A—a.

No. 63.

Sic, — Cook and other Islands Administration, Wellington, 19th November, 1907. Keferring to previous correspondence, I have the honour to transmit to you the accompanying copy of an Order in Council bringing " The Tariff Act, 1907," into force in the Cook and other Islands on and after the Ist day of January, 1908. I have, &c, The Resident Commissioner, Niue. James McGowan.

REPORT ON ROAD WORKS, ETC. No. 64. Sir, — Niue Island Administration, Niue, 9th October, 1907. I have the honour to report that matters here are going along smoothly. So far I have not started any fresh works, but in the course of a week or two I intend to commence one or more of the following roadworks: Tuapa to Mutalau, Alofi to Liku, Alofi —Liku Road to Lakepa, Hakupu to Avatele, Tuapa to Hikutavake. All the aforementioned roads are very narrow and rocky, and I propose to have all the rocks removed and the roads widened and formed to an average width of 16 ft. When these roads are put in good order the cost for maintenance will be practically nil. No money has ever been expended on the road on the eastern side of the island, from Mutalau passing through the Villages of Lakepa, Liku, Hakupu, and on to Avatele. The road, such as it is, was made by the Natives before the island was annexed to New Zealand. For a considerable part of the distance it is in fair order, but there are very many rough stretches which require forming. This work I propose to undertake when the first-mentioned roads have been completed. With reference to the office quarters, I have to report that I have terminated the lease between the Niue Administration and Farani Fataiki as from the 31st October, 1907, in consideration of the payment of a sum of £5. The necessary alterations to the room in the north-west corner of the Residency are now being made, with the view of transferring the office quarters at the end of the current month. As the Mission steamer "John Williams," leaving in a day or two for Samoa, will probably afford us the last chance of getting orders to New Zealand and supplies shipped to Niue to reach here before the end of December, and as it is probable that there will be no ship arriving at Niue from New Zealand, Tonga, or Samoa during the three months following December, I am forwarding orders by this mail for goods to be shipped via Tonga, per Union Steamship Company's steamer, leaving Auckland on or about the end of November for Niue'direct. With reference to Customs duties chargeable in the Cook and other Islands, I should be glad, in view of any amendments to the tariff that may have taken place, if you would cause me to be advised of the same by first mail. I have, &c, H. Cornwall, Resident Commissioner. The Hon. the Minister in charge, Cook and other Islands, Wellington.

No. 65. Sir, — Cook and other Islands Administration, Wellington, 14th November, 1907. I have the honour to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of the 9th October last, reporting that you propose to proceed with certain roadworks presently, and, in reply, to inform you that I approve of the proposals stated therein. I have, &c, The Resident Commissioner, Niue. Jambs McGowan.

OFFICE-ACCOMMODATION. No. 66. Niue Island Administration, Niue, 9th October, 1907. Sir,- — Office Quarters. With reference to the office quarters, I have to report that I have terminated the lease between the Niue Administration and Farani Fataiki as from the 31st October, 1907, in consideration of the payment of a sum of £5. The necessary alterations to the room in the north-west corner of the Residency are now being made, with the view of transferring the office quarters at the end of the current month. I have, &c, H. Cornwall, Resident Commissioner. The Hon. James McGowan, Minister in charge, Cook and other Islands, Wellington.

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