A.—3b

1903. NEW ZEALAND.

COOK AND OTHER ISLANDS (REPORT ON THE VISIT OF MEMBERS OF THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY TO THE), WITH NOTES OF CONFERENCES BETWEEN THE MINISTER IN CHARGE OF THE ISLANDS ADMINISTRATION (HON. C.H. MILLS) AND THE NATIVES OF EACH ISLAND.

Presented to both Houses of the General Assembly by Command of His Excellency.

The idea of extending the boundaries of New Zealand by the annexation of islands in the Pacific is not a new one. As far back as 1852 the late Sir George Grey appears to have entertained the thought of annexing the Sandwich Islands, and from time to time during later years a good deal of attention has been given by the Legislature of the colony to the question of establishing closer relationships with different parts of the island-world in the Pacific. In 1883 the New Zealand Parliament passed the Confederation and Annexation Act, introduced by Sir George Grey, " to facilitate the confederation with or the annexation to the colony of New Zealand of any island or islands in the Pacific the government or constituted authority of which may make proposals to that effect to the Government of New Zealand." This Act, however, did not receive the Royal assent, and, although some five years later a protectorate was established over the Cook Group, it was not until 1900 that any practical step was taken in the direction of annexation in the Pacific. On the 29th September of that year the Eight Hon. the Premier moved the following resolution in the House of Eepresentatives : " Whereas it is desirable in the best interests of the colony and of the inhabitants of certain islands in the Pacific hereinafter mentioned that those islands should be annexed to the colony, this House therefore approves of the alteration of the boundaries of this colony, and consents to the extension of the said boundaries so as to include the Cook Group, including the Islands of Rarotonga, Mangaia, Atiu, Aitutaki, Mitiaro, Mauke, Hervey (Manuae) ; also the following islands : Palmerston (Avarau), Savage (Niue), Pukapuka (Danger), Eakaanga, Manihiki, and Penrhyn (Tongareva)." This was carried by a large majority and amidst the greatest enthusiasm ; and by a later resolution, passed on the 20th October, the Island of Suwarrow was also included in the extended boundaries. On the 13th May, 1901, in pursuance of these resolutions, the Imperial Government, under " The Colonial Boundaries Act, 1895," passed an Order in Council affirming the annexation, and on the 11th June, on the occasion of the reception in Auckland of Their Eoyal Highnesses the Duke and Duchess of Cornwall and York, His Excellency the Governor, Lord Eanfurly, read the following proclamation : — APPOINTING DATE OF EXTENSION OP BOUNDARIES OP COLONY TO INCLUDE COOK GROUP AND OTHER ISLANDS. Banfukly, Governor. A Pboclamation. Whereas by Order in Council dated the thirteenth day of May, one thousand nine hundred and one, and made under " The Colonial Boundaries Act, 1895," it has been ordered by His Majesty the King that, on and after a, date to be appointed by the Governor of the Colony of New Zealand by Proclamation under his hand and the public Seal of the Colony, the boundaries of the Colony of New Zealand should be extended so as to include the islands of the Cook Group and all other the islands and territories then or thereafter forming part of His Majesty's dominions situate within the boundary-lines therein mentioned, being the boundary-lines specified in the schedule hereto : And whereas the aforesaid extension of boundaries has been consented to by resolution of both Houses of the General Assembly of the colony: Now, therefore, in exercise of the powers conferred upon me by the said Order in Council, and of all other powers and authorities enabling me in this behalf, and in the presence of His Royal Highness the Duke of Cornwall and York, who in token thereof hath been graciously pleased to sign his name hereto, I, Uchter John Mark, Earl of Ranfurly, the Governor of the Colony of New Zealand, do hereby proclaim and appoint the eleventh day of June, one thousand nine hundred and one, to be the date on and after which the boundaries of the colony shall be and be deemed to be extended as specified in the said Order in Council. Schedule. Boundary- lines. A line commencing at a point at the intersection of the 23rd degree of south latitude and the 156 th degree of longitude west of Greenwich, and proceeding due north to the point of intersection of the Bth degree of south latitude and the 156 th degree of longitude west of Greenwich ; thence due west to the point of intersection of the Bth degree of south latitude and the 167 th degree of longitude west of Greenwich ; thence due south to the point of intersection I—A. 3b.