COOK ISLANDS.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XL, Issue 12176, 23 January 1903, Page 6

COOK ISLANDS.

AN ISLAND PRESENTED TO KING EDWARD. [FROM OUR OWN CORRESPONDENT.] Rarotonga, January 13. The Government auxiliary schooner Countess of Ranfurly arrived from Auckland on December 27. Captain Worsley reports that after leaving Auckland he proceeded direct to the Kermadec Islands, but nothing was seen or heard of the missing boat of the Eliugamite. After making a careful search the schooner cam© on : here, and arrived as above. The schooner then made a voyage through the Cook Group, visiting Mangaia, Mauke, Mitiaro, and Atiu. I hear that the Resident Commissioner (Lieutenant-Colonel Gudgeon, - C.M.G.) leaves in the ' Countess of Ranfurly next week on an extended cruise to the northern islands, Ponrhyn, Manahiki, etc., in his dual capacity as Resident Commissioner, and Chief Judge of the new Land Titles'"; Court; This Court opened its proceedings at the island of Ait'utaki in December last, and much useful work was got' through. f \ An important land case, with ■■ dramatic results, was heard at Rarotonga on December 27. The point in question was as to the ownership of the island of Takutea, a small island about 12" miles in circumference, lying about 10 miles to the north-west of Atiu and 90 miles from Rarotonga. This island is a low coral atoll and uninhabited, . andthe ownership has always been recognised as vested in the chiefs of Atiu. A dispute, however, arose,, which,led to the case being brought before the Land Titles Court. The ruling arikis of Atiu and many leading chiefs from that island had assembled Here to watch the proceedings, of the Court. The ownership was claimed by Ngamaru-ariki (the husband of Makea-ariki, of Rarotonga) the principal chief of Atiu. Upon these claims being put forward in Court : there appeared to be little or no defence, 'all the Atiu chiefs acknowledging the same, consequently the island was formally i adjudicated to be the property of Ngamaruariki. Now came in the dramatio performance. Immediately on the judgment beinogiven Ngamaru-ariki rose in Court and addressed Colonel Gudgeon. After thanking ,him for Ins patience in hearing the case he requested that he would accept - the island of Takutea for and on behalf of King Edward the Seventh as a present from himself for ever! Thus ended the celebrated Takutea case.": -- ' /■■

The schooner Ngamaru-ariki, owned by the natives of Atiu, and which was stranded m the Avarua harbour. early in December last, has been floated and repaired by native carpenters, sailed on the 10th inst. for Atiu ihe schooner proceeds shortlv to Tahiti for docking purposes and more extensive repairs. The epidemic of measles and , diarrhoea which was prevalent during the months of November and December, has now passed away quietly without baring had any serious

JThe ownership of the islands of Manna* the penal settlement of the Cook Islands has been settled by the Land Titles Court! Ihe island of Mannae proper is the property of John Pakoti, who is the living representative of the old Mannae inhabitants, and Aiiotu is the property of the arikis of Aitupil T'"» , decision is subject to the lease of the islands to a local firm, which is confirmed. Both these islands are encircled by. one coral reef. The islands produced 80 tons of copra in 1902, and some 15 000 young cocoanuts have been planted, which will all com© into bearing within the next 10 years. ' ; It is currently reported that the Governor of New Zealand, with Ministers, will pay a .visit to the Cook Islands in April next. ■> Ihe weather has been extremely dry for the last few months. Everything is parched up and water is becoming scarce. This is without precedent here, as this time of year is supposed to be the wet season. Copramaking has now ceased, and will not be- on again until June and July. There are no oranges to. be had.. Bananas appear to be plentiful. L.meju.ce will be scarce again brW' bUt the coffee pr ° Spccts appear