the Te-au-o-Tonga electorate in his place. The Cook Islands Party won 14 seats in the 1965 election, and immediately amended the constitution to reduce the residency requirement to three months. Story resigned, and Henry was elected in the resulting by-election. When the Cook Islands was granted self-government in August 1965, Henry became Premier. Story was then appointed Speaker of the Legislative Assembly. The Cook Islands party had proposed the creation of the House of Ariki before self-government, and as Premier Henry oversaw its implementation. He also introduced a universal superannuation scheme to be funded by a new philatelic bureau and opposed French nuclear testing in the Pacific. In 1966 he raised income and sales taxes to reduce dependence on New Zealand. The prosecution of Police Minister Julian Dashwood for corruption, a doctor's strike, and the resignation of two Cabinet Ministers cast a pall on his government, but despite this Henry won the 1968 election, defeating the rival United Cook Islanders 16 seats to 6. In his second term as Premier Henry made a controversial agreement with the New Zealand government for them to fund an upgrade of Rarotonga International Airport in exchange for control of airspace rights. His government also agreed a plan to revitalise Mauke by developing the citrus industry. A proposal from an American syndicate to lease the island of Aitutaki for a tourist resort and casino fell through, but did result in New Zealand support for greater tourism development. In 1969 he chaired the annual meeting of the South Pacific Commission which saw island countries take control and elect Harry Moors as secretary-general. In 1970 he advocated for the creation of a political forum to operate alongside the Commission and provide a voice for Pacific nations, which led to the creation of the South Pacific Forum. At the 1972 election Henry faced fresh opposition from the Democratic Party of Tom Davis. Despite this, the CIP managed to win 15 of the 22 seats. During the election campaign Henry accused public servants of "obstructionism", and following the election 44 public servants were fired for supporting the opposition. The decision was overturned by the High Court and the fired public servants reinstated and compensated. Despite streamlining government ministries, his government continued to run large deficits, and continued to be financially dependent on New Zealand. In 1973 he introduced a new national flag for the Cook Islands, consisting of a