The Evening Star: WITH WHICH ARE INCORPORATED The Evening News, Morning News, and Echo. MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 29, 1902. THE COOK ISLANDS BILL.

Auckland Star, Volume XXXIII, Issue 231, 29 September 1902, Page 4

The Evening Star: WITH WHICH ARE INCORPORATED The Evening News, Morning News, and Echo.

MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 29, 1902. THE COOK ISLANDS BILL.

For the cause t_a«_t lacks assistance Fop the wrang Uxat n«eds resi_stanoe Fop the future in the distance And the good that we can do. ■■■ lIMI l_»ll l__ II 1 (

The discussion over the Cook Islands Bill in the House should be of service in calling public attention to the serious that have undertaken by out late annexation, and the difficulties that we have to face in administering our new -possessions successfully. The Cook Group, including Rarotonga and several other islands, has an area of about 111 square miles, and supports a population of over 6000. The other islands lately annexed—Niue, Penrhyn, and adjacent islands—are about 121 square miles in extent, with a population of about the same number —6000.

Rarotonga, the seat of government, is 1638 miles from Auckland, and the other islands of the Cook Group are scattered about it within a radius of fully 150 miles. The other islands lie at a great distance from Earo-

tonga; Niue is 580 miles away, Penrhyn is 735 miles, Manihiki. and Kakahanga are about 670 miles distant. These figures at once suggest the. great difficulty of governing our dependencies " effectively. The Commissioner could easily spend the whole of the year in voyaging from one island in his domain to another, and to carry out anything like efficient administration it will be necessary to incur a good deal more expenditure than was at first anticipated.

One difficulty in connection with the government of the islands arises from the lack of English or colonial settlers, to whom authority conld be

safely delegated. Members of the House expressed some indignation on learning the other day that the resident agent at Atui.is a German or Austrian, the auditor of the islands is a German, who is also manager of a foreign trading company, and that the resident, agent at Penrhyn, the most important peaxfing station in the Eastern Pacific, is ■ a Frenchman. If suitable British residents are available we hold that preference •should certainly be. shown to them. But we incline to the belief that if these appointments were investigated, it would be found that the men I chosen to fill them were the only Europeans on the spot who could be called upon to hold responsible positions. The only attraction that will induce civilized men to go and live in such secluded places is the prospect of making money. Unfortunately, it. does not seem that our new possessions offer much inducement in this resjject. For administrative purposes the islands are sufficiently prosperous —witness the fact that there was a surplus of nearly £1000 revenue in excess of expenditure last year. But there is not much likelihood of any sudden or valuable development of I the export trade for a long time to ! come. The fruit trade, in oranges I and bananas has hitherto been the chief item, but for some years past growers have barely cleared expenses for one-half of the season. Th"c competition of Tahiti, Tonga, Samoa and Fiji, not to mention New South Wales, is very keen, and according to the Commissioner export of fruit will soon cease to pay. Even in the Cook Islands we find the inevitable trouble produced everywhere by the extraordinary British fiscal system . Tahiti oranges are allowed, to com- ' pete with those of Rarotonga on equal terms, though protective duties '. are imposed at Tahiti on everything I grown outside the French sphere of ! influence. With bananas it is the same—the distance from markets and the competition of Fiji is driving the Cook Islands out of the trade. But we must admit that under these cir-

eumstances it is very unfortunate that Colonel Gudgeon has done his best to interfere with the natural ■course of the export trade from these islands and to divert it to Wellington. The pearl shell industry at Penrhyn and . elsewhere is in the hands of Tahiti firms, who have been allowed hitherto to monopolise it.. Copra is the only export that is likely to increase much in value; and as the planting of young coconut trees has been neglected for a long time past it is not anticipated that any great advance will* be made in this direction for the next, eight years. So far as volume of trade goes, the exports and imports to and from New Zealand amount to a respectable fio-ure. The average for the last six years has been: From New Zealand, £15,137; to New Zealand, £17,000. But the opportunities for making a fortune in the Cook Islands seem by no means numerous. It was remarked 'by various members, in the. House, that last year's legislation for the Cook Islands had been a fiasco. Aigainst 'this conclii-

sion we must offer a; vigorous protest. "The Cook and Other Islands Government Act of 1901" is, like most pieces of legislation, imperfect, but it ds a genuine and thorough-going attempt to adapt tihe best portdoms of our own constitution to the use ol the islanders. The natives have a considerable share in their own judicial and financial government through the Ariiki's Courts, which decide all minor matters in dispute, while from them there is an appeal to the High Court. The difficulty of managing a community with customs and views of life so radically different from our own is well illustrated in the case of the island of Mangaia, where every man, Woman and child owns a, separate patch of land for his or her support, and the ecrailiet oi titles would puzzle even a New Zealand Native Lands Court assessor. There is. no doubt that the work of governing the islands will be difficult; nor is there much hope that it will be highly profitable. But we. have shown that we are competent to deal successfully with a race closely akin to these islanders, and the necessity for annexing the islands and holding

them as a British possession is.no less urgent to-day than it was When we decided to itatfie them over.

The following is Captain Edwin's weather forecast for 24 hours from 9 a.m. to-day:-"Moderate easterly winds; glass little movement: tides moderate; very cold night."

The building trade seems to be very brisk at Northcote just now. There are four houses in course ol erection about the point, and several others will be going up shortly, i^nci is also being largely bought up. Several properties have lately changed hands. Prohibition meetings were held yesterday on the wharf at 3, and at the firebell at 7 o'clock. The attendance on each occasion was good. Addresses were given by Messrs. Harle, Boat, Williams, Joiner, and Richardson. Mr Richardson referred to a bill introduced in the Belgian Chamber, which would reduce in the city of Antwerp 3597 public-houses to about 800. He also said that in St. Petersburg 30,000 public-houses had been suppressed, and now there were live thousand houses controlled by the a Government, and placed at equal distances apart. He, however, thought only the total extinction of the liquor trade would be effective.

An old man named John Hawker, 74 years of age, is reported missing from the house of Mr. John Bayliss, of Hobson-street, where he was living. Hawker left the house at 11 o'clock on Thursday morning last, and has not returned. He Is aft 7in in height, has a full grey beard, and was'wearing a black suit and a black felt hat. :

The treasurer of the Waihi Public Library has written personally to Mr Carnegie re a donation to the institution. Mr A. Y. Ross, the chairman of the executive committee, however, refuses to have anything to do with its acceptance owing to the methods adopted by Mr Carnegie in his business, as a large labour employer, to which he (Mr Ross) takes exception, from personal knowledge and experience gathered while in America.

Mr Felix Tanner, who proposes constructing an airship as soon as he can get together the necessary funds, commenced his lecturing tour at Waihi last Thursday evening. Mr Tanner delivered an able address on aerial navigation, dealing with the subject from its infancy. He stated that while at an altitude of some 5000 feet over the Sydney harbour, he could discern objects on the bot* torn of the sea quite distinctly, and he thinks that photographs could be thus obtained of any object at the bottom, by the means of an improved lens. The view, he said, of the Sydney Heads and surrounding country at that height was something magnificent.

Recently Mr H. D. Haszard, while surveying in the Whangamata district," came upon some interesting Maori relics. A part bf the mainland had been washed away by the action of the sea to a depth of some four feet, exposing a number of human bones, and human skeletons, also a number of knives made out of volcanic glass, black in colour, and very sharp. In the centre of the find w ras an old Maori cooking-place, which gives one the idea that a cannibal

feast must have been held there atone time. Mr Haszard made a similar discovery seventeen years ago at the .liaglan Heads. An article dealing with the find appeared in a scientific paper at that time.—(Waihi Correspondent.) -v,

The following is the. state of His Majesty's pi-ison, Auckland, for the week ending Saturday, 27th September: —On remand, 1; awaiting trial, 7; sentenced to penal servitude (life), 3; hard labour, 167; default of bail, 4; received during the week, 12; discharged. 14;- total in prison, 166 males, 16 females.

The annual meeting of the West End Lawn Tennis Club will be held on Monday next at the Ponsonby Hall. The annual report states: — "The past season has been in every way the most successful in the annals of the club. Among its members are to be found the champion of New Zealand (Mr J. C. Peacock), who, with Mr F. M. D. Fisher, also annexed the ebampiou doubles medals at the recent tournament at Mount Eden. Miss A. Nicholson, another member of the West End Club, holds the championship of Auckland, and was runnerup to Miss Nunnelly in the ladies' championship of the colony. The gentlemen's championship of Auckland also fell to the West End Club, Mr A. H. Brabant being the winner." A full attendance is desired at the annual meeting, when the election of officers, etc., will take place. Absolutely beyond all question is the fact that "Brett's Colonists' Guide and Cyclopaedia of Useful Knowledge" now offered.to.subscribers for half a guinea is the mosi useful book in New Zealand.

The Marine Department, having recognised the importance of having increased berthage accommodation at Onehunga Wharf, and having "placed a sum of money on the Estimates for that purpose, the district traffic manager, Mr. Buxton, and the district engineer, Mr. Biss, in conjunction with the- harbourmaster, Captain Neale, have had a conference, and it is understod have reported to the Department'the nature of the work necessary to meet with the demands made upon the port for the berthage of vessels. It is probable the work will be taken in hand immediately. The fire in Shortland-street fast Saturday was so promptly dealt with, and so little fuss was made by the various sections of the fire brigade, whose services were not- required, that the general public had some- difficulty in locating the fire. Very few people appeared to find the real scene of the outbreak, the largest, crowd being gathered some distance away Opposite tire new warehouse of Messrs. Arch. Clark and Sous. Mr. iE. Jenkinson has forwarded us a copy of tlv correspondence which ha?j passed be ween himself'and the Minister of Railways with reference to the adoption of his invention of a bicycle to run on the railway tracks. The general manager of the .railways replied to the effect that the suggestion is not a practicable one, and the Minister cannot see his way to adopt ~ v it.

Yesterday afternoon the remains of the late Mrs. Donovan, relict of the late Patrick J. Donovan, one of the oldest residents 'in Onehunga, were interred in St. Mary's Cemetery, the Eev. Father Lane performing the obsequies. The deceased lady was of a kind, unassuming and charitable disposition, and bore the respect of all classes of the community, as was evidenced by the large numbers who paid their last respect to deceased yesterday. A large number of wreaths (and floral emblems were placed on the grave by sympathising friends. She leaves three sons and seven daughters to mourn their loss. The large concourse who followed the remains of the late Captain M. Yates, ex-Mayor of Onehunga, to their last resting-place at St. Peter's Cemetery yesterday testified to the esteem in which the deceased gentleman was held. Punctually at four o'clock the cortege left his; late residence, Selwyn-street. Among those to pay their last respects were His Worship the Mayor of Onehunga, Mr. D. A. Sutherland, and Councillors Colledge, McLeod, Kelsall, .Vause and Shaldrick, the Hon. T. Thompson, Councillor J. Patterson (city), besides ex-Councillors and leading busi-ness-men of the town. The Rev. Canon Haselden read tbe burial service at the grave, which was prepared by special permission of the Colonial Secretary. A large number of beautiful wreaths were placed on the grave by sympathising friends. Mrs. Yates was the recipient of a large number of letters and telegrams sympathising • with her in her sad bereavement.

The repairs to the Free.. Library are approaching" completion. The landing librae was re-opened this morning, and "the reference library will be open next Wednesday. The newspaper room, which was opened on Monday last, was repainted blue on Saturday morning between 7 and 9 o'clock, the yellow colour which had been given to it being found unsuitable.

The following is a list of thfe successful candidates from Mr W. I. Bobinsbn's classes. Wellesley - street school and suburbs, who have passed in the Government land and marine engineering examination recently held in Auckland:—James Patrick Eyan, locomotive and traction engineer certificate; Arthur H. Black, third-class marine engineer's; James Fred. Doull, ■ first-class stationary land; Fred. J. Tattlej', river engineer's certificate; J. S. Paget, secondclass stationary; Richard E. Verron, winding engine certificate; H. Kenningham, first-class (stationary land; J. Wheeler, river engineer's certificate; N. B. Brown, first-class stationary land; Thomas Long, second-class stationary land; J. Manson, thirdclass marine engineer; Alfred Sutton, second class, stationary land; H. Duffin, second-class stationary land; Norman N. Eussell, first-class stationary land; F. H. Walker, secondclass stationary land.

On Thursday evening next the D_ruids of Ponsonby celebrate the 16th anniversary with a smoke concert. The committee have been hard at work preparing for this event on a large scale.

The Grey Lynn Fire Brigade has on several occasions' during the past year shown remarkable celerity in turning out to fires. This fact should be remembered now that the annual benefit concert in aid of the brigade funds is at hand. The men are volunteers, who give their time for the benefit of the residents, being only paid for the actual hours tliey^spend at fires, which, owing to prompt turning out, does not amount to much. The concert takes place next Friday evening in St. George's Hall, and a good programme has been prepared.

The following additional subscriptions have been left at the Star Offlce for Mrs Poulton:—Sympathiser 5/, A F "in/ Friend 2/S, Peter Moifaa If, collected by a friend 25/; collected by Miss M. Hooker Oahuhu: Mrs Stringer 2/, A.C. 1/ a Mon' if. H.J.-S. If, A.C. if, A.C. 11, H.P 1/ so 1/. G.HJS. 1/, AG. If. A Friend 1/ fp 11, E.T. y, T.S. If, HE. 1/, J.McD 1/ j s if, C.W. If, E.R. If. A.L. 1/BJi/A Friend If, A Friend 2/6, G. McPher^on _S/6.

A tea and public meeting in connection with the Vermont-street Chil dren's Home takes place to-morrow evening in the Federal Hall. Dr. A O. Knight will preside, and the Rev W. E. Gillam, Rev. Mr. Ready, Rev Mr.-Sne.yd and Mr. Wilson will speak!

To Cure a Cold in One Day: Take Laxative Bromo Quinine Tablets. All druggists refund the money if it fails to cure; 1/6. The genuine is stamped "L.8.Q." Agents, Sharland and Co. Ltd., Auckland and Wellington. '

Why buy electro-plate of doubtful quality? You can save money, and, if you are making a present, reputation also, by buying at Bartlett's, jeweller. Everything warranted.— Ad. Blouse silks. Lace stripe silks, all ivory, or coloured stripes, 2/6; special —Smith and Caughey's.—Ad. Worms undermine Children"s Con«;tl-u----tions. Use VADEX WORM FIGS 1/ boxes. \ WOLFE'S SCHNAPPS Superiorjti) all ether gpMts. i

Judge Conolly left Auel&and by the f Takapuna thk afternoon to attend a sitting of the Supreme Court a$ New Plymouth. Dr. Bennett, succeeding Dr. Teaguci at the Auckland Hospital, is to arrive in Auckland in the first weejs ia November. rPnree Ponsonby lads, named Qui!* liver, Watt and Owen, were amQs% themselves paddling about with two pa.ings in a small flat-bottomed dingey near the shore, beyond Heme* 1 Bay, on Saturday morning, when the strong southerly wind and current carried them out into the harbour. They had neither oars nor rowlotsks, and their position became extremely, perilous. Fortunately the yacht May, bound for Henderson, sighted the drifting boat, and rescued the i lads, who returned home from Hen* 7 derson shortly after 7 pan. In the 7 meanwhile, however, their parents, ' baring leanced that the -boys were last seen in the diag-ey by some Other 7 lads, drifting up the harbour, were ~7 greatly alarmed. Mr Moody, of Ma-rine-parade, kindly volunteered to go in Search, and made a cruise of tha ; upper reaches of the harbour in his, 7 oil launch; one of the Devonport ferry, steamers waa also chartered V';; by rthe 'parents, and made an extend- •■ ed search along- the shore. The empiy, * - punt was found-on one of the beaches half-fiQled with water, where it had drifted after "the boys had got on, board the May, but it was not until tlie lads themselves put in a belated 7 appearance that the intense anxiety, 7 which their adventure had caused was relieved. -r>JS Concerning the sending of invalids from the Eotorua Sanatorium into the Auckland Hospital, to which the Charitable Aid Board objected some time ago, the board this afternoon- v. received a communication from Mr. T. E. Donne, superintendent of the Department of Tourist and Healttw 7 Resorts, stating that the resident 1 medical officer at Eotorua had keen .7 instructed to send all patients in fa- | ture from the Eotorua Sanatorium to the Hamilton Hospital, except in cases where the patient specially de* sires to be sent to the Auckland Hos* pital, and arrangements can be made for bearing the expense. The Gisborne medical men recent* ly recommended a change of the sys« 1 tern employed in the Gisborne Hospital relative to the medicalstaff, and ; | the Gisborne Hospital Trustees consulted the Auckland Hospital and Charitable Aid Board on the subject. Their final decision is. shown in the following letter received from theGisborne secretary at the meeting of the Auckland Board this afternoon:' |

"Re medical staff. I beg to acknowledge and thank you for your Metier of "the llth inst.. which has been carefully considered by my board. I may state that, after full consideration of the matter, my board have decided to continue their . present system o;f having a non-resident' medical superintendent in full charge of the hospital, outside medical assistance being obtained for operations and in other necessary, cases." Mrs. Grace Neill, assistant inspec* . tor of hospitals, was recently asked by the Hospital and Charitable Aid/ Board of Auckland to give pr.rticu*; . lars of the "falling-off" in the gene* ral management of the Costley Hoiha ' after the dismissal of Mr. and Mrs, Moss, as stated by her in the annual departmental report. A formal acknowledgment of the request was read at the meeting of the board this i afternoon as follows: "I have the.'' honour to acknowledge your letter. lof the 17th September in regard to ;my report on the management of the Costley Home, contained in the ' : annual report of the department to the Hon. the Minister in charge of . the Department of Hospitals and Charitable Aid." Influenza is always more or lessf prevalent at this season of the year* This disease is very similar to a set.'. vere cold, and if allowed to take its course is liable to cause serious re» suits. The best treatment for influ* enze is to avoid exposure and take! Chamberlain's Cough Remedy. This medicine gives immediate relief .and 0 if used as directed will ward off all dangerous consequences. It leavefi the system in a natural and healthy]"', condition. It always cures and cureaj quickly. All dealers sell it. Broche tussore silks, in great de« mand; large lot just opened specially" for summer wear, neat designs and!

spots, l/6| yd.—Smith and Caughey^ silk department.—Ad.