THE COOK ISLANDS.

Pelorus Guardian and Miners' Advocate., Volume 30, Issue 22, 19 March 1918, Page 6

THE COOK ISLANDS.

Great strides are being made in the Cook Islands in the direction of agricultural development. In conversation with the Minister for Cook Islands (the Hon. Dr. Pomare), a “New Zealand Times” reporter was shown a number of photos that spoke volumes as to the development of the land. In oqe picture the country was seen in all its wildness of tropical growth, and in the next picture was to be observed the wonderful change wrought by cultivation. The natives are being provided with practical instruction in agriculture, and are apparently using this knowledge with the best results. The Cook Islands have been supplying New Zealand with its winter tomatoes for some time past, and, granted a better shipping service, the supply of winter vegetables, etc., from the islands to New Zealand should, in the near future, do much to reduce the cost of living. Bananas are now being fully cultivated, and a greatly improved fruit has resulted.

The latest step to encourage the development of the Cook Islands is the installation of wireless. The plant is already being installed, and all the islands are to be linked together by this system. This will overcome a big difficulty experienced in the past in regard to the produce of the islands. Up to the present the islanders have been totally in the dark as to when the arrival of a visiting boat was to be expected to lift the produce waiting for export. Time and again the fruit has had to lie rotting on the wharf through the nonarrival of a vessel. Now the- islanders will have the inestimable benefits of a complete wireless system. With the object of encouraging the cultivation of the land, Dr. Pomare has made it compulsory that each resident shall plant a certain number of cocoanuts every year. An experimental farm started by Dr. Pomare has achieved most satisfactory results. Forty acres of mosquito-infested swamp were drained here, and now there is a splendid cultivated and highly productive area of land.

The islanders are also reaping the benefits of education. Four schools have been erected, and there are about 700 children attending. These schools arc the last word in the matter of ventilation. In fine weather the children have merely a roof over their heads, and in unfavourable weather screens are let down from the roof. The natives provide the land for these schools, and the Government erects the buildings and gives the furniture, etc.