THE COOK ISLAND.

Wairarapa Age, Volume XXXII, Issue 10270, 24 June 1911, Page 5

THE COOK ISLAND.

RECENT COMPLAINTS. ENQUIRY NOT OPEN TO THE PUBLIC. (Evening Post Correspondent) RAROTONGA. The Chief Justice (Sir Rohert Stout), who was appointed by the Government of New Zealand to enquire into complaints concerning the administration of the Cook Islands, and who is accompanied by Mr F. Waldegrave (Under-Secretary for Justice) and Mr H. H. Ostler (Crown Prosecutor), arrived here after a very rough trip.in the Aorangi. The bulwarks of the vessel were smashed, and several cabins were flooded through being stove in by sreat seas which thundered against the ship. As a consequence, the steamer was late in arrival, but a Government Gazette was issued the same night, stating that the Chief Justice had been appointed to hold an enquiry into the administration of the Cook Islands, and would see anyone at the Courthouse between the 9th and the 161 th inst. who wished to make a statement. OPENING OF THE ENQUIRY. When the enquiry was opened -the Chief Justice announced that as he had no power to administer the oath, and as the enquiry was not open to the public, the press would be excluded. It is not known, therefore, what evidence has been given. Those responsible for making and formulating the charges, however, refused to give and reserved leave to continue their agitation through Parliament. EVIDENCE BEING GIVEN. Nevertheless the Chief Justice is' continuing the enquiry apart from this evidence, but no one has any knowledge of the nature of the evidence which is being given. It is understood that Mr Waldegrave is sitting with the Chief Ju'sitice on the enquiry. A PUBLIC MEETING. On Tuesday, the 13th inst., there was a meeting of people in front of the Government Buildings. Mr Waldegrave read a message from His Excellency the Governor, and also one from the Acting-Premier (Hon. Jas. Carroll), who is in charge of the administration of the Islands. Mr Waldegrave stated that if the people had any camplaint to make they should tell the Government, but they should not listen to those who were opposed to the Government, as they would only lead them astray and cause trouble. A MURDER TRIAL. The trial of Wig-more for the alleged murder of a native has l>een fixed for the 16th inst. •The' natives are reserving their opinion until the result of the trial is known. They seem impressed by the power of the v Government, and are very reticent. .

a continuous alliance will be maintained between Britain and Japan, which will be the strongest guarantee of peace. DOMINION CELEBRATIONS/; AT TIMARU. 'By Telegraph—Pres* Association.) TIMARU, Last Night. There was sunshine and a cold breeze for the postponed military and trades procession to-day. There were many people in from the country. The I procession was said to be the, best crowd and largest known here. There were some clever and interesting dei vices among the trade displays. The illuminations were repeated, when i there were torchlight processions, ; a j bonfire, and fireworks.

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