33

A.—3

The imports and exports of specie since 1891—the first year of federation and regular government in these islands —have been as follow:—

Showing an excess of imports during this period of 37,771 dollars and £1,387 in British coin. Small sums in both currencies must have been from time to time imported and exported without entry, but on the whole the above figures will be sufficiently correct for all practical purposes. There is reason to believe that much of the surplus, especially British gold coin, is hoarded by Natives and Chinamen in the various Cook Islands, as it is seldom seen in ordinary use. It is well to state that, appreciating this difficulty, two months' credit is given by the Government to all resident and established importers for duties payable by them. This enables them to import the British coin from New Zealand if necessary. Feedeeick J. Moss, His Excellency the Earl of Glasgow, G.C.M.G., British Resident. Governor of New Zealand, &c.

Table I.—Report of Shipping at the Port of Rarotonga (Cook Islands) for the Year ending 31st December, 1896, with Comparative Statement for 1893, 1894, 1895.

Table II.—Exports from Cook Islands for the Year ending 31st December, 1896, with Comparative Statement for 1893, 1894, 1895.

5—A. 3.

Im iorts. Exports. Dollars. British Coin. Dollars. British Coin. 1891-92 1892-93 1893-94 1894-95 1895-96 September, 1896 December, 1896, quarter 4,689 19,203 23,551 10,919 23,973 6,019 7,914 £ 1,026 228 50 200 8,600 4,203 13,100 7,475 9,000 6,019 10,100 £ 94 23 Exports 96,268 58,497 1,504 117 58,497 117 Balance... 37,771 1,387

Inwards. Outwards. Sailing. Steam. Men-of-War. 'otal. Sailing. S1 ieam. Men-of-War. Tons. No. Tons. Total. No. Tons. No. Tons. No. Tons. No. Tons. No. Tons. No. Tons. No. British American French Cook Islands 24 2,047 2 247 1 56 33 2,257 60 4,607 65 4,524 57 3,510 60 4,392 46 30,538 2 1,610 72 2 1 33 34,195 247 56 2,257 25 2 1 35 | 2,264 247 56 2,374 '46 30,538 2 1,610 73 2 1 35 34,412 247 56 2,374 Totals 1896 46 30,538 2 1,610 108 36,755 21,940 20,299 19,013 63 4,941 46 30,538 17,416 14,628 13,816 2 j 1,610 ! ! illl 37,089 1895 1894 1893 27 23 22 17,416 14,628 13,816 2 1 2,161 805 92 82 83 64 56 60 4,410 3,432 4,450 27 23 22 2 ' 2,161| 1 : 805 I I 91 81 83 21,826 20,221 19,071

Exported to 1896. 1895. I 1894. 1893. Jew Zealand ... 'ahiti ian Francisco ... 'enrhyn, Manihitu, and other islands £ ■ 15,297 1,378 145 3,889 £ 17,814 2,324 £ 15,906 4,759 £ 14,256 5,361 1,792 1,293 1,219 20,709 21,930 21,958 20,836