146

A.—4

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, Sawaahc, Supuuapa or Suvanaoa. Two boys: Naao, Kalarahe. Eleven women: Tenama, Kikora, Katico, Sawari, Teraaono, Sinegi, Terrahena, Makaura, Peopco or Veoveo, Kco or Kceau, Kobua. Five girls: Teritaga, Teroca or Teronca, Tapai-ina, Waleke, Tcharara. Total, twepty-two. Now living on the estate : Fifty-one men, sixty-two women and children ; out of this number ten are in bad health.

IX.—Navigator Islands. Native Labourers

House of Samua, of Samoa, Bth April, 1878. Thebe was held on this day an investigation with the people of Faleula 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.n Then I fresh examined certain boys, who had been stealing cocoanuts and bread-fruit 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 any one who caught mo 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 Tongan teacher was going along the road, when there came down to us three boys who had been stealing bread-fruit 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 ? Answer 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 you all from stealing ? Answer.] Many meetings have been held, and stealing strictly prohibited. Then I forgave that offence. Then I attended to the investigation regarding the cows.. Judge Firrai, to the Chiefs of Faleula.] Do any of you know who killed that cow ? Answer of Chiefs.] We have no idea who did it. Judge Firrai.] Is there no one who has heard any report about it, or who can give any evidence on the subject ? . Answer of Chiefs.] There are none. Judge Firrai.] Very well; if any one confesses afterwards when you are put upon your oath, I pity that individual, for ho will be very severely punished. It is better to confess now, before you are put on your oath. Judge Firrai.) Have you any evidence on the subject? Answer.] The following is the evidence of Tupai, which he repeated to me, viz.: That he saw Tamaeliu chasing the cows into the bush. Then the wife of Atmosa went back with Tupai, and drove back the cows near the seaside; then the cow was led to the house, and it was extremely weak, and blood was flowing from its mouth and nostrils. Judge Firrai.] Did you not strike the animal, or stone it ? Tamaeliu.] Not at all; only chased it gently, Judge Firrai.] Are you sure you did not stone it ? Answer.] It is true I did stone it. Judge Firrai.] It was probably you who caused the death of the animal. Answer.] I am sure I do not know. Judge Firrai, to the Faleula Chiefs.] What is your opinion on this matter ? I think the animal died through the doings of Tamaeliu. Then all the chiefs of Faleula replied : It is our opinion that it was on account of what Tamaeliu did that the animal died. Judge Firrai, to Tamaeliu.] It appears indeed to have been you who caused the death of the animal. Answer.] Quite true ;it was probably what I did that caused its death. The following are the names of the chiefs of Faleula who were present: In Mr. Cornwall's employ, Atmosa, Timoteo, Loan, Saialu, Mala, Vae, and twenty-seven others.

No. 2. The Administbatoe of the Government to the Eight Hon. Sir M. E. Hicks Beach. (No. 9.) Sie, — Government House, Wellington, New Zealand, Ist March, 1879. In reply to your Despatch No. 50, of the 18th October last, I have the honour to inform you that my Government will, in compliance with the request therein contained, forward as soon as possible to Messrs. McArthur and Co. of Auckland, a copy of that Despatch and its enclosures. 2. I enclose also printed copies of a memorandum by Sir George Grey, which I have the honour to transmit to you at the request of my Government. 3. I have not thought it necessary to make any observations on the matters referred to in this memorandum, other than to remark that some immediate action is expedient, with a view to giving jurisdiction to the Courts of this colony over British subjects committing grave offences in the Pacific Islands beyond the jurisdiction of this colony. I have, &c. The Eight Hon. Sir Michael Hicks Beach. James Pbendekgast.

Enclosure. Memorandum for His Excellency. Sib Geobge Grey presents Ix3 compliments to the Marquis of Normanby, and respectfully advises His Excellency to forward to the Secretary of State for the Colonies the memorandum of which copies are enclosed, upon Sir Michael Hicks Beach's Despatch No. 50, of 18th October, 1878, covering reports respecting alleged cruelties to Polynesian labourers in the Navigator Islands. Wellington, 15th February, 1879. G. Geey.