COOK ISLAND AFFAIRS.

Hawke's Bay Tribune, Volume I, Issue 167, 1 July 1911, Page 5

COOK ISLAND AFFAIRS.

RETURN OF THE COMMISSIONERS. [per press association.] Auckland, July I. The Chief Justice, and Mr. WaL degrave, who went to Raratonga to investigate the charges against the Cook Island Administration, and to hear tiie charge against William John Wigmore, planter, of having murdered a native named More, returned by the Talune late last night. In the latter case the jury gave a verdict of manslaughter, with a strong recommendation to mercy. Wigmore was sentenced to six months’ imprisonment and ordered to leave the island, the latter portion of the sentence being subject to confirmation by the Governor of New Zealand. Sir Robert Stout added that the question of the return of the prisoner to Raratonga would, no doubt, depend upon the manner in which lie conducted himself. The inquiry regarding the charges against the Administration was a private, one. Persons making allegations against the Commissioner ! declined to give evidence on the ! ground that they’ did not consider ! Sir Robert Stout had sufficient ! powers to deal with the matter. It is understood that the Chief Justice came to the conclusion that i the allegations were unjustified, the natives expressing every satis- ; faction with Mr. Smith’s administration.