THE COOK ISLANDS.

Evening Post, Volume LXXX, Issue 5, 6 July 1910, Page 3

THE COOK ISLANDS.

"PITY THEY ARE NOT BETTER KNOWN."

Some interesting remarks on the Cook Islands were made to a Post reporter by Dr. Buck (Te Rangihiroa), who has recently returned to New Zealand after acting for three or four months as health officer at Earotonga. The fruit industry, he said, was in an improved position, and the Maoris were going in tor planting on a much more extensive scalo than formerly. The steamer service with Wellington had been of great benefit to the inhabitants of the islands, and was very greatly appreciated. If first-class 'boats wore kept on the service it was, he thought, quite probable that there would be many more passengers travelling by that route. "It is a pity," continued Dr. Buck, "that the islands are not better known. At this time of the year the climate is splendid, and would be greatly appreciated by those who desire to avoid the rigours of some parts of New Zealand. Even in summer the heat is not oppressive, and the scenery and general conditions constitute a welcome change. Compared with their New Zealand cousins, the natives are quite prosperous, and much better off. They live in good concrete houses and are well clothed. Of course, they can wear light and attractive material which could not be worn here, and that adds to the picturesqueness of their appearance. The fruit is a steady source of income, and the Maoris are working hard in the industry. They have to keep two boats a month going — growing, packing, carrying in, and loading the fruit, and both the vessels carry native labour from Rarotonga through the group to do the loading. "On the whole," said Dr. Buck, "I think they work very well, considering that there is really not much necessity for them to work, as the islands grow such natural foods as coconuts, taros, bread fruit, and cooking bananas. The fruit-growing resources of the islands have only just been tapped," said Dr. Buck, in conclusion. "If the Wellington and Auckland services are maintained, many hundreds of acres of flesh lacd will be cleared and planted, and the possibilities of the trade thftre are eonrn^ut;." ,