THE COOK ISLANDS.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LIV, Issue 48, 18 August 1911, Page 8

THE COOK ISLANDS.

COMPLAINTS INVESTIGATED. TIIE CHIEF JUSTICE'S REPORT. By Telegraph—Press Association. Wellington, Last Night. The report of Sir Robert Stout on the charges against the administration at Cook Islands was laid on the table of the House of Representatives this afternoon. Sir R. Stout states that he at once made inquiries on landing to ascertain what persons had made the complaints regarding administration otf the Islands. 80 far as lie could learn, only tte following persons had done so: Dr. Dawson, former medical officer; Mr. Reynolds, formerly head of the police; and Mr. Hoskings, dentist practising at Raratonga. All time resided together. He wrote these gentlemen, stating his willingness to hear what they had to say. They desired to be examined on oath, ibut he explained there woo 110 law in the Cook Islands permitting the oath to 'be administered, even by a Royal Commission. They wrote him later declining to make statements, but subsequently Mr. Reynolds made a statement which he afterwards withdrew. A perusal of the letters would show that one of the main reasons given for desiring a public inquiry was that they had been attacked and they should have an opportunity of exculpating themselves. No person came forward with any complaints except Mr. Reynolds. Sir Robert Stout visited the natives dn their villages. The Rev. Mr. James complained that he thought that the law as to white men living with Maoris should bo enforced.

No charge is made, continues Sir R. Stout, by Dr. Dawson and Mr. Hoskings against the Commissioner for not enforcing this law. The natives have not taken any exception to the inclusion of tke Islands as part of New Zealand, but the result of the idea is that their local government has come to an end. Charges that were adduced by Mr. Wright are wholly about municipal matter*. Sir Robert Stout holds that it is dangerous to lay down the precedent that two or three dissatisfied citizens can, on a purely local matter, have the right to demand a Royal Commission to investigate their grievances. He was told by one white settler that even the appeal to the New Zealand Government by Dr. Dawson, and Messrs Hoskings and Reynolds has a disquieting effect on (lie native mind. The natives maintain tli it it will not tend towards the jr vod government of the Cook Islands if l.Kial councils arc to 'be ignored. The < barges. when examined, weTe of minor . importance, and touched on hospital management, administration of justice, the termination of Mr. Reynolds' appointment, the drainage of a lagoon, the appointment of a European member to the- federal council, prison administration, the liquor question, education, and the appointment of an auditor. Sir fc. Stout says the hospital is a better building than will be found in many parts of New Zealand with five times the pOipulation. He had heard , that all the fuss would end with Dr. Dawson's reappointment as medical officer. With regard to the administration of justice, one charge was a mere technicality. In the other no one susi tained any injury. With regard to Mr. Reynolds' dismissal, his appointment was not a permanent one, and lie was hostile to the Commissioner on account of the companions he kept. The drainage of the lagoon was a difficult problem and should be delayed pending investigation of the finances of the Islaiids for public works. The appointment of a white member to the Islands Council should not be carried out without the unanimous consent of the native people. The police administration on the Islands I is a difficult matter to cope with, as there is no prison there. Prisoners are usually employed in road-making. The ipecifk charges must fall to the ground »• far as the Commissioner is concerned.

There is no doubt, adds Sir Robert Stout, there is great trouble in the Islands through the manufacture more than 'the sale of intoxicating liquor. In his opinion there wis an extravagant amount of spiritous liquor delivered to European inhabitants of the Islands. From what he could gather from many white residents, about 80 or 90 of the white residents were in favor of alcohol being prohibited absolutely. Sir R. Stout urged that the education of natives must be looked upon as a matter for the Staifce. The auditor on the Islands did his work well. His appointment was only a temporary one. In conclusion, Sir Robert Stout said the administration had done find was doing good work. Considering the small pay ( £500) per year, and the fact that the climate was not suitable for Europeans, it was not likely that the higher officers of the New Zealand service would accept the appointment of Commissioner, The Resident Commissioner had not only the climaite to contend against, but also judging from what had taken place in the past, he would have to put up with a considerable amount of carping (uid petty criticism.