Cook Islands
p. 43 · Read in the full issue
N.Z. Fruit Prices Improve
From Our Own Correspondent RARATONGA, November 16.
LOCAL exporters were heartened at the prices obtained for fruit shipped to New Zealand per the R.M.S. Monowai on October 12.
Bananas fetched from 14s. to 15s. 6d.; 17s. 6d. to 21s. These are the best prices recorded here for a long time.
Severe Storm
A severe thunderstorm occurred at Raro tonga on the night of November 4, preceded by a heavy gale which lasted for two days.
No damage is reported. It is expected that a number of banana plantations may have suffered slightly.
Mr. C. Bouchier, chief fruit inspector, is reported to have had a close call recently from serious injury. He was struck a glanc ing blow on the head from a coconut which fell from a height of about 40 feet as he was passing under the tree. Fortunately he was not hurt.
Messrs. A. B. Donald and Co. Ltd. are awaiting the return of their island schooner, the Tiare Taporo, from the northern group The schooner left here on October 16 for the islands of Penrhyn, Manihiki, and Raka hanga. Father David, of the Catholic Mis sion, returned to Manihiki by the schooner after spending three months at Rarotonga.
Despite the unfavourable outlook, several persons have established small businesses on the island during the last few months. The following businesses are now represented at Rarotonga as separate units: Chemist, tobac conist and hairdresser, billiard saloon, sta tioner, tailor, jeweller and optician.
Commissioner’S Tour
The Resident Commissioner, Judge Ayson, accompanied by the Registrar of Courts, Mr.
S. Savage, sailed by the schooner Tagua on October 19, on a visit to all the islands of the lower group with the exception of Man gaia. The two smaller islands—Manuae and Mitiaro —are included in the itinerary.
Manuae produces principally copra—about 200 tons annually.
The Tagua which returned to Rarotonga on November 7, brings news that a more extensive planting of domestic crops is tak ing place at Mauke under the guidance and upon the suggestion of the new Resident Commissioner, Mr. Villenoweth.