FROM THE COOK ISLANDS.

Evening Post, Volume LXXVIII, Issue 8, 9 July 1909, Page 4

FROM THE COOK ISLANDS.

THE RETIREMENT OF LIEUT. - COLONEL W. E. GUDGEON. GENERAL REGRET. [FHOJI OUK OWN CORRESPONDENT.] RAROTONGA, 24th June. Rorotongans have learned with regret that Colonel Gudgeon has been retired from the office of Resident Commissioner for the Cook Islands, and that such will take effect on 31sfc July. During his long term of office Colonel Gudgeon has done much for the good and well-being of these islands. The majority of the natives are very sorry indeed that he is leaving them/ for they recognise the fact that he has been as a father to them all, and has listened patiently to their many complaints and has dealt out justice where justice was required. At the present time they recognise that ho at all times advised them to do those things that would be of use to them and their children ; there are perhaps a few ,who are pleased at 'the change, but their only ground of complaint is the fact, that they did not win land cases that were brought before Colonel Gudgeon in his capacity as Chief Judge of the . Land Titles Court. They fail to understand that a 'case must be decided on the evidence brought beforethe court, and the manner in which 'such evidence i? given, and in many cases they produced witnesses who damaged their case by making statements favourable to the opposite side, and after the case had been summed up they would in many cases glare at their witnesses and remark that "they had not given their evidence as " they should have." There may havo been times when Colonel Gudgeon was a bit outspoken, but what was said or done was for the good of the parties concerned. Colonel Gudgeon's term of office has exceeded ten years, and, since the day of his arrival, great changes have been made, and one of the most important departments instituted was the Land Titles Court. This court nab proved a boon to the people, who were, previous to the institution of this court, never secure on their lands under the old system of land laws, nor did they do any extensive planting, fqr they knew that if they did they would never- enjoy the fruits of their labour. Now a different state of affairs exists, and ciacli man who owned land has had' the title thereto ascertained lieforo the Land Court, resulting in the land being a,d to the proper persons, thus giving them that security that they never before enjoyed, 'ihe jesult has been that now, those who had been accused of being lazy, have proved themselves workers by planting tho lands awarded to them by the Land Court. The position of Resident Commissioner has not at all times been a bed of roses, it required a man of vast experience — one who thoroughly knew the Maori customs and mode oi thought to deal with the many disputes that arose among the Maoris, for the Maoris of these islands are as children, who require a firm yet kinjj hand to guide and educate them into* those paths that lead to progress and prosperity. It is understood that it. was the wish of the Government of New Zealand that Colonel Gudgeon continued in office during tho month of July. < It is to be hoped that his successor will follow in the lines taken by the retiring Resident, otherwise he may anticipate plenty of worry and trouble, for a Maori is at times a difficult person to deal with. ARRIVAL -OP THE GERMAN STEAMER KATUNA. , Tho s.s. Katuna arrived here from j Samoa via Niue on 18th' 'June, having on board a party of German scientists who are touring the Islands pf the Pacific. The vessel dpparted the same day for Tahiti, calling en route at JNlangaia, Aitutaki and Atiu- It is surmised that they are in search of phosphates. FRUIT TRADE. It is pleasing to notice that since the inspection of truit at thij, port a much better class of fruit is being exported, and shippers are being more careful in the packing and selection of fruit. It is on dit that the best packed fruit going forward this steamer is that packed by the Tukuvaine Fruit Company.