A.—3.

I might say that Colonel Gudgeon, the Resident Commissioner for the Cook Islands, agrees with the above recommendations, and should you agree to them, I would suggest that the change take effect from the Ist April, 1906. The Government offices at Mangaia are centrally situated, and in every way suitable for a post-office. I have, &c, The Chief Postmaster, Auckland. ■ W. J. Stevenson, Postmaster.

No. 106. Sir, — Niue Island Administration, Niue, 4th January, 1906. I have the honour to acknowledge the receipt of your letter No. 323, dated the 20th October, 1905. Your view of the position that " the European residents in Niue have no vested interest in the island in any way " is perfectly correct, and I doubt whether they can reasonably claim representation on the Council. I beg to suggest that the simplest mode of dealing with the matter would be for the Resident Commissioner to be empowered to convene a meeting of the white residents when required. The draft of any ftiture Ordinance likely to affect them could then be submitted to a committee, and anything deemed inexpedient might be pointed out by them with a view to its elimination before being passed by the Council. I think this course would meet the circumstances, and there would then be no ground for ignorance of the subject-matter of any Ordinance on the part of the European residents. I have, &c, C. F. Maxwell, Resident Commissioner. The Hon. C. H. Mills, Wellington.

No. 83.

No. 107. Sir, — Cook and other Islands Administration, Wellington, 9th January, 1906. I have to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of the Ist December, forwarding draft notices taking land for (1) Government Buildings, &c, Omoka, Penrhyn; (2) Courthouse at Tukao, Manihiki; (3) Courthouse at Tauhunu, Manihiki; (4) Landing-place at Tauhunu, Manihiki; (5) Flagstaff Reserve at Tauhunu, Manihiki; (6) Council Chambers and Courthouse, Rakahanga. Notices have been forwarded to His Excellency the Governor for signature, and I hope to be able to post them to you for publication by this mail. I have, &c, The Resident Commissioner, Rarotonga. C. H. Mills.

No. 96.

No. 108. Sir, — Cook and other Islands Administration, Wellington, 9th January, 1906. I have to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of the Ist October, forwarding return of exports from Niue for the quarter ending the 30th September, 1905. lam pleased to note such a substantial increase in the value of goods exported as compared with the figures for the corresponding quarter of the previous year. The increase in the output of copra is very satisfactory, and I have no doubt that before long the hat trade will have regained its former position as one of the leading industries of the island. I have, &c, The Resident Commissioner, Niue. C. H Mills.

No. 74.

No. 109. g 1B; Cook and other Islands Administration, Wellington, 9th January, 1906. I have to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of the 15th December, with reference to certain comments made regarding the Native passenger trade carried on by the "Countess of Ranfurly." I am glad to have your statement on this matter, and shall take steps to have the facts made known. I have, &c, Captain Champion, " Countess of Ranfurly,'•' Auckland. . C. H. Mills.

No. 99.

(3-A. 3.

45