ISLAND NEWS. FRENCH DESIGNS ON RARATONGA.

Te Aroha News, Volume VI, Issue 281, 14 July 1888, Page 3

ISLAND NEWS. FRENCH DESIGNS ON RARATONGA.

Wk leara by advices from the islandb that the rumouib which foimerly reached us regarding Fiench designs on Kai otonga and the other island? of the Cook Group have ct sound substratum of fact to ret>t upon. Some time ago a M. Louis Arnaud. whose status is best described by the New Zealand epithet, " Pakeha-Maori," arrived at llarotonga from Tahiti, and attached himself to the settlement ot Queen .Mare Paa at Ngatangihia. He claimed to be accredited by the Government of French Oceania, and his pretensions are so far supported by the fact that he is known to correspond with high officials at Tahiti. M. Ainand has ingratiated himself with Meie Paa, and has worked up the jealousy ot Queen Makea by promising that the French Government will make Ngatangihia Harbour the port of entry for these islands, and establish Queen Mere Paa as supreme ruler. These brilliant concessions are, of course, contingent upon Mere and her people petitioning for French protection, and it is feared that they may be induced to take that step, although they formerly wished for British annexation. The chiefs and people of the two large islands of Mangaia and Aitutaki, alarmed at the prospect ot the French taking possession of the islands, sent about three weeks ago a petition to England, praying Her Majesty 'b Government to assume the control of the group. This petition was forwarded through the Acting British Consul at Rarotonga, through whose oflice similar petitions have repeatedly been sent from the rulers ot Rarotonga and Atiu. The chiefs of Aitutaki and Mangaia state that they wish a British .Resident to be appointed, and promise to piovide the salary of such official, should he be appointed. Their petitions, taken along with those previously sent, show the people and rulers in every island of the group to be desirous of English protection.

SAMOA. The Germans aye ruling in this group o islands with moderation and justice, so far ; but the people have not torgivcn them for their cruel treatment ot the deposed King Malietoa. A very desirable work is about to be undertaken by the Germans, viz.. the construction of a wharf at Apia, .so as to avoid the delay and expense now incurred in landing or loading cargo. Plans have been sent home to the Imperial Government, showing an iron structure of considerable extent, which is estimated to cost 97,000 dollars.

TAHITI. The French Colonial Government here have introduced a new tariff which will operate most pj-ejiidicially, if not fatally, towards trade with New Zealand, which has been growing into fair dimensions) since the island steamer started running. The import duties cover every article, and the amount of duty ranges from 25 to 50, and sometimes as high as 400 per cent, ad valorem. A rebate of 50 per cent, is allowed for all goods imported from France, which amounts to the imposition of a differential duty to that extent upon goods imported from any other country. The English traders in Tahiti look upon this as an infraction of the commercial treaty between England and France. The new tariff has not yeb been ratified by tho French Government/ at Paris, but in die meantime the duties are being collected, and it is feared that there is little hope of the oppressive imposts being removed. Humours continue to roach Tahiti of lighting between the natives of Raiatoa and the French forces, but nothing oflieiai is published. A strict blockade of Raiatean ports is maintained by the French ileet, and all external trade is at a standstill.

GARLIOK & CRAKWELL arc selling Furniture and Carpets very cheap. Iron Bodhieads and Spring Mattresses at greatly reduced .prices. Bedding of all kindh ready for delivery. Oil CloLlis from Is. square yard. Linoleum from 2s 3d. Blankets, sheets, quilts, curtainb, and all furnishing [foods splendid value. Wire Wove Mat tres&es much cheaper than they used to be. A strong Iron bedstead and Wire Wove Mattress for 55s cash. Simple Iron Bed?<tcad and Wire Wove Mattress for 3Ss cash price. Our goods are carefully packed, eveiy attention paid to prevent damage by transit. Buy all your household goods from OARLICK and CRANWELL, Cabins makers, Queen street. Auckland'