Cook Islands
p. 40 · Read in the full issue
History
Valuable Society Formed
From Our Own Correspondent
Rarotonga, Oct. 16.
THE formation of a society to be called “The Cook Islands Society,” for the purpose of pooling and preserving native legends and arts and crafts, was enthusiastically approved at a public meeting convened here by Mr. A. J.
Morgan, Registrar.
Several speakers stressed the fact that the project was many years overdue; and it is feared that much ancient history has been lost for ever with the death of so many of the older folk during the last decade.
Many of the true relics of bygone days, such as spears, paddles, stone axes and other handicrafts, have been either sold or given away to visitors and collectors.
Some undoubtedly found their way to the great museums of Europe and the United States. However, a few still remain, particularly in the more remote islands of the Cook Group, and it is hoped eventually to deposit most of these in a small museum at Rarotonga.
A building (that of the old Cook Islands Federal Parliament, now disused) to house this collection is already in view, and this should be large enough to admit of a section covering natural history and a suitable library.
In the meantime, a temporary commit tee has been elected to inquire into ways and means; and help, material and financial, has been promised by all sec tions of the community.
Anyone in the Islands who is interested in, or could help the Cook Islands Society in any way, should communicate with Mr. A. J. Morgan, Registrar, Rarotonga, Cook Islands.