35

A.—3

If, on the other hand, the New Zealand Government decides, as is proposed, that this Government shall erect its own premises, I have the honour to offer them, through you, the site in question, which, as I say, is the best available site in Rarotonga. The area of the block is, approximately, an acre, which will give ample room for all the necessary conveniences for carrying on the business. The present dwelliughouse would, with some slight interior alterations, be suitable for the accommodation of visitors; and if it were thought advisable to erect the business portion of the hotel apart from the present buildings, retaining it for residential purposes (a plan which, in the case of a health resort, appears to have many advantages), the area will cover all the requirements. I am prepared to dispose of my lease of the property, and if you entertain the proposal shall be glad to furnish you with any further particulars you may desire. I have, &c, The Hon. C. H. Mills, C. Kohn. Minister in charge of the Cook Islands Administration. (Forwarded through the Resident Commissioner, Lieut.-Colonel W. E. Gudgeon, C.M.G.)

No. 96. Sin.,— Niue, 28th October, 1903. I have the honour to submit to you a statement showing the amount expended upon roadconstruction in Niue to the 24th instant, and the average cost per chain of the work. During the time I have resided here a large quantity of road-work has been executed by the Natives, for which they received some consideration in the slmpe of presents of food and tobacco, but no cash. 1 am now engaged in completing these roads with paid labour, as they were but roughly made by the people. The roads here are no doubt expensive to make, owing to the nature of the material, but once completed they will be serviceable for ever. I wish to render the present road round the island smooth and suitable for wheeled vehicles or bicycles. This will require time and money, as there is much stone to be removed. The working parties also require frequent inspection. As the road is completed I employ women to plant grass-roots upon it. I purpose obtaining some European grass-seed and having it sown on the roads, with the view of checking the rank growth common to the tropics. As road-construction is the most important work incidental to the development of this island, I feel justified in proceeding with it. Will you be so good as to instruct me as to the amount that I may spend monthly upon this object? I should, of course, in any case exercise the utmost circumspection to keep well within the resources of the revenue. I have, &c, C. F. Maxwell, Government Resident Agent. The Hon. Minister of Trade and Customs, Wellington.

Enclosure. Exi'isNDiTuiiK ojM Roads in Niue Island to 24th October, 1903. £ s. d. 28 chains new road (average cost per chain, £1 6s. Bd.; embanking and forming lift, wide) ... ... .. ... 37 7 0 ■"iO chains, Alofi-Liku Road (average cost per chain, 7s. 6d. ; widening to 12ft. and forming) ... ... ... ... 26 0 0 20 chains, Alofi Village Road (average cost per chain, £1 Is. ; cutting and forming to 16 ft.) ... ... ... ... 21 0 0 100 chains, Alofl-Tuapa Road (average cost per chain, £1 os. 2jd.; widening old road to 14 ft., removing rocks, and forming ... 101 2 0 £185 9 0 198 chains road: Total cost, £185 9s. ; average cost per chain, 18s. 9d. (nearly). C. F. Maxwell, Government Resident Agent, Niue.

No. 97. Cook and other Islands Administration, Wellington, Sir,— 30th October, 1903. I am in receipt of your letter of the 6th instant, No. 100/N, and am pleased to hear that Mr. Haszard has arranged to commence the survey work at Niue on his return from Rarotonga. I am quite satisfied also with the arrangement you have made with him as to his expenses during the time he is employed on the work. I have no doubt you will try and get the most important work done first, in case of Mr. Haszard having to return to New Zealand any earlier than he anticipated. lam glad to hear that you have a number of Natives at work improving the roads; it will be a great improvement to have the roads fit for wheeled traffic. 1 have, &c, C, F. Maxwell, Esq., Resident Agent, Niue. C. H. Mills.

No. 82