LIFE IN THE ISLANDS.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXIII, Issue 19289, 30 March 1926, Page 14

LIFE IN THE ISLANDS.

AFFAIRS OF COOK GROUP IMPROVED ADMINISTRATION. PROGRESS IN MANY WAYS. ISLAND TRADER'S VIEWS. Interesting statements in connection with life on the Cook Islands were made yesterday by Mr. R. McKegg, managing director of the Cook Islands Trading Company, Limited, who has been in Auckland on a short visit. Mr. McKegg has been trading in the Islands for the past 16 years. On a visit to New Zealand a few years ago he felt obliged to criticise the administration of the group at the time. However, changes have been made since then, and he expresses himself as delighted with the satisfactory position of affairs there now. "Trade conditions have shown a steady improvement during the past few years," said Mr. McKegg. " The latest available annual report shows that trade had more than doubled since 1017, and constitutes a record for the Cook Group." The improvements, he said, could be attributed to several factors, among which were the considerable advance in the price of copra, recent fruit-packing regulations which resulted in fruit arriving in New Zealand in better condition and as a result bringing better prices, and a general state of industry and contentment existing among the few hundred whites and the few thousand natives who constituted the population of the Islands.

The administration had been vigorously carrying out numerous progressive public works, all of which were proving of great value. . The main road round the island of Rarotonga was now maintained in excellent condition, and the policy of opening up the fertile valleys by constructing suitable roads and bridges through them is permitting of fruit and other produce being handled suitably in motor trucks-instead of in the somewhat primitive way of a few years ago. " The islands are not nearly so isolated as previously," ho continued, " for wireless stations have been erected at Aitutaki, Mangaia and Atiu. There is a receiving radio set at Atiu, and it is hoped that wireless telephony will shortly be installed in all three places. It is anticipated that within six months a short, wave-length will be in use at Rarotonga, and this will enable direct communi cation to be made with New Zealand and San Francisco. At present all messages have to go through Apia. Other Signs of Progress.

" A new and larger freezer at Rarotonga has almost been completed, which will add considerably to the comfort and health of the residents. An electric light scheme is under consideration, which-will fill a long-felt need if it is carried into effect. The outlying islands have also received attention. More concrete tanks have been built- and cargo sheds have also been added to permit of fruit being suitably stored while awaiting shipment." Good progress in education was also touched on by Mr. McKegg. The policy adopted with regard to education was eminently practical, instruction in agriculture being considered one of the most important subjects. Higher education was provided in New Zealand for a limited number of pupils, who eventually returned to Rarotonga to take up teaching, wireloss positions,* dental nursing and similar occupations. "The public health of the islands is obtaining excellent attention. Arrangements have been made with the New Zealand Health Department for a qualified dentist to attend to the teeth of the children, and Rarotongan nurses are now being trained in the dental clinic in Wellington. 1 ' A doctor had also been engaged, and his appointment should also prove a boon to the population. He had visited the island, and had done good work in connection with hookworm and similar diseases. Mr. McKegg, while of the opinion that shipping conditions had improved somewhat, says that he is firmly of opjnion that a better steamer is needed in the alternate Auckland-Wellington cargo service. Faster vessels were necessary for the transport of perishable cargo. He regretted that frequently the mail steamers did not stav long enough at Rarotonga to take on board all the copra that was required at San Francisco. Tribute to Commissioner. Mr. McKegg paid a high tribute to the administration of the Resident Commissioner, Judge Aysou, who, since assuming the position, has carried out an energetic and progressive policy, which has placed the affairs of the Cook Group in their present highly satisfactory state. "Judge Ayson," he said, "has earned the high esteem and regard of both natives arul Europeans by the efficient and tactful way in which he carries out his onerous duties The Cook Islands are particularly fortunate in having a Resi dent Commissioner of Judge Ay son's energy and ability. He. is particularly well suited to the position, for, owing to the islands in the group being widely scattered, and the only means. of com nmnication with the far distant ones being by small auxiliary trading schooners', a more elderly man would find travelling under these circumstances a rather severe hardship." Mr. McKegg also spoke highly of the Cook Islands Department in Wellington, which was fully alive to the requirements o* the group, and was furthering its interests in every way possible. When questioned "as to the tourist attractions of the elands, Mr. McKegg said that they were undoubtedly there, and the number of tourists visiting them was annually increasing. The islands, for all the improvements made in them, were in parts almost in native state and with their eight months of -summer they afforded opportunities of a perfect holiday-