A.—3.

If it is decided to try the experiment, we would propose to offer the "Wainui," Which would have a capacity for 500 tons, exclusive of coal for the voyage, to make a trip each four weeks for three months from Rarotonga to Wellington; and for this service I estimate that we should require a subsidy of £500 per trip to cover cost. I make this proposal for the purpose of bringing the matter before you in a formal shape, and shall be glad if it will serve as a basis for negotiations. I have, &c, James Mills, Managing Director. The Hon. C. H. Mills, Minister of Customs, Wellington.

No. 152. Sir, — Rarotonga, Cook Islands, 6th March, 1906. I have the honour to forward herewith two Ordinances for the approval of His Excellency the Governor. No. 1, the Village Regulation Ordinance of 1905, has already been before you, and was returned to me in your letter No. 326, of the 18th October, 1905, approving certain amendments that have now been made. Ido not like the Ordinance in many respects: it is inquistorial and tyrannical, and of the same type as the old mission laws; but as it is clear that the Island Council do like it I offer no objection, and recommend the approval of His Excellency. No. 2, the Mangaia Regulations Ordinance: The punishments are excessive for such small offences, and I would suggest that 10s. should be the highest fine for such small breaches of a mere village Ordinance. With your approval this amendment could be made in New Zealand. I have never found good results from severe fines or punishments. I have, &c, W. E. Gudgeon, Resident Commissioner. The Hon. C. H. Mills, Minister administering the Islands, Wellington.

Enclosures. Mangaia Local Ordinance No. 1. —Village Regulation Ordinance, 1905. Be it enacted by the Island Council of Mangaia: — 1. The Short Title of this Ordinance is " The Mangaia Village Regulation Ordinance, 1905." 2. A curfew bell or gong shall be sounded in each of the Mangaia villages at 9 p.m. every evening, after which bell all beating of drums and other loud noises shall cease, and the villagers retire to their houses : Provided always that this section shall not be deemed to apply to those who have a valid excuse for being abroad after 9 p.m. : Provided also that the President of the Island Council may grant permission to any " tarekareka " or entertainment to be extended to midnight. 3. It shall be the duty of the police to see that the provisions of this Ordinance are strictly observed. Any person offending against the provisions of section two, or obstructing the police in the execution of their duty, shall be liable on conviction to a fine not exceeding twenty shillings, and in default of payment to twenty days' hard labour. 4. Except with the permission of the President of the Island Council, no human corpse shall be buried in any place other than a burial-ground recognised by the Native inhabitants as such, or reserved or set apart by them or some duly constituted authority as a burial-ground, nor in less than twenty-four hours from the time of apparent death. Any person infringing this section shall be liable on conviction to a penalty not exceeding twenty shillings or twenty days' hard labour. 5. Any person found playing for money, whether by cards or any other game, shall be liable on conviction to a penalty not exceeding twenty shillings. Any owner or occupier of a house or premises situate in any village who shall permit or allow gambling or playing for money in such house or upon such premises shall be liable to the same penalty. 6. The President of the Island Council may by notice in writing direct the owner or occupier of any house or other building in a dirty or unwholesome state to clean or cause the same to be cleaned within a time to be specified in such notice. And if after the service of such notice upon him any person shall refuse or neglect to comply with such notice he shall be liable to a penalty not exceeding twenty shillings or twenty days' hard labour. For the purposes of this section the President of the Island Council, or any person duly authorised by him, may inspect any house or premises in the presence of the owner thereof. 7. No nightsoil, refuse, or offensive rubbish shall be cast or deposited or allowed to flow into any spring, stream, or watercourse used as a water-supply by the inhabitants of the island. All refuse as aforesaid shall be buried in the earth without delay. Any offender against this section shall be liable to a fine not exceeding twenty shillings or twenty days' hard labour. 8. Except with the permission of the President of the Island Council no guns shall be fired within the limits of any Native village between the hours of 9 p.m. and 6 a.m. Any offender against the provision of this section shall be liable to a penalty not exceeding ten shillings or ten days' hard labour.

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