Cook Islands Federation

Cook Islands Federation
1891–1901
Flag
Status	British colony
Capital	Avarua (presumed)
Government	Colony
Historical era	New Imperialism
• Established	1891
• Disestablished	1901
ISO 3166 code	CK
Preceded by Succeeded by Kingdom of Rarotonga Cook Islands

The Cook Islands Federation was created in 1891, after the Kingdom of Rarotonga was given the island of Aitutaki. It lasted until 1901, when it was given to New Zealand.

Geography

The Cook Islands Federation was made up of the islands of Rarotonga, Mangaia, Atiu, Mauke, Mitiaro and Aitutaki.

Economy

A stamp issued by the Cook Islands Federation

Law

The laws of the Cook Islands Federation were made by the local parliament, however they had to receive approval from a Resident from Britain. In 1899, the Parliament of Cook Islands ruled that the high court of the Cook Islands Federation could not give any punishment worse than those outlined by the Criminal Code Act of 1893, and The Summary Jurisdiction Act of 1894, which were both laws of New Zealand, and that both acts of New Zealand were to be adopted entirely.

Penal colonies

In 1892, the island of Takutea was set up as a penal colony, but in 1899 its use ceased, and the island of Manuae was used instead.

See also

• History of the Cook Islands