COOK ISLANDS NEWS.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LVI, Issue 17178, 4 June 1919, Page 8

COOK ISLANDS NEWS.

PROMISING CROP PROSPECTS. [FBOM ont ')WY CunnESI'ONPKNT] AITUTAKI. April 17. Fine weather has prevailed for the past four months with depressing showers of tain, and in consequence the crops of I fruit and copra should be heavy during i the coming season. Oranges are rapidly : maturing, lyid the coccanuts fur the manufacture of copra appear prolific. Last week the four-masted barquentine Atlanta called here from Melbourne to .San Francisco; also the three-roamed schooner Gilbert Island.', from San Ftancisco to .Sydney. No sign of influenza has been seen in the island*. I It i? raid that the local Island Council | has reduced the tax on horses from 20s 'in 10.* per annum; dogs are also to be readmitted fit a tax of 10s per annum. At I present dugs are prohibited at this island. j The dissension in the Amuii Church is still rampant. Halt' of the congregation are holding out for an independent church and the other half wish to return to the fold if the London Missionary Society. Then' arc now two churches at Amuri, liv.. pastors and two flr.-ks. each holding independent services. The whole populalion of Amuri is only about 400. It is to be Imped that (■hipping facilities will be improved this yenr. Over 100 tons of copia has been lying hcte now for 12 months. The fine apple iron last 'ear was all lost- for waul of vessels. A large portion of the oranges was also lost last year for lb.' same reason. I

Tho wireless apparatus for the island is said to be at Rnrot<:n?a, and is to he installed this yd,!. There will he a tcceiviny station only.