COOK ISLANDS DIFFICULTY.

Wairarapa Age, Volume XXXII, Issue 3137, 13 March 1909, Page 5

COOK ISLANDS DIFFICULTY.

OFFENDERS PUNISHED. I By Telegraph—Press Association. AUCKLAND, March 12. The "Star's" Cook Islands corresp writes:—"H.M.S. Cambrian arrived & Manihiki on February 15th. Colonel Gu-lgt-ott, accompanied byjOpttiin Lewi's and a file of marines, proceeds.! ashore, and were informed by Mr Williams, Government Agent, that makers werv now quiet in Manihiki, ansf the natives who had been incited by t\e Rakahanga rebels to defy the Government, had submitted to Mr Williams' jurisdiction. Colonel Gudgeon decided to take no further action. Pukerua, chief leader of the rebels at Rakahanga, being in Manihiki, was brought before Colonel Gudgeon on a charge of embezzlement of 600 dollars, church funds, and sentenced to two years' imprisonment. The Cambrian then proceeded to kakiahanga, where four men were charged with pulling down the King's flag, ejecting Judge Lupon from his position, illegally fining his Majesty's subjects, and preventing natives buying and selling at the stores. The prisoners virtually pleaded guilty. One witness stated that he heard Pakerua say that when Colonel Gudgeon came ashore in the warship he would ask that official something, and if he did not agree, with the request he wanted the people to rise and kill the colonel, the council and Mr Williams. The defence was that the council would not restrict the sale of coconute and copra to traders. The court sentenced accused to one year's hard labour at Raratonga. Remeka, who acted illegally as judge, was fined £5. I

Subsequently, at a court held on the Cambrian, Pukerua, leader of the rebellion, was sentenced to two years' hard labour at Raratonga, concurrent with the previous sentence. Two other men concerned were sentenced to eight and six months' imprisonment respectively. Colonel Gudgeon is satisfied with the result of his visit, and considers that all the troubles nre ended.