11

A.—3b

is perforated by numerous caves and crevices, which in olden times were used as depositories for the dead, as well as for storage and other purposes. These caves still supply, in the calcareous formations in which they abound, the material from which the Natives manufacture some of their household implements. The top of the makatea averages about a mile in width, and is well adapted to the growth of the citrus family of fruits. The interior face of this coral rampart slopes down gradually into a basin of rich swamp land containing extensive taro-plantations, and from this the land rises again in a succession of low hills to a central plateau, about 650 ft. high, known as the " Crown of Mangaia." These taro-swamps still supply most of the food of the Mangaians, although for many years the tribes have lived in the Villages of Oneroa, Tamarua, and Ivirua, on the coast. The interior of the island, which contains some splendid valleys, is well watered by streams which filter through below the base of themakatea into the sea. The population, according to latest returns, is 1,560 ; and the people are said to display a greater degree of industry than is usual among Natives of the Pacific islands. This fact, combined with the natural resources of the island, promises well for the future prosperity of Mangaia. There are considerable areas of waste land awaiting cultivation, and the Natives are becoming alive to the necessity for planting these with cocoanuts, &c. Citrus fruits are already growing in profusion, and it is estimated that with proper cultivation the output could be increased twenty-fold. Mangaia produces the best coffee in the Group at present. The trade of the island has hitherto been hampered to a considerable extent in consequence of the difficulty in shipping produce. The reef, which encircles the island at a short distance from the shore, is without an opening, and communication between the island and outside can only be obtained by crossing the reef in Native canoes. This process, where cargo is concerned, is necessarily slow and costly—it takes as long to ship 50 tons over the reef at Mangaia as it does to ship 200 tons at Rarotonga—besides which the produce is always liable to be damaged by saltwater. It has happened, also, owing to this difficulty of communication, that when a steamer has obtained a full cargo at the other islands she has passed on, leaving tons of fruit and produce, which had been got ready for shipment at Mangaia, to go to waste. Steps are being taken, however, to have suitable boat passages blasted in the reef, and when this has been accomplished the chief hindrance to the development of the trade of this island will be removed. The landing of the Minister and party was effected safely, and the experience of being paddled over the reef on the curl of a breaker was found to be rather exhilarating lhan otherwise. We were met by the Rev. H. Bond-James, of the London Missionary Society ; Mr." C. F. Proctor, Postmaster ; and Daniela Tangitoru, the most prominent figure in some respects in Mangaia. Daniela has travelled a good deal in his time, and the experience he has thus gained, combined with a considerable degree of natural shrewdness, has enabled him to achieve a position, in point of prosperity and influence, not often enjoyed by a Native of the islands. Some months ago he visited New Zealand in the interests of the island trade, and on that occasion made the acquaintance of the Hon. C. H. Mills, and the welcome he extended to the Minister and those accompanying him to Mangaia was exceedingly cordial. Immediately on arrival the party proceeded to the residence of " King " John Trego, where a conference, of which the following is a report, was held : — Conference with Aeikis and Others at Mangaia. Present: Pa Ariki, of Rarotonga ; " King " John, of Mangaia; Nohoroa Ariki; Meringitangi, Judge ; Colonel Gudgeon; Mr. C. F. Proctor, Postmaster (who interpreted), and others. Hon. Mr. Mills : King John, Nohoroa, and others in this meeting, salutations to all. lam very pleased to meet you here to-day. The Premier of the colony has asked me to convey to you his very best wishes, and to say that he was very sorry he was unable to come with us and see you again. All the friends you see with me are gentlemen of eminence in New Zealand, and hold high positions there socially and politically ; and since you have voluntarily become annexed to a portion of the great Empire to which we are all so proud to belong, we are anxious to become better acquainted with those who reside on these islands. As \ have been administering the islands affairs, as sent through to me by Colonel Gudgeon, during the last fifteen months, the Premier thought it advisable for me to come with the party you see here to-day. We are all very anxious to get any information you may be able to give us concerning your affairs, and you have now an opportunity of speaking to a great number of members of both Houses of Parliament, and to the Minister in Charge of the Cook Islands Administration. I know the Maoris very well; I was born in New Zealand, and have lived there all my life ; but I do not understand your language, nor your ideas, nor your needs ; and that is why lam with you now. You will all understand that the Government of New Zealand is desirous of doing what is best for every one. We realise that a great responsibility has been placed on the Government since the annexation, and therefore it is well for us to see you and become acquainted with you, and get such information from you as will enable us in the future to do what will most conduce to our common welfare. Of course, you all know that Colonel Gudgeon is Resident Commissioner of the islands, and we have great faith in his administration. He furnishes me with information, and advises me as to what he deems the best course to be pursued in any matter. Now that I have seen the islands, and gained some knowledge of them, I will understand far better what is required when he writes to me regarding them. We are all agreed that it would be much better for the islands if more regular and rapid communication could be established between them and New Zealand. We have been to Earotonga, and have had a look round that charming island, and we are sorry we cannot remain longer here and see more of Mangaia. After leaving Mangaia we go to Mauke, from Mauke to Atiu, and from Atiu to Aitutaki, and there we leave Colonel Gudgeon and Pa Ariki. Then we go on to Tahiti, and then visit in order Penrhyn, Manihiki, Samoa, Niue, Tonga, Fiji, and after calling at the Kermadecs return to New Zealand. So you see we have a long distance to go, and it is impossible therefore for us to stay as long as we should like in the different islands. I wish you now to say if there is anything