Cook Islands

Conditions in Group

From Our Own Correspondent RAROTONGA, October 20.

IDEAL weather conditions have prevailed here for several months past.

Except for occasional light show ers, there has been no rainfall to speak of. Very dry weather was ex perienced during the month of Aug ust, and by the middle of September the lack of rain had begun to make itself felt, particularly as regards the island water service. The posi tion was relieved by heavy showers over-night on Friday, September 25.

Drought conditions have been felt at the island of Mauke, but recent rains have replenished the water sup ply there.

Except for a mild epidemic of influenza, which appears to have abated, the health conditions here at present are good. Dr. Ellison, Chief Medical Officer, has been unsparing in the matter of medical attention, both locally and at the islands of the Lower Group.

Mr. C. R. Willcocks returned to Rarotonga from Mauke by the schoo ner “Tiare Taporo,” on October 7, after carrying out blasting operations in connection with reef passages at Mauke and Mangaia. No informa tion is available as to wdiether the work is to be continued.

Early in the year Mr. Linton, of the New Zealand Lands and Survey Department, proceeded north to the

islands of Penrhyn and Manihiki, to carry out survey work for Land Court purposes. There has been no schooner service to these islands for a month or two. Mrs. Linton, who accom panied her husband, is practically the only white woman at Penrhyn and Manihiki. Mr. and Mrs. Linton are expected back before the end of the year.

Shipping Movements

The schooner “Tiare” has returned to Rarotonga, from Papeete, calling at Mauke on the way. After unload ing general cargo here she went across to Atiu and returned on the 11th with a cargo of oranges for the New Zealand market.

The schooner “Tagua” is expected to bring a further load of oranges from Mauke, for transhipment to the R.M.S. “Monowai,” leaving here on October 12 for Wellington. No par ticulars are available as to the num ber of cases which are to go forward to New Zealand this trip.

End Of Football Season

With the exception of the repre sentative trials, the local Rugby sea son is finished. Owing mainly to superior combination and to the able boot of Piri Tepuretu in potting goals from all parts of the field, Tupapa ran out the leaders of the “A” Grade.

The Tupapa “B” team came out on top also and collected the Junior Cup after some exciting matches. Both teams are to be congratulated on their wins. The other teams in the grades have their own idea as to the result will be next year.

A representative team from Raro tonga is to try conclusions with a team from Aitutaki and possibly Atiu.

Bullaren Visits Papeete.

The Deisel ship, “Bullaren,” arrived in Papeete, from San Francisco, on October 7, bringing general cargo as well as a large portion of the mail usually carried by the Union S.S. Co.