Rarotonga Was
p. 49 · Read in the full issue
Surprised!
From Our Own Correspondent
Rarotonga, March 26.
NEAR the end of March, Rarotonga residents were surprised to come by chance on a note in a NZ newspaper stating that two Rarotonga gentlemen (one European and one Euronesian) were in New Zealand, visiting Parlia mentary offices, “representing the people of Rarotonga.”
They were even more startled to learn that one of the principal matters on their agenda was parliamentary representation for Rarotonga. Representation has long been the dream of certain elements: but the large majority of the people are now very definitely “anti-representation.” The Island Council decided that a far better plan would be for a Government repre sentative —say, the Secretary for Island Territories —to pay periodic visits to Rarotonga to gather the views of the people, first-hand.
This proposal was presented to the Prime Minister during his visit, and appeared to be favourably received.
Apart from other aspects, it is pointed out that one Rarotongan isolated in NZ would have no contact with the current thoughts and feelings of the people, and would serve no really useful purpose.