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what the settlement is likely to be. But there is no need for present action, and time will soften the feeling that still prevails. In this respect I have to express my sense of the tone taken by the proprietor of the Torea newspaper, who has avoided discussion or comment, that could not have done good, and might, with an ignorant Maori people, have done much harm. The excellent feeling shown by Judge Tepou and the Tupe branch of the Ariki family of Takitumu has also been marked, and of great service. I have, &c, Frederick J. Moss, His Excellency the Earl of Glasgow, G.C.M.G., British Besident. Governor of New Zealand, &c.

Enclosure No. 1. [Extract from the Torea, 9th November, 1895.] Arikis' Council. The Arikis' Council met as the Upper House of the Barotonga Council to consider the laws passed by the House of the People. The following business was done : — 1. Present: Makea, Tinomana, and Karika, Arikis. 2. Tepou o te Bangi was requested by the Arikis to act as Chairman. 3. The "Public Schools Act, 1895," was passed, with an amendment that the expenditure should not exceed at the rate of £400 per annum instead of £200 for the six months. This amendment was made in order to carry on the expenditure beyond the end of June next and until the Council shall meet again in 1896. The reports Nos. 1, 2, and 3of the People's House on education were also adopted. 4. The " Building Act, 1895," was passed. This provides that buildings put up within 15ft. of existing roads shall be at the owner's risk if the roads are hereafter widened, and shall not receive compensation. 5. " Land for Public Purposes Act, 1895," was passed. This provides how compensation for such land shall be awarded when required for public purposes. 6. " Appropriation Act, 1895-96 " was passed. 7. Letter from British Besident respecting security of future title to land was read, and it was resolved will give full consideration to the subject named. 8. The following report, drawn up by Vakatini and Teariki Taraare, on the mode of election and of installation of Arikis according to the established Maori custom, was read:— " Report on the Succession of Arikis : the Mode of Election and of Installation. " Only upon the death of an Ariki is it settled who is to succeed to the title. " It is the business of the priests (kau-taungas) and the mataiapos of Barotonga to select the proper person to succeed the deceased Ariki, and such selection is to be made only from the nearest relations of the Ariki deceased, and they are to declare the same publicly. " Should any new Ariki be chosen without the other Arikis, priests, and mataiapos of all the districts being present at the meeting, it must be proven satisfactorily to them that the one chosen is a near relative of the deceased Ariki. If it be not so proven, the Arikis, the priests, and the mataiapos from every part of Barotonga shall meet together in one place, and it shall be for them to decide who is to be the new Ariki. It must be clearly shown that the new Ariki is the hereditary descendant in a direct line. " The last words of a dying Ariki (will) : An Ariki may wish to appoint a successor on his or her death-bed. After the Ariki's death, these words shall be carefully considered, and if it is found that the party named as a successor is the proper heir, such words shall be confirmed, not otherwise. "It is not the custom for a living Ariki to name another person to take his or her position as Ariki, and such appointment is not valid without the full knowledge and consent of the Arikis, chiefs, and priests of all other districts. " The priest (taunga) who shall anoint any new Ariki is named Teariki Taraare who is Potikitaua. " Vakatini, " sth November, 1895." " Teaeiki Taraare. During the discussion a letter addressed by Kainuku Ariki to the chief of the Barotonga Government was handed to the Chairman by Tinomana Ariki and read by him. Letter as follows :— " Ngatangiia, Bth November, 1895. " To the Chief of the Barotonga Government. " Salutations ! I have to inform you that I will not attend the meeting, as I believe it is to be a meeting of trouble. My reason for saying it will be a meeting of trouble is that only one of the Arikis of Takitumu has been written for. One Ariki's name does not appear. "Sufficient. "Kainuku Ariki, one Head of Takitumu." The following resolutioiy was unanimously adopted: " That the Arikis' Council agree with the report of Vakatini and Teariki Taraare, and affirm it as a true statement of the old and unbroken Maori law and practice. That, with reference to the letter of Kainuku Ariki, the Council sent the notice to Kainuku alone because the Arikis of Barotonga cannot and will not agree to any one Ariki setting aside the old laws and customs without the consent of all."