Considering Aid To Cook Islanders

Press, Volume CVI, Issue 31120, 25 July 1966, Page 7

Considering Aid To Cook Islanders

(New Zealand Press Association) WELLINGTON, July 22. Welfare and housing proposals for Islanders were being considered by the Government, the Minister of Island Territories (Mr Hanan) said tonight.

Proposals being considered were “aimed at providing more assistance and especially more advice and guidance for you all,” he said, addressing the Wellington Cook Islands community. It was absolutely essential that the Islanders retain much of their social and cultural institutions, their language, customs, dancing and music, foods, their great love for the church, their . strong family associations and links. “These and other things are all good and must be maintained,” said Mr Hanan. “You must not become a separate community within New Zealand, but you must be prepared to become part of New Zealand and of the local community in which you live.”

Mr Hanan said it was not good for any country to have groups or minorities who did not merge with the main stream of society. Turning to the question of air communication between New Zealand and the Cook Islands, Mr Hanan said both Governments accept completely the principle that an air service must be re-estab-lished if trade, communication, tourism and economic development were to be increased.

Proposals under consideration included temporary upgrading of the airstrip at

Aitutaki until the airfield at Rarotonga was fully developed so that it could take Electra aircraft. Any scheme would be costly but would be recognised by the Cabinet as urgent, he said.