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No. 4. (253/97.) His Excellency the Goveenob to Mr. F. J. Moss. Sic, — Government House, Wellington, 7th October, 1897. I have the honour to acknowledge the receipt of your despatch (16/97), dated the 16th September, 1897, and three enclosures. Under all the circumstances, I consider your suggestion of appointing a Commission to be the most proper course, and with this view I have communicated with the High Commissioner at Fiji, and have asked him to appoint Sir H. G. Berkeley, Kt., as Commissioner to go into the whole affairs of the Cook Islands. I have consulted my Ministers over your despatches, and we have come to the conclusion that this gentleman, from his experience, would be the best suited to receive the confidence both of the natives and of yourself; and we consider it would be advisable that he should act alone, and so not give to the natives the impression that the Court was biassed, which might be the case if you acted as a Deputy Commissioner. The adoption of this course is not intended as any censure on your part or management; on the contrary, my despatches by last mail will show you that my Ministers approve of your action. I have asked the High Commissioner to arrange, if possible, for the Commissioner to start forthwith. Until his report be received it would be premature to go into the alternative matters you propose regarding legislation. I have, &0., F. J. Moss, Esq., British Eesident, Earotonga. Ranfubly.

No. 5. His Excellency the Goveenob to Mr. F. J. Moss. (254/97.) Sib, — Government House, Wellington, New Zealand, 7th October, 1897. I have the honour to acknowledge receipt of your despatch (17/97), dated the 17th September, 1897, containing four enclosures. My answers to these are enclosed herewith, for transmitting to the petitioners. I shall certainly not depart from the usual course, receiving only through you petitions and such-like communications. Any coming out of order will be returned by my Private Secretary. I have, &c, F. J. Moss, Esq. Ranfubly.

No. 6. His Excellency the Govebnob to Mr. E. J. Moss. ( /97.) Government House, Wellington, New Zealand, The Arikis of Earotonga. 7th October, 1897. Gbeeting ! I have to acknowledge the receipt of your petition, praying for the removal of the British Eesident, Mr. Moss. I have given it, and other petitions also received by the same mail, the most careful consideration, and I fail to see any reason for such a request being made. I am, however, sending very shortly a Commissioner, who shall inquire into the whole question of your grievances. Enough. Ranfubly.

No. 7. His Excellency the Goveenob to the Cook Islands Paeliament. (254/97.) Government House, Wellington, New Zealand, 7th October, 1897. The Cook Islands Parliament. Gbeetings ! I am unable to recognise your petition, for on it I see the name of a foreigner. At the time of the proclamation of the Protectorate it was intended that the natives of the Cook Islands alone should make and administer their own laws, acting with the advice of the British Eesident. No foreigner of any nationality whatsoever must be allowed to interfere, and I can only advise you to constitute properly your General Council, as, till it is so constituted, none of its proceedings can be recognised by the British Government. Enough. Ranfubly, Governor.

No. 8. His Excellency the Goveenob to Makea Danibla V. Makea. (254/97.) Government House, Wellington, 7th October, 1897. Makea Daniela V. Makea. Geeetings ! I have received your petition, and have given it my fullest attention, and I am shortly sending a Commissioner, as requested both by the British Resident and the petitioners, to thoroughly investigate the matter. Enough. Ranfurly, Governor.

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