ISLANDS FRUIT.

Ashburton Guardian, Volume 56, Issue 244, 28 July 1936, Page 5

ISLANDS FRUIT.

INV ESTI GATIONS INTO INDUSTRY

DELEGATION HEARS EVIDENCE.

(United Press Association—Copyright.) RAROTONGA, July 26. The Parliamentary delegation com—prising Messrs J. Robertson, M.P. (Masterton, chairman), C. L. Hunter, M.P., (Manawatu), and S. G. Holland, M.P. (Christchurch North), which is now in Rarotonga, had another busy week, neglecting no avenue of information about the fruit industry. From Monday to Wednesday of last week the delegation was occupied in a further inSpection of the plantation areas, the usual native feasts being provided by the people of each district. The courthouse was crowded with interested natives and Europeans on Thursday morning, when the taking of evidence began. Long; sittings were held daily and 36 witnesses were heard. The necessity of interpreting the evidence was a heavy task but the spirit of helpfulness in all parties was of great assistance and smoothed out many difficulties. The evidence will be concluded on Monday next, after which the delegation will spend a few days in inspecting the schools and other Government activities and attending gatherings promoted by native and European residents. ' '

The delegation will leave by the Union Steam Ship Company’s new ship Matua for a. week’s visit to the outer islands, which supply fruit to New Zea—land, sailing on August 3. Nothing that has taken place in Rarotonga, for years has creatéd so much interest as the visit of the delegation, members of which are now well known, at least by sight, to every inhabitant.