THE COOK ISLANDS.

Taranaki Daily News, 11 September 1919, Page 5

THE COOK ISLANDS.

ENCOURAGING TRADE, ADMINISTRATION DEFENDS^. (By Wire.—Own Correspondent.) Wellington, Last Night. The House discussed the Cook Islands for an hour this afternoon- Several members urged that the Government ought to encourage trade with the Islands, which were hampered at present by the poor shipping facilities. The lalands could supply New Zealand with abundant cheap fruit, which went to waste largely at present owing to lack of transport. Several speakers referred to the diecontent on the Islands, and indicated that the recent official visit had nof-pro-duced enthusiasm.

Dr. Pomare made a lengthy and inter* esting reply. He stated it waa true a. section of the white population of the Cook group was dissatisfied with the aaministrative system, but the white people, who numbered only 150 all told, owned no land. He reminded the House that when New Zealand assumed control of the group it was a condition that the old form of local government through Native Councils should be maintained. This condition made it impossible to give white residents a share in the Government. There had been a Mot on Raratonga with some destruction of property owing to the grievance of the producers against the traders, who paid absurdly low prices for fruit, and then sold overseas at big profits. The native growers had formed an association, and the Government had assisted them by the supply of cases, so that they could export on their own account. This bad produced a great improvement. Dr. Pomare insisted that the nativei wen satisfied with the administration, and that the present shipping difficulties were not confined to the Cook Islands.