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duty as Eesident. He does so gladly, in the hope that in time the Maoris wall be able to do all for themselves. For the same reason he is willing to add to his work the responsibility and labour of temporary President of the Federal Court, if one be established. But, if he do so, it is right that he should be relieved by the assistance of a Private Secretary, who could also act as Eegistrar of the Court. The appointment of such a Private Secretary would rest with him, and not with the Government; and this is the rule in all countries. Feedeeick J. Moss, To the Chairman of the Cook Islands Parliament. British Eesident.

No. 5. Mr. F. J. Moss to His Excellency the Goveenob. Sib, — Cook Islands, British Eesidency, Earotonga, 16th August, 1897. In continuation of my despatch No. 7, of the 25th July, I have now the honour to enclose, for your Excellency's information, — (1.) Eeport of meetings of Parliament, from Te Torea newspaper, 9th to 30th July, 1897, and 2nd August. (2.) Eeport of Select Committee on Import Duty Amendment Bill, 1897. (3.) Import Duty Amendment Bill, 1897, as passed and approved. (4.) Eeport of Dr. Caldwell as Medical Superintendent of Hospital for July and August, 1896. (5.) Eeport of Hospital Board, with report from Dr. George Craig, Medical Officer. (6.) Statement of expenditure for year ending 30th June, 1897. (7.) Petition to alter the present day observed as Sunday. I have, &c, Fbedeeick J. Moss, His Excellency the Administrator of the Government, &c, British Eesident. New Zealand.

Enclosure No. 1. Peoceedings of Cook Islands Paeliament. [Extract from Te Torea Newspaper.] Friday, 9th July, 1897. Parliament met at 10 a.m. Prayers: Taapiti. The Chairman then expressed his thanks to the House for the high honour conferred upon him in the following communication : —■ " To the Honourable Members of the Cook Islands Parliament. " Gentlemen, — " For the great honour you have conferred on me this year I could not at first find words to express my feelings. I thank you, gentlemen, for the confidence you have placed in me, and trust that, as representatives of our different districts, we will work with a will for the sole benefit, prosperity, and general good of the whole of the Cook Islands. " I would advise you, gentlemen, to look well into whatever we have to do, and take no hasty action in any matter. If any advice is needed we know where to find it. What we do not know may be explained to our satisfaction. "I am very sorry not to see our friend and brother representative, Tepou-o-te-rangi, in his usual place, through ill-health, and hope he may soon recover. " Trusting that we may be united in working for the future prosperity of our islands, and that the blessing of Heaven may be upon our endeavours, is the sincere wish of your friend, " J. M. Salmon, " M.P. for Arorangi, and Chairman, Cook Islands Parliament." The minutes of previous meeting were read and confirmed. The Federal Court Bill was read and debated, and the debate adjourned. Message No. 3, from the Chief of the Government, conveying a letter from Sir George Grey, in reply to address to him last session, was read, and was much appreciated. Hospital report from Dr. Caldwell (for July and August, 1896) was received and read. House adjourned till Tuesday, 13th July, 1897. The Federal Court Bill was again discussed, and debate further adjourned. Message No. 5, from Chief of Government, enclosing Earotonga and Atiu census, received, and ordered to be printed. Import Duty Amendment Bill: Further consideration deferred until after the report of the Committee had been received. House then adjourned till