ISLAND NEWS.

Gisborne Times, Volume XVIII, Issue 1453, 13 May 1905, Page 1

ISLAND NEWS.

(Per Proses Association,')' Auckland, last night. The Star’s Raratonga correspondent writes from Cook islands that the liquor Jaw is now enforced. The sale or giic of liquor to natives or Chinamen is prohibited. The natives satisfy-their craving for intoxicating liquor by drinking Florida water at 5s a small bottle. , Many natives save for. a trip to Tahiti, and spend a few weeks in full enjoyment of unlimited ■liquor. Drunkenness amongst European residents of Cook islands is now a very rare occurrence.

Replying to tho demand made by the Raratonga fruitgrowers for protection of, island fruit, the Minister for the islands states he wiii certainly do all in his power to encourage the highest possible development of the resources of our island possessions, and obtain faster and more frequent steamer service, which he is convinced tho growth of tho island trade will ere long demand. So far as protection is concerned nothing can be done until Parliament meets.

Two months ago a petition signed by a large number ,of natives of Mangai was received by tho Resident Commissioner and forwarded to the Minister for tho Islands, making certain charges against Major Large. Colonel Gudgeon hold an enquiry, and found that of the signatories to tho document 132 were not authorised. As to the charges, Colonel Gudgoon found for tho most part thoy were trivial or untenable. A full report is So be sent by Colonel Gudgeon to the Minister.