COOK ISLANDS

Hokitika Guardian, 14 November 1933, Page 8

COOK ISLANDS

LOW PRICES FOR PRODUCE GOOD HEALTH OF NATIVES WELLINGTON Nov. 11.. The effects of the depression on the trade of the Cook Islands is shown in figures quoted in the annual report of the Cook Islands Administration presented to the House of' Representatives yesterday by Sir Apirana Ngata. The total value of imports and exports was £272,608 in 1920. ...It > fell -to £212,906 in 1930, to £149,205 in 1931, and £136,994 last year. Prices for copra and fruit continued at ail. extremely low level and the orange; trade of the group suffered severely owing to the withdrawal of the usual Union 'Company’s cargo steamer service from Auckland.

As in 1931, the orange season was again a disastrous one for Cook Island producers, /owing to a great extent'-to; the swamping of the Now Zealand markets with Australian oranges admitted duty free. The embargo imposed against Australian fruit gave producers . more heart, and much better conditions were anticipated in the coming season.

In spite of the difficulties of finance, the year’s estimates were well maintained and the year closed with a small credit balance. The medical services of the group continued to account for a large proportion of the total expenditure, but the results were seen in universal reports of good health from all the islands.

“A pleasing feature of the report,” states the Minister, “is the evidence of the growing independence of, the native people, which is shown by the number of school and other Government' buildings which have been erected by the people themselves, practically without cost to the Government.”