly rapid, as the Native children are very bright, and will, I think, prove very apt pupils. H. Cornwall, Niue, 10th April, 1909. Resident Commissioner.

Statement of Revenue and Expenditure for the Year ended 31st March, 1909. Receipts. £ s. d. Expenditure. April!, 1908—Balance brought forward .. 1,743 010 Salaries, — £ s. d. £ s. d. Customs duties collected in Assistant .. .. 157 1 1 Niue .. .. £1,029 1 (i Councillors .. .. 122 11 10 Customs duties collected in Native Magistrates . . 45 1 8 New Zealand.. .. 371 4 3 „ police .. 53 1 2 1,400 5 9 377 15 9 Court fines and fees .. .. . . 114 13 0 Allowances, — Emigration fees . . . . .. 22 12 0 Councillors .. .. 12 0 Trading licenses .. . . . . 52 5 0 Native police .. 0 6 0 Shipping fees .. .. .. .. 3 17 0 18 0 Stamp-sales, Niue .. £31 1.4 1 Horse-feed .. .. .. .. 12 10 7 „ New Zealand 19 13 8 Printing, stationery, &c. .. .. 9 0 0 51 7 9 Niue Public Library .. .. .. 013 0 Refund " Countess of Ranfurly" Insurance Miscellaneous labour .. .. .. 29 G 3 Fund .. .. .. 100 0 0 Trap and harness .. .. .. 33 19 9 Interest on investments .. .. .. 48 18 7 Horse-hire .. .. .. .. 010 0 Profit on liquor sold under " The Licensing Purchase of horse, and freight thereon .. 15 17 9 Acts Amendment Act, 1904 " .. .. 4 0 1 Furniture for Residency .. .. 910 8 Sundry receipts .. .. . . 113 9 (toe - sixth loss on running" "Government schooner " Countess of Ranfurly " for the year ended 31st March, 1908 .. .. 54 5 4 Refund to New Zealand Government on account of overpayment of Customs duties in the year 1905-6 '.. .. .. 356 15 5 Cost of collection of Customs duties in New Zealand during the year 1907-8 .. 4 1111 -■" Sundry disbursements .. .. .. 0 8 5 Public Works—labour, — Makefu Reservoir .. £22 18 6 Tamakautoga Reservoir 26 5 0 Maintenance of reservoirs 1 12 6 Alofi-Liku Road .. 9 2 0 Avatele-Hakupu Road 6 10 0 Repairs to and painting Government Buildings 42 18 6 Erecting new store shed 3 18 0 Levelling Tufu School site and grounds .. .. 48 16 6 Erection of Tufu Public School 434 11 3 Erection of schoolmaster's residence, Tufu .. 26 19 6 Construction of reservoir, Tufu 23 0 0 640 11 9 Material and goods, and freight thereon .. 790 10 8 Compensation for cocoanut trees destroyed 2 0 0 March 31, 1909— Balance, — Cash in hand .. £146 13 4 Account current, Bank of New Zealand .. 59 14 8 Fixed deposit .. 1,000 0 0 1,206 8 0 £3,552 9 9 £3^552 — 9 9 H. Cornwall, 10th April, 1909. Resident Commissioner.

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Stathment oe Liquor Account for the Year ended 31st March, 1909. £ s. d. £ s. dStock on hand, Ist April, 1908 .. 416 0 By sales .. .. .. 27 14 0 Supplies .. .. .. .. 12 1 2 Stock on hand, 31st March, 1909 .. 310 0 Freight .. .. .. .. 014 9 Duty .. .. .. .. 10 12 0 Balance .. .. ..[3 0 1 £31 4 0 £31 4 0 Profit and Loss Account. £ s. d. 1 £ s. d. To stock .. .. .. .. 310 0] By balance, Ist April, 1908 .. 416 0 Profit transferred to Niue Island revenue 4 6 1I By balance, 31st March, 1909 .. 3 0 1 £7 16 1 £7 16 1 H. Cornwall, 10th April, 1909. Resident Commissioner.

Return of Exports for the Year ended 31st December, 1908. Port of Alofi.

Article. Where exported. Quantity. Value. Total. Copra .. New Zealand Samoa Tonga Australia .. Tons cwt. qr. lb. 69 7 0 6 109 17 1 21 10 16 1 16 .. ! 10 3 3 6 £ 669 1,023 105 101 Curios .. 200 4 2 21 1,898 Australia New Zealand 12 3 15 Fans Tonga I. 5 dozen Fungus.. New Zealand Australia Samoa Tonga .: 8,615 lb. 950 „ 3,376 „ 862 „ 136 16 55 14 Hats New Zealand Samoa Tonga 7,067 dozen 95 „ 20 „ 13,803 „ 4,545 61 12 221 Kits .. New Zealand Samoa . i 7,182 „ 400 dozen 4 „ 4,618 68 1 Arrowroot Samoa 404 69 120 lb. Vegetables Samoa Yams .. New Zealand Samoa Tons cwt. qr. lb. 0 14 3 11 22 15 2 10 4 100 Specie .. 23 10 1 21 104 Australia 160 Tanks, iron Tonga I i ! i 5 Tobacco Tonga Samoa 2 4 6 Cigars .. Tonga _— 5 £7,107

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Summary of Total Values. Country. ltJ O B - 1907. New Zealand.. .. .. .. ~ .. 5,425 5,515 Samoa" .. .. .. .. .. .. 1,247 I*B4o Australia ... .. .. .. .. .. 289 25 Tonga .. .. .. .. .. .. 146 Rarotonga .. .. .. .. .-. .... 131 £7,107 £7,511 H. Cornwall, 28th January, 1909. Resident Commissioner.

Return of Imports for Year ended 31st December, 1908. Port of Alofi.

Article Whenco imported. Value. Total. Agricultural produce, not otherwise enumerated .. New Zealand .. Australia £ 13 2 £ Animals, living—horses Apparel and slops Tonga New Zealand .. Australia Maiden Island Tonga German Samoa 168 351 67 61 6 15 118 Arms, ammunition, and explosives 653 New Zealand .. Australia Tonga 96 26 5 Bacon and hams Bags and sacks Beer and stout New Zealand .. 97 8 3 jj * • ,, * • German Samoa Tonga 8 12 1 21 5 Beverages, non-alcoholic Bicycles, and parts of same New Zealand .. 15 5 1 Australia German Samoa 21 Biscuits New Zealand .. Australia Tonga Maiden Island 200 45 3 1 Blue Boots and shoes New Zealand 249 3 ,, * * Australia Maiden Island Tonga 8 46 5 3 62 Building material, not otherwise enumerated New Zealand .. Australia 36 5 Butter New Zealand .. Australia 41 25 2 27 Carriages, carts, and materials for New Zealand .. Australia 7 14 Cement Clocks and watches 21 36 New Zealand .. Australia .: Maiden Island Tonga 5 4 8 2

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Return of Imports for Year ended 31st December, 1908— continued. Port of Alofi —continued.

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Article. Whence imported. Value. Total. £ Confectionery Cordage and twine New Zealand .. 16 14 Australia Cotton piece-goods New Zealand .. Australia Rarotonga Tonga German Samoa 543 416 54 26 3 Drapery New Zealand .'. Australia Tonga Maiden Island 233 220 18 3 1,042 Drugs and chemicals .. New Zealand .. Australia 45 20 474 Earthenware and glassware 65 New Zealand .. Australia Maiden Island Tonga 4 11 5' 1 Fancy goods New Zealand .. Australia Tonga German Samoa 27 25 1 1 21 Fish-hooks, lines, and rods New Zealand .. Australia Tonga 56 1 1 Fish, preserved New Zealand .. Australia Tonga 58 140 6 2 Flour New Zealand .. Australia 148 20 13 Fruits, preserved New Zealand .. Australia 33 11 2 13 Furniture New Zealand .. Australia Tonga 20 5 7 Hardware , .. ' New Zealand .. Australia Maiden Island Tonga 142 18 11 6 32 Hats New Zealand .. Australia 42 13 177 Hosiery 55 New Zealand .. Australia 8 7 Instruments, musical .. New Zealand .. Australia 8 22 15 Instruments, binoculars Iron, bar, bolt, and rod Iron, galvanised corrugated New Zealand .. 30 1 8 New Zealand .. Australia 289 78

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Return of Imports for Year ended 31st December, 1908 — continued. Port of Alofi —continued.

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Article Whence imported. Value. Total. Iron pipes Jams Lime, hydraulic Machines, sewing £ £ New Zealand .. 17 ,, • • Tonga Maiden Island German Samoa Australia 33 10 8 3 Matches New Zealand .. Australia Tonga 111 13 2 Meats, preserved New Zealand .. Australia Maiden Island 367 17 1 12' Milk, preserved New Zealand .. Australia 64 4 385 Nails New Zealand .. Australia 68 27 4 31 Oils, kerosene New Zealand .. Australia German Samoa Maiden Island 64 3 6 2 Oils, not otherwise enumerated New Zealand .. Australia Tonga German Samoa 10 2 17 5 75 Onions Paints and varnish New Zealand .. 34 1 Australia 14 3 Paper Perfumery, not otherwise enumerated New Zealand .. "53 12 17 6 Australia Photographic goods Pipes, smoking New Zealand . „ 18 4 65 3 Australia Potatoes Provisions, not otherwise enumerated New Zealand .. 22 1 y 11 Australia German Samoa 75 8 1 - Rice New Zealand .. Australia Maiden Island German Samoa 39 3 3 2 84Saddlery and harness New Zealand .. Australia Tonga 10 12 12 47 Salt Silks New Zealand . . 11 • • Australia Tonga German Samoa 31 19 2 2 34 1 54

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Return of Imports for Year ended 31st December, 1908 — continued. Port of Alofi —continued.

Summary of Total Values. 1908. 1907. Country. £ £ New Zealand : •• •• 4,233 6,803 Australia 1,531 924 Tonga 326 239 United Kingdom .. .. .. .. .. 128 35 Maiden Island .. .. .. . • .. 121 187 German Samoa .. .. .. .. .. 65 158 Rarotonga .. .. .. .. .. . • 54 72 United States of America .. .. .. .... 46 Pago-Pago .. .. .. .. . • •• • ■ 16 Germany .. .. .. . • ■ • • • • • 11 £6,458 £8,491 H. Cornwall, 28th January, 1909. Resident Commissioner.

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Article. Whence imported. Value. Total. :* soap New Zealand .. Australia Tonga Maiden Island £ 92 6 1 1 £ 100 SpiritsBrandy Geneva New Zealand .. 2 ii • • German Samoa Tonga 14 2 1 17 Whisky German Samoa New Zealand .. 6 5 Perfumed Australia Maiden Island Tonga 11 14 2 1 17 1 Methylated Stationery and books Australia New Zealand .. United Kingdom Australia 23 128 6 Sugar New Zealand .. Australia Tonga German Samoa 157 26 1 1 1 29 ranks, iron .. New Zealand .. Australia 24 17 41 rea New Zealand .. Australia 13 3 16 234 rimber, sawn, dressed and undressed robacco New Zealand .. j, • - Australia Maiden Island 554 3 2 Cigars and cigarettes Tools New Zealand .. 559 19 ,, • • Tonga 29 1 30 Wines— Colonial Claret Sherry Sparkling .. Woodenwarfi New Zealand .. German Samoa 2 1 4 4 ,, New Zealand .. Australia .. . 39 2 41 Total £6,458

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No. 36. Sir?— Cook and other Islands Administration, Wellington, 11th June, 1909. I have the honour to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of the 30th April last, forwarding your report for the year ended 31st March last, together with statement of receipts and expenditure of" the Administration, and the Liquor Account. I have, &c, The Resident Commissioner, Niue. J. Carroll.

EDUCATION. No. 37. Sir, — Niue Island Administration, Niue, 19th June, 1908. With reference to your letter (No. 87) of the 2nd instant, in connection with the building of schoolhouse and teacher's residence, I have the honour to report progress as follows : — The site, which was covered with bush, has been cleared and levelled. As soon as the necessary material arrives—probably by the " Waiapu," due here in a week or fortnight —building operations will be commenced, and carried on as fast as possible. I have only one practical man here capable of taking the works, which will, be carried on entirely with Native workmen, and progress will therefore be somewhat slow. I expect the schoolhouse to be finished by about the end of September ; the master's residence, containing five rooms and outbuildings, will then be put in hand, and the whole should be completed by December. I think it would be wise to arrange for the teacher to come to Niue about September or October, if opportunity offers, as he would then have, say, two months in which to assist in the final arrangements, and make himself acquainted to some extent with the language and the peculiarities of the people before the school is opened. If necessary, I could make arrangements for his accommodation at the Residency until his house is completed. The Niue language is not easy to acquire, and he will be more or less handicapped through want of knowledge of the language for some considerable time, and it would be a great advantage to himself and the scholars if he could get here some time before the school-buildings arc completed. 1 will advise you from time to time as to the progress that is being made. I have, &c, H. Cornwall, Resident Commissioner. The Hon. the Minister in Charge, Cook and other Islands, Wellington.

No. 38. Sir, — Niue Island Administration, Niue, 6th January, 1909. As the present mail will afford me the last opportunity for some months of advising you as to the progress of the school work, I now have the honour to report that matters so far have progressed very satisfactorily. The school-building will be finished in about-two weeks. Of late I have not pushed the work on very fast, owing to the obvious fact that the schoolmaster could not reach Niue until April next at the earliest. The building is a very substantial one, and has been built with due regard to the climatic conditions experienced here. A very good job has been made of the work, and in consequence the charges on the Island revenue for maintenance should be small. The erection of the schoolmaster's residence will be commenced in about three weeks' time, and I anticipate that everything will be ready for occupation when the schoolmaster arrives in April. I have, &c, H. Cornwall, Resident Commissioner. The Hon. the Minister in Charge, Cook and other Islands Administration, Wellington.

No. 39. Sir, — Cook and other Islands Administration, Wellington, 15th March, 1909. Referring to previous correspondence, I have the honour to inform you that Mr. G. H. Malcolm has been selected for the position of teacher at Niue, and I hope that he will leave New Zealand by the schooner " Kereru," and will arrive at the same time as this letter. Mr. Malcolm is at present teacher of the Native school at Takahiwai. He has had three years' training as a pupil-teacher, and has been in charge of a Native school for nearly four years. Mrs. Malcolm has also had experience in teaching, and holds partial E certificate. The Inspector of Native Schools reports as follows : " His work at Takahiwai has given us every satisfaction. He understands Native-school methods well, is a good disciplinarian, and has won the

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respect and esteem of the parents and scholars. He has established a workshop which has done successful work. His wife has given practical lessons in domestic economy with good results. He is a practical carpenter, and has had also experience of saw-work. He has some knowledge of black-smith-work." Altogether, I think the Island is to be congratulated on having secured Mr. Malcolm's services. I enclose copy of a letter sent to Mr. Malcolm, dated 25th February, 1909, which sets out the terms of his appointment. I have, &c, H. Cornwall, Esq., Resident Commissioner, Niue. J. Carroll.

ELECTION OF MEMBERS OF ISLAND COUNCIL. ' ' " " " * No. 40. Sir, — Niue Island Administration, Niue, 30th April, 1908. I have the honour to inform you that Togialele, member of the Niue Island Council for the Village of Hikutavake, has been retired as from the 20th instant, on account of offences committed by him against the laws of Niue. Tateau, of Hikutavake, was elected as his successor on the 29th instant. I have, &c, H. Cornwall, Resident Commissioner. The Hon. the Minister in Charge, Cook and other Islands Administration, Wellington.

No. 41. Sir, — Cook and other Islands Administration, Wellington, 11th July, 1908. I have the honour to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of the 30th April last, stating that Tateau has been elected member of Niue Island Council, vice Togialele, retired. I have, &c, The Resident Commissioner, Niue. Jas. McGowan.

No. 42. Sir, — Niue Island Administration, Niue, 23rd November, 1908. I have the honour to inform you that Poitule has been elected a member of the Niue Island Council for Lakepa, vice Politi, who has ceased to hold office owing to offences committed by him against the laws of Niue. I have, &c, H. Cornwall, Resident Commissioner. The Hon. the Minister, Cook and other Islands, Wellington.

No. 43. Sir, — other Islands Administration, Wellington, 30th January, 1909. I have the honour to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of the 23rd November last, stating that Poitule has been elected a member of the Niue Island Council for Lakepa, vice Politi, who has ceased to hold office owing to offences committed by him against the laws of Niue. I have, &c, The Resident Commissioner, Niue. J. Carroll

MEDICAL ATTENDANCE. No. 44. Sir, — Niue Island Administration, Niue, 20th July, 1908. With reference to your letter (No. 274) of 3rd December last, asking whether arrangements could be made for periodical visits to Niue by the Medical Officer resident in Tonga, I have the honour to inform you that I have now received a letter on the subject (copy attached) from the British Consul at Nukualofa, from which you will see that none of the official Medical Officers of Tonga are able to leave their districts for the time required to visit Niue. As there is urgent need for the services of a medical man in Niue, and the white settlers appear willing to assist in the matter to some extent, I should be pleased if you would indicate to me what financial assistance the New Zealand Government is prepared to extend towards the project. I am of the opinion that the Natives would willingly pay a small fee for each service rendered by a Medical

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Officer, as the Niue Natives —unlike the Natives in many of the Pacific Islands—do not believe in taking anything for nothing. That being so, I think that if the New Zealand Government is willing to contribute towards the salary of a permanent Medical Officer there would not be much difficulty in getting the Island Council to also contribute. These contributions, coupled with the fees likely to-be received from the Natives and a subsidy from the white settlers, would probably amount to a sum sufficient to induce a medical man to settle here. I have, &c, H. Cornwall, Resident Commissioner. The Hon. the Minister in Charge, Cook and other Islands Administration, Wellington.

Enclosure. Sir,— H.B.M.'s Agency and Consulate, Tonga, 26th May, 1908. I regret that my absence from Tonga has not allowed me to answer your letter of the 2nd January last, asking whether the Tongan Government would be disposed to allow one of its Medical Officers to visit Niue now and again. 2. I placed your letter before the Premier and the Senior Medical Officer of Tonga, and am requested to say that the medical staff of Tonga consists of three doctors, and it would be impossible for any one of them to leave their districts and hospitals for the time required to visit Niue. I have, &c, H. Cornwall, Esq., Resident Commissioner, Niue. Hamilton Hunter.

No. 45. Sir, — Cook and other Islands Administration, Wellington, 26th August, 1908. I have the honour to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of the 20th July last, stating that the Tongan Government cannot allow one of its Medical Officers to make visits to Niue Island, and asking whether the New Zealand Government will contribute towards the salary of a permanent Medical Officer. In reply, I have to inform you that I am prepared to recommend this Government to contribute towards title salary of a Medical Officer, but I should like to have some further information as to what amount the Niue Island Government would be able to pay towards the doctor's salary, and also as to the fees which it would be proposed to charge the Natives and the probable amount likely to be received, and what would be likely to be the amount received from private practice with the Europeans. I have, &c, The Resident Commissioner, Niue. Jas. McGowan.

No. 46. Sir, — Niue Island Administration, Niue, 4th November, 1908. Adverting to your letter of the 26th August, on the subject of the appointment of a permanent Medical Officer for Niue, I have the honour to inform you that the matter will be discussed at the next meeting of the Niue Island Council, and I will inform you by the earliest opportunity of the decisions arrived at. As the Niue Administration, in the event of a permanent Medical Officer being appointed, will have to acquire a small piece of land, and erect a residence thereon, I think it would be as well to let the matter stand in abeyance for a few months, until the school and other projected works are completed. In the meantime I will obtain all the information possible on the subject. I have, &c, H. Cornwall, Resident Commissioner. The Hon. the Minister in Charge, Cook and other Islands, Wellington.

_ ... : .- ;. I i ! NIUE ISLAND ORDINANCES. ' ' No. 47. Sir, — Niue Island Administration, Niue, 7th September, 1908. I have the honour to forward herewith two Ordinances passed by the Niue Island Council, entitled respectively " The Niue Island Trade Regulation Ordinance, 1908," and " The Niue Island Native Meetings Regulation Ordinance, 1908." With respect to the first-named Ordinance, the clauses which seek to prohibit the manufacture of copra from young or immature cocoanuts were rendered necessary owing to the evil practice adopted by the Natives during recent years of making copra from young nuts. It was found that the Niue copra did not realise as high a price as the produce of most -of the neighbouring islands, owing to the low percentage of oil that it contained.

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Clause 3 was rendered necessary through the reckless and unprincipled system of trading adopted by many of the traders. " The Niue Island Private Debt Ordinance, 1903," which was passed on the 25th August, 1903, sought to abolish the practice of selling goods to the Natives on credit, but it has failed lamentably in that respect. It was found that some traders conducted their businesses with the Natives largely on a system of credit, and the Natives, knowing that the traders had no legal means of recovering their debts, were in the habit of adopting all sorts of petty tricks with the view of evading their responsibilities. This sort of thing led the traders to practise coercive means in order to obtain payment of their debts, and altogether the position was becoming acute, and sooner or later would have resulted in trouble more or less serious. The practice, moreover, was developing very bad traits in the Native. The traders are now of the unanimous opinion that the new law was urgently needed, and that in its operation it will act for the benefit of the trade of the island. With reference to " The Niue Island Native Meetings Regulation Ordinance, 1908," the preamble explains briefly the causes which led to the Ordinance being passed, but my letter (No. 117) of the 6th ultimo more fully explains the difficult position that has grown up. I may add that both Ordinances were passed by the Council unanimously, and that the principal " Patus " and influential men of the island are in thorough accord with the provisions contained therein. So far as I am able to judge by personal contact with the Natives generally, there is a feeling of relief and satisfaction among them at the passing of these Ordinances. I have, &c, H. Cornwall, Resident Commissioner. The Hon. the Minister, Cook and other Islands, Wellington.

•* Enclosures. Ordinance No. 23. —The Niue Island Trade Regulation Ordinance, 1908. Whereas it is found expedient to prohibit the making of copra from young or immature cocoanuts : And whereas it has also been found expedient to make further provision for the regulation of trading generally : Be it therefore enacted by the Niue Island Council as follows : — 1. The Short Title of this Ordinance is " The Niue Island Trade Regulation Ordinance, 1908." 2. Any trader who shall purchase, or permit to be purchased, copra made from young or immature cocoanuts shall upon conviction render himself liable to a fine not exceeding five pounds (£5) for a first offence. For a second offence the trader shall forfeit his license to trade in Niue. 3. Persons making copra from young or immature cocoanuts, or offering for sale, or causing to be offered for sale, copra made from young or immature cocoanuts shall upon conviction be liable to a fine not exceeding three pounds (£3), or in default thereof may be sentenced to a term not exceeding three months' hard labour. 4. Any trader who shall sell, or permit to be sold, goods on credit or trust to a Native, or half-caste living as a Native, except as provided for by section 3 of " The Niue Island Private Debt Ordinance, 1903," shall forfeit his license to trade in Niue. 5. All tickets representing cash due for produce purchased by traders from Natives shall be issued in a form to be approved by the Resident Commissioner, and shall be honoured by the issuing trader upon presentation thereof for goods of any kind whatsoever which the said trader may have in stock to the value stated on the ticket. 6. All proceedings in respect of offences committed under this Ordinance shall be taken in the Resident Commissioner's Court. Passed by the Niue Island Council, this twentieth day of August, one thousand nine hundred and eight. Togia, Approved President of the Niue Island Council. H. Cornwall, Resident Commissioner, Niue. Assented to by the Governor on the 2nd December, 1908.

Ordinance No. 24.—The Niue Island Native Meetings Regulation Ordinance, 1908. Whereas the old custom of holding general meetings of the people of the Island of Niue is continued, and it is found that attempts are made to give resolutions passed at such meetings the force of law by means of the infliction of fines and coercion, thereby endangering the peace, and otherwise committing acts which operate in opposition to the constituted Government : Be it therefore enacted by the Niue Island Council as follows : — 1. The Short Title of this Ordinance is " The Niue Island Native Meetings Regulation Ordinance, 1908." 2. Genera] meetings of the people of the various villages of the Island are hereby prohibited, except where it is proved to the satisfaction of the Resident Commissioner that a general meeting of the people of the Island is desirable for the purpose of discussing any matter of general interest, in which case the Resident Commissioner shall appoint a time and place for such meeting, and shall preside thereat.

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3. Any person found guilty of convening or attending any general meeting of the people other than those convened as prescribed in section two (2) hereof shall be liable to a fine not exceeding five -pounds (£5), or in default thereof maybe sentenced to a term not exceeding three months' hard labour. 4. Any person found guilty of taking part in the declaration or enforcement of any " tapu " having for its object Ihe interference with the liberty of the subject by means of threats of punishment, or other coercive, measures, shall be liable to a fine not exceeding five pounds (£5), or in default thereof may be sentenced to hard labour for a term not exceeding three months. 5. Nothing herein contained shall be construed to apply to village meetings held to discuss matters other than those referred to in clause four (4) hereof. 6. All prosecutions in respect of offences committed under this Ordinance shall be taken in the Resident Commissioner's Court. Passed by the Niue Island Council this twentieth day of August, nine hundred and eight. Togia, Approved President of Niue Island Council. H. Cornwall, Resident Commissioner, Niue. Assented to by the Governor on the 2nd December, 1908.

No. 48. Sir,— Cook and other Islands Administration, Wellington, 3rd December, 1908. I have the honour to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of the 7th September last, forwarding " The Niue Island Trade Regulation Ordinance, 1908," No. 23, and " The Niue Island Native Meetings Regulation Ordinance, 1908," No. 24, for the assent of His Excellency the Governor. In reply, I have the honour to return the Ordinances duly assented to by His Excellency the Governor. I also forward 100 copies of each Ordinance printed in English and Niuean. I have, &c, The Resident Commissioner, Niue. James McGowan.

No. 49. Sir, — Niue Island Administration, Niue, 12th May, 1909. I have the honour to forward herewith two copies of both the English and Native versions of each of the following Ordinances, which have been passed by the Niue Island Council:— No. 25. " The Niue Island Courts of Justice Ordinance, 1909." No. 26. " The Niue Island Village By-laws Ordinance, 1909." With reference to the first-named Ordinance, owing to obscurity in the meaning of some of the older Ordinances, it was found necessary to establish the Resident Commissioner's Court on a sounder basis. Provision has -also been made for hearing civil cases, and for the approval and registration of deeds made between foreigners and Natives. This latter provision is very necessary in order to safeguard the interests of the Natives. " The Niue Island Village By-laws Ordinance, 1909," has been passed with the object of dealing with a-number of minor matters over which there is a great diversity of opinion among the different villages. Under this Ordinance it will be possible to have suitable by-laws brought into force when and where they are desired. By these means it is hoped that the unsatisfactory conditions prevailing in many of the villages of Niue_may be improved. I have, &c, H. Cornwall, The Hon. the Minister, Cook and other Islands, Wellington. Resident Commissioner.

Enclosures. Ordinance No. 25.—The Niue Island Courts oe Justice Ordinance, 1909. Be it enacted by the Niue Island Council as follows : — 1. The Short Title of this Ordinance is " The Niue Island Courts of Justice Ordinance, 1909." 2. There shall be a Court for the Island of Niue called " the Resident Commissioner's Court " presided over by the Resident Commissioner for the time being. 3. Sittings of the Court shall be held at such times and places as the Resident Commissioner may appoint. 4. " The Resident Commissioner's Court " shall have jurisdiction to deal with all offences mentioned in sections 6 to 26, both inclusive, and sections 28, 37, 40, and 41, of " The Niue Island Native Magistrates and Police Ordinance, 1904," or in any ordinance in amendment or substitution thereof. 5. The Court referred to in sections 2, 32, 34, 35, 38, and 39 of " The Niue Island Native Magistrates and Police Ordinance, 1904," shall mean " the Resident Commissioner's Court." 6. The Court referred to in sections 2, 11, and 15 of " The Niue Island Marriage and Registration Ordinance, 1904," shall mean " the Resident Commissioner's Court."

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7. Wherever in any ordinance made by the Niue Island Council any jurisdiction or power is conferred upon " the Government Resident Agent in his judicial capacity " such jurisdiction shall be exercised by " the Resident Commissioner's Court." 8. The Court of the Government Resident Agent referred to in " The Niue Island Private Debt Ordinance, 1903," shall mean " the Resident Commissioner's Court." 9. Wherever in any Ordinance made by the Niue Island Council any penalty is imposed, such penalty may be recovered in or enforced by " the Resident Commissioner's Court." 10. The jurisdiction of " the Resident Commissioner's Court" shall include the following cases : — (1.) Breach of contract, or tort. (2.) Debt. (3.) The enforcement of claims upon and the recovery of possession of some specific moveable property. (4.) The recovery of possession of tenements or property with or without arrears of rent or mesne profits. 11. " The Resident Commissioner's Court " shall have all the powers of a Magistrate's Court in New Zealand for the enforcement of its judgments given under section ten (10) hereof. 12. All agreements and other instruments between foreigners or half-castes living as Europeans and Natives of Niue shall be approved by and signed in the presence of the Resident Commissioner, and shall be registered at " the Resident Commissioner's Court." Non-compliance with these provisions shall render any agreement or other instrument as aforesaid void, and of no effect. Passed by the Niue Island Council, this eleventh day of May, one thousand nine hundred and nine. Togia, Approved. President of the Niue Island Council. H. Cornwall, Resident Commissioner, Niue. Assented to by the Governor on the 18th June, 1909. ' ' > I '

Ordinance No. 26. —The Niue Island Village By-laws Ordinance, 1909. Be it enacted by the Niue Island Council as follows : — 1. The Short Title of this Ordinance is " The Village By-laws Ordinance, 1909." 2. There shall be set up in each village a Committee for the purpose of framing by-laws for the conduct of village public affairs. 3. The Committee referred to in clause two (2) hereof shall consist of the member of the Niue Island Council, the Native Magistrate, the Native Mission Teacher, and two patus (chiefs) to be elected by the villagers. 4. No by-law shall come into operation until it has been approved by the Resident Commissioner. 5. The power to make by-laws as herein prescribed shall only apply to the following matters :— (1.) Wandering animals. (2.) Dogs. (3.) Sanitation. (4.) Disposal of the dead. (5.) Reservoirs and water-supply. (6.) Noxious weeds and plants. 6. Any breach of any by-law made under this Ordinance may be punished by a fine not exceeding three pounds (£3), or as an alternative hard labour for a term not exceeding two months. 7. All prosecutions in respect of offences committed under by-laws made under this Ordinance shall be taken in the Resident Commissioner's Court. Passed by the Niue Island Council, this eleventh day of May, one thousand nine hundred and nine. Togia, Approved. President of the Niue Island Council. H. Cornwall, Resident Commissioner, Niue. Assented to by the Governor on the 18th June, 1909.

No. 50. Cook and other Islands Administration, Wellington, 30th June, 1909. Sir, — Niue Island Village By-laws Ordinance. I have the honour to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of the 12th May last; and, in reply, to return to you the Niue Village by-laws Ordinance, duly assented to by His Excellency the Governor. I also forward one hundred copies of the Ordinance in English and Niuean. I have, &c, The Resident' Commissioner, Niue. J. Carroll.

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; : No. 51. a, Cook and other Islands Administration, Wellington, 30th June, 1909. Sir, — Niue Island Courts of Justice Ordinance. I have the honour to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of the 12th May last; and, in reply, to return to you the Niue Island Courts of Justice Ordinance, duly assented to by His Excellency the Governor. I also forward one hundred copies of the Ordinance in English and Niuean. I have, &c, The Resident Commissioner, Niue. • J. Carroll. Approximate Cost of Papt,-.— Preparation, not given ; printing (1,500 copies), £36 6s.

By Authority : John Mackay, Government Printer, Wellington.—l9o9. Price Is.]

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