§ SIR J. FERGUSSON (Manchester, N.E.)I beg to ask the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he has had brought to his notice the report of the Chief Justice of New Zealand, as Com- 173 missioner sent to inquire into the position of the British Resident in the Island of Rarotonga; and, if so, whether Her Majesty's Government have arrived at any decision in regard to Sir James Prendergast's recommendations?
§ THE SECRETARY OF STATE FOR THE COLONIES (Mr. J. CHAMBERLAIN,) Birmingham, W.Yes; I have considered the report of Sir James Prendergast. It has been decided that the existing arrangements shall continue, but that Mr. Moss, the British Resident, shall retire, and that on the appointment of his successor provision shall be made for the constitution of a court for the trial of cases in which persons other than natives are concerned.