A.—3.

Atiu, &c, Ordinance of 1899. Section 26 (sales and gifts) is superseded as to sales by the New Zealand Act, but stands as to gifts. Section 28 (manufacture of orange-beer or other intoxicating liquor) is superseded by section 24 of the New Zealand Act. Nine Ordinance of 1903. Section 2 (importation of liquor) stands, but applies only to private importations under section 21 of the Act. Section 3 (importation of spirituous liquor by Natives) stands. Consequently Natives cannot import spirituous liquors into Niue under section 21 of the Act. The section does not apply to fermented liquors. Section 4 (sales, barter, or gift of spirituous liquor to Natives): This section is superseded as to sales by the New Zealand Act, but stands as to barter or gift. Here also the section does not appty to fermented liquors. Section 6 (bringing liquor on shore) stands except in cases where, under the Act, liquor is imported for the Government. 7. Matters would be much simplified if the Ordinances were brought into line with the New Zealand Act. 8. In drawing the regulations under the Act regard should be had to the provisions of the Ordinances. Feed. Fitchett Solicitor-General. Crown Law Offices, 15th January, 1906.

No. 122. ' Sir, — Cook and other Islands Administration, Wellington, 20th January, 1906. I enclose a copy of a letter that has been received from the Samoa Observatorium, Apia, asking whether New Zealand will be prepared to co-operate with the Observatory in the study of hurricanes by establishing a meteorological-station at Rarotonga. I am replying, stating that steps will be taken to establish such a station, and I shall be glad to hear what arrangements you can make for having the observations taken, and also what instruments, if any, you have at present. The letter mentions only a mercurial barometer, apparently leaving the wind observations to be taken without the aid of an instrument. It may be deemed advisable, however, to have the station equipped with an anemometer and barograph, as well as a barometer and thermometer, as the Meteorological Department here will be very glad to receive reports from your island. In the meantime you might take observations as to the direction and force of the wind as best you can, as the Superintendent of the Samoa Observatory would like to have reports for this season. I have, &c, The Resident Commissioner, Rarotonga. C. H. Mills.

Enclosure. Samoa Observatorium. Sir, — Apia, Samoa, 18th December, 1905. The Samoa Observatorium, as the sole observatory in the South Seas, considers it as its Suty to encourage the study of hurricanes. lam requested, therefore, by Dr. Linke, the Superintendent of the Observatory, to inquire whether you would be willing to co-operate with the Observatory by establishing a meteorological station at Rarotonga. The observation would consist in observing daily at stated hours barometer (mercurial), direction and force of wind. The expenses need not be large, as good barometers (Kew marine pattern) can be purchased in England for £4 ss. It would be of great advantage if some of the suggested stations could be already in workingorder during the coming hurricane season. All reports and publications bearing on the observations will, of course, be furnished to you. In conclusion, we beg to inform you that we have proposed to His Excellency the High Commissioner of the Western Pacific the establishment of stations in Fiji and the Gilbert and Ellice Group, a proposal to which His Excellency has agreed, and also that observations will be made for us at Fanning and Christmas Islands. I have, &c, G. Hbimbrod, Magnetic Department, Carnegie Institution, Assistant pro tern. Samoa Observatorium. The Right Hon. R. J. Seddon, P.C.

No. 123. Sir, — Cook and other Islands Administration, Wellington, 20th January, 1906. I forward herewith notices- taking land as under, duly signed by His Excellency the Governor: (1) Government Buildings, <fee, 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. I have, <fee, The Resident Commissioner, Rarotonga. C, H, Mills.

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