COOK ISLANDS

Waipukurau Press, Volume XXVIII, Issue 128, 25 May 1932, Page 5

COOK ISLANDS

The Trading Returns REVIEWED BY THE MINISTER f, ' ..rw. .. ■' A HEAVY DECLINE RECORDED (Per Press Association) WELLINGTON, This Day. A review of the administrative activities for the year ended March 31st made available by the Minister for the Cook Islands (Hon. Sir A. T. Ngata) show a heavy decline in the trade recorded. Although exports from Rarotonga revealed an excess over imports of £10,685 the actual trade figures compared with the year 1930, show a decrease of £63,700. The total trade was valued at £149,205 compared with £2 82,54 8 in 1925. The heavy reduction in trade is reflected in the finances of the group, and all except essential works have been suspended, with heavy reductions in all services. The lack of expert, facilities has practically depleted some of the islands of money and collection of Native fees has been suspended.

The population to March 31 of this year shows a natural increase of 1100 in the Native population since the census of 1926. When it is remembered that some years ago the Cook Islanders were regarded as a dying race, the high increase in the birthrate must be viewed with satisfaction. Nieu trade has fallen from an average over the previous ten years of £35,176 to £18,698. Only during four years since 1902, have the exports been less. Following on last year’s disastrous hurricanes and droughts, the rainfall for the year was the lowest on record for 25 years, and this has seriously affected production, also the market for Native handicrafts is now practically nil, having been ousted by cheap foreign made articles.