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but if any person resident in New Zealand becomes afflicted, either mentally or physically, he is entitled to the care and treatment of our mental and other hospitals; and the Government or Hospital Boards, while glad to receive any contributions that friends or others may be able to make, do not claim any right to demand payment, I think, therefore, that you have good grounds for repudiating the claim made by the Governor of Tahiti for a refund of the expense incurred on behalf of Ranioro. If Ranioro has friends in Niue I could, if necessary, communicate with them through the Resident Commissioner there; but I trust that the French authorities at Papeete will see their way, on the ground of reciprocity, to render this unfortunate Niiiean such assistance as he requires without insisting on payment of the expense involved. I shall feel obliged if you will let me know how the matter stands, and advise me whether any further action is necessary to insure that the patient is properly cared for. I have, &c, C. H. Mills. R. T. Simons, Esq., British Consul for the Society Islands, Papeete, Tahiti.

No. 75. Sir, — British Consulate, Tahiti, 6th September, 1906. In acknowledging with thanks the receipt of your communication of the 4th ultimo, I have the honour to report for yojur information that, in consequence of the facts therein disclosed, the Governor of this colony has courteously decided to reciprocate by succouring gratuitously any indigent Natives of the various islands under the administration of the New Zealand Government who may become either mentally or physically afflicted whilst residing in these possessions. Accordingly, His Excellency has withdrawn his application for reimbursement of the expenses incurred by the Papeete Hospital authorities on behalf of the Niue-Islauder, Ranioro, who, I regret to state, died from the effects of his malady on the 22nd of last month. With reference to the concluding paragraph of my letter No. 6, of the 20th June, I have since ascertained that a few Niue-Islanders are residing on this island in the district of Papara. I have, &c, The Hon. the Minister in Charge of Cook and other Islands R. T. Simons. Administration, &c, New Zealand.

No. 76. Sir, — Cook and other Islands Administration, Wellington, 2nd October, 1906. I have the honour to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of the 6th September, reporting that the Governor of Tahiti has withdrawn his application for reimbursement of the expenses incurred by the Papeete Hospital authorities on behalf of a Native of Niue Island named Ranioro. I have to thank you for your good offices in the matter, :ind I shall be obliged if you will inform His Excellency that the Government of New Zealand fully appreciates his courtesy, and desires to thank him for deciding to gratuitously succour any indigent Natives of the various islands under our administration whilst residing in the French possessions. I have, &c, James McGowan, Minister in Charge of the Cook Islands. R. T. Simons, Esq., British Consul for the Society Islands, Papeete, Tahiti.

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