Surfeit Of Oranges In Cook Islands

Chronicle (Levin), 3 June 1949, Page 7

Surfeit Of Oranges In Cook Islands

Press As&ociation)

(Per

WELLINGTON, June 2. This vear's orange erop in the Cook Islands 'is the best for ten years and fully 100,000 cases of oranges could be shipped if shipping were available, said Judge A. McCarty, Chief Judge of the Native Land Conrt of Cook Islands, in Wellington today. Judge McCarty, who is at present on furlough, said Rarotonga itself had from 30,000 to 40,000 eases of fruit on the trees. Most of this would be packed and shipped but of some 50,000 cases in Mangaia, it would be impossible to get awav more than about 20,000 cases. Of the balance, what could not be eaten would be turned into beer. Ile said thousands of cases of the oranges needed in New Zealand were being made into beer as were bananas, avocada pears, mangoes and pineapples wliich would be available to the New Zealand market if shipping were available. If the pressing need for shipping could be ovcrcome, the Cook Islands would forge ahead, said Judge Mc'Carthy. The Cook Islairds were progressing satisfactorily from the production point of view and also providcd a wonderful health resort with an almost perfect winter climate. Judge McCarthy said this year's excellent orange crop reflected the suecess of the orange replanting scheme whieh was being carried out and the manner in which the Maoris were cooperating in it.