A.—3.

The cost of working I am not able to give, except to say that a really first-class officer should be in charge. His salary would probably be about £300. He would also probably require for at least the first year or,two a good white labourer. Colonel Gudgeon would be able to state what Native labour is available, and cost. To this would have to be added the cost of fencing, a few cheap shelters for young plants, sheds, &c. I am sorry I am unable to give you actual figures as to cost, but have no doubt Colonel Gudgeon could supply these without much trouble. The expenditure for trees, &c, would, of course, be heaviest in the first year; but the whole area need not be planted at onee —the work could be spread over several seasons, and the expenditure would not be great in any one year. The cost, outside salaries of white officers, would probably not be more than from £100 to £150 per annum, and this, after the first year or so, could be reduced by the sale to intending planters of nursery stock, &c, and subsequently by the produce of the plantations. If Colonel Gudgeon cannot supply particulars asked for, I will make detailed inquiry, and communicate with you again. T. W. Kirk, Biologist.

No. 65. Sib, — Cook and other Islands Administration, Wellington, 16th September, 1905. I have to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of the 15th August, stating that you had advised Mr. H. Williams, of Manihiki, and Captain Nagle, of Penrhyn, that they would now perform the duties of Judges in their respective islands, in accordance with the provisions of section 5 of " The Cook and other Islands Government Act Amendment Act, 1904." I expect I shall hear from you in dvie course as to the election of Island Councils in Mauke and Mitiaro, and I assume you will take action with regard to the Palmerston Island Council also when opportunity offers. I have &c, The Resident Commissioner, Rarotonga. C. H. Mills.

No. 39,

No. 66. Sib,- — Cook and other Islands Administration, Wellington, 18th September, 1905. I forward herewith Federal Ordinances Nos. 14, 15, and 16 (" Immigrants and Vagrancy Ordinance, 1904," "Public Health Ordinance, 1904," and "High Court Ordinance, 1904"), and Ordinance No. 5 of the Rarotonga Island Council (" Rarotonga Regulations* Ordinance, 1904 "), all duly assented to by His Excellency the Governor. I have, &c, The Resident Commissioner, Rarotonga. C. H. Mills.

See A.-S, 1905, No. 84

No. 67. Sib, — Cook and other Islands Administration, Wellington, 25th September, 1905. I have to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of the loth August, and approve of the system you have adopted with respect to lands acquired under section 3 of the Cook and other Islands Government Act Amendment Act of last year—viz., continuing the payment to the owners of the rent provided for in the lease, pending the decision of the question of compensation when that arises. Two of the notices you have forwarded lately—viz., those taking land for a road at Mangaia, and for roads at Avarua—were not accompanied by any explanatory letter. It will be as well in every case where land is to be taken to send with your draft notice some particulars as to the purpose for which it is required, with a reference to any attendant circumstances that may be worthy of mention. I have, &c, The Resident Commissioner, Rarotonga. C. H. Mills.

No. 38.

No. 68. Cook and other Islands Administration. Wellington, 25th September, 1905. I have to acknowledge receipt of your letter of the 10th July, with a Return of Imports into Niue for the quarter ending the 30th June last. I note your observation as to the falling-off of the amounts of imports, and also as to the amount of Customs duties collected on the island. I have, &c, The Resident Commissioner, Niue. C. H. Mills.

No. 19,

4—A. 3.

27