Hurricane

Central Cook Islands Devastated

THE Cook Islands, on Monday, February 11, were swept by one of the worst hurricanes known for years.

Details are lacking, but a few radio messages from Rarotonga to New Zeal and indicate that the central islands of Aitutaki, Atiu, and Mauke suffered heavy damage.

The lighterage wharf at Rarotonga was swept away, and all waterside buildings more or less damaged. The Fruit In spection Dept.’s offices were wrecked.

The hurricane reached its height on Tuesday night (February 12), the seas driving 200 yards inland and covering the road at Avarua with coral.

Mr. C. J. Bourchier, Director of Agri culture, suffered a broken leg when he was caught by a huge wave, and all the fruit-packing sheds came down.

In the outer islands great damage has been done to banana and orange crops.