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MEMOEANDUM. Cook and Other Islands Administration, Wellington, 30th September, 1911. The annual reports of the Resident Commissioners at Earotonga and Niue are attached hereto, with the usual selection from the official correspondence. The trade of the Islands continues to show considerable increase, as will be seen by the figures furnished by the Resident Commissioners. The revenue has been well maintained, and due regard has been paid to economy in expenditure. Various public works have been carried out, and particulars will be found in the reports. Good progress has been made with the boat-passage through the reef at Mangaia, and the result so far is said to have given satisfaction. On the Ist of May the death of Makea Takau Ariki occurred at her residence at Avarua, and her loss will be greatly felt, not only by the Natives but also by the Administration, to whom she was always a good friend and loyal supporter. Medical Attendance. The report of the Resident Commissioner at Rarotonga shows that the services of Dr. Perceval, who was appointed Chief Medical Officer, have been largely sought by the Natives. The services of a temporary Assistant Medical Officer have been obtained to enable the Chief Medical Officer to visit the outlying islands, and it is hoped that before long a permanent appointment will be made. A Medical Officer has also been appointed at Niue, but it is found difficult to secure the services of medical men willing to go to these distant and isolated islands. Education. The question of the Government of New Zealand taking over the education system of the Cook Islands is now receiving my careful consideration. At Niue a change of masters has hampered matters a little, but with the appointment of Mr. W. C. Smith good progress should be shown. Census. A census of the population was taken at the same time as the census in New Zealand, and the figures so far as available have already been presented to Parliament. Owing to the books for Niue having gone astray, the census was not taken in that island ; but a fresh supply having now been forwarded, the census will be taken in due course. J. Carroll.

Mr. Waldegrave to the Hon. Minister in Charge of the Islands. Cook and Other Islands Administration, Wellington, 30th July, 1911. Memorandum for the Hon. the Minister in Charge of the Cook Islands Administration. I have the honour to report that I left Auckland on the 3rd June last, and arrived at Rarotonga on Friday the 10th. On. the following day I met the members of the Council, and invited them to fix a day on which the messages I brought from His Excellenc}; , the Governor and the Government of New Zealand should be delivered. They fixed the following Tuesday, and on that day I delivered the messages in the presence of the Council and a large assemblage of Natives. The Natives were very gratified to receive these messages, as it showed, they said, that they were not forgotten by the authorities in New Zealand. The following is a note of the proceedings : — Notes of Meeting at Avarua, Rarotonga, 14th June, 1911. Mr. Waldegrave. —Chiefs and people of Rarotonga, Greetings to you. I am here to-day as the representative of the Government of New Zealand. lam sent here to make your acquaintance, to listen to your views and opinions, and to see what can be done regarding your well-being. His Excellency the Governor of New Zealand has given me a message to you condoling with you on the death of Makea Ariki. It is as follows :— "To the Arikis, the Mataiapos, the Rangatiras, and the people of Rarotonga : Greetings. " This is the word of the Governor of New Zealand, the Representative of His Majesty Kmg George the Fifth. I have heard with sorrow of the death of the Ariki Makea. She was ever wise to promote the happiness and well-being of her people ; she was ever the good friend and supporter of British rule in those islands. Now she has passed to her great ancestors, but her work will live after her. " I have informed His Majesty the King of the loss that has fallen upon his people of Rarotonga. " Islington, Governor." I have also brought a message from the Government of New Zealand, which I will read to you,' — " To the Arikis, the Mataiapos, the Rangatiras, and the people of Rarotonga : Kia orana. " It is with feelings of regret and grief I send you these words on behalf of the Government and people of New Zealand, sympathizing with you in your great loss. " We mourn with you over the death of the Ariki mother Makea —Makea, the mother of orphans, the guardian of their rights and liberties; Makea, the lover and promoter of peace, that by peaceful pursuits and wise Government her people might rise among the great of the nations.