In accordance with your instructions, conveyed in letter of date 18th June last, I proceeded by the mail steamer Janet Nicoll to the Islands of Tongatabu, Vavau, Upolu, Tahiti, and Rarotonga, and obtained from various sources of information details of the products and commerce of these islands and others adjacent thereto, with notes on the extension of trade with New Zealand, Your instructions were that I should report upon the various groups of islands, in their relation to the following questions :—

"(1).	The extension of an Export Trade for the produce, animals, and manufactures of this colony, and the requirements to be complied with by producers and manufacturers in furtherance of this object.
"(2).	The extension of our Import Trade, either for the consumption of Island products, or for the transhipment of same to other markets, and the facilities that are required for the carrying out of such extension of trade.
"(3).	The Islands as a Health Resort, or as a Resort for Tourists from this Colony; and New Zealand in the same relationship to residents in the Islands.
"(4).	Auckland as a manufacturing centre for the Sugar Industry, the Cocoanut Oil, Cotton, Coffee, Tobacco, or other industry connected with Island products.
"(5).	Acclimatisation of useful Plants.page 8
"(6).	Particulars of Customs Tariffs, and the opinion of those in authority in the different Groups, on the subject of Reciprocal arrangements with the Government of New Zealand."