A.—3.

38

Natives were quite content to allow the island affairs to be carried on as they had been in the past. They wanted to stick to their old customs, and he would not allow me to take any part in the proceedings of the Island Council. I replied that Mangaia was now an integral part of the British Empire, attached along with the rest of the Cook Islands to New Zealand, and that the laws and institutions found to be necessary for the good of the people by the Government would be carried out here as in the other parts of the Empire, that European Governments did not consult the people as to the appointment of Magistrates and other officers; that they of necessity knew best whom to appoint to responsible positions; that I intended to carry out my magisterial duties at once, but I would leave the affairs of the Island Council in their hands for a time, till they came to a more reasonable mood in the matter. According to all accounts the administration of the law was so defective in Mangaia that it required seeing to at once, but other matters could stand over for the time being. Daniela said it appeared from the Gazette notice that all power in Mangaia was now vested in me, and that those formerl}- in authority were stripped of the same. I replied that this was not the case, all those holding office would still carry out their functions, with this difference: that their work would now be subject to my guidance and supervision. Tangi, a Kavana of Ivirua, said they would think the matter over, as the action of the Government had been a surprise to them. Oruru, Judge of Tamarua, was afraid that my action would prejudice their religion or church-government. To this I replied that the carrying-out of my duties would not in any way interfere with the practice of their religion, and if I did not conduct my work properly any one of them could bring my actions before the notice of the Government. On this the Rev. Mr. James said that lie was sure that the civil power in my hands would not clash with the religious interests of the island, and that if the Magistrate abused his powers any one could call for an investigation. Rima Tai lamented that the old style was passing away ; that the mana of the Maoris was giving way to that of the Europeans. Neria said that Mangaia was in a different position from that of New Zealand. The latter had been conquered by the Europeans, but Mangaia had only been conquered by the religion of Christ, and therefore they should conduct their own affairs. Several others got up and expressed their sentiments, generally hostile to the change. John Aiiki said nothing, neither did he mention the letter he had received from Pa Ariki, which would possibly have had a good effect on the meeting. The meeting dragged on for about two hours, with long intervals of silence between the various speeches. Daniela asked me not to close it, but to allow the Natives a chance of expressing their sentiments, which I did to the fullest extent, Daniela calling upon this one and that to come forward and express their objections, which were of the usual trivial character, mainly based on Maori prejudice. At length, when we were about to close the meeting, Miringatangi, who had not thought fit to attend before, came into tlie room and threw his cap down, which he said had been given to him by the Governor. He then proceeded to deliver a violent speech, denouncing the Government, and saying that he had been appointed Judge by the Parliament at Rarotonga and the Governor of New Zealand, that Gudgeon had no power to remove him, and that I should not carry out my functions of Magistrate, and, finally, called on the meeting to indorse his words by a show of hands in his favour. A majority of those present then held up their hands. To this I replied that I would not answer him, but would carry out my duties as instructed. I then asked the Rev. Mr. James to close the meeting with a prayer, which he did. After the close a considerable minority, including Ataa and other leading chiefs, came forward and shook hands with me in a very friendly way, and so closed this very disagreeable episode. What action Miringatangi may see fit to take in opposing me 1 do not know; he is evidently a fanatic, judging from the way he acted at the meeting, and he appears to have a considerable following here who resent his dismissal from office, but from all I hear he is quite unlit for the position. I have instructed the Oneroa police to bring any cases there may be before me at the Courthouse next Monday, and if Miringatangi interferes with the business of the Court I will fine him for contempt, after due warning, and if he persists and I find I am not able to carry on the business of the Court through his opposition I will then adjourn to some other place, after committing him for trial to the High Court, The police tell me that Miringatangi has the chief right to the land on which the Courthouse stands, but others say that the house belongs to the whole island. I have instructed the police that as Miringatangi has ceased to be Judge they are not to take any orders whatever from him; that if they aid and abet him or disobey me they will stand a chance of losing their office. I intend to go round the island shortly and hold Courts at Tamarua and Ivirua, and generally look into matters. As yet I have had no time to do so, as I have had to hunt about for a dwellingplace, and am still hunting. I have, <fee., Resident Agent, Mangaia. The Resident Commissioner, Cook and Northern Islands.

lv _ Rarotonga, 11th November, 1903. 1 have the honour to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of the sth instant, with reference to your reception at Mangaia. That both Daniela and Miringatangi should be hostile to you is only natural, for they have virtually run the island for some years in their own interests. As for the remark made by Daniela, to the effect that lie would not allow you to take part in the proceedings of the Council, please make him understand quietly thai I am most unwilling that you should take any part in the proceedings of a Council that has beeD in existence for the last