AN ISLAND MURDER

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LIV, Issue 7, 3 July 1911, Page 7

AN ISLAND MURDER

A PLANTER IMPRISONED. RETURN OF THE CHIEF JUSTICE. By Telegraph.—Pre** Asasciatkin. Auckland, Saturday. "'The Chief Justice and Mr. Waldegrave, who went to Rarotonga to investigate the charges against the Cook Island administration ,and hear the charge against William John- VVitfmon-., planter, of having murdered a nativtnamed More, returned by, the Talune late last night. In the latter case the jury gave a verdict of manslaughter, with a strong recommendation to mercy. Wigmore was sentenced to six months' imprisonment and ordered to leave the island, the latter part of the sentence being Bubject to confirmation by (he Governor of New Zealand. Sir Robert Stout added that the question of the return of the prisoner to Rarotonga would no doubt depend upon the manner in which he conducted himself.

THE ADMINISTRATION. CHARGES BREAK DOWN. The complaints regarding the Cook Islands administration broke- down completely. The report of the commissioners remains secret until presented to the Government. They visited the islanders at a number of places and discussed their requests. • which were not in the nature of complaints. At a meeting of natives and the visitors, which was something oll'icial in character, held at the palace of Makea and the Aiikis, speeches were made by natives, who stated that they understood Sir Robert Stout had been sent to the island to ascertain whether they had any complaints to make. The oiatives wished it understood they were thoroughly satisfied with the works of the administration of Captain Smith, and they had no complaints to make. If they had any complaints they were' with regard to native titles.

An Auckland visitor, unconnected with the official' party, expresses the. opinion that there'were only three persons in the. islands dissatisfied with Captain Smith, and one of them was a discharged policeman. He adds that tlie Chief Justice won golden opinions from the natives by the affability and charm of his manner.

Tleu Hen Tukino, who conveyed the condolences of the Maoris of the Dominion to the Cook Islanders on the death of Queen Makea, returned hv the Talune.