FUTURE OF ISLAND TRADE

Timaru Herald, Volume CXLII, Issue 20481, 28 July 1936, Page 7

FUTURE OF ISLAND TRADE

OFFICIAL DELEGATION INVESTIGATES NATIVES DISPLAY KEEN INTEREST United Press Association—By Electric - Telegraph—Copyright (Received July 27, 8.30 p.m.) RAROTONGA, July 26. The New Zealand Parliamentary delegation now in Rarotonga had another busy week, neglecting no avenue of information regarding the fruit industry. Monday to Wednesday last week was occupied with a further inspection of the plantation areas, the usual native feasts being provided by the people in each district. The courthouse was crowded with interested natives and Europeans on Thursday morning, when the taking of evidence was commenced. Long sittings have been held daily, and 36 witnesses have been heard. The necessity of interpreting the evidence was a heavy task, but the spirit of helpfulness shown by all parties was of great assistance and smoothed out many difficulties. The evidence will be concluded on Monday next, after which the delegation will spend a few days inspecting the schools and other Government activities, and attending gatherings promoted by native and European residents. The delegation will leave by the Union Steam Ship Company’s new ship Matua for a week’s visit to the outer islands which supply fruit to New Zealand,, and will sail on August 3. Native Interest Stirred Nothing which has taken place at Rarotonga for years has stirred up so much Interest as the visit of the delegation, the members of which are now well known, at leas* by sight, to every inhabitant.