NIUE ISLAND.

Hokitika Guardian, 23 May 1925, Page 1

NIUE ISLAND.

PROSPECTS OF Fit FIT TRADE. AUCKLAND, May 21. “The natives of Niue Island are well pleased with the New Zealand administration, and are delighted that tho (loverument steamer tlinemoa will shortly commence regular trips between the Dominion and the island," stated Mr (I. Morris, late Resident Commissioner ol Niue, who arrived at Auckland by the Xnvua Irani llio islands. Mr Morris, wlm has completed his term of oliiee at Niue, was appointed Commissioner of the island seven years ago, and has been stationed there continuously, except for a period of eighteen months, (five years ago. as treasurer at Jtaratonga. ‘■The prosperity of Nine dejjends almost solely on its fruit trade,” said Mr Morris. “The natives arc eager fur trade, and the news of tlie wreck of the Rama at the Chatham Islands came its a blow to them. The Rama made several trips between Auckland and Niue. However, the decision that

the Hinenioa. will enter the service Inis reassured them. The assurance of a regular shipping service would undoubtedly make a wonder!ul difference in the island. Already rich in its growth of tropical fruit, Nine provides ample room for extended eulti ration. Nine with its wonderful climate, its rieli virgin soil, its intelligent natives, was indeed a valuable dependency. “The inauguration of a regular shipping servile "ill no doubt encourage greater activity and greater industry among the natives," added Mr Morris, ‘bind portions of the island which are now producing nothing .should soon be under cultivation.” At the present- time there were some thirty miles of good roads on the island, and the Government was providing motor trucks which should overcome transport difficulties. in the past ships which came to Niue for fruit were rcpiired to call at three places, but in the future it was hoped to bring all fruit to tlio one place with the aid of motor trucks. “The fruit is there in abundance, and the demand is here, and it is only a matter of getting it." said Mr Morris. The value of wireless which was recently installed by the Government was stressed bv Mr Morris. PivvfousIv Niue was an isolated spot in the Pacific depending for news from the ; ' ntilsidv on stray ships which called i • there. Now the people wore in touch j I with things. Without wireless the f I fruit trade was almost impossible : but | I now the Niue islanders know when j ' ships are due and they could have tin 1 j ■ fruit prepared for shipping. ; Generallv speaking, the health of \ : the islanders was ex< client.. continued ? ■ Mr Morris, lut-t year there were | ! ■ sixty-nine deaths out nf a population , j ‘ of some 3000. This ‘-as the lowest \ ' death rate ol) rorord. {