THE COOK ISLANDS.

Stratford Evening Post, Volume XXXI, Issue 3, 19 August 1911, Page 7

THE COOK ISLANDS.

THE CHIEF JUSTICE’S REPORT. (Per Press Association.) Wellington, August 17. The report of Sir Robert Stout on the charges against the administration at Cook Islands, was laid on the table of the House of Representatives this afternoon. Sir Robert Stout states that ho at once made enquiries on. landing to ascertain what persons had made the complaints regarding the administration of the islands. So far as ho could learn, only the following persons had done so ;—Dr. Dawson, formerly medical officer.; Mr. Reynolds, formerly head of the police ; and Mr. H.oskings, dentist practising at Rara tonga. All these resided together. He wrote these gentlemen, stating his willingness to hear what they had to say. They desired to he examined on oath, but lie explained there was no law in the Cook islands permitting the oath to be administered, even by a Royal Commission. They wrote him later declining to make statements, but subsequently All'. Reynolds made a statement which ho afterwards withdrew. A perusal of the letters would show that one of the main reasons given for , desiring a public enquiry was that they had been attacked and they should have an opportunity of exculpating themselves. No person came forward with any complaints except Mr. Reynolds. Sir Robert Stout visited the natives in their villages. The Rev. Mr. .James .complained that he thought that the law as to white men living with Maoris should be 'enforced. ,

No charge is made, continues Sir Robert Stout, by Dr. Dawson and Mr. Koskings against the Commissioner for not enforcing the law. The natives have not taken any exception to the inclusion of. the islands as part of Now Zealand, but the result of the idea is that their local government has come to an end. Charges that were adduced by Mr. Wright are wholly about municipal matters. Sir Robert Stout holds that it is dangerous to lay down the precedent that two or three dissatisfied citizens ca n, on a purely local matter, have the right to demand a Royal Commission to investigate their grievances. Ho was told by due white ’settler that even the appeal to the Mow Zealand Government by Dr. Dawson and Messrs. H,askings and Reynolds has a disquieting effect on the native mind. The natives maintain that it will not tend towards the good government of,the Cook Islands if local councils are to lie ignored. The charges, when examined, were of minor importance, and touched on hospital management, administration of justice, the..termination of Mr. Reynolds’ appointment, the drainage of a lagoon, the appointment of a European member to the Federal Council, prison administration, the liquor question, education, and the appointment of an auditor.

Sir Robert Stout says the hospital is a better building than will be found in many parts of New Zealand with live ■times the population. Ho had heard that all tiro fuss would end with Dr. Dawson’s reappointment as medical officer. With regard to tiie administration of justice, one charge was a mere 'teennieality. In the other no one sustained any injury. With regard to Mr. Reynolds’ dismissal, his appointment was not a permanent one, and he was hostile to the Commissioner on account of the companions he kept. The drainage of tiio lagoon was a difficult problem, and should bo delayed pending investigation of the finances of the islands for. public'works'. The appointment of a white member to the Islands Council should not be carried out without the unanimous consent of the native people. The police administration on the islands is a difficult matter to

■ ope with, as there is no prison there. Vrisoners are. usually employed in road-making.' The specific charge's must fall to the ground so far as the Commissioner is concerned.

There is no doubt, adds Sir Robert

Stout, there is great trouble in the islands through the manufacture more than the sale of intoxicating liquor. In his opinion there was an extravagant amount of spirituous liquor delivered to European inhabitants at the islands. From what he could gather from many white residents, about 80 or 90 of the white residents were in favour of alcohol being prohibited absolutely- Sir Robert Stout urged that the education of natives must be looked upon as a. matter for the State. The auditor on the islands did his work well. His appointment was only a temporary one. In conclusion, Sir Robert _ Stout said the administration had done, and was doing good work. Considering the small pay (£ooo per year), and the fact that the climate was not suitable for Europeans, it was not likely that the higher officers of the New Zealand service would accept the appointment of Commissioner. The Resident Commissioner had not only the climate to contend against, but also, judging- from what had taken place in the past, ho would have to put up with a considerable amount of carping and petty criticism.