THE COOK ISLANDS.

Taranaki Herald, Volume LV, Issue 13910, 13 March 1909, Page 5

THE COOK ISLANDS.

NATIVES PUNISHED. TROUBLE ENDED. Per Press Association. AUCKLAND, March' 12. H. M. S. Cambrian arrived at Manihiki on February 15. Colonel Gudgeon landed, accompanied By Captain Lewes and a party or marines. Mr Williams, the Government Agent, .reported that all was quiet there, and that Pukerua,* leader or the rebels, was charged with embezzlement of six hundred dollars of church money and was sentenced to two years' imprisonment with hard >labour. The Cambrian proceeded to Kakahanga, where four natives were charged with pulling down the King's flag and ejecting Judge Tupqn from his position, for imposing fines, and illegally preventing the natives from buying and selling stores. A witness said he heard Pukeijau say that when the warship arrived 'he would ask Colonel Giyigeon something* If the reply was factory he wanted the natives to rise and kill Colonel Gudgeon, Mr Willimas, and the native council. The defence was that the council declined to restrict the sale of cocoanuts and copra to traders. Accused was sentenced to a year's imprisonment with hard labour. Pukerau was fined fivej pounds for acting illegally as judge, aiid sentenced to two years' hard labour (the term to be concurrent with the previous sentence) as ringleader of the rebellion. Two other natives were sentenced to eight and six months imprisonment respectively.

Colonel Gudgepn said he was satis fied with the good result of his visit All trouble has now ended.