COOK ISLANDS.

Auckland Star, Volume LIV, Issue 185, 4 August 1923, Page 13

COOK ISLANDS.

FRUIT TRADE TROUBLES. UNSUITABLE VESSELS. (Br Teiesrapl).—Parliamentary Beoorter.) WELLINGTON, Friday. Discussion on the Cook Islands took place in the House this afternoon when the Estimates were under consideration, the main topic being the exportation of Fruit to New Zealand. Mr. H_. K. Sidey (Dunedin iSouth) drew attention to the need for a regular steamer service between the Islands and the Dominion. Wir Maui Pomare, Minister in Charge, said that the Government had no control over shipping. The Cook Islands could supply all the fruit and vegetables that New Zealand required throughout Ihe year. There was an expert in the Islands teaching the natives how to look after their orchards, and new species of citrus fruits had been produced. Sir Maui agreed with Mr. Sidey that a resident commissioner and staff would be useful. There was total prohibition in the Cook Islands. He looked at the matter from the point of justice. An old white beachcomber formerly could get as much drink there as possible, while a chief of chiefs could not get even a nip. Now they were all treated alike. Sir John Luke said that formerly Cook Island fruit had to pay higher freight than locally grown fruite, but he understood the rates were now the same. He hoped wireless communication would soon be established with the Cook 'Islands. Mr. George Forbes (Hurunui) aeked whether bueh beer was used to a less degree by the natives than in the past. He complained that fruit had been very dear of late years. A big percentage of bananas iras generally lost in shipment, and consequently the price became higher than it would otherwise be. Sir Maui Pomare said it was an accomplished fact that "Island fruit was carried at the same rates as Now Zealand fruit, but Australian, Fijian and Tongan fruit was on a different basis. Regarding wireless, the Minister said he wanted to be certain that the installation would be a success before it was put in. Bush beer used to be a burning question (laughter), but the latest report showed only 2a cases, where there used to be hundreds. He thought the use of bush beer was the outcome of resentment against the restriction of alcohol to other than natives, and that had been remedied. The Hon. D. Buddo «aid there was a feeling in the public mind that we were not getting full advantage of these tropical fruits. In the South Island it arrived in inferior condition, and the fruit was subject, to heavy rejection* which brought up the price, restricting the trade. Mr. \V. Veiteh said that lack of control of shipping partially explained the preeent position regarding Island fruit, only a email quantity oi which found its way to New Zealand. ProTJably there would be no satisfactory solution of the problem by arrangement with the Union Company, because it entailed specially fitted vessels for the fruit trade. The Minister

ought carefully to consider the question of acquiring such a ship to help the people develop their trade. The chairman, Mr. J. A. Young, said that was a matter of policy which could not be discussed. Mr. Veitch added that in the end those hilands would settle down to producing copra and fruit for preservation. The Islands were far apart, and he did not think it would be .possible to supply a steamer service which would satisfy all their requirements for the export of fresh fruit. By concentrating on copra the islanders could wait a month or two for a vessel, and with pine apples, which could be preserved and exported in that condition. There is a lack of policy in regard to the Islands, declared Mr. W. Howard, who contended that the Cook Islands ought to be self supporting instead of coating New Zealand money. On being informed by Sir Maui Pomare that the Suwarrovv Islands were under our administration, Mr. Howard expressed the view that some day the Suvvarrow Islands would be used for defence purposes. The vote, totalling £17.587, was passed.