Cook Is. Notes

War and Copra.

From Our Own Correspondent.

Rarotonga, Feb. 27.

TWO items of outstanding interest to the is lands of the South Seas have reached us during the month. They are: (1) War activities in the East, and (2) a sharp rise in the price of copra.

Of the first, we join with the outside world in the apprehension felt at the aspect of two of the most densely populated territories of the earth rupturing the peace of the world.

Most of the news which reaches here from day to day concerning what is happening at Shanghai is picked up from the large broadcast station at Los Angeles.

We of these islands communities feel a re moteness from the centre of this disturbance.

Yet it may not be unlikely, at this present moment, that some of our companion islands scattered over the vast spaces of the Pacific are already pin-pointed on a map as strategical points in a great scheme of war.

Therefore, we of the business community may well view with mixed feelings the rise in copra.

If this betterment merely portends the immin ence of war, with the Pacific the scene of that conflict, then any rejoicings over copra may be nothing more than rejoicings at a tragedy.

The current price ought certainly to be a stimulus to greater production. For some years now coconuts have been so worthless as to be allowed to remain on the ground where they fall.

Plantation owners will be glad to see a bet ter price offering and will no doubt re-commence production with greater activity than during the last year or two.

The owners of inter-island schooners, who lately have collected very small quantities of copra from the islands, will welcome the pros pects of picking up full cargoes for shipment northwards to Papeete and San Francisco.

Personal Notes.

The following residents returned to Rarotonga at the end of the month: Misses Hirst and Mooney, Mrs. Calwell, Mr. McKegg, Mr. Tavener.

Mr. C. F. Harley (from London en route to New Zealand) has spent two months on the island.

Miss Irene Bryan, daughter of the local har bourmaster, is on a visit to her father here.

Chief Ariki Returns.

Makea Tinirau, the chief ariki, returned to Rarotonga on January 30, after a stay of two months in New Zealand. Press reports from New Zealand indicated that Makea made a tour of the north island, as the guest of the Gov ernor-General.