41

A.—3b

5. The imposition of a duty on imported fruits, or some equivalent advantage granted, as we can now produce all classes of fruit—tropic, semi-tropic, and temperate —within the extended boundaries of New Zealand. 6. The great problem to be solved before extensive development of an export trade can be achieved is the provision of improved landings where needed. We suggest—but, not being engineers, do so with diffidence—that if several channels were cut in the reef this would prevent the terrible outward current caused by the rush of water from the lagoon, and so allow boats to approach the beach by the centre channel. We venture to advise that an engineer's opinion be sought. In our opinion, after careful consideration, and such thorough investigation into the present and prospective resources of the Cook Islands as our visits to the different islands allowed, there is, if such resources are fostered and directed into the right channels, a prosperous commercial future before these dependencies of our colony; and, as the trade of this Group is and will be conducted principally if not exclusively with New Zealand, increased wealth and prosperity in the Cook Islands must mean increased trade and profit to our merchants, and benefit directly or indirectly the community in general. T. W. Kick. _______ W. A. Bouohek.

FUETHEE EePOET BY T. W. KIEK. F.L.S., ETC. Division of Biology, Horticulture, and Publications, Department of Agriculture, 27th October, 1903. Since the above was handed to the Hon. the Minister for Agriculture in February last I have had another opportunity of visiting the islands therein named; also Aitutaki, Penrhyn, Manihiki, and Niue, and though much might be said in elaboration of that report, I shall abide by my rule and make statements as concise as possible. Aitutaki. This is a remarkably fertile island of about seven square miles. The people are more industrious and many of the products are better than those of the other islands. In the report on a former trip this island was mentioned as one of those producing oranges sold in New Zealand as Tahitian —a name for many years regarded as a guarantee of excellence. The ordinary tropical products mentioned when dealing with the other islands of the Group grow here to perfection ; moreover, there is a good boat-harbour. In the above report the recommendation was made that no fruit should be allowed to go from Earotonga to the other islands of the Group. This should be enforced at once, as there is little doubt that, in addition to the importation of scale insects, Aitutaki has now imported the fruit-fly maggot from Barotonga or elsewhere. Penehyn. An atoll with large-lagoon. This island need not be considered when writing on the " commercial" horticulture of the Cook Islands. Oocoanut-palms and a few bananas grow, but the quality is not good, and the quantity available for export is small; nor is there any prospect of an appreciable increase. The island is, however, valuable for the large supplies of pearl-shell found in its ample lagoon. Manihiki. The remarks re Penrhyn apply to this island, except that the production of copra in Manihiki is greater; the quality, however, leaves much to be desired. This is largely due to the fact that no attempt is made to regulate the distances between the trees, which are much too crowded. The pearl-shell industry has also received a check through overfishing. I was informed, however, that there was no doubt the close season which had been proclaimed would result beneficially. Niue or Savage Island. This island, though three times larger than Earotonga, has, and can have, but a very limited quantity of horticultural produce for export. The island itself, though fertile, is terribly broken, the coral rock jutting above the surface in all directions. Moreover, the surface is further broken by deep chasms. There is a considerable quantity of somewhat heavy timber, but the difficulty of getting it out would be great, and the opportunities for shipping few, for the shore is steep and the landings difficult. The Native cultivations are small areas between the outcrops of coral. These areas are extremely fertile, and copra is produced in considerable quantities. Oranges, sugar-cane, and the usual island products grow well, but owing to the broken nature of the portion of the island I was able to visit—and I was informed it was a fair sample—there is no land suitable for systematic cultivation, consequently no room for European horticulture. Even if there were, the difficult landing would render it almost impossible to get perishable fruit shipped. The Natives manufacture large numbers of so-called " grass hats," fancy baskets, table-mats, &c, of very good quality. These are bought by the traders, and shipped away by the thousand. It is possible that the introduction of other varieties of plants suitable for this industry would result in enabling a greater variety and higher grade of these goods to be produced, and so benefit the Natives and increase the trade of Niue. My second visit to those islands mentioned in the report of February last, and a comparison with other Pacific islands, both British and foreign, convince me that the opinion expressed in the final paragraph of that report is more than justified—viz, " In our opinion, after careful consideration, and such thorough investigation into the present and prospective resources of the Cook Islands as our visits to the different islands allowed, there is, if such resources are fostered and directed into the right channels, a prosperous commercial future before these dependencies of our colony ; and, as the trade of this Group is and will be conducted principally if not exclusively with New Zealand, increased wealth and prosperity in the Cook Islands must mean increased trade and profit to our merchants, and benefit directly or indirectly the community in general." T. W. Kick. 6—A. 3b.