N.Z. MISSION.

Auckland Star, Volume LXVII, Issue 183, 4 August 1936, Page 7

N.Z. MISSION.

GOODWILL TOUR. Confidence and Admiration of Islanders Gained. DELEGATION TO RAROTONGA. United Press Association. —Copyright. RAROTONGA, August 3. The New Zealand Parliamentary delegation which is inquiring into the fruit industry in Rarotonga, having for all practical purposes finished its business so far as Rarontonga Is concerned, sailed yesterday for four islands comprising the lower group of the Cook Islands. The first call will be at Aitutaki and then the party will visit Mauke, Atiu and Mangaia. One day will be spent at each place in taking evidence, meeting growers and agents and visiting plantations. If the members of the delegation are received as well as they were in Rarotonga and if they make as good a response as they made here, their tour can be nothing short of a complete success.

The manner In which the delegation .lias gained the confidence of the people —native and European—is extraordinary. This 'should have nothing but beneficial results. The complete frankness, combined with kindly tactfulness and painstaking patience of the visitors, won the hearts of all the natives, and the Europeans express only admiration for the thorough way iu I which they went about their work.

This admiration sometimes proved embarrassing to the members of the delegation, and it was difficult for them to accept all the hospitality extended to them and to take part in all the functions arranged for them.

The arrival of the Union Steam Ship Company's new steamer Matua this morning created some . excitement in Rarotonga and the visit of H.M.S. Wellington on Friday was another occasion for celebrations.

The departure of the delegation last evening by the Matua was the occasion for quite a demonstration. The Matua will return here on Friday next and the delegation expects to sail for Wellington by the Makura a day or two later.

All the members of the delegation are well, with the exception of Mr. C. L. Hunter, who has had a slight digestive disorder. Mr. S. G. Holland is keeping fit and is a prime favourite with all the children on the island.

Mr. J. Robertson, chairman, on whom the heavy end of the work has fallen, is setting a good pace for his colleagues and lias done much by his tactful speech-making, etc., to make tl*e inquiry a success.

Mr. S. J. Smith, Secretary of the Cook Islands Department, a wellknown figure in Rarotonga, accompanied the delegation in its activities and was responsible for carrying out most of the arrangements.