UNREST IN COOK ISLANDS.

Dominion, Volume 1, Issue 291, 2 September 1908, Page 9

UNREST IN COOK ISLANDS.

VISIT OF A WARSHIP'SUGGESTED. (nr TELEGRAPH —PRESS , ASSOCIATION.) Auckland, August 31. A somewhat serious trouble appears to have arisen in tho northern islands of tho Cook Group. Some time ago several natives of Manihiki and Rakahanga, who had acted illegally in attempting by threats to prevent the sale of copra to traders, were fined, and one nativo who had assaulted Mr. Williams, tho Government agent, was sentenced to twelve months' imprisonment. More recently a section of Manihiki natives declared they would not recogniso the Island Council appointed by the Now Zealand Government. Several malcontents proceeded in a boat to Rakahanga, thirty miles distant, to incite the inhabitants against the Government, but Mr. Williams was nevertheless able to obtain tho election of a council for that island. Colonel Gudgeon is communicating with the New Zealand Government as to tho step's to bo taken to carry on the Government in theso two ' It is feared the unrest may oxtend to Penrhyn. European traders at Manihiki and llakahanga are alarmed. Their premises are picketed, and tho business of every native is ascertained beforo he is .allowed to enter. It is generally felt that tho only way to restore order is by tho British Resident Commissioner visiting tho islands in a vessel of the British Navy, which would show the natives that Now Zealand has tho power and prestige of the British Empiro at her back in governing tho group.