COOK ISLANDS.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XXXVIII, Issue 11571, 8 February 1901, Page 3

COOK ISLANDS.

[from our own correspondent.] / January 29. THE FUTURE OF THE ISLANDS. It is now three months since these islands were formally annexed to the British Crown, with the ultimate view of becoming included in the boundaries of New Zealand. Up to the present we know nothing further than this. Our future mode of administration is still unsettled.' We, as a settled community, are not at all put out at this, as our present administration, under the able direction of our British Resident, LieutenantColonel W. E. Gudgeon, is perfectly satisfactory, and changes are sometimes undesirable. ■* Our High Court is ably conducted, our civil officers are efficient, and respected by all.- : We only hope, if any change does come to •pass? that the present mode of procedure will not be interfered with. There has been much trouble in the past, and it is to be hoped that now we have an efficient administration, proving very satisfactory, the, same will continue to the end without friction of any kind. The British Resident, as was expected, from his large experience with the natives of New Zealand, manages to work admirably with the ■ native rulers, which is of itself a source of much congratulation ; satisfaction is expressed almost everywhere ; our laws are administered with care and moderation, so what more is wanted ? Certainty, if the natives could have the germs of industry more impregnated in their fertile brains, it would be an improvement, but, I take it, this is beyond the scope of an administrative body. There are; of course, as is usually the case in small communities, a few malcontents, who, at times, attempt to create mischief, but as they always find that their efforts are futile, it is to be hoped that even these will ultimately find their feeble, attempts to overthrow an established Government are worse than useless,'and condemnatory to themselves, that they will settle down to the inevitable and become respectable citizens.

i MANGAIA. The latest reports from this island are not praiseworthy. It is said that the natives are relapsing to the old style of missionary influence. Fines are again exacted for walking the roads after eight o'clock at night ; Sunday travelling is prohibited, threats are hurled at unfortunates for the most trivial faults,, and perhaps worse than all, piobibits are placarded lip against the selling of produce, thus interfering with lawful trade. There is, however, one redeeming feature, they are loyal, loyal to the backbone, to the British Empire. VOLUNTEER CORPS, ETC. A volunteer corps has been established under the direction of Captain Buckeley and Lieutenant Proctor (local traders), drills are bi-weekly, and considerable efficiency is shown.; There is also a printing press and carpenter's shop now in full working order. A monthly newspaper is issued, very creditably printed, but strongly Nonconformist in its effusions, it being edited by the agent of the London* Missionary Society. Missionary influence is, and always has been, at its pinnacle at this island. I hear the British Resident intends visiting Mangaia shortly. ■ ' AITUTAKI. It is reported that the present revenue officer at Aitutaki is to be relieved shortly, and that an old resident at Rarotonga has been temporarily appointed to take up the position. This* island is very productive. The natives work well, and do a large export business in produce and fruit. SHIPPING. : ..;':'" . The local schooner Maungaroa leaves for Auckland'shortly with a cargo of copra.