SOUTH SEA ISLANDS

New Zealand Illustrated Magazine, 1 November 1900, Page 161

SOUTH SEA ISLANDS

At the time of writing the news comes that the annexation of the South Sea Islands to Great Britain has just been completed with Lord Ranfurly, who took a trip there iv H.M.s. Mildura fur the purpose. These

islands include the Cook Group, Mangaia and Ravotonga, the former comparatively level, the lattor, with its vordure-clothed mountains, rising 3,000 feet above the sea. Travellers by the U.S.S. Company's steamers rave about the quaint little port-of-call, Awarua, Rarotonga's chief town. This island has been under British protection for some years past. Aitutaki, Atiu, Mnuke, Mitiaro and Hervey Island, smaller or less important islands, make up this grout), which produce fruit, cobra, coffee, cotton and tobacco to perfection. Then thero are Savage Island, Palmerston Island, Manihiki, Kakahanga, Penrhyu, all more or lens productive, Suwarrow Island, with its snug harbour, and that curious collection of coral atolls, ominously named the Danger Islands. A lovelier trip cannot be imagined than a cruise amongst these " sunlit isles of the summer seas." Their annexation by (Jreat Britain, which was so unanimously welcomed by the islanders, was the first step towards their being included in the boundaries of New Zealand. The Governor, having performed his part of tho programme, Premier Seddon will next proceed in due state to the Islands to further the carrying out of his motion, carried it in the House, that is desirable in the best interests of the colony and of the inhabitants of these islands, that tho boundary of New Zealand be extended bo as to embrace them. Colonel Gudgeon, the present British Resident in Rarotonga, will, in all probability, return with His Excellency, and after his bnsiness here is completed, Premier Seddon will be ready to accompany him on his return to his Island home.