CHARGES AGAINST THE ADMINISTRATION OF RAROTONGA. COOK ISLANDS: LETTER FROM THE HON. THE ACTING PRIME MINISTER TO HIS HONOUR THE CHIEF JUSTICE, ASKING FOR REPORT.

Appendix to the Journals of the House of Representatives, 1911 Session I, A-03b

A.—3b

1911. NEW ZEALAND.

CHARGES AGAINST THE ADMINISTRATION OF RAROTONGA. COOK ISLANDS: LETTER FROM THE HON. THE ACTING PRIME MINISTER TO HIS HONOUR THE CHIEF JUSTICE, ASKING FOR REPORT.

Laid upon the Table of five House by Leave.

Sir,— 13th May, 1911. Complaints have been. made against the administration of the Resident Commissioner at Rarotonga, and the Government will be obliged if you will undertake the duty of inquiring into these complaints during your visit to the Islands to preside at the trial of W. J. Wigmore for murder. I forward copies of the correspondence relating to certain specific complaints and allegations that have been made by Mr. R. A. Wright, M.P., and others. It is not intended that the inquiry shall be confined solely to these complaints, but that it shall extend to all or any matters that may be brought before you which you deem it advisable should be the subject of inquiry. With regard to the conduct of the proceedings, evidence will not, of course, be taken on oath, but the form of the inquiry will be left to your own discretion. Upon completion of your inquiries 1 shall be glad if you will report the result of your conclusions thereon, and will also furnish any suggestions with regard to the administration of the affairs of the Islands which your investigations may enable you to make. I have, &c, J. CARROLL, His Honour the Chief Justice, Wellington. Acting Prime Minister. Approximate Cost of Paper.— Preparation not given; printing (1 400 copies), 81.

lly Authority : John Mackay, Government Printer,. Wellington.—l9ll.

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