Cook Islands Notes

From Our Own Correspondent.

Rarotonga, Nov. 17.

ONCE a year the Catholic Church congregation hold an evening service in their Nikao cemetery. This is known to the natives as the ‘Tu Rama” (to light), and every grave is de corated with flowers, while hundreds of candles are placed on the tombstones and crosses. The service this year, held recently by candle-light, was most impressive and solemn, and was at tended by over 2,000 people.

“Matua’S” Schedule Altered

On account of the recent watersiders’ strike in N.Z., the schedule of the Union Co.’s motor ship “Matua” has been altered. To allow her to leave on the usual mailing date in January, Rarotonga’s call is being omitted next month.

The December cargo of bananas from Raro tonga will be lifted by a cargo boat calling on its way to N.Z, from America.

Tahiti Yacht At Rarotonga

Some time ago Mr. W Wlgmore, well-known Cook Islands planter, left by the local schooner “Tagua” to visit his plantation on Raiatea Island in the Society Group, French Oceania.

Wishing to return to Rarotonga, Mr. Wigmore found that the only way ne could do so was by chartering a yacht. This week the 40 ft. yacht “Nani” sailed into Avarua Harbour with Mr.

Wigmore as passenger, after taking six days to do the 600-odd miles from Tahiti.

New Zealand Bound

Leaving by the November “Matua” for New Zealand are the following:—Mr. and Mrs. Wm.

Tailby, Mr. and Mrs. R. Walker, Mr. and Mrs.

J. W. W. Graham, Miss Paynter, and Mr. Ford.

Miss I. Tooth, who, for the past two years, has been on the nursing staff of

the Government Hospital at Apia, West

ern Samoa, returned to New Zealand by the “Maui Pomare” in December.

Nurse E. W. Broadhurst, of Western Australia, has joined the staff of the Methodist Mission.