THE COOK ISLANDS.

Dominion, Volume 4, Issue 1047, 9 February 1911, Page 3

THE COOK ISLANDS.

',! THEIR HISTORY. V.-l ____ ■■'-'' RECENT TROUBLESREVIEWED. II [To Tub-Editob.] i Sir,—As so much attention has been ■ jdrawn to the Cook Islands in your col- ; uinns through tho interview with Dr. Ku:pcrt V. Hosking, dentist, of Avarua,. liarotonga and tho many questions asked by Mr. H. A. Wright, M.P. in Parliament and tho discussions thereon, 1 thiuk that some information relating to those islands and tho administration of same ; by tne new Zealand < Government would be of interest to your many readers and ; the public generally. New'Zealand'Control of the Islands. ■>■- During 1653 representations wcro made to the llntish Government by tno then Premier of Victoria, Australia (Mr. James ; Service) urging upon tfte British Government to annex many of tho islands in : the Pacific-Uoeau, :,including Samoa, : 'I,'onga,, and Rarotonga, etc., on account of imminent danger l lroni French annex-ation,-tnis was also strongly endorsed by tho New Zealand Premier (.Sir Freder- ■: ick Whittaker). Tho British, Government appeared to be , somewhat; apathetic regarding the.matter and considered that there was no tear of French annexation. They raised the question as to tho pro-, viding of the exponas it any action was taken by tho Imperial Government and asking; if tno,Australasian colonics would provide ;, the expense. The. Victorian Premier being ■to much impressed with-the necessity of either annexation or protectorate, for the future'of Australasia; advised tho .British -Government that the colonics would willingly contribute, the necessary expense and adding that "England should do for Australia- what Australia cannot do for herself,"; and impressing upon that Government that there would bo great dis- ; satisfaction if "England fails to sccu.-o our : future." No definite action appears to ; have been come to during 1883. However, i during .1885 ■ inquiries wero mado as to " what price Germany would require to sell , out her interests in Samoa. At this time '•' the King of Samoa was most anxious that ; Samoa should be under British protection. ■: Tho- German Government asked .£200,000 -,for their interests but this sum was considered excessive. Tho then Premier of New.Zealand (Sir Robert Stout) corresSonded.with tho Agent-General (Sir F. D. ell) and intimated that if the Imperial GovernmcAt-.wero to mako arrangements ; with tho German Government for the : purchase of German interests, that-tho "New Zealand Government would not bo : disinclined to tako over- tho responsibility '■ of tho English Government, so far as the Samoan group were concerned. Ho also drew attention to tho fact that' New Zealand had a larger trado with tho Cook group than with almost any 'other group in tho Pacific and as no nationality seera- • ed to claim them that tho Agent-General might be able to',obtain their transference to New Zealand and instructed him .tit ascertain' tho views of the Colonial "Office regarding them. At this time Fiji' was also most anxious to obtain incorporation with New Zealand and-a largely .'signed' petition was received by the' Premier'to that effect,

i! -■ A Neglected .Opportunity. . -Towards tho end 0f.1885 the Queen, ■of- Rarotonga had■ a' long interview at -Auckland with Mr..Ballance the then Natiyo Minister in which she stated'her desire of having.some stronger bond of unity - with -New . Zealand than then existing as she - did not' desire to bo under tho French Government. No definite agreement or understanding was come to, but Sir Robert Stout,: Premier; communicated: .with the Agent-General favouring ~a treaty being entered into with her—pre•ferably. of theilialuro then existing be- . twecn the Sandwich Islands. (Hawaii) and, . America—and stating that if the internationalisation of the Islands were maintained, it would be of enormous servico to New Zealand; owing- to the trade with the Islands being very considerable. The -Premier about, tho same time intimated to the Agent-General .that he felt sure that tho .New Zealand Parliament; anxious as it was to see the Navigator Group (Samoa) as-well' as other groups -under British control,: would never sanction the expenditure 0ff,60-largo a sum as JE200.000 for the purpose. Ho suggested that tho Imperial Government should make somo arrongcments,for the purchase, tho colony, to repay by a sinking fund and to have tho. control of Samoa and also with great foresight urging that the Imperial Government should tako more active interest in tho Pacific Islands in view of the opening of the Panama Canal. The pity'it is-as. wo must all now see .that • Sir Robert Stout's'foresight was not taken advantage of and the Germans would not have obtained .the footing that they-now possess in the Pacific. In the beginning of 1886. the residents-of Rarotonga forwarded to. Sir Julius Vogel, then Premier,' a petition asking that a British Consul should bo' appointed and stating ;that the - exports to New Zealand <wero ; no'less" a 6um than .£30,000 a year. Regresentations -wero made to the British ov'ernmcnt with the result that tho New Zealand' Government was advised that's British Consul .would be appointed with ! full powers provided that New Zealand : would undertake to pay a salary of .£SOO . ; a year.'for a period of ten years with an ■ : office allowance of JE2OO a. year and also j provide a consular house if required. '[■ ; 'I The First British Resident. ~

Mr. R. Exhnm was appointed Consul ! and held office until tho beginning of ; 1891 when he was superseded by Mr. iredi erick J. Moss, who had'been appointed British Resident with headquarters at' Avarua, Earotonga. On arrival Mr. Moss issued a proclamation to tho Maoris, ! dated April 22, 1891, in which ho inform- ; ed them that ho had been appointed British Resident for tho Protectorate of the Cook Islands,' and that he had that day entered upon his duties, that the Maoris would continue to 'make - their own laws and to carry on their own Government, ;• but that no new laws would be recogni.'Wl by her Majesty Queen Victoria until approved and signed by him as British Resident and impressing upon them that his only object in •the performance of his important duties would be-"to aid ?ou in governing justly ■ and wisely for he promotion of .your-own welfare and tho welfare of your children and for the advance in civilisation and prosperity .of your fertile and beautiful islands.". Mr. Moss 6howed great ability as an administrator, and for some years possessed tho confidence of the Queen and her subjects. He, 'however; occupied a iniost difficult position as'on tho ono hand ho desired to conciliate .and please the white population, consisting mostly of '. merchants traders, and planters, whilst on tho other he had also to look after tho in : ttrcsts of tho Natives,' and at times these-interests rather clashed. Ho framed end caused to be brought into existence many laws, the drafting of which showed that he was a man of more than ordinary ability. Many of' the laws that ho found in existence on arrival were totally .unsuitable' and crude, necessitating many new enactments being brought into force. Unfortunately,'he found it somewhat difficult. to arrange for the sate custody of the fundsof .the'Gover'ninciit ■ of tho Islands, and in IS9I he entered into an arrangement with a firm of merchants at Rarotonga—Messrs Donald and Edcnborough—to act as bankers for tho Government. This'-led to friction with sonic of the white population, who felt that a preference was shown that firm to tho detriment of other merchants. Eventually.'jnalters became' Wy strained between Mr.-Moss,- and not only a certain section of ■ the white population, but also with the Arilris of Rarotonga over tho introduction into tho Cook' Islands Parliament of a Bill known as the Fedcr.U Court Bill, which made provision for tho appointment ,of Mr. Moss as President and solo Judge of tho Court. 'The friction now became>so acute that the" Arikis'Chief of the Government of i Rarotonga and Chief of the Conk Islands petitioned the Governor of New Zealand (LarA Ranfurlv) for the-withdrawal of ijl>. Moss and the appointment of an;other British Resident, and about tho jpome lime—S<*ptcmber. IS97—another pc'titinn was sent by some of the white !residents to tho Government asking for ! n Royal, Commission to inquire inlo tho !r°ncral administration of the Islands. jThe result was that Sir James Prfndcr!gast. as. Chief Justice of New Zealand, jwa» appointed a Royal' Commissioner to lurnceed to Rarotonga. and as a result of jhis repnrt > Mr. More was requested to resign, which he did.

Appointment of. Lieut.-Colonel Gudgeon. I On August 20, ISOS, Lieut-Colonel Walter Edward CudgooD was appointed Bri

tish Resident, and in September entered upon his duties. A better appointment could not have Uen made, as ho possessed every qualification for such an important position. Colonel dudgeon had had years of experience amongst.tho Maoris iii New Zealand, had hold the position of a ■ Native Land Court Judg?, was a distinguished Maori scholar and linguist, and well posted in Maori loro and customs. His appointment was hailed with intense satisfaction by both tho white population and tho Maoris in tho Cook Uroup. A matter that was greatly in his Invonr was his being ablo to •converso with thcr Natives in their own language, and the Governor of Now Zooland was so pleased with this that ho wrote to tho Colonel:—"I consider that vour being able to communicate with Makca (tho.Queen) and others without the aid of an interpreter is a matter of tho first importance, and it 'is very pleasing to mo to find that the language 19 sufficiently similar to tho Maori tonguo to enable you to do so." lie immediately took steps to create a nigh Court, pro--viding amongst other things for tho appointment of a Chief Justice and not more than two other Judges. On tho passing •of this measure Queen Makta personally requested him to accept the position of Chief Justice. A keen interest was taken by him in tho wdfaro' and health of, tho Natives, and ho got tho Federal Parliament to pais n Publio Health and Quarantiuo' Aot,' 1838. Dr. Geo. Craig being appointed Medical Officer, with Dr.. W. B. Craig as rublio Health and Quarantine Office and hon. surgeon to tho hospital. Many new and useful laws wcro passed during his administration, and tho residents, bath white and Native, wero filled with astonishment when they learnt that tho Ward Government had decided to retire, him. . •-

Retirement of Lieut-Colonel Gudgeon. In July, 1009, Colonel Gudgeon,was retired after clsvon years' most useful service. His administration had been most successful, and ho had won the entire confidence and respect of the wholo population. The question then arose, "Why'had ho been retired?"—ho was full of energy, quito capablo of continuing tho good work that ho had done; there had been no complaints against his administration, an'd everything in tho Islands was working satisfactorily, bnt no, tho fiat had gone forth that he must bo retired. Why? "To mako room for another." A gentleman-who had been ono of tho victims of retrenchment—liko hundreds of others—owing' to tho control of his Department being transferred to another Department, must bo found a billet, and in order to do so tho Colonel was retired. It was with regret olid grief that the inhabitants heard that the man who had done so much for the Islands was retired and another placed in the position that tho Colonel had filled with such credit and honour.to himself and tho Administration of New Zealand that had appointed. him. No man could have left with a ! better record.

' -Appointment of "Captain" Smith. ' i Ono really marvels how this gentleman came to bo appointed to such a position as Resident Commissioner. Ho was not known to possess any of the many qualifications required for such an ■ onerous and important position. He had had no previous experience in tho .intricate work of- drafting laws or ordinances, no experience in the practice or conducting and controlling tho administration or justice in the Law Courts, no experience in deciding most difficult points in the administration of Native Land Courts, no experiene? in dealing with Natives, and no knowledgo of their ancient customs, no knowledgo whatever of tho Maori language, and no experience as an administrator, except the administration of doling' out pensions in the Old Age Pensions Office. If ever a gentleman was placed in a false position by any Government he was, and his fellow members of the Civil Service were filled with surprise when they heard of - the appointment. For many years ho held a subordinate position in the Treasury as a "corresponding clerk." On the formation of tho 'Old Age Pensions Ofllco he was fortunate enough to bo appointed registrar. This position ho,,hpidiforisomo yearsnn-i til, under tho retrenchment schemo of tho Ward Government it was decided to place that office under the administration of tho Postal Department. This placed Mr. .Smith in tho position of requiring another billet, and being a "persona grata" with tho Government, ho was offered the position of general. manager of tho Stato Fire Insuranco Department, despite, the fact, as'was well known, that he possessed no experienco in fire insuranco matters. Hedeclined tho position. Ho was then opnointed British Itcsidcnt for the Cook-Islands, and accepted tho,position presumably without demur. ' Colonel Gudgeon was shunted and tho ex-Regis-trar of Old Age Pensions, set out' for Rarotonga to fill the position so ably filled by Colonel Gudgeon. 'Now-comes tho most farcical and amusing scene in this comic opera. > It evidently appeared! to tho,Government that it was necessary to impress upon tho natives v that they were sending down: a gentleman of warlike pretensions, so tho brilliant idea occurred to. someone to appoint tho new Commissioner a "captain." It is not known that "Captain" Smith ever at, any timo held any position in tho Imperial, volunteer, or militia forces,- but that did not matter. Thus Mr. Smith was chabled to.add.the titlo of "Captain" to his name and to wear a gorgeous /military 'uniform. This rends like a burlesque, but it is perfectly true. *

"Captain" Smith's Administration, A singularly successful and fortunato appointment during Colonel Gudgeon's time- was.the appointment of Dr. C. M. Dawson, of New Zealand, as medical officer, fio thoroughly understood tho natives, and possessing great tact, drew tho natives to him, and being on tho most friendly terms with Colonel Gudgeon, tho two were able to work hand in hand for tho benefit of the health of tho natives, ijowcvor, under "Captain" Smith's administration. Dr. Dawson was dissatisfied. Ho (Dr. Dawson) naturally considered .that he, as an expert,, should have solo control of all matters affecting tbo health of tho natives, *aud resented being dictated to by a layman. .'Ho asked for certain urgent sanitary', arrangements to bo carried out. These were refused on the score of expense, despite'the fact that on March 31, 1910, thoro was a cash balance in hand of no less' a sum than .£4137. It is well known that Dr. Dawion required certain things for tho medical officer's residence. These were also refused. Is it any wonder that ho'(Dr. Dawson) threw up his position in Ahgust. Ho visited New Zealand, interviewed tho Minister for Cook Islands (Hon. Jas. Carroll), but tho "taihoa" policy was too much in evidence, 60, at tho solicitation of his many friends, both white and nntives, ho decided to return to Rarotonga and start in firivato practice. His return to thousand gave universal satisfaction, and ho is now doing a largo private practice; in fact, so desirous were tho residents that ho should return that they, entered into a guarantee so as to secure bis services.

Drainage of Maoronga Lagoon. This lagoon, close to tho township of Avarun, Colonel Gudgeon realised as a menace- to tho health of the community, owing to it being a breeding ground for mosquitoes, and-in 1898 had placed a sum of JC2OO on the Estimates for the purpose of draining.some, and wrote to the Minister in charge (Hon. Mr. M'Gowan), pointing out tho necessity of .this being done. Tho Hon. Mr. M'Gowan intimated to him that in the interests of tho health of the pconlc that tho drainage should bo carried but. Again, on tho Estimates for 18(10 Colonel Gudgeon had that amount provided for tho saine purpose. In his annual renort to the Minister ho ndvised him that Iho continuous rains of the last fifteen months had prevented all work on tho lagoon. This work, ho stated, mus.t however, bo finished- during tho present vear (1903), and may cost anything up to '£200, and added that it was a matter of urgency. However, in tho Estimates for 1910' the . vote' whs I'iictly dropped out, despite tho fact that Colonel"'Gudgeon had so strongly urged upon tho Minister tho urgency of tho work, and tho latter liadi intimated that the work should be carried • out.' I'erlinps "Captain" Smith will explain why this urgent matter was shelved. Appointment of Dr. Chcsson as Medical . Officer. On tho resignation of Dr. Dawson, this gentleman was appointed, no hold the highest medical qualifications, but was unfortunate in not being ablo to obtain' tho confidence of tho natives.. This was i cry'much to be deplored as he is a medicnl pfactitioncr of undoubted ability and a ' most geutlenmrJy man, but coming after

Dr. Dawfon lio was placed at • great disadvantage, as the latter kucw exactly how to handle the Natives. This is the mos-t essential thing in treating any of them for any ailment they may have contracted. However, Dr. Chcsson can also Maine tho Government, for knowing what they did, mid that it was tho intention of Dr. Dawson' to return, they had no right to tend anyone down, as they knew perfectly well that thcro was very little liopo or anyone competing against. Dr. Dawson, and hope for success, where the Natives wero concerned. Tho result of the whole mnddlo was the presentation, to the late Parliament of a petition signed by over 1100 Natives, praying, nmengst other things, for the re-instntement of Dr. Dawson. They added "the lirspital is idle, and tho Doctor is also idle." They also, with great stated that "we would remind you that the appointment of Dr. Chcsson was never approved by the Rarotonga Island Council, nud surely it should nave somo say in the matter." Considering that they have to provido tho funds, one can only say that they should most certainly have considerable soy in the matter. Under all tho painful circumstances, ail thoso who know Dr. Chcsson felt truly sorry - for him, and regret that the Government should linvD placed him in n position surrounded by so many difficulties.

Control of the Liquor Traffic, When Dr. Hosking stated that by the laws in force in tho Cook Islands no liquor could bo sold except for medicinal purposes, etc., many wcro inclined to doubt the accuracy of his statement, because it was well known that tho Government of tho islands were making a substantial profit out of the liquor traffic. In March, 1909, no less a rnvson than the Hon. Mr. Carroll wrote. ;o the then, Commissioner (Colonel Gndgjin) in reply to a request from the latter that tho lessee (Mr. 1.-ievcs) of, tho "Wliare Mnnuhiri" (Government jic'."jiiiia(.<intion. House) should be ..llowed to sell claret, owing to Frenchmen passing through complaining that they, could not purchase a glass of claret. This ia what the Hon. Mr. Carroll informed the then '••minissionor: "I have to point out that tho section of the Act referred to (Licensing Act of 1901) provides that liquor way be sold or supplied for uso in the arts and manufactures, or for medicinal, religious, or scientific purposes, but not for any other use or purpose, by 6uch officer of H.M. Customs as may be specially appointed by the Governor far that purpose. The section, therefore, docs not authorise tho appointment of Mr. Grieves to sell liquor for consumption by travellers, or for- any other purpose." .(See Cook Island report for 1909, Dispatch Nos. 25 and 26, page 28.) In November last Mr. Wright, M.P.,intho House, asked the Hon., Mr. Carroll under what authority alcoholio liquor was being sold to Europeans by the Collector of Customs at Itarotonsa, for other than the reasons mentioned in the Act—as quoted above. Tho Hon. Mr. Carroll replied: "I am not aware that tho Collector of Customs at Rarotonga sells liquor to Europeans, but I have called for a full report upon tho whole subject." That report has not received publicity, as it should have done. .Tho total,white population of Rarotonga —that is adults—do not exceed moro than about fifty, many of whom do not drink alcohol, yet the valuo of tho alcoholic liquor sold totalled tho very considerable 6um of ,£697 19s. 3d., resulting ill a clear profit to the revenue of tho islands, of -C 123 ss. 7d., for year ending March 31, 1910. An outsider would' come to the conclusion from those figures (official) tliat tho amount of liquor sold or supplied for use in the arts and manufactures, or for medicinal, religious, or scientific purposes must have been very considerable, "or that tho arts ■ turps wcro receiving great attention, tho religious portion well attended to, and that scientific matters were not overlooked. Because the sale of liquor for'any other purpose was totally illegal. Authority,'tho Hon. Mr; Carroll. ■ Even so far back as January; 1903, tho then Solici-tor-General (Dr. Fitchett), at the request of tho Hon. C. 11. Mills, then Minister in charge, gave a written opinion as follows: "I am of opinion that Sections 19 to 28 of the Licensing Acts Amendment Act, 1904, . . . their purpose and effect is to absolutely prohibit all private traffic in liquor in tho-islands, and to allow it to be sold only as provided bv Section 32, viz., by specially appointed Customs officers, and solely for use,-in arts or manufactures, or for medical, religious, or scientific purposes. Tho sale' of liquor for ordinary consumption as a beverago is thus made unlawful." Could anything be more explicit,- or plain than that. Yet what was.done? The Hon. Mr. Carroll stated an tho House that he. was not aware that liquor was being sold to Europeans (of course otherwise than legally). I would ask tho Hon. Mr. CarroU how, then, did he account for tho largo sum of nearly .£7OO bejng realised from tho sale of liquor, when he knew that it could only bo sold for the purposes named, which naturally woujd.limit tho salo. Ho saw the statement of tho Treasurer that it had yielded closo .on i£"00, and surely it was his duty to have inquired from whenco 6uch a largeamount had been _ derived. "Captain" Smith was not Commissioner during tho wholo of tho time this was going on, but ho was part of the time, from July, 1909, to Maroh, 1910. It w,ould bo interesting to know what ho has to say on tho subject. What is tho position now? Directly it was known that Dr. Hosking had drawn attention to the illegality of trading in liquor, and that tho matter was beforo tho "House, most stringent regard for tha Licensing Act was insisted upon, and liquor was only procurable from tho bond Hinder the certificate of a medical officer. I have gono very fully into this question, as it is a matter that has caused general attention;' moro especially as the I Cook Islands are to all intent and purposes a prohibition area, and I Would suggest to tho Prohibition party that they, fhould keep .their eyo on theso fair islands, read carefnllv tho next annual report of tho Cook Islands, and sco what sum is' derived from tho legitimate sale of alcoholic liquor.

Retirement of Inspector Reynolds. Tho appointment of this gentleman as head of tho police was another good appointment./ Ho has proved himself to Be a most efficient officer, thoroughly well up in police duties, courteous and obliging to all, but yet firmly impressed with the fact that duty was his first consideration. His duty he has carried out in a manner that has given general satisfaction. "Captniu" Smith is a possible exception. Tho first occasion on which wo knew officially that thero was any difference between the Inspector and tho "Captain" was when tho latter made his famous reply to Dr. llosking's charges. In that reply, the residents' learnt that Inspector Kcynolds is "hostile," that ho is but a temporary officer, and that it is. his (tho Resident Commissioner's) intention to dispense with his services when convenient. An attack is also made upon tho Fruit Inspector. They were not asked to join with the officials.in. tho chorus of praise over tho administration. What a farco that chorus was. How could subordinate officials bo expected to express on opinion adverse to their superior officer. The question of the dispensing of tho services of Inspector Reynolds opens up an important question. "Captain" Smith announces that: "I intend to dispense with bis .services when convenient.' What about tho Cook Island Parliament? It provides the salary aiuPsmrely has some say in the matter? The Commissioner is not an autocrat. His duties are clearly defined, under an Ordcr-in-Council, dated Juno 1, IOOIi. ■

1. Ho has power to recommend to the Minister fit persons for appointment to any office in tho islands, and to control all officers in performance! of their duties and to make reports thereon to the Minister.

2. In the event of absence, disability, or death of any officer, to appoint temporarily a lit and proper person to act for such officer so absent, disabled, or dead. Such temporary appointment shall bo immediately notified to the Minister.

,1. For fit and proper cause to suspend any officer from the performance of his duties. Such suspension shall ho immediately notified to the Minister, ■{. To exercise all powers conferred on "the Chief of tho Government with the approval of the British Resident" bv virtue of the local laws of the said" Islands in force for the time being.

Provision is nlso made for reports to tho iMinister in;connection with all matters relating to tho administration of the Government and other matters in tho said Wands, and also for an annual report and statement of estimates for next twelve months. He shall net in all matters in accordance with, the instructions of the Governor or Minister, as the com

may be. It will thus bo .seen that ho has no power "to dispense with the services of any officer. Tho greatest power he possesses in that direction is tho power of suspension. Now where does he claim the power to dispense with the services of Inspector Reynolds? Tho Inspector has at all times, as 1 have already mentioned, carried out his duties, and the Commissioner surely cannot claim that supposed "hostility" would bo a good and sufficient ground for suspension, leave alono tho dispensing of his services. The fact remains, that the inspector'-has 'got tho order of tho boot" as one of your correspondents at liarotonga has bluntly put it. When tha Minister or a Royal Commissioner cames down to innuiro into the present administration, we shall want to know n good deal more concerning this matter. It is a matter that has aroused a good deal of indignation amongst the law-abiding residents of this island, and we aro entitled to know why an efficient and highly-educated officer has been removed. Tho residents aro the ones moftaficctcd, and aro surely entitled to know what tho real reason ir.

. Appointment of Mr. F. G. Twiss. as Auditor. This is another most extraordinary appointment. This gentleman occupied a modest position in the Civil Service in Wellington. It is reported in liarotonga. that ho was a clerk in the Old Ago Pensions Office, and it was thought neccs; sary by tho Government that "Captain Smith should be provided with a privato secretary and general factotum, .despite the fact that Colonel Gudgeon had practically to do all .his own clerical work except what assistanco ho could get from the Native Interpreter, who also occupied the position of Government Printer. It will thus lie seen that tho change of Commissioner from. Colonel Gudgeon to "Captain" Smith entailed upon this Dominion an extra expense of at least over JW per week. As to his qualifications as an auditor I know nothing, as I hare not been brought into contact with him in connection with those duties. Qualifications, however,- do not enter in the matter at all. Tho Commissioner is responsible for tho finances of the administration, and, in my opinion, it is'utterly wrong that the clerk of the mnn who is responsible should be tho auditor. Sir Joseph Ward, as Colonial Treasurer, or, as ho is now styled Minister for Finance, is responsible for the finances of the Do-n-inion and what would bo thought if ono of his secretaries was employed in tho capacity of an auditor. What would tho Leader of tho Opposition havo to say? No, tho appointment is a farcical one, and tho Opposition should insist thnt it bo discontinued at once. There aro several gentlemen at Rarotonga who are quito competent to fill tho position, and ono who is entirely discounecred with tho administration should bo appointed.

Repairs and Water Installation. ; Within a comparatively short lime or "Captain" Smith's arrival a sum of no less than £6iQ Ss. 2d. was expended, as above, on the Residency. Now, this item had never appeared upon the Estimates of the preceding year. Why? The Order-in-Council defining the duties of the Commissioner distinctly states that he "shall on tho 31&t day of March in each year prepare ... an estimate of tho rev enuo and expenditure for the next twelve months'. Such estimato shall, when prepared, be forwarded to tho Minister," etc. The Estimates were prepared in due course by Colonel Gudgeon, who, 1 although a married man with a family, did not consider it necessary to provide any funds for repairs to the Residency he was living in. The question is how'whs that sum, an unusually large amount for expenditure in tho Cook Islands, legally expended. Did tho Minister ap-prove-of it? If so, con ho approve of tho expenditure of a largo-item which did not appear upon tho Estimates? If so, where does tho Cook Islands Parliament come in?. They havo to find the funds, and surely control same. This is a case in'point whero thoabsurditycomes in of the Commissioner's clerk" being allowed to audit his superior officers, accounts. If ho (tho auditor) had been absolutely free, and knew his duties, ho would havo hung up tho accounts by declining to pass that item until ho was provided with proof that tho proper procedure had been followed. How can it he expected that ho can cavil at ■ tho action of his "Chief" or raise legal points when at any moment tho "Chief" can suspend him? When a Commissioner goes down to inquire into tho Cook Islands ndministratinn,"it"is" to"be"~hbpc'd that ho will givo this item consideration.

Cost of Exchanging Resident Commissioners. ■i £ s. d. (1) Salary of Mr. Twiss—private secretary or clerk 210 0 0 (2) Thrco months' salary paid Colonel Gudgeon on retirement ..:•.. 125 0 0 (3)•Compensation to, .„Colonel ;,,-,, Gudgeon foir.-lbss of'bllice-.in :.'..' ',' tho .Government service,,,. , equal ..to': duo., year's .salary 500 0 0 (I) Differcnco in salary' paid . Colonel Gudgeon, .£SOO per • , year, and salary paid "Captain" Smith, .£6OO por year 100 0 0 (5). Repairs, etc., to Residency . (Ngatipa) CSO 8 2 (6) Cost, of transit Colonel Gudgeon from Rarotonga to N.Z. (say) v: 50 0 0 (7) Cost. of transit "Captain" Smith and private secretary from -I.Z. to Rarotonga (say) 50 0 0 (8) Cost of transit cx-Tnspcctor Reynolds from Rarotonga to New' Zealand (say) 20 0 0 (9) Cost of transit for new I'olico Inspector from N.Z. to liarotonga (say) ; 20 0 0 (10) Dr. Dawson's six weeks' leave of absenco on full \ pay (say) 42 0 0 (II) Cost of transit Dr. Rangihiroa and wife from N.Z. to Rarotonga and return (say) • 50 OVO0 V 0 Total •• 1,817 8 2 All this useless and unnecessary expfnso caused by tho fact that tho Government desired to find a billet for "Captain" Smith. ► , As some of my items may bo questioned —as I know full well they will be carefully scanned and criticised—l would like to explain, and I particularly • draw the attention of the Opposition to this neodless exnomlituro at a time when civil servants were being retrenched by the hundreds. This dono by a Liberal Government, also at a timo when the Prime Minister was preaching economy and insisting upon tho most| rigid retrenchment, and old . men were being turned out of-the service on n miserable dole. Lucky, "Captain" Smith.! Now to the explanation of my items. No. 1. This was entirely a new appointment. If ColQncl Gudgeon had remained in office it would have, been unnecessary. No. 2 and 3. Thcso were occasioned by tho compulsory retirement.of tho Colonel. No. 4. Speaks for itself. Taken from official returns. ~,';, „ ', • No. 5. If tho Colonel had boon nllowed to remain this would havo been unnecessary, as ho was quite satisfied with the Residency as it was. Ho was n nonbeliever of "flummery" and show. No. G, 7, 8, and 9. Thcso aro presumed but will bo found to bo about correct, except that tho estimated amounts will fall a cood deal short of tho actual amounts. ' No. 10. Entirely caused by tho position taken up by "Captain" Smith in,matters concerning tho medical officer. TJiis item is taken from tho "Annual Report" for 1910..

No. 11. l)r. Rangiliiroa was scut down by the Now Zealand. Government as a locum tenons during tho absenco of Dr. Dawson, and it is presumed tho Government would have paid tho expenses. If Colonel Gudgeon had remained this would, like the others, have been unnecessary. There you havo tho figures showing what tho' trnnsfers have cost, and a nice sum, too. . An amount that would have kept, a good many, retired civil servants going for .sonic, considerable time. In addition to all'this must ,of course, bo added tho expenses that will be incurred in Bonding down someone to inquiro into matters—cither Minister or a Itoyal Commissioner.' 1 affirm right hero that if tho exchange hnd not been■ made not ono shilling of tho large amount mentioned would havo boon expended. Annual Report of the Cook and Oihcr. Islands. I, like many of the islanders, have always taken a keen interest iu the annual reports, and have kept a file of them for manr years back, as they are most -useful for reference. I therefore desire to enter my protest against tho way in ■ which these reports arc gradually being reduced, and information to which the public.ore entitled withheld. Thus.is particularly

noticeable since the Hon. Mr. Carroll tcol; over control of the islands. Dispatches which used to bo printed in extent during both jtr. Moss and Colonel -Gudgeon's administration arc now most carefully eliminated. Take, for instance, tho question of the Medic.-il Officer, n-.tonc dispatch of which (here iim.'t hnvo lien a good many has been published. Why? Is it because thero is a desire to keep the public in tho dark concerning what was,a burning question? If this had occurred during tho time tho Hon, Mr. C. 11. Mills or tho Hon. Mr. M'Gownn was in cbargo of the islands, I feel safe in staling thnt nil correspondence relating to this matter would have uppeared in lull, and the public would then have been üblo to satisfy themselves regarding this itost unpleasant matter. No, the old played-out "taihoa" policy must como to rnd end, and more energy must be instilled, and an active interest taken in Uio destiny of tho islands and their' administration. They are far too valuable to be allowed to bo administered as they ar-i lisw being, and I trust that active steps w;!l Le taken to right matters.

Inquiry Into the Administration. Owiug to tho urgent demands mado by Mr. Wright, M.P., last session, the Hon. Mr. Carroll stated that <t was Iris intention to visit the islands and inquire into matters.' I wish' if state that tins would not. be satisfactory to the islanders. What they want is a Royal Commissioner robed with tho same uuthonty as Sir James Prendcrgast when he went to inquire into the Mess administraivm. Mr. CarroU would havo no power tn examine witnesses' on oath, and I doubt it pny would come forward if it was simply to be a Departmental inquiry. Certain charges'have been'made, and if a proper tribunal is instituted other charges will bo made. \I ask, therefore,, is it right that tho Minister should go to inquire into tho question of his own administration, an inquiry in which the residents would

have no confidence. I therefore trust that tlio Ninie courso will he taken' as was done in (ho Moss inquiry,' an'il that fcir Pobert Stout, us Chief 'Justice, will he sprit as a lioynl Commissioner. His appointment to this responsible position would he received both in the islands and in .\'cw Zealand with great satisfaction, as he is known to he a most impartial gentleman, and possessing thorhility to sift tlio .whole matter. If ho could not go down,' then appoint one of the ether Judges, but do not perpetuate the series of many farces that have been dono in the past. I apologise for encroaching upon your spare to such nn extent as 1 am doing, hut it'is utterly impossible to deal with such an important matter ns .this f iu a limited space, and knowing the keen interest that you have taken in the islands, I feci suro that you will readily grant me necessary space, so that thepublic may really eec what the position is. In conclusion, I consider that Dr. B. V. Hosking is especially deserving «f great praise, as ho.has carried out a public duty iu drawing attention t6 the position of"affairs—a most unsatisfactory position—without the slightest personal benefit to liimself, but entirely actuated by liis sincere desire to see things righted. 31r. Wright, M.P., is also deserving of praise for the able manner'in i.hich he drew the attention of Parliament to the condition of affairs, and especially so regarding tho liquor traffic that had L-cen going on unchecked.—l am, etc., PLANTER, i Auckland, January 2G, 1911.