ENQUIRY COMPLETED

Press, Volume LXXII, Issue 21858, 11 August 1936, Page 11

ENQUIRY COMPLETED

NEW ZEALAND MISSION TO RAROTONGA | i i VISIT TO LOWER GROUP OF j ISLANDS | By Kadlo li om the Special Uopresen-1 tative of the United Press Association I with the official New Zealand delegation. RAROTONGA, August 9. The parliamentary delegation, comprising Mr J. Robertson, M.P. (chairman), Mr S. G. Holland, M.P.. and Mr C. L. Hunter, M.P., hasj reached the last stage of its enquiry, j The delegates left last Sunday by the Matua on a visit to the lower group of islands. At Aitutaki the delegates were accorded a spectacular welcome by the chiefs and people, and a school display by 500 pupils was much appreciated. Evidence On the fruit industry was taken in the afternoon, the delegates departing the same evening after a strenuous day, leaving behind the same atmosphere of confidence which has been characteristic of their tour.

Atiu was visited the next day in adverse weather. The natives made the visitors welcome and feasts were held after the enquiry. The delegates returned to the ship in a blinding rain squall, which gave them a vivid understanding of the danger and risk of shipping passengers and cargo over the reef.

At Mauke on Wednesday the weather made landing too risky, and the enquiry was conducted on board the ship. At Mangaia on Thursday the delegates had the novel experience of shooting tlie reef in native canoes. The party returned to Rarotonga on Friday. AU the islands celebrated the visit and speeches of welcome in the. most picturesque language were a marked feature. The delegation is now in Rarotonga finishing its detailed work before boarding the Makura on Monday. The delegates will be glad of the few days’ rosi which the voyage to New Zealand will afford.