THE ISLAND PARTY

Hokitika Guardian, 1 March 1920, Page 1

THE ISLAND PARTY

PAIOTCULAIIS OF THE VISIT.

[PEII PRESS ASSOCIATION. COPYRIGHT.]

RAR'ATONGA, February 26. (delayed)

!Sir James Allen, replying to the Alangnia Island Council, said it was likely that a, wireless telephone might eventually oounoct the islands with Raratonga. A Canoe returning, containing Sir James Allen, Alessfs Heaton Rhodes, and Tate, was swamped off a reef. A hazardous transfer to another canoe was accomplished all well. ( Deputations 'at Rarantonga today largely referred to the policy of the administration. The. Native Council and Native Growers Association both made grateful acknowledgment of the benefit's received under Commissioner (Platt,’s .administration. The planters are hostile to what they term the commissioner’s use of his powers to the detriment of their interests, especially in connection with the formation of an association of native growers to ship their own produce. The Arikis requested the restoration of their mana by the return to feudal land control. Sir James Allen endorsed Commission Platt’s action in finding the natives a free market, and promised the Government would assist the Comm is-, sioner’s representations as to shipping Jancl adequate ppnee allotment. The Government was experimenting in cold storage with a view to helping the island fruit trade. Ho also stated that arrangements were in progress for tlie establishment of a local credit Bank.

Answering a member’s question, the native growers said the wastage on the fruit crop last year owing to lack of shipping amounted to three-fifths. Thev considered the pooling of their produce, mnder .Government supervision, with advances by a Credit Bank Wab dos i t J a,ble. A European request for representation on the Island Council was opposed by the natives. Sir James Allen said that when the islands were annexed, the Government promised a representation institute. That promise would -not be broken. .Nevertheless he would he glad if the (Council would invite Europe representation.

Sir Janies Allen announced that- failing European representation, tlie Government would appoint an Advisory Board to assist the Commissioner, thug recognising the European taxpayer's right to a voice in the administration. A European Voders’ andi planters’ deputation asked for a commission to inquire into the whole question of administration. They took the strongest exception to a statement by Commissioner Platts that there was a ring which controlled the prices for copra and cleaned that they hindered the natives from getting shipping space, and cases, or compelled them to sell to the traders, rather than consign to tlio open market.

Commissionier Platts confirmed life statement, that a copra ring existed, and was making large profits, adding that iso long as lie was Commissioner, he believed it bis duty to break that ring, or any other combination operat. ing against the native interests. That was life policy) of administration. Sir .Tames Allen appealed for more friendly relations, and hoped the proposed Advisory Board would assist the trader. 'Pile traders’ 1 representative, replying, said they would never lie satisfied without a. commission of inquiry.