COOK ISLANDS.

Colonist, Volume LI, Issue 12487, 13 March 1909, Page 4

COOK ISLANDS.

[United Pres's"; Association.]

1 Auckland, March" 12. ■ H.M.S. Cambrian arrived at Manihiki.oii February ._ 15th, - : and Major Gudgeon, .the Resident; landed, accompanied -by; Obtain" Lewis and a '.party of marines.' '.Mr. Williams, the | Government ageiit, reported that all was quiet there.,. •:"; . - Pukerua, the 'leader : of the rebels, was charged with : embezzlement of 600 dollars of. church. funds, and was sentenced to two years' hard labour. The Cambrian then proceeded to Rikahanga, where r four natives were charged with, pulling' down the King's flag, and, ejecting J.iidge Tapon from his position," imposing fines illegally, and preventing Natives from buying i. arid selling stpr.es; ... A witness, said he heard Pukerua say. that when , the warship' arrived \ lie would ask Mr Gudgeon something, and if the reply was not satisfactory he. wanted the natives to : rise. . -. V V .'■', ■■■--'■..':.'■ ~ The defence was that the Council declined to restrict the sale of cocoanuts and copra f to traders.''"The accused were sentenced; to a year's hard labour: - Pukerua was fined £5 for actihg-illegaHy as a judge, and was sentenced to two years' hard labour concurrent with,the* previous, sentences as ringleader of the rebellion. Two other natives were sentenced to eight and six months. _ - . _ Major Gudgeqn is satisfied that good results will accrue from the visit, and: that all trouble ris now ended. ;