IN COOK ISLANDS.

Auckland Star, Volume LXVII, Issue 165, 14 July 1936, Page 7

IN COOK ISLANDS.

New Zealand Delegation on Tour. FRUIT-GROWING INQUIRY. (Received 12 noon.) RAROTONGA, July 13. An enthusiastic welcome awaited the New Zealand delegation to the Cook Islands, which is to inquire into the fruit industry. Mr. J. Robertson, chairman of the delegation, and his colleagues, Messrs. C. L. Hunter and S. G. Holland, were officially welcomed by the Resident Commissioner, Judge H. F. Ayson, and the Makea of Nuie, Tinirau Ariki, at a gathering which crowded out the courthouse. Mr. Robertson, when replying, delivered a message from the New Zealand Prime Minister, the Rt. Hon. M. J. Savage, conveying to the people of the Cook Islands an expression of the goodwill of the Government and people of New Zealand. The message also expressed the desire of the New Zealand Government and Parliament to assist those concerned in the fruit industry of the islands to relieve their difficulty. Messrs. Hunter and Holland also addressed the gathering. The delegation created a very favourable impression and is now constantly receiving expressions of friendship and goodwill from natives and Europeans alike. Sir. S. J. Smith, Secretary of the Cook Islands, accompanied the delegation, which is likely to have a strenuous time during the next few weeks investigating the position in regard to fruitgrowing and marketing, interspersed with social and ceremonial functions.