MISSION TO RAROTONGA

Greymouth Evening Star, 11 August 1936, Page 5

MISSION TO RAROTONGA

CONCLUDING INVESTIGATIONS. By Radio from the Special Representative of ihe United Press Association 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., r and Mr. C. L. Hunter, M.P., has reached the last stage of its enquiry. The delegates left last Sunday by the Matua on a visit/- to the lower group of islands. At Aiitutaki the delegates were accorded/ a spectacular welcome by the chiefs and people, and a school display by ,'5OO pupils -was much appreciated. f Evidence on the fruit industry was in the afternoon, the delegates/departing the same evening after a strenuous day, leaving behind the same /atmosphere of confidence which hajs 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 tile ship. At Mangaia on Thursday the delegates had the novel experience of shooting the reef in native canoes. The party Returned to Rarotonga on Friday. . AIL the islands celebrated the visit and Speeches of welcome in the most picturesque language were a marked feature. The delegation is now in Rafotonga finishing its detailed work before boarding the Makura on Monday. The delegates will be glad of the few days’ rest which the voyage to N'ew Zealand will afford.