Untitled

New Zealand Herald, Volume XXXVIII, Issue 11734, 16 August 1901, Page 3 (Supplement)

Mr. Percy Smith, ex-Surveyor-General of the colony, arrived on Aug. 6 from New Plymouth, and leaves shortly for the South Sea Islands in the Countess of Ranfurly, the new Government schooner. He goes first of all to Rarotonga to see the British Resident (Colonel W. E. Gudgeon), and then acting on the British Resident's instructions, goes on in the schooner to Niue (Savage Island), in order to inaugurate as Government Commissioner the new system of government, which follows the hoisting of the British flag, and the inclusion of the islands within the boundaries of New Zealand. Niue has a native population of 4000 to 5000 people. It is not expected that there will be any great departure from the existing order of things at Niue, the most important innovation being the creation of Customs duties, probably a small uniform duty somewhat on the lines of those prevailing at Rarotonga. On arrival at Savage Island Mr. Percy Smith will present to King Tongia, on behalf of His Excellency the Governor (Lord Ranfurly), the gold medal from His Royal Highness the Duke of Cornwall and York, similar to those presented to high chiefs of New Zealand and the Cook Islands. Mr. Smith anticipates being back in Auckland in about four months, and will stay a day or two in Auckland on his return. During his slay in these islands he will prosecute his researches into the interesting subject, on which he is a high authority, namely, the birth place of the Maori race. Mr. Colebrook, of H.M. Customs staff, on the Auckland Wharf, also leaves by the schooner Countess of Ranfurly for the South Sea Islands, on business in connection with the establishment of Customs duties in various of the British-owned islands, at which the schooner calls on the present cruise. The Messrs. Nathan will not, it transpires, suffer a total loss by the death of the stallion Fitzsimmons. On the 2nd inst (about 48 hours before he died) Fitzsimmons was examined by Mr. E. D. Halstead, and, being pronounced free from disease or ailment, application was made to the agent of the International Horse Agency, in Auckland,, for an insurance of £1000 on the horse's life for 12 months. The proposal was cabled to the head office in London on the same day. No intimation having been received by the agent as to the acceptance of the risk, Mr. Alfred Nathan cabled to his brother, Mr. L. D. Nathan, who is at present in London, to inquire at the head office of the International Horse Agency as to whether the insurance had been accepted. A reply has, we understand, been received from Mr. L. D. Nathan to the effect that the company accepted the ri?k for the sum stated above..