The Cook Islands

Further Changes in Administration Staff —Fruit Season In Full Swing

Rarotonga, May 28.

CHANGES in the staff of the local administration continue. Mr. R.

Heatley, Private Secretary to the Resi dent Commissioner, took his departure on May 23. In his official work, Mr.

Heatley extended himself fully and the trip on which he is now embarked, through the United States and Eng land, is well-earned. While in England Mr. Heatley purposes to take up flying —eventually to return to New Zealand with a pilot’s certificate.

The transfer to New Zealand of Miss G. Mouat, of the local teaching staff was marked by several pleasant little parties given by both Europeans and natives. Miss Mouat left on May 25.

Regret at her departure was felt by her many friends, particularly the school children and ex-pupils.

Mr. S. Heginbotham, superintendent of the local wireless station and the subsidiary group stations has received notice of transfer to New Zealand.

Big Orange Shipments

Oranges are now coming forward in considerable quantities for shipment

to New Zealand. The Makura will take between 9,000 and 10,000 cases.

The s.s. Kanna completed the first round of the islands of the lower group during the month. She left for Auck land on May 8. Her cargo comprised: Oranges, 9,730 cases; tomatoes, 77 cases; bananas, 62 cases; mandarins, 230 cases; and coconuts, 42 cases.

Some 280 tons of copra are awaiting shipment at Rarotonga.

Lucky Cook Islands!

Miss Beatrice Grimshaw, the well known novelist, recently spent two months here before proceeding to Tahiti, en route to the United States, Miss Grimshaw, who lives at Port Moresby (Papua) stressed the remark able good fortune of this group in its immunity from the malaria mosquito.

Outbreak Of Typhoid

A few cases of typhoid have occurred here. No European cases are reported so far. Hitherto the island has been practically free of typhoid, although native sanitation is always a weak spot in island communities.

The purity of the water has been definitely established and as there is no “fly” nuisance to speak of, the special measures taken by the authori ties ought quickly to clean up the outbreak. The risk of visitors to the island becoming victims to the epi demic is practically nil.

New Medical Officer

Dr. Christie, late chief medical offi cer, and Mrs. Christie, M.D., have returned to New Zealand to enter into private practice. Dr. Christie has been succeeded by Dr. Ellison, who returned to Rarotonga towards the beginning of the month, accompanied by his wife and family.

Bowling Club Well Estab

Lished

The second annual general meeting of the Bowling Club was held on April 10. The Club emerges from its second year with a well laid out green, full plant and equipment, and & member ship of 14, and above all, no debt of any kind. When the trees and hedges which have been planted grow up, and the remaining details of the scheme have been completed, it is felt by the local bowlers that the green will be one of the most beautiful in the southern hemisphere. The Club is looking forward to the opportunity of entertaining teams from the Dominion and even as far afield as Australia.

The green was opened for the sea son’s play on April 17, by Mr. Mitchell, the President. Some 60 visitors were present, including bowlers, their wives and friends and the leadinf native residents of the island.

Improving Port Facilities At

Mangaia

Work in connection with the reef at Mangaia is proceeding steadily. The work consists of blasting passages through the reef and widening existing openings in the coral, which hitherto were not of much use for fruit-loading purposes. Good crops of oranges are reported at Mangaia, also at Atiu and Mauke.

Coastal Survey Of Northern

Group

Mr. Linton, of the Government Sur vey Department, Wellington, has ar rived, en route to the Northern Group (Penrhyn, Rakahanga and Manihiki) to undertake the survey of the coast line of the islands of Penrhyn and Manihiki for Land Court purposes. The work is exnected to occupy upwards of six months.

Inter Island Shipping

The schooner Tiare Taporo pro ceeded north on May 6. Her itinerary is: Palmerston Island and the islands of Penrhyn, Rakahanga and Manihiki.

The schooner Tagua is at present at Raratonga, awaiting transhipment of a quantity of copra picked up from the island of Manuae (Lower group).

Personal

Mr. Hemus and Mr. dagger, both of Auckland, are at present here in con nection with business matters.

Mr. E. J. Newland, the newly appointed Resident Agent at Atiu, has taken up duty.