A.—6

40

extradition was wrong in the absence of a treaty with the Cook Islands. Taati was thus shaken in his intention to surrender himself voluntarily; but Makea, as Chief of the Government, remained firm, under my advice, and he was accordingly sent by the " Eichmond " on the 29th, in charge of an agent of the Cook Islands Government. I enclose, for your Excellency's information, a letter written by Makea to the Governor of Tahiti, which fully explains the position taken up by her in the case. The Ariki Parua has been fined in the sum of 380 dollars, and is not to be recognised as an Ariki till the fine be paid. The fine includes the cost of the second charter of the Native schooner and other outlay caused by her resistance to the law, and will, I have little doubt, be paid in good time. Trusting that the course taken in this, the first application for extradition, will meet with your Excellency's approval. I have, &c, Feedeeick J. Moss. His Excellency the Earl of Glasgow, G.C.M.G., Governor of New Zealand.

Enclosure. Teanslation of Queen Makea's Lettee. Sic,— Earotonga, 29th May, 1893. I received your Excellency's letter of the Bth April, asking that Taati a Tavi should be sent to Tahiti to be tried for forgery. Many people from different countries have thus come to the Cook Islands to seek refuge among the Maori, but this is the first time we have been asked to send any back to his own place. The law of the Maori does not put guilty persons into gaol, like the law of France, and many other countries. He who does wrong to another is fined, and also compelled to make full restitution. Taati a Tavi is married to a woman of Atiu, and it was among her people that he took refuge in these islands. I speak of these things that your Excellency may understand how sore are the hearts of the relations of the wife of Taati, and of the Maori people, at the thought of his being taken from his wife and child, and, if found guilty, of being put into gaol for many years, or perhaps, sent to New Caledonia. Willingly would they pay back the 2,000 francs if he took them; but that, I am informed, the law of France would not allow. In my desire to do what is thought right in England, and to do our duty as neighbours of Tahiti, I directed the Judge of the Supreme Court of the Federation to cause Taati to be brought before him, and to hear what he might have to say. After so doing, to make a report to me giving his opinion whether Taati should be put on his trial for the offence charged against him. Taati was sent for accordingly from Atiu and brought before the Court. The Judge has reported to me that it is not necessary for him to give any opinion, as Taati has decided himself to go back and be tried in Tahiti. There is no gaol or other place to keep Taati securely, and he is waiting to be sent by the " Eichmond " to Tahiti in charge of an officer of the Court, Eaeu, who will see that he surrenders himself to the authority appointed by your Excellency in Tahiti. I have only to ask your Excellency one favour. If Taati is found guilty, be as merciful to him as your law allows. The friends of his wife, and the Maori people, are in great grief lest he should be imprisoned for a long time and thus be separated from her and from his child, who may then see him no more. From your friend, Makea, Ariki, Chief of the Government of the Cook Islands. To the Governor of the French Islands, Papeete.

No. 24. Mr. F. J. Moss to His Excellency the Goveenoe. My Loed,— British Eesidency, Earotonga, 7th July, 1893. I have the honour to acknowledge the receipt of Your Excellency's despatch of 10th June, respecting the projected quartering of the Union-jack upon the Federal flag for the Cook Islands. Your Excellency's suggestion as to the mode of making the shield and device rendera its adoption quite practicable, and will, I have no doubt, be at once agreed toby the Parliament. The eight coloured copies shall then be sent as requested. I have, &c, Feedeeick J. Moss, His Excellency the Earl of Glasgow, G.C.M.G., British Eesident. Governor of New Zealand.

No. 25. Mr. F. J. Moss to His Excellency the Goveenoe. My Loed,— British Eesidency, Earotonga, 7th July, 1893. Eeferring to my Despatch No. 8/93 (7th June), I have the honour to inform Your Excellency that the Ariki Parua, of Atiu, has paid $200 towards the fine of $380 imposed upon her for disobeying the order of the Supreme Court in connection with the extradition of Taati a Tavi, at the request of the Government of Tahiti, and has promised to pay the balance in a short time. I have, &c, Feedeeick J. Moss, His Excellency the Earl of Glasgow, G.C.M.G., British Eesident. Governor of New Zealand.