COOK ISLANDS.

Rangitikei Advocate and Manawatu Argus, Volume XLV, Issue 12017, 6 March 1920, Page 6

COOK ISLANDS.

Per Press Association . Wellington, March 4. The Press Association correspondent writes : What would most help to increase the volume of trade in Cook Islands is a problem that is of great interest to the members of Parliament with the Mokoia. This question is of course being thoroughly investigated by the Trade Commission, but its report will not be available for some time. In the opinion of Resideut Commissioner Platts, the first essential is the provision of an inter-Island auxiliary schooner controlled by the administration, which would bring produce from the more remote islands to Rarotonga. Equally important is improved shipping service between Rarotonga and New Zealand. A measure of relief in this direction has been already provided. The Commissioner also considers the adoption of the Pago Pago system of administration. Control of the sale of the whole copra output would prove of great benefit to native producers, and do away with the handicap on producers in more distant islands, who at present cannot reach a competitive markett. Much care is being given by the administration at present to packing oranges, and one of the island officials is being sent to America to investigate curing and packing proceses generally. Parliament voted £2OOO for the erection of packing sheds, and an experimental shed is now in course of erection. It is hoped that when the during and packing system is in working order, oranges may be landed in New Zealand and kept m store, when necessary, without loss to merchants