The History of the Cook Islands reference article from the English Wikipedia on 24-Apr-2004
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History of the Cook Islands

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Background: Named after Captain Cook, who sighted them in 1770, the Cook Islands became a British protectorate in 1888. By 1900, administrative control was transferred to New Zealand; in 1965 residents chose self-government in free association with New Zealand. The emigration of skilled workers to New Zealand and government deficits are continuing problems.

See also : Cook Islands