ISLAND DEPENDENCIES

Timaru Herald, Volume CLVIII, Issue 23315, 26 September 1945, Page 4

ISLAND DEPENDENCIES

Representation In House (N.Z.P.A.) WELLINGTON, Sept. 25. Discussing in the House to-day the report of the Cook Islands and Niue administration, Mr C. M. Bowden (National, Wellington West) brought forward tlie question of their representation in the New Zealand Parliament and what steps the Government proposed to take. The Prime Minister (the Rt. Hon. P. Fraser) said the question would have to receive the serious consideration of the Government and Parliament. There were some difficulties, particularly transport, which were greater than anticipated. New Zealand was pledged under the San Francisco Trusteeship commitments to assist her territories. When he was last in the Cook Islands he mentioned the matter of representation, and it seemed that they preferred an inter-island council, which would discuss their own affairs. a great deal of study was required on the subject, but an effort should be made at a convenient time to endeavour to draw tile people ol Hie various island groups together and make them feel that liny were lull citizens of New Zealand. He was concerned with the economic development of islands, health, education and air services, all of which together with other matters would have to receive careful consideration.