ISLAND TRADE

Timaru Herald, Volume CXLII, Issue 20492, 10 August 1936, Page 7

ISLAND TRADE

PARLIAMENTARY DELEGATION AT RAROTONGA - United Press Association—By Electric Telegraph—Copyright (Received August 9, 11.15 pjn.) RAROTONGA, August 9. The Parliamentary delegation has reached the last stage of its inquiry. The delegation left last Sunday by the Matua on a visit to the lower group of islands. At Aituaiki, a spectacular welcome by the chiefs and people and a school display by 500 pupils were much appreciated, showing a high standard of attainment. Evidence was taken regarding the fruit industry in the afternoon, the delegation leaving the same evening after a strenuous day. The delegation left behind the same atmosphere of confidence which has been a characteristic of their tour. Atiu was reached the following day in adverse weather conditions. The natives made the visitors welcome at feasts after the usual inquiry was held. The delegation returned to the ship in a blinding rain squall, giving a vivid understanding of the danger and risk of shipping passengers and cargo over the reef. Mauke was reached on Wednesday. The weather conditions made a landing too risky and the inquiry was conducted aboard the ship. At Mangaia on Thursday the delegates had the novel experience of shooting a reef in native canoes. The skill of the natives in cano-'ne an orange shipment through the reef is proverbial. The delegates returned to Rarotonga on Friday. All the islands celebrated the visit in right royal fashion, speeches of welcome in most picturesque language being a marked feature. The delegation is now at Rarotonga finishing the detailed work before boarding the Makura on Monday and the members will be glad of the few days’ rest the voyage will afford.