Energetic Cook Islanders.

From Our Own Correspondent.

Rarotonga, May 22.

SOME two years ago, the native people of the village of Matavera set themselves the task of creating a full-sized football ground from a rough area on the roadside near the village.

The work was done by free labour and, as a co-operative undertaking, the scheme was a big one. Much of the levelling was carried out with the aid of a light railway and trucks.

From time to time a canvass was made of those interested in sport, the most welcome gifts being tins of bully beef and bard biscuits.

The sinews of war were provided in this way.

The work has been now finished for some months, but the opening of the ground has been allowed to await the commencement of the foot ball season.

On Wednesday, May 11, the villagers arranged for the ground to be formally opened in the presence of representatives of the leading sports body—the Sports Association.

The Resident Commissioner, Judge Ayson, who is president of this body, accompanied by the chief Ariki, Makea Tinirau (vice-president), warmly congratulated the villagers on their fine effort, and declared the ground open for play.

Mr. J. G. Fowler, of the Papuan Ad ministrative service, who is spending long leave in Australia, left Sydney early in June for Brisbane, where he will reside for three months before re turning to Misima, Eastern Papua.