(3) Subject to the provisions of this Article, the members of the House of Arikis shall be appointed by the High Commissioner.
(4) If there is for the time being only one Ariki for any of the islands or groups of islands specified in paragraphs (a) to (h) of subclause (2) of this Article, that Ariki shall be appointed to be a member of the House of Arikis as representing that island or group; but, if there are two or more Arikis for any such island or group, the High Commissioner shall appoint the Ariki for that island or group who is nominated for appointment in the manner prescribed by law.
(5) If there are for the time being not more than the number of Arikis prescribed by law to be appointed as representing the group of islands comprising the Islands of Rarotonga and Palmerston, those Arikis shall be appointed to be members of the House of Arikis as representing that group; but, if there are more than the number so prescribed, the High Commissioner shall appoint the Arikis for that group who are nominated for appointment in the manner prescribed by law.
(6) Subject to the provisions of this Article, the qualifications of Arikis, the qualifications and disqualification of members of the House of Arikis, and the terms and conditions of their membership shall be as prescribed by law.
(7) If any vacancy occurs in the office of a member of the House of Arikis, the vacancy shall be filled in the same manner as an appointment to that office, and the appointee shall hold office for the unexpired portion of the term of office of his predecessor.
Schedule Article 8: substituted, on 4 August 1965, by section 2(1) of the Cook Islands Constitution Amendment Act 1965 (1965 No 2).
9 Functions of House of Arikis
The House of Arikis shall have the following functions:
- (a) It shall consider such matters relative to the welfare of the people of the Cook Islands as may be submitted to it by the Legislative Assembly for its consideration, and it shall express its opinion and make recommendations thereon to the Legislative Assembly; and
- (b) It shall have such other functions as may be prescribed by law.
Schedule Article 9: substituted, on 4 August 1965, by section 2(1) of the Cook Islands Constitution Amendment Act 1965 (1965 No 2).
10 Members to take Oath of Allegiance
Except for the purpose of enabling this Article to be complied with, no member of the House of Arikis shall be permitted to sit or vote therein until he has taken and subscribed the following oath before the High Commissioner, namely:
I, . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . , swear by Almighty God that I will be faithful and bear true allegiance to Her [or His] Majesty [Specify the name of the reigning Sovereign, as thus: Queen Elizabeth the Second] as the Head of State of the Cook Islands, Her [or His] heirs and successors, according to law, and that I will justly and
