9

A-—6.

does of (1.) some small pools in the forest, left from the last rain, and only a few inches deep. These pools are half a mile from the houses, and would become exhausted or dry up after a few weeks' dry weather. (2.) Two small holes about four feet wide and two and a half or three feet deep, which contain a little muddy rain-water, and would dry up very quickly. (3.) A mile and a half distant from the houses, a deep pool about forty feet across completely overhung with trees, containing water with an unpleasant taste, and in which I am informed the Samoan Natives frequently bathe, and which, as far as I can see, is the only bathing-place for the labourers themselves. lam convinced that this pool, a mile and a half distant from the houses, would be the only water-supply which could be relied on after a few months' dry weather. 12. With regard to the mortality, twenty-one persons out of one hundred and thirty-one died during five months. You state that the people were in bad health when they arrived. I can only point out to you that if that was the case, Lata was not the proper place to send them to, when no preparation had been made for their reception. Mr. Moors stated to me that the deaths only numbered thirteen. This must either have been a wilful misrepresentation, or it shows the most culpable carelessness of the well-being of the labourers committed to his charge. In either case, it shows Mr. Moors to be a person unfitted to hold such a position of responsibility and trust. 13. It now only remains forme to repeat to you what I said before leaving Lata: (1.) That Ido not consider Mr. Moors a proper person to be left in charge of the labourers. (2.) That some steps must be taken to improve the water-supply. (3.) That no woman is to be flogged, and that, whenever it is found necessary to flog a man, a full report of the case be forwarded to the Consulate. (4.) That there must be no compulsory labour on Sunday. (5.) That a ration of fresh food, such as breadfruit, taro, yams, and bananas, be served out to the labourers at least once a week. (6.) That all deaths be reported to me in writing at the earliest opportunity. And I must further point out to you the propriety of removing the sick people to Magia, where there is, I believe, a good water-supply, and where there can be no difficulty in procuring any food which may be necessary for them during their illness. I have, &c, Alfred P. Maudslay, Acting Consul and Deputy Commissioner.

List of Tapitenca immigrants who have died between 27th November, 1877, and 23rd April, 1878, on the Lata plantation, obtained from the labourers themselves : —Four men : Sekoke, Sewaahe, Supuuapa or Suvanaoa. Two boys: Naao, Kalarahe. Eleven women: Tenama, Kikora, Katico, Sawari, Teraaono, Sinegi, Terrahena, Makaura, Peopeo or Veoveo, Keo or Keeau, Kobua. Five girls : Teritaga, Teroca or Teronca, Tapai-ina, Waleke, Teharara. Total, twenty-two. Now living on the estate: fifty-one men, sixty-two women aud children; out of this number ten are in bad health.

House of Samua, of Samoa, Bth April, 1878. There was held on this day an investigation with the people of Falcula regarding the complaint of Mr. Cornwall anent the killing of two of his cows. All the chiefs of Faleula appeared, and were sworn. Said investigation commenced at 9 a.m. Then I fresh examined certain boys, who had been stealing cocoanuts and breadfruits from Mr. Cornwall's land. There were three of them, and their names were Joe, Manu, and Paie; then I asked Paie:— Judge Firrai^] Did you steal these things ? Answer of Paie.'] I desire that anyone who caught me stealing shall stand forth and prove it. Judge Firrai.~\ Atmosa, are there any witnesses ? Answer of Atmosa.] There is a witness whose name is Timoteo. Judge Firrai.] Give your evidence. Answer of Timoteo.] A Tongau teacher was going along the road, when there came down to us three boys who had been stealing breadfruit and cocoanuts; then the wife of the foreigner chased them and caught them in the road, and said to them why had they stolen these things off their land. This is my statement, which is quite true. Judge Firrai.] What is your opinion of that evidence ? Answer of Paie.] It is quite true. Judge Firrai.] Your opinion, Joe. Answer of Joe.] It is quite true. Judge Firrai.] Your opinion, Manu ? Ansiver of Manu.] It is quite true. Judge Firrai.] Has stealing nuts been forbidden by law ? Answer.] It has been indeed forbidden. Judge Firrai.] Have the chiefs and rulers of your town never had any meeting to forbid yon all from stealing. Answer.] Many meetings have been held, and stealing strictly prohibited. Then I forgave that offence. 2—A. 6.