THE ISLAND CRUISE.

Otago Witness, Issue 3442, 2 March 1920, Page 25

THE ISLAND CRUISE.

WIRELESS FROM THE MOKOIA. WELLINGTON, February 25. A wireless !rom the Moltoia states that a heavy swell on Saturday made travel uncomfortable, but Sunday broke clear with a following wind. On Friday Commissioner Platts gavo an interesting lecture on the Cook Islands. Mr Massey's radio regarding the coal settlement was applauded on its receipt, and members heartily endorsed Sir James Allen's congratulatory reply. There is no padre aboard, but an impressive Sunday service was conducted, Sir James Allen reading the lesson, and Mr L. M.- Isitt, M.P., delivering the sermon. RARATONGA'S WARM WELCOME. THE SETTLEMENT EN FETE. RABOTONGA, February 23. The Parliamentary party arrived at Rarotonga at 2.30, passing the Auckland-bound steamer Taluno at neon. The Mokoia will proceed to-night to Mangaia, where to-morrow will be spent inquiring into trade requirements. The itinerary has been slightly changed, and the vessel will arrive back, in Auckland on March 21. --- The Hon. G. M. Thomson, in a lecture on "Life In The Sea," said t'.io solution of the fish supply in New Zealand consisted in better distribution rather than the provision of trawlers. Ample fish could be caught bv private enterprise if a larger market was reached by improved transport. He condemned the Railway Department, and urged facilities for utili.ing by-products. He suggested that meal could be manufactured from coarse fish suitable for calf raising. Dr Chesson this morning dealt with insect pests and the necessity for drainage and other schemes to combat the danger. Thrt weather was sultry to-day. The first impression of Rarotonga was received from the delightful high rugged hills, the cocoanut plantations covering the foreground and the town of Ahaura hidden among the trees. The remains of the Maitai could be seen on a reef. On arrival the party was lightered ashore late in the afternoon, the band playing "See the Conquering Hero Comes.". The visitors were welcomed by the Makea and other Arikis.

Sir James Allen, who responded, announced that they would return on Thursday and stay two days. There was a great displav of native dnncing, and the school children sang. Sir James Allen promised that special consideration would be given for the education of the children. A sumptuous feast had been prepared, and practically the whole of the European and native population was present and combined in the welcome. The visitors were greatly impressed with the precision of the native dances, the striking costumes of the different tribes, and the festive appearance of the settlement. The Mokoia will sail for Mangaia tonight and will return on Thursday to receive European hospitality and to inquire into the general requirements of the settlement.

WELLINGTON,. February 27. A wireless from Rarotonga states that the conditions of life and the needs of Mangaia, where the parliamentary party spent Wednesday, are typical in many respects of other islands in the Cook group. No vessel had touched at Mangaia since the Governor-general's visit. Half a dozen Europeans and the native population were surprised and delighted at the visit. The party had a novel experience, crossing the reef in outrigger canoes skilfully handled by natives. Speaking at the State school, attended by 200 children, Sir James Allen said he hoped to arrange an interchange of teachers between New Zealand and the native schools. The Island Council suggested the provision of an inter-isla.nd State steamer, carrying outlying produce to connect with New Zealand steamers. This suggestion has already been prominently before the members of the party. RAROTONGA DEPUTATIONS. COMMISSIONER'S ADMINISTRATION DEFENDED. RAROTONGA, February 26 (delayed). Sir James Allen, replying to the Mangaia Island Council, said that it was likely that a wireless telephone might eventually connect the islands with Rarotonga. A canoe whilo returning'' with Sir James Allen, Sir Heaton Rhodes, and Colonel Tate aboard swamped off a reef. A hazardous transfer to another canoe was accomplished. All are well. Deputations at - Rarotonga to-day largely referred to the policy and administration of the Native Council and the Native Growers' Association. Both made grateful acknowledgement, of the benefits received under Mr F. W. Platts' administration.

The. planters are hostile to what they, term the Commisisoner's use of his powers to determine their interest, especi&ly in connection with the formation of an association of native growers to ship their own produce. The Arikis requested the restoration of their mana by a return to feudal land control. Sir James Allen endorsed Mr Platts' action in finding the natives a free market, and promised that the Government would assist the Commissioner's representations to the shipping company for more shipping and an adequate space allotment. The Government, he said, was experimenting in cold storage with a" view to helping the island fruit trade. Sir Jamea Allen also stated that arrangements were in progress for the establishment of a local credit bank. In answer to members' questions, native growers said that the wastage in the_ fruit crop last year owing to lack of shipping amounted to three-fifths of the crop. They considered that the pooling of their produce under Government supervision with advances by a credit bank was desirable. A European request for representation on the Island Council was opposed by the natives. Sir James Allen said that when the islands were annexed the Government promised representative institutions. That promise would not be broken. Nevertheless, he would be glad if the council would invite European representation. Members asked many questions, and much evidence was taken. Sir James Allen announced that, failing European representation, the Government would appoint an

Advisory Board to assist the Commissioner, thus recognising- the European taxpayers' right to a voice in the administration. A European traders and planters' deputation asked for a commission to inquire into the whole question of administration. They_ stated that they took the strongest exception to the statement, by Mr Platts that there was a ring which controlled the prices for copra, and they denied that they hindered the natives from getting shipping space and cases, or compelled them to sell to +he traders rather than consign their produce to the open market.

Mr Platts confirmed his statement that a copra rinsr existed which was making large profits, and added, that so long as he was Commissioner he believed it waa his dut-v to break that ring or any other combination operating against the natives' interests. That was his policy of administration. Sir James Allen appealed for more friendly relations, and hoped that the -proposed Advisory Board would assist. The traders' representative, in replying, soid that they would never be satisfied without a commission of inquiry.