COOK ISLANDERS

Poverty Bay Herald, Volume LX, Issue 18257, 28 November 1933, Page 5

COOK ISLANDERS

A GENEROUS PEOPLE RELIEF FUND DONATIONS (Per Press Association.) WELLINGTON, this day. Visitors to the Cook Group invariably cany away with them a deep impression of tno wonderful hospitality and generosity of the people of these islands. Much has been done through various vice-regal visits to strengthen the feelings of devotion to New Zealand, an instance being the visit to Rarotonga in April of the Governor-General and Lady iiledisloe. The appreciation of the people has found expression in a generous response to the Governor-General’s relief ot distress fund. During the past six months supplies of typical island foodstuffs, such as taro, bananas, coconuts, and coffee, have been received for distribution by the administrators of the fund. The latest consignment included six tons of kumaras. The islands of the group have contributed from their very limited resources to the fund not only foodstuffs but donations in cash. The Girl Guides of Rarotonga supplied coffee, arid the school children have planted considerable areas of kumaras all in the general desire to assist. The native people are not alone in their help, as a substantial cheque has been received by the secretary to the trustees of the fund from the European HsslHimts of the group.