COOK ISLANDS

Dominion, Volume 30, Issue 157, 31 March 1937, Page 11

COOK ISLANDS

Population’s 2000 Increase

The correspondent United Press Association of New Zealand at Rarotonga writes: —

Census returns for the Cook Islands show that the population in 1936 was 12,246, an increase of nearly 2200 over the figures for 1926. This figure includes both Europeans and Maoris. On Rarotonga the increase during the last 10 years has totalled nearly 1100, the figure for 1936 being 5054 against 3936 in 1926. The total figures for the whole group are: Europeans, males, 140; females, 113; Maoris, males, 6236; females, 5757. Total, 6376 males, 5870 females. The total population in 1926 was 10,081.

Linking Up Northern Group. The first step in the linking up of the Northern Cook Group with Rarotonga took place on March 3 when Rarotonga communicated with Manihiki. The reception at. Rarotonga was reported to be very good. It is anticipated that Penrhyn and Pukapuka will be linked up during the year. Tropical Downpour.

A bridge was swept away, and two others damaged by a tropical downpour at Avarua, Rarotonga, on March 2. Considerable flooding resulted on low-lying areas about Avarua. The total rainfall for the 24 hours was 9.76 inches.

Fruit Shipment. The fruit shipment from Rarotonga by the Matua comprises approximately 3990 cases of bananas. The prices being paid for this shipment are:— 3/9 case for fruit alone, delivered to the wharf, and 7/- f.o.b.

The orange export season for the Cook Group commences in April and lasts until September, and it is expected to be a good one. Last season 70,209 cases were exported, but this season the total is expected to be 96,000 cases. Tomatoes have been planted and exporting should commence in May.