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No. 58. Sir,— Premier's Office, Wellington, 22nd May, 1903. Referring to my letter of the 31st January last, I have now the honour to enclose for your No. 45. information copy of a despatch from the Eight Hon. the Secretary of State for the Colonies, conveying His Majesty's thanks for the gift of Takutea Island of the late Ariki Ngamaru. It is understood that His Excellency has written direct to Ariki Makea on the subject. I have, &c, W. G. Walkee, The Eesident Commissioner, Earotonga. For the Hon. Mr. Mills.

Enclosure. My Lord,— Downing Street, 31st March, 1903. I have the honour to acquaint you, for the information of your Ministers, that I duly laid No. 22 before His Majesty the King your despatch (No. 11) of the 6th February, reporting the offer to His Majesty of the Island of Takutea by Ngamaru, the chief Ariki of Atiu, Mauke, and Mitiaro. I am commanded by His Majesty in reply to desire you to convey an expression of his thanks to Ngamaru for his gift, and to say that the King trusts that His Ministers in New Zealand will secure that the island is used for the general benefit of the people of the Cook Islands as desired by the donor. I have, &c, J. Chamberlain. Governor the Eight Honourable the Earl of Eanfurly, G.C.M.G. Approximate Cost of Paper.— preparation, not given ; printing (1,375 copies), £ 26 Gs. 6d.

By Authority: John Mackay, Government Printer, Wellington.—l9o3. Price 9d.]