THE COOK ISLANDS.

Manawatu Standard, Volume LVI, Issue 200, 14 July 1936, Page 7

THE COOK ISLANDS.

ARRIVAL OF DELEGATION

DOMINION’S GOODWILL

Received July 14, 11.25 a.in. RAROTONGA, July 13.

An enthusiastic welcome awaited the New Zealand delegation to the C'ook Islands, which is to inquire into the fruit industry. Mr J. Robertson, the chairman of the delegation, and liis colleagues, Messrs C. L. Hunter and S. G. Holland, M.P.’s, were officially welcomed by the Resident Commissioner (Judge H. F. Ayson) and Makea Nuie Tinirau Ariki at the gathering, which crowded out the Court House. Mr Robertson, when replying, delivered a message from lit. Hon. M. J. Savage conveying to the people of Cook Islands an expression of the goodwill of the Government and people of New Zealand. The message also expressed the desire of the New Zealand Government and Parliament to assist those concerned in the fruit industry of the islands to relieve their difficulty. Messrs Hunter and Holland also addressed the gathering. The delegation created a very favourable impression and is now constantly roceiving expressous of friend-' ship and goodwill from the natives und Europeans alike. Mr S. J. Smith, Secretary of the Cook Islands, accompanies the delegation, which is likely to have a strenuous time during the next few weeks investigating the position in regard to fruit-growing and marketing, interspersed with social and ceremonial functions.