A.—4.

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No. 27. His Excellency the Governor to Mr. F. J. Moss. Sir, — Government House, Wellington, Ist March, 1898. I have the honour to acknowledge your despatch (3/98) dated the 3rd February, 1898, and, with reference to your application therein to prosecute Tepou-o-te-rangi and other persons, who had, on the 17th January, 1898, forcibly broken open the house containing the press and types, as well as other property belonging to Mr. Nicholas, and removed them to premises by Tepou, I have consulted my Ministers, and now grant the authority you desire to prosecute the offenders. I have, &c, F. J. Moss, Esq., British Eesident, Earotonga. Eanfurly, Governor.

No. 20.

No. 28. F. J. Moss to His Excellency the Govebnob. My Lord, — Cook Islands, British Eesidency, Earotonga, 2nd March, 1898. I have the honour to acknowledge receipt of your Excellency's despatch of the 4th February, informing me that his Honour Sir James Prendergast's report has been received, and sent to the Secretary of State for the Colonies prior to decision on the various matters in question. I have made known the information generally to the Arikis and others interested, as requested. I have, &c, Frederick J. Moss, His Excellency the Earl of Eanfurly, K.C.M.G., British Eesident. Governor of New Zealand, &c.

No. 22.

No. 29. The Peivate Secbetaey to Mr. F. G. Moss. Deae Sic, — Government House, Wellington, sth March, 1898. I am directed by His Excellency to acknowledge your despatch, dated the 4th February,. 1898, enclosing letters. The despatch (49/98) by this mail practically answers Na Makea Ariki's letters. I have, &c, F. G. Moss, Esq., British Eesident, Earotonga. Dudley Alexandee.

No. 21. No. 27.

No. 30. His Excellency the Govebnob to Mr. F. J. Moss. Sib, — Government House, Wellington, Ist April, 1898. I have the honour to acknowledge your despatch No. 5/98, enclosing a letter from Mr. Goodwin. I should be obliged if you would inform Mr. Goodwin that, as the report of the Chief Justice in the Cook Islands is now before the Secretary of State for the Colonies, I am unable to give his letter full consideration until I shall have received instructions from Her Majesty's Ministers regarding the late inquiry. The matter referred to is so entirely absorbed in the question at first in dispute that the reply must hinge on the view taken in general on this question by the Secretary of State for the Colonies. I may inform you I have asked that this decision should be, if possible, cabled to me. I have, &c, F. J. Moss, Esq., British Eesident, Earotonga. Eanfuely, Governor.

Approximate Cost of Paper.— Preparation (not given); printing, (1,400 copies), £36 14s. 6d.

No. 23.

By Authority : John Mackay, Government Printer, Wellington. —1898.

Price Is. 3d.]