Economic Dilemma Of Cook Is.

Press, Volume CVI, Issue 31082, 10 June 1966, Page 6

Economic Dilemma Of Cook Is.

Some people claimed that perhaps the simplest remedy to the economic dilemma of the Cook Islands would be to effect a mass migration of the population to New Zealand, Professor K. W. Thomson, dean of the faculty of social sciences at Massey University, told the monthly meeting of the Canterbury branch of the New Zealand Geo-

graphical Society. Professor Thomson said It was claimed that although the migration would cost the taxpayer several million pounds, it would be cheaper in the long run. Annual grants to the islands amounted to about £1 million.

“But economic theory Is not always practical,” he said, “and our sense of humanity would reject such a drastic solution.” Natural resources would have to be better utilised.

Economic planners would have to undertake much research to improve agricultural productivity. "Tourism would provide a major industry,” said Professor Thomson. "But the islanders are traditionally opposed to it They want to preserve their present way of life for as long as they can. “Agriculture on many of the outlying islands of the group is at subsistence Tevel. Poor soils, plant diseases and lack of knowledge hindered development." Professor Thomson said the Prime Minister (Mr Albert Henry) was an astute and hard-working politician. He reognised many of the basic difficulties and had done much to improve democratic spirit. Movement of population from the outer islands to Avarua, the largest town on Rarotonga, was an increasing problem to the Cook Islands Government. Most came in search of work and a better life. It was estimated that 30 per cent of the population of Avarua lived in slum conditions.

Professor Thomson said that although New Zealand was giving much assistance to the islands, it also gained an advantage. Many fine young people, reared and educated, were immigrating to this country and were of much economic value.