LEAGUE OF MOTHERS

Evening Post, Volume CXXIII, Issue 85, 12 April 1937, Page 14

LEAGUE OF MOTHERS

COOK ISLAND NATIVES

The Wellington Central branch of the League of Mothers met .in the Y.W.C.A., Boulcott Street, recently, Mrs. Clarke presiding.; : ■

Mrs.. Pearson (president of the Wellington South branch) gave a' very interesting talk on the peculiar customs of the Cook Island natives, who, she said, are a good-looking, happy, spotlessly clean people and passionately fond of children, although very primitive in the matter of feeding them. The heavy infant mortality was stated to be due to a great extent to the mothers thinking a milk diet insufficient for new-born babies, and feeding them with bananas. However, they were becoming more civilised now, as the New Zealand Government had a special hospital and a nurse to instruct them in infant welfare. There were no unwanted babies and the mothers frequently exchanged their children with their neighbours, adopting all and sundry, and loving all. A peculiar custom was that when a native died all things dear to him were buried with him, even to a favourite piano, sideboard, or sewing machine. When the girls or boys reached the age of 15 or 16 they went to what was called the "Community House," where they live until their choice was made and they decide to marry, the children of an unmarried mother not being considered an encumbrance. The marriage ceremony often lasted ; for several days, the arrangements being made by the parents of both parties. The majority of the natives possessed very fine voices and competed annually for a cup presented by Lord Bledisloe to encourage the art of singing. ■■'.■•■■ ; A very hearty vote of thanks was accorded to Mrs. Pearson, and to Mrs. Castle, who recited, two poems. Afternoon tea was served by members, and Mrs. Clarke gave the thought for the month: "Hear no evil, see no.evil, and speak no evil."

Tortiseshell is used for the huge hoop handle of Schiaparelli's bag, which is slung nonchalantly over the shoulders.