CHIEF JUSTICE IN THE ISLANDS.

Oamaru Mail, Volume XXXIX, Issue 10806, 1 July 1911, Page 4

CHIEF JUSTICE IN THE ISLANDS.

(Per Pbess Association.) Auckland, July 1. Complaints _ regarding the Cook Islands administration broke down completely. The report of the Commissioners remains secret until presented to the Government. They visited- the islands at a number of places, and discussed their requests, which were not in the nature of complaints. At a meeting of the natives and the visitors, which was something official in character, held at Makea Ariki's palace, speeches were made by natives, who stated that they understood Sir R. Stout had been sent to the island to ascertain whether they had any complaints to make. The natives wished it understood they were thoroughly satisfied with the works and administration of Captain Smith, and they had no complaints to make. If they had any complaints, they were with regard' to the native title. An Auckland visitor unconnected with the official party expressed' the opinion that there were only three persons in the islands dissatisfied with Captain Smith, and one of them was a discharged policeman. He adds that the Chief Justice won golden opinions from the natives by iiis affability and' the charm of his manner. Te Heuheu Tukino, who conveyed the condolences of the .Maoris of the Dominion to the Cook Islanders on the death of Queen Makea, returned by the Talune. .

"the Chief Justice and Mr Waldes grave, who went to Raratonga to in- ■ vestigate the charges against the Cook i . Island Administration and to hear a charge against William John Wigmore, planter, of having murdered a native, narn'nl More, returned by the Talune . late last night. In the latter case the jury gave a verdict of manslaughter, wilir a strong recommendation to mercy, and. Wigmore, was sentenced to six months' imprisonment arid ordered to leave the islands, , the la,tiber portion - of the sentience being subject to* confinhation by the Governor of- : New Zealand." Sir Robert Stout added that the question "pf the. return of "the prisonerto: Raratonga would no doubt depend : upon the manner in which he conductedhunself. j . _ The inquiry regarding-; the charges against the administration'was a private one. The persons _ making - allegations" against the Commissioner declined to 'give evidence,, on the ground that they j ' did not consider:that Sir Robert Stout ■had; su£scient'.power: ;•-Itf" is "understood that tho Chief Justice came-to the con-clusion-that the - allegations were unjustified,- the natives: expressing every. mth" Mr-,Smith's administration