Teacup Storm

What Happened on Aitutaki

From Our Own Correspondent

Rarotonga, Dec. 10.

IT is interesting to recall instances of how the placid atmosphere of a South Sea Island can be changed int(p a storm of discontent by the odd actions of a few isolated inhabitants.

The beautiful little island of Aitutaki, in the Lower Cook Group, which harbours some 1,700 natives and 6 Euro peans, should be the last place where serious friction might present itself. But conditions there have been more than uncomfortable recently.

A dispute first arose over the last orange payment of the year, when the Government announced 3/8 per case. This was not in accord with the growers’ esti mate and dissatisfaction was felt. When f further 6d. per case was deducted by the Resident Agent as a contribution to Patriotic Funds, a storm broke. The people of Aitutaki are as loyal as any in the Cook Group—which has sent generous contributions to New Zealand— but they wished to make their own pay ments on a voluntary basis.

Arrangements were made immediately to despatch a telegram of protest to the Resident Cmnmissioner at Rarotonga, but the radio officer said he could not send it.

As tempers were now frayed, and no steamer or schooner was expected at Aitutaki for two months, the leaders of the opposition had two whaleboats pro visioned and made ready to sail the 120 miles to Rarotonga.

Meanwhile, a police reserve of returned native soldiers had been formed by the Resident Agent and, on the morning that the delegates to Rarotonga were due to sail, the boats were found securely locked, hauled up and guarded by police men. (in view of recent whaleboat tragedies in nearby islands, this would seem a fortunate action.) Nothing more could be done. The

situation remained strained, particularly as other Europeans on the island were already estranged from the authority, until the schooner “Tiare Taporo” called at Aitutaki in early October.

After an inquiry held in camera, at Rarotonga, the delegates, headed by Nootai Henry and Roi Auri, returned to their home. In due course. Judge F.

McCarthy, from Rarotonga, paid a ten days’ visit.

All now appears quiet again—although a four months’ hurricane season, with no boat call, is apt to be very trying on frayed nerves.

It is difficult, in this case, to say where the blame lies. But one can say, very emphatically, that the New Zealand Gov ernment cannot be too careful in select ing men to take local charge of these iso lated Polynesian communities. They must have had some experience of Islands conditions and of the Polynesian char acter. The better types of European trader or schooner captain, with years of local experience, usually make admirable Resident Agents. Such men as Captain Viggo Rasmussen, “Dave” Brown, of Mauke, and L. H. Trenn, of Manihiki, run their little domains with a minimum of fuss and a maximum of consideration for their flocks.