Sees Bright Future For Cook Islands Church

Press, Volume CVI, Issue 31128, 3 August 1966, Page 5

Sees Bright Future For Cook Islands Church

Tthere was a bright future for his church, the Rev. T. Pittman, president of the Cook Islands Christian Church, said in Christchurch. Ten years ago the position was not good because the church was affected by the poor social conditions then prevailing. The church claimed 14,000 adherents of a population of 20,000, said Mr Pittman.

‘‘We are happy down there,” he said. The islands had “just got out of the old shack” stage, and visitors would be impressed by recent developments.

Many Cook Islanders who came to New Zealand return-

ed to live in the islands, Mr Pittman said. Those coming to New Zealand were mostly young people who wanted to earn better money than they could in the islands, and to get better education for their children.

Isolation was still one of the main problems of the islands. More opportunity for Cook Island children to study in New Zealand was needed, said Mr Pittman. He was among the first island pupils to come to New Zealand in the 1920’s and studied at St. Stephen’s Maori School Auckland.

Although the Cook Islands had had their own theological college since 1840, pastors needed to receive further training overseas. At present

there were several students

at the Pacific Theological College in Suva.

Finance was the main problem faced by the Christian Church. It was started by the London Missionary Society, but was now self supporting. Finance was provided by its members, who gave generously, said Mr Pittman.