THE ISLANDS.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LV, Issue 118, 5 October 1912, Page 8

THE ISLANDS.

INTERVIEW WITH DR. POMARE. By Telegraph—Press Association. Christ church, Last Night. Matters connected with the Cook Islands were referred to by the Hon. Dr. Pomare in conversation with a reporter to-day. At the outset he said that he wished to deny the ' "startling rumors of the spread of leprosy in the Islands." He said that there were about 35 cases of leprosy in the Cook Islands, but there were other Islands in the Pacific which were worse in this respect, and where there were probably 20 cases to every one in the Cook Islands. All the patients were isolated, And they were in no way a danger to other people. "It was also stated," he continued, "that lepers are handling fruit at' Ilaratonga, whick is shipped to New Zealand; but I can only characterise this as absolutely fake. They are neyer near fruit, and to say that fruit is contaminated, and this has been said, is absurd. They are isolated from everything, and are not the menace they are alleged to be." Referring to the administration of the Cook Islands, Dr. Pomare said thsrt it had been decided to have another report made on affairs at the Islands, and Judge McCorm&ck, who is acting as resident Commissioner, has been instructed to draw up a report. Dr. Poinare said that he was' satisfied that matters were in a satis-; factory condition at the Islands, and though it had been suggested that an enquiry should be held into the administration of H the Islands, he did not think such an enquiry was necessary. Several) new appointments are to be made, andj some of these are now before the (Cabinet. Judge MeCormick Is now acting as Resident Commissioner at the Islands, but a permanent appointment is to be made. While a selection has not yet, been made, Dr. Pomare said, the matter was now under consideration. He also stated that a dortor avill be appointed for the Island of Nuie, and another is to be sent to Raratonga Hospital.