TO INVESTIGATE.

Star (Christchurch), Volume LXVI, Issue 20542, 18 February 1935, Page 7

TO INVESTIGATE.

Hurricane Damage at Palmerston Island. MATAI TO SAIL. “ Star ” Parliamentary Reporter. WELLINGTON, February 18. To investigate the extent of the recent hurricanes in the Cook Islands, the External Affairs Department, according to an official announcement today, is despatching the Government steamer Matai to Palmerston Island. The Matai will leave Wellington on Wednesday and on board will be Mr S. J. Smith, Secretary of the Cook Island Department, and Colonel F. W. Dawson, of the Health Department. It is expected that the steamer will reach her destination in a week. Previously it had been intended to utilise the services of the American ship Golden Bear, bound from t.ie United States of America to New Zealand ports, and the captain was to report the state of affairs by wireless. This arrangement has been cancelled. It was explained to-day that the measure now adopted was purely precautionary, as it was not known whether the services of a doctor be required. Mr Smith would, on arrival at Palmerston Island, advise the Government of the position.

OFF TO RAROTONGA. Colonel Dawson on Relief Mission. Colonel F. W. W. Dawson, assistantMedical Office of Health for CanterburyWestland, has received advice from the Director-General of Health, Dr M. H. Watt, that he is to proceed at once to Rarotonga to lend assistance in the work of rehabilitation on the island. Which was recently visited by a hurricane. Colonel Dawson will leave for Wellington this evening. lie expects to be away for about two months.