THE COOK ISLANDS

Otago Daily Times, Issue 22204, 6 March 1934, Page 9

THE COOK ISLANDS

SLUMP IN COPRA , PRICES PROGRESS OF SOCIAL SERVICES. (PEB UltftEO PRESS ASSOCIATION.) WELLINGTON, March 5. “ Conditions generally throughout the whole group are quite satisfactory and the inhabitants are contented and happy, although the depression is still causing much anxiety,” said Judge H. F. Ayson, Resident Commissioner of the Cook Islands, who arrived from Rarotonga today by the Makura. i v, >’ , “ Copra is one of our staple products and the bottom has completely, fallen out of the market,” he said. “If there is no immediate improvement the northern Cook Groiip will be seriously affected as copra is their only export'. At the present London price for copra it .does not pay the Cook Islands trading firms to handle it. If present conditions continue the people in the northern group will be forced back on to. a diet of fish and coconuts as they will have no means to provide clothes and other necessaries of life. . , ' - . “ Solid progress is being made in regard to education,” continued Judge Avsdri. V There are now upwards of 2500 pupils receiving instruction in the 25 schools throughout the group. English and agriculture have been made special features. Already we have trained, native teachers, nurses, wireless operators, clerks, r etc. Two students sent to the Fiji Medical School have completed their courses of training as native medical practitioners, and are now assisting in medical work in the group. Tropical diseases are being stamped out, and the general health of the natives has greatly improved since New Zealand took over the responsibility of the islands. Statistics show a ; marked natural increase in the population during the last 15 years, and the Cook Islands (excluding Niue) now have a population approaching ,H,OOO, of which 4000 are in Rarotonga.