A.—3

15

(c.) That instances have occurred where visitors to the island have had to proceed to Tahiti to spend their holidays. (d.) That it would add to the prosperity of the place if it was known there was a respectable hotel on the island. (c.) At present the liquor is served out by the Collector of Customs to people who have an order from local storekeepers, and is vexatious, inasmuch as it is only on stated days in each week that a person can get served with liquor. Your petitioners therefore pray that you will take such steps as you think necessary to give effect to this petition. [Here follow signatures.] I would heartily indorse the proposal that a good house for the entertainment of visitors be established, but am of opinion that the Government should be the only importer and retailer of liquor on the island. Wμ. N. Lawhbnce, L.M.S. 30th June, 1902.

No. 25. Sib, — British Residency, Earotonga, 22nd August, 1902. I have the honour to acknowledge the receipt of your letter, and of copies of Order in No. 16, Council appointing Judges and other officers to the Land Titles Court. I have already some twenty cases set down for hearing before the Court at Aitutaki, and have the honour to suggest that John Thomas Large, of Aitutaki, may be gazetted an interpreter to the Court, as this will enable me to have Mr. Savage here and save expense. I have, &c, W. E. Gudgeon. The Bight Hon. the Premier, New Zealand. Resident Commissioner.

No. 26. Sib,— Premier's Office, Wellington, 25th August, 1902. In reply to your letter, No. 55, of the 31st July, forwarding a petition praying for the No. 24 establishment of an hotel at Rarotonga, I have the honour to inform you that the Government has considered the matter, and has decided that the best way to give effect to the wishes of the petitioners would be for the Island Council to pass an Ordinance similar to " The Sale of Spirituous Liquors Act, 1899," passed by the Federal Government but never brought into operation, with such amendments as may appear to you to be necessary to meet the case. It is not considered expedient to extend the provisions of the licening laws of New Zealand to the Cook and other Islands. I have, &c, The Resident Commissioner, Rarotonga. C. H. Mills.

No. 27. Sir, — Premier's Office, Wellington, 25th August, 1902. I have the honour to acknowledge the receipt of your letter No. 51 of the 23rd July, No. 22. reporting the arrival of Dr. Gatley, and the arrangements you propose to make respecting his salary, and in reply to state that the Government have no objection to offer. I have, &c, The Resident Commissioner, Rarotonga. C. H. Mills.

No. 28. Sic, — Premier's Office, Wellington, 25th August, 1902. I have the honour to forward an extract from the Journals of the House of Representatives, ordering a return giving certain information respecting the " Countess of Ranfurly," and to request that you will be good enough to furnish the information required. I have, &c, The Resident Commissioner, Rarotonga. C. H. Mills.

Enclosure. EXTEACT FROM THE JOURNALS OP THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, WEDNESDAY, 13TH AUGUST 1902. " Ordered, —That there be laid before this House a Return showing (a) the total amount of cargo conveyed from the Cook and other Islands in the " Countess of Ranfurly " to Auckland for the year ending 31st March, 1902 ; (b) the freight charged per ton for such cargo, and the total amount received for freight between the islands and Auckland; (c) the number of trips run during the year from the islands to Auckland and vice versa ; (d) the total cost of running the steamer during the year ; and (c) the total cargo carried between the different islands, and the total freight earned thereon, for the year ending the 31st March, 1902."—(0n the motion of Mr. Herries).