Rarotonga Visits
p. 26 · Read in the full issue
Tahiti
From Our Own Correspondent
Rarotonga, Dec. 1.
A LARGE party of people from Raro tonga recently went on a holiday trip to Tahiti by schooner, some 600 miles. The party, which included some Europeans on furlough, was the first of its kind t© visit Tahiti since the out break of war—although in the days when the mail-boats were running through to San Francisco, these affairs were fre quent.
They had a great reception by the people of Tahiti, many of whom are old friends and some even relations by virtue of the ancient ties between the two islands, now long lost in the jumble of Polynesian folk-lore, but nevertheless still cherished by the Maoris themselves.
The party reported that Tahiti is busy and prosperous. Most of the men are in uniform and, as these soldiers are paid at the usual European rates, their fami lies are generally well cared for'.
Copra and vanilla are being produced in large quantities and their prices are high. Supplies are now coming through regularly—in fact, the Rarotongans were pleased to buy certain articles, such as combs and perfume, which have been unobtainable here for some time.
A number of political prisoners are still under restraint at various islands, but these are apparently being released, from time to time, on parole, when vouched for by a responsible citizen.