Cook Is. Population is Increasing

XJAROTONGA’S struggle to recover from the joint effects of the depres sion and last year’s hurricane was de scribed by Judge H. F. Ayson, Resident Commissioner, when he reached New Zea land recently to attend a conference on Cook Island affairs.

The depression and hurricane had caused considerable hardship, he said, but conditions now were generally satisfac tory. Low copra prices had forced many of the people, especially in the northern group, to go back to a diet of fish and coconuts, with practically no means of providing the other necessities of life; but copra now showed a rising tendency again.

On account of the embargo on the im portation of Australian oranges into New Zealand, it was hoped that better prices would be secured for fruit from the group than in the past, he added.

Referring to the medical side of the Ad ministration’s activities, Judge Ayson said the health of the natives had greatly im proved since New Zealand took over responsibility for the islands. Tropical diseases were being stamped out, and good work was being done by three students who had taken a course at the Fiji medical school. In the past 16 years, there had been a marked natural increase m the population of the islands, the total now being 12,000, exclusive of Niue.

Judge Ayson stressed the beauty of Raiotonga, and urged New Zealanders to visit the island as a health and holiday

resort.-

J.C.G.