James Allen addresses Rarotongan returned soldiers

Official visit of Sir James Allen, Minister of Defence, to Cook Islands, 1920. The photograph shows Allen addressing returned Cook Islands servicemen in Avarua, Rarotonga.

After assembling to be inspected by the minister, approximately 120 soldiers reassembled and paraded under their officer to express to the minister their regret for the 1919 riots. They noted that during the subsequent visit of the Governor-General they had not been called upon to parade or to form a guard of honour because of the trouble that had taken place. Their apology for their conduct was accepted by the minister.