Rarotonga

Cook Is. Notes

Mild Outbreak of ’Flu at Rarotonga

From Our Own Correspondent.

Rarotonga, Nov. 13.

IN the early part of October, days of blazing hot sun were experienced and residents concluded that the good old hurricane weather had arrived. But to wards the end of the month, old man southerly put in an appearance, and the inevitable happened—’flu swept through the villages.

Several schools on the island were closed down for some days and numerous Europeans were obliged to fight out the epidemic at home with Aspros and hot water bottles. Apparently the outbreak was of a mild form, as no serious cases resulted.

Old Residents Leave

Mr. and Mrs. Kingsbury, who have been resident at Rarotonga for some 12 years, were farewelled at the Bowling Club grounds on October 31, together with their daughter Miss D. Kingsbury. His Honor, Justice Ayson, presented them with a cheque, on behalf of the community.

Miss Kingsbury was an official of the Administration for 8 years and high tri bute was paid by the Resident Commis sioner to her work and popularity.

New P.O. Assistant

Mr. W. D. Thompson, of the New Zea land post office department, arrived re cently, to take over the position of assistant in the local post office.

Rockefeller Work Completed

The Rockefeller sanitation scheme for the Cook Islands has been completed and the overseer returned to New Zealand by the R.M.S. Maunganui on November 5.

The work was commenced two years ago and covered five islands of the Group.

Fruit Season Over

What is termed the “fruit season” at these islands is finished for this year.

The last of the oranges went forward in August and a cargo boat has taken the re mainder of the tomatoes. Bananas will be the only item of export until next May. November to May are the lean months of the year for the Cook Islands.

Death Of Mrs. Macknight

The serious illness of Mrs. Macknight, wife of Dr. Macknight, who was stationed temporarily at the Cook Islands as re lieving Chief Medical Officer, culminated in her death on October 8. The departure of Dr. Macknight to New Zealand under circumstances so tragic made a deep im pression on the feelings of local residents, who quietly gathered at the jetty at night fall to pay silent farewell to a broken hearted man.

The late Mrs. Macknight was taken to New Zealand for burial.