Minister Charged

With Corruption

Rarotonga was in a ferment in May following the circulation of photostatic copies of a letter concerning Government business negotiations with an Australian firm interested in minting crown pieces for the Cook Islands, which became self-governing on August 4 last year.

The letter was allegedly stolen from the room of a Cabinet Minister at the Hotel Rarotonga, and, at a public meeting of the Cook Islands Party on May 19, was stated to contain hints of bribery.

On May 24, Mr. E. J, V.

Dyson, recently appointed Advocate-General to the Cook Islands Government, arrived in Rarotonga and conducted an inquiry. Two days later, Mr.

Julian Dash wood, Minister of Social Development and Police, and Associate Minister for the Post Office, Hotel and Printing Office, resigned from the six man Cook Islands Cabinet. He was also charged with corruption.

On May 27, Mr. Albert Dawson was suspended from the managership of the Hotel Raro tonga. He was also charged with theft or receiving.

The Cook Islands Cabinet recommended that a commission of inquiry be set up to continue investigations.

Dr. Manea Tamarua, Deputy Premier, resigned on May 17.