COOK ISLAND CONDITIONS

Taranaki Daily News, 6 March 1934, Page 9

COOK ISLAND CONDITIONS

PEOPLE VEIRY CONTENTED EFFECT OF SLUMP IN THE NORTH FAILURE OF MARKET FOR COPRA. RESIDENT COMMISSIONER’S VISIT. By Telegraph—Press Association. Wellington, Last Night. “Conditions generally in 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 in the Cook Islands, who arrived from Rarotonga by: the Makura to-day. “Copra is one of our staple products, and the bottom has completely fallen out of the market,” Judge Ayson continued. “If there is no immediately improvement the northern Cook group will be. seriously affected, as copra is their export. At the present London price for copra it does not pay the Cook Islands trading firms to handle the pro-, duct. If present conditions continue the people in the northern group -will be forced back on to a diet of fish and coconuts' and will have no means to provide clothes and other necessaries of life. “Solid progress is being made with regard to 'education. There .are now upwards of 2500 .pupils receiving instruction. in 25 schools throughout, the group. English and agriculture are made special features. Already we have trained native teachers, nurses, wireless operators, clerks, etc. Two students who were 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 population during the last fifteen years. The Cook Islands (excluding Niue) now have a population approaching 11,000, of which 4000 are in Rarotonga.”