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No. 50. Cook and other Islands Administration, Wellington, S "V - 26th August, 1903. Referring to your letter No. 23, of the sth June last, on the subject of fees charged Niue No. 19. Natives emigrating to Tonga and elsewhere, I have to inform you that' the Law Officers advise that if the fees were imposed by the Niue Council by Ordinance duly enacted they would be legal, but not otherwise. If, therefore, it is still considered necessary that the fees should be continued, you had better get the Council to pass an Ordinance for the purpose, though I think 10s. rather high. I l lilve , Ac, The Resident Agent, Niue. C. H. Mills.

No. 51. Cook and other Islands Administration, Wellington, Sir,— 28th August, 1903. tn reply to your letter No. 17, of the 6th May, I now return the draft Order in Council No. 18. for the adoption of section 50 of " The Native Land Claims Adjustment and Laws Amendment Act, 1901," which has been revised by the Law Officers, with the request that you will make the modifications you think sufficient and return it. I enclose copy of the Gazette of the 12th December, 1901, containing the regulations made under the Act referred to, to be modified as suggested, and copy of the Act, though I assume you have it already in your possession. I have, &c, The Resident Commissioner, Rarotonga. C. H. Mills.

No. 52. Cook and other Islands Administration, Wellington, Sir,-- 31st August, 1903. Memorandum for Mr. H. Cornwall, Accountant's Branch, General Post Office, Wellington. No. 49. You are hereby commissioned to proceed to Rarotonga and Niue to audit the official accounts of the Cook and other Islands Administration there, and you are authorised to inspect all Government books and papers to which you may require access in carrying out this work. C. H. Mills, Minister in Charge Cook and other Islands Administration.

No. 53. Cook and other Islands Administration, Wellington, 31st August, 1903. I have appointed Mr. H. Cornwall, an experienced auditor in the Postal Department No. 52. here, to proceed to Rarotonga and Niue for the purpose of auditing the accounts of both islands. Kindly instruct Mr. Blame and Mr. Herd to render him every assistance in going through the accounts, so that he will not be delayed any longer than is necessary. I need hardly add that I feel sure you will do everything you can to make his visit to your island a pleasant one. 1 have, &c, Colonel W. E. Gudgeon, Resident Commissioner, Rarotonga. C. H. Mills.

No. 54. Cook and other Islands Administration, Wellington, Sir,— Ist September, 1903. I have to inform you that it is my intention to introduce shortly a Niue Government Bill, which will amend the Cook and other Islands Government Act in so far that it will entirely separate the administration of Niue from Rarotonga. When the Bill is passed I will instruct you as to the necessary proceedings, and as to keeping proper accounts re duty paid on your goods in New Zealand and on Niue goods in Rarotonga. I have, &c, Colonel W. E. Gudgeon, Resident Commissioner, Rarotonga. C. H. Mills.

No. 55. Cook and other Islands Administration, Wellington, Sir,— Ist September, 1903. In further reference to 3'our letter of the sth June, I do not care for the idea of charging Nos. 19 & these fees of 4s. and 10s. when Natives leare the island, as it does not seem to be in harmony with 50. the laws and customs of this colony. At the same time I must leave it to your judgment as to whether the practice should be continued for the present, as you must understand better than I can whether it is really necessary or not. If the ancient law you refer to which precludes women leaving the island is still in force it should be repealed, as under no circumstances should a man's wife be detained against her will when her husband is leaving, I have, <fee, C. F. Maxwell, Esq., Resident Agent, Niue, C. H. Mills,

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