A.—3.

No. 198. Sir, — Ilarotonga, Cook Islands, 24th April, 1906. With reference to the erection of a shed for the fumigation of fruit, I have the honour No. 180. to inform you that I have interviewed Mr. Morrison, agent for the Union Company, with reference to a proposal by me to fit up one of the company's sheds for the purpose of fumigation. The point to be gained is not so much the reduction" in the expenditure, but it will prevent the double handling of the fruit which must take place unless the company will allow us to use their sheds for the purpose. Mr. Morrison agrees with, me that the point is of extreme importance, and he will recommend it for the consideration of the general manager. Under these circumstances I will take no action until I know the intentions of the company. I have, &c, W. E. Gudseon, Resident Commissioner. The Hon. C. H. Mills, Minister administering the Islands, Wellington.

No. 199. Sir, — Rarotonga, Cook Islands, 25th April, 1906. In reply to your letter No. 124, of the 7th instant, I have the honour to inform you that No. 187 I have instructed Mr. Connal to take all the observations possible with the instruments in our possession, and forward the results of our observations to you, and to the Superintendent of the Samoa Observatory. I have, &c, W. E. Gudgeon, Resident Commissioner. The Hon. C. H. Mills, Minister administering the Islands, Wellington.

No. 200. Sir, — Rarotonga, Cook Islands, 25th April, 1906. I have the honour to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of the 11th instant, No. 131, No. 188. containing enclosures—viz., two Warrants of appointments, W. J. Stevenson; two Warrants of appointments, Percy Brown; one Warrant of appointment, H. M. Connal. All of these have been duly handed to the above-mentioned officers. I have, &c, W. E. Gudgeon, Resident Commissioner. The Hon. the Minister administering the Islands, Wellington.

No. 201. Sir, — Cook and other Islands Administration, Wellington, Bth May, 1906. I am in receipt of your letter of the 16th April, and am glad to hear that you have been ",No. 195. so careful in your administration of the law regarding liquor in Niue. I note that you do not consider there is any necessity to amend " The Niue Island Importation of Spirituous Liquor Ordinance, 1903," at present. I have, &c, The Resident Commissioner, Niue. C. H. Mills.

No. 202. Sic, — Cook and other Islands Administration, Wellington, Bth May, 1906. I forward herewith a Warrant signed by His Excellency the Governor, appointing Mr W. J. Stevenson to be Treasurer to the Government of the Cook Islands. I have, &c, The Resident Commissioner, Rarotonga. C. H. Mills.

No. 203. Sir, — Cook and other Islands Administration, Wellington, Bth May, 1906. Your letter of the 25th January with reference to the coffee trade of the Cook Islands has No. 126. been under consideration in conjunction with certain particulars I have obtained relative to the importation of coffee into New Zealand. The matter is now being referred to Cabinet for decision as to the question of duty. I have, &c, The Resident Commissioner, Rarotonga. C. H. Mills.

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