Labour Unrest Continues In Cook Is.

Auckland "Progressive Assn." Plays Off Native Waterside Workers Against Native Fruit Growers

From Our Own Correspondent

Rarotonga, May 31.

Immediately upon his arrival in Raro tonga, Mr. A. G. Osborne made a public announcement to the effect that the NZ Government would not recognise the Cook Islands’ Progressive Association (Auck land) when dealing with the Cook Islands and would discuss Cook Islands affairs only with residents of the Group.

This announcement appeared to meet the approval of the majority of residents here who are of the opinion that, while the gentlemen at the head of the C.I.P.A. are undoubtedly sincere in their efforts to promote the welfare of the Cook Island ers, their zealousness, combined with lack of personal acquaintance with local eco nomic conditions, leads to exaggerations which caused loss of sympathy with their efforts. The reports of individuals are not necessarily always the “voice of the people.”

Shortly after Mr. Osborne’s arrival, the leaders of Rarotonga’s wharf workers’ union announced that if representatives of the C.I.P.A. were not permitted to take part in the forthcoming wages tribunal, the wharf workers would not recognise the tribunal. Mr. Osborne countered by saying that he would send a radio mes sage to cancel the sailing of the “Maui Pomare” which was then due to leave Auckland. After a few hours’ considera tion the wharf labourers decided to capi tulate, but it soon became apparent that they had not capitulated in good grace.

In his speech at the end of his visit, Mr. Osborne reported that the Cook Islands’ Progressive Association had been

discussed at the combined meeting of the Arikis and island councils, and that the Arikis and Council members unanimously agreed that matters affecting the life and welfare of the Cook Islands were the con cern of locals and not people outside the islands. They therefore asked that Mr. Osborne convey to the NZ Govern ment their desire that only Cook Islands residents be recognised to speak on be half of the Cook Islands, and their ob jection to non-residents of the Group claiming the right to speak to the NZ Government on behalf of the Islands.

MR. OSBORNE arrived in Rarotonga just after the return of the Raro tongan workers from Makatea at the end of their one year’s term of inden ture. There was great concern among the workers at the suggestion that none of them might be permitted to return to Makatea, and that married couples cer tainly would not be allowed to return.

Before leaving Makatea the men had appealed to the British consul to be al lowed to re-sign in Makatea for further service and without the necessity for re turning to Rarotonga for leave. This, of course could not be permitted.

In Rarotonga strong appeals were made to Mr. Osborne and the administra tion that a full contingent, including families, be allowed to return.

Referring to this matter in his public speech, Mr. Osborne said, “Because of the criticism of the Government and the ad ministration, the Government had been compelled to say that married men can not go to Makatea. The phosphate com pany say there is need only for 200 men this year. Last year 350 men were em ployed at Makatea. Had it not been for the criticism, no doubt, the company would have taken more this year. Don’t blame the NZ Government; don’t blame the Resident Commissioner; blame those people who set up the criticism to pre vent your going.”

A T present the Makatea question is completely eclipsed by the wharf troubles, A union has been formed in Rarotonga and the members are car rying tickets of an Auckland labour union.

It is claimed that 700 Rarotongan work ers have become members. In spite of appeals to the wharf workers to keep the peace until after the tribunal, they have continued a “nuisance campaign.”

While all residents agree that the work ers have every right to ask for increased wages, their refusal to behave in a reas onable manner until after the end of the tribunal which is being arranged to in vestigate their case, is causing general annoyance.

The situation would be somewhat dif ferent if Rarotonga’s fruit industry were controlled by large companies, but Raro tonga is a community of small native growers, and the regular shipping of their fruit is vitally important to native econ omy. , .

The continual threat of fruit shipment

hold-ups is causing a deep resentment among the fruit growers. At best, this season is likely to be a poor one owing to the damage to crops caused by the hurricane in January.

When the “Maui Pomare” called in April, the wharf labourers went on strike when their leader —because of his propen sity for trouble-making—was told that he could not work aboard the ship, but only on shore. After several hours’ delay the tomatoes were eventually loaded, the manager of the Union Steamship Com pany having threatened to order the ship away without them.

When the “Maui Pomare” arrived again a few days later there was a consider able delay in working the ship, the men striking again because the company had signed on an employee of long-standing who was not a member of the union. The man had to be stood down before work commenced.

Latest Developments

June 3. rpHE “Maui Pomare” has again been held time for a day at Aitutaki while on her way round the Group picking up oranges.

When working the Group the ‘Maui Pomare” carries an experienced Raro tongan crew to handle the winches and stow the cargo. On this occasion the Rarotongans refused to work the ship un til the Aitutaki labourers agreed to be come members of the union. It appears that this strike had been pre-arranged.

While this is occurring, Mr. J. A. Gil mour, of the NZ Industrial Court, is ac tually in Rarotonga making preparations for the forthcoming wages tribunal.