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skilled person arrived, when the printing would be resumed. The Arikis agreed not to leave the press where it was, because they do not like H. Nicholas, and they do not wish another printer to be sent for. There is a man here who is competent. If we agree to Mr. Moss's opinion the same trouble will spring up as before. I instructed Tepou-o-te-rangi to get the press. He wrote a letter to H. Nicholas telling him to give up the press peaceably. Should he do not do this, Owen had power to open the door and bring away the property of the Government. These are the names of the men who were sent on this errand : Eangi, Pori, Eopata, Pora, Tekeu, Eaia and Owen (a foreigner). H. Nicholas said, " I will not open the door, and I will never give it up." The natives then opened the door, but did not damage the house in any way. They brought the press to the Parliament House, and next day removed it to the residence of Tepou-o-te-rangi, where it is now in use. We have rented this to Owen, who is paying a rental. We contend that we have a right to our own property. We ask you to tell us if we have done wrong. The money laid out was ours, and we do not consent to Mr. Moss holding back our property, and keeping it idle. This is all. With salutations, From Makea, Ariki, Chief of the Federal Government. The Chief Eanfurly, and Governor of New Zealand.

I certify this to be a true translation of the letter in native enclosed herewith ; also, of the copies of correspondence attached. Feed. Goodwin, Interpreter for Arikis of Earotonga, CI.

Madam, — Cook Islands, British Eesidency, Earotonga, 22nd January, 1898. I have been informed that Tepou-o-te-rangi and other evil-disposed persons have broken into and entered a house that was locked in Avarua, and have removed a valuable property therefrom. The usages of the British law apply in this case to what is known as a breach of the public peace, which is subject to a heavy penalty. If this property in the house broken into actually belonged to these people it would still be a bad example to the public, and it would be right to have them punished. lam telling you so that you may know in clause 13 of the Constitution Act (No. 1, 1890) it states that all laws that are to be in force must be approved by the British Eesident before they become law. I now make known to the authorities that it has fallen on me to charge Tepou-o-te-rangi and the natives and European who assisted him before the High Commissioner's Court, which will be held at Earotonga shortly. This disturbance affects the Protectorate flag, and not only one person. Enough. From the Beitish Eesident (Frederick J. Moss). Makea Takau, Chief of the Federal Government.

Cook Islands, British Eesidency, Earotonga, 22nd January, 1898. That you may know. You and the natives and European will be charged in the High Commissioner's Court, which will shortly arrive at Earotonga, with wrongfully breaking into a house down at Henry Nicholas's, at Avarua. This is a charge of breaking the public peace, and sinning against the Protectorate flag. Fbedeeick J. Moss, Tepou-o-te-rangi. British Eesident.

Sir, — Earotonga, 13th January, 1898. The printing-presses and all that belongs to them, now in the hands of Henry Nicholas. If it is correct that these are the property of the Government, I wish it removed, so as all the Government work can be printed. It is not right that the Government property shall be left to lav idle. Let me know what you think, so that I can send my people to get it to-morrow. This is all. Salutations ! Makea, Ariki, The British Eesident. Chief of the Government.

Cook Islands, British Eesidency, Earotonga, 14th February, 1898. Salutations ! Your letter, dated the 13th January, has reached me this day. I have the key of the house containing the printing plant; it is not with Henry Nicholas. This is my advice to you : Let the printing plant remain in the house it is now in until the person arrives who is worthy to use this press; it will then be worked. Enough. Salutations ! Frederick J. Moss, Makea Takau, Ariki, Chief of the Government. British Eesident.