COOK ISLAND TROUBLE.

Rangitikei Advocate and Manawatu Argus, Volume XXXIV, Issue 9392, 12 March 1909, Page 5

COOK ISLAND TROUBLE.

Per Press Association. Auckland, March 12. The Cambrian arrived at Manihiki on February 15th. Colonel Gudgeon landed, accompanied by Oantain Lewis and a party of marines. Wiliams, the Government Agent, reported all quiet here. Pukerna, leader of the rebels, was charged with the embezzlement of 600 dollars of church funds and sentenced to two years’ hard labour. The Cambrian proceeded to Rakahanga, where four natives were charged with pulling down the King’s flag and ejecting Judge Tupon from his position, for imposing fines illegally and preventing natives buying and selling stores. A witness said he heard Pukerua say that when the warship arrived he would ask Colonel Gudgeon something and if his repjy was unsatisfactory he wanted the natives to rise and kill Colonel Gudgeon, Williams 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 ‘hard labour. Pukerua was fined £5 for acting illegally as a judge and sentenced to two years’ hard labour concurrent with previous sentence as ringleader of the rebellion. Two other natives were sentenced to eight and six months. Colonel Gudgeon is satisfied with the good result of the visit and that all trouble has ended.