ISLAND ITEMS.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XXV, Issue 9209, 12 November 1888, Page 3

ISLAND ITEMS.

[from oub own correspondent.] Rarotonga, October 19. Matters at this Island, celebrated for ita triple Government, Queens, and powers, remains much in the same condition ao far as trade, &c, is concerned, as already reported, and until the cotfec season comes round there is not much prospect of trade reviving. The Agnes Donald arrived after a fair passage of 19 days on the lGth instant, and after landing her cargo has been kept busily engaged taking in her return freight of oranges and limejuice. This cargo is tne last from here of oranges until the coming crop ripens. The s.s. Richmond, in consequence, is this incoming trip to go to Aitutaki, and Atiu, and there obtain Her fruit, and it is doubtful if she will on this occasion visit here. If she does not, her mails will be brought across by the schooner (Sandfly, under charter to Donald and Edenborough. The schooner Fleetwing is on a visit to the various Islands of the group collecting copra, &c, but she is not proving herself at all suitable for her work, for which she was chartered by Captain Piltz. She is leaking badly, and does not show herself to be a very speedy sailer. Her condition was so bad, and she leaked so fast while in the harbour that a survey was held on her, and the report has been sent to Auckland. The all-absorbing topic of conversation, boll) among Europeans and natives, is the Protectorate question, and over this there appears to bo a very great diversity of opinion. It may, however, be eaid that the residents of both races on all the islands are unanimously in favour of Great Britain taking tne group under her wing, but before that is finally done they wisn to know the terms under which Great Britain will assume power—that is, so far as relating to the land question, rights of ownership, leaseholders, etc.

At the New Year ? proposals are to be brought forward dealing with alterations in the existing laws, among which the main will be dealing with the liquor question. Recently one European (Captain Gill) offered some 200 dollars to Makea Ariki (Queen Makea) for the sole' right to dispense this follower of the march of civilisation at Avatiu, but it was refused, the reason given being that the existing mode was sufficient for the present. The natives are great tipElers, but their principal beverage is orange eer. It is made by squeezing the juice of the orange into tubs on the Saturday, and by the next day it ferments, and then is drank. It soon intoxicates, and both males and females "enjoy the fun.