A.—3a

2

The " Bichmond " will leave while I am away, and I shall not be able to write further by her. I have, &c, Fbedebick J. Moss, British Eesident. His Excellency the Earl of Onslow, G.C.M.G., Governor of New Zealand.

Enclosure No. 1. To the Arikis, Chiefs, and people of the Protectorate of the Cook Islands. The Proclamation of His Excellency the Earl of Onslow, Governor of New Zealand, has informed you of my appointment as British Eesident for the Protectorate of the Cook Islands. I have this day entered upon the duties of the position, and my office will be at Avarua, in the Island of Barotonga. You will continue to make your own laws, and to carry on your own government, but no new laws will be recognised by Her Majesty Queen Victoria until approved and signed by me as British Besident. In the performance of this and the other important duties which now devolve upon me, my only object will be to aid you in governing justly and wisely for the promotion of your own welfare and the welfare of your children, and for the advance in civilisation and prosperity of your fertile and beautiful islands. I ask you to place full confidence in me, and when you are in doubt or difficulty to listen to no tales, but to let me know frankly what your thoughts may be. My life has been spent in the work of government among my own people, and the experience thus gained will, I hope, enable me now to do good for you, Fbedebick J. Moss, British Besident. Avarua, Barotonga, 22nd April, 1891.

Enclosure No. 2. Public Notification. To the Foreign Besidents in the Protectorate of the Cook Islands. I hebeby notify that I have this day assumed the duties of British Besident, and that my office will, for the present, be at the Besidency in Avarua. My instructions from His Excellency the Governor of New Zealand (dated 25th February) were published in Auckland on the 2nd March, and have, I find, been well circulated among you. Those who have not seen them may do so by calling at my office. You will observe that the natives are to govern themselves, and that I am to advise and assist them in governing with justice and wisdom. It will be equally my duty to guard the just rights and interests of foreigners of all nationalities resident in the group. No new laws will be valid unless approved and countersigned by the British Besident, but all which are now properly established will remain in force. By permission of Mr. Exham, late Acting British Consul, the Post Office will continue at his office till permanent arrangements can be made by the Native Government. Mr. J. H. Gamier has also consented to act as temporary Postmaster. I thank you for the cheerful and ready obedience paid to the Liquor Law of the 24th December, 1890. His Excellency the Governor and the people of New Zealand are watching with interest the operation of this law which I am glad to find has so far answered the most sanguine hopes of success. It is well that all should clearly understand that no modification of this law in the direction of licensed houses, for the sale of liquor to be drunk upon the premises, will, under any circumstances, be permitted. I trust that the same willing obedience to the law may continue to characterise the foreign residents. It will be your best and most triumphant reply to those who have at various times so ignorantly misrepresented you in other countries. Feedeeick J. Moss, British Eesident. Avarua, Earotonga, 22nd April, 1891.

No. 2. Mr. F. J. Moss to His Excellency the Goveenob. My Loed,— Earotonga, 29th April, 1891. I have the honour to inform your Excellency that I find universal agreement, on my arrival here, as to the excellent working of the liquor law passed on the 24th December last. The sobriety of the island cannot be questioned, and the impartiality and effectiveness of Mr. Garnier's administration of the law have gained the.confidence of the people. I have informed that gentleman of the thanks which your Excellency desired me to convey to him. I find that only four bottles of liquor of all kinds have been issued to natives since the law has been in force (15th January). I have, &c, Feedebick J. Moss, British Eesident. His Excellency the Earl of Onslow, G.C.M.G., Governor of New Zealand, Wellington.