Mr. Henry Decants Soothing Phrases

In Rarotonga

Interesting Example of Political Trends in Pacific Islands

From Our Own Correspondent

Rarotonga, Oct. 9.

A FURTHER chapter in the more or less stormy history of the Cook Islands’ Progressive Association was written during the past three months. Mr.

Albert Henry, Auckland secretary of the CIPA, was here from mid-July to mid- September, actively planning the future activities of the organisation.

Before leaving Auckland, Mr. Henry was informed by the NZ Government that it would not recognise an organisation domiciled in NZ as representing the views of the Cook Islanders (other than those living in NZ), but it would give consid eration to a local body, with headquarters in Rarotonga.

So Mr. Henry has been coaching the Rarotonga executive of the association, and a small building has been erected by the side of the main thoroughfare at Tupapa, Avarua, to serve as “Rarotonga headquarters,”

A “grand opening day” was arranged shortly before Mr. Henry’s return to Auck land. The Resident Commissioner, Mr.

W. Tailby, was invited to preside at the opening ceremony. A surprise was in cluded in the celebrations when invita tions were issued to all European re sidents to attend the mid-day feast.

Opponents of the CIPA among the native population also received invitations.

Long tables were laden with large quantities of native foods which had been provided collectively by the members of the association.

A speech by Teperetu Mataiapo, a pro minent supporter of the movement, was translated by Mr. Henry. The purpose of this gathering, he said, was an example of the desire for friendly co-operation between Maoris and Europeans.

IN an interview before leaving Raro tonga, Mr. Henry explained the policy and plans of the CIPA. He said that there had been no radical changes in policy. The purpose of his visit had been to train the local leaders in methods best calculated to improve the lot of the islanders. The CIPA, he said, is not in tended to be a union. He was not in favour of unions for the Cook Islands.

This was a voluntary co-operative asso ciation, whose main purpose was to pro mote friendly co-operation among the natives themselves, for their own welfare.

The work of the association was divided into sections; replanting of land with food crops for home consumption, wel fare of waterside workers, the museum section devoted to the preservation of native history and culture, and a depart ment to deal with the marketing of native products.

Of greatest importance, said Mr. Henry, was the need to get the people back to the land. There had been too much emphasis on seeking jobs and higher wages, when the real way to prosperity was the redevelopment of the land for home consumption and export. The CIPA was establishing its own citrus nursery, not to compete with the Gov ernment nursery, but to assist in the gen eral effort for replanting, and all adults would be required to produce sufficient foodcrops for their family needs.

QUESTIONED regarding the reported formation of a registered company for the marketing of native products, Mr. Henry replied that the executive of

the CIPA existed simply for the promo tion of the welfare of the Cook Islanders, and had no wish to engage in any profit

making business. As far as marketing of native products went, the CIPA had no intention of competing with estab

lished business in Rarotonga; but, in the case of any products in which local busi nesses are not interested, the CIPA would do its best to find a market and facilitate shipment in the interest of the producers.

In any case, the CIPA was a voluntary institution and the people would still be free to do business with whoever they pleased.

As an example, he said, he had in vestigated the possibility of marketing dried bananas and had actually secured a trial order for fifty tons, if they could be produced. Local concerns had shown no interest in dried bananas, so this was a new line that might be developed. (Mr. Henry is not quite correct here.

Local businessmen thoroughly investi gated the possibilities of dried bananas four years ago. There was a ready market for very large quantities, if they could be produced, but there was a lack of in terest by native growers).

Mr. Henry said there was no intention of establishing retail stores in Rarotonga, as this would be against their non-profit principles. They knew that it was not possible to run stores without making a profit. On the other hand, they would probably import a quantity of staple goods, so that the natives could obtain these essential commodities at only a small percentage above cost, to cover ex penses.

MR. HENRY was asked if J;here_was feny anti-European prejudice in the CIPA. He replied emphatically that there was none—it was fully appreciated that close co-operation between the two races was necessary for the future wel fare of the islands. Any Enropean was welcome to associate himself with the

Cipa.

It was pointed out to Mr. Henry that it had been difficult for the majority of Europeans to feel kindly disposed towards the CIPA on account of what had fre quently been referred to as “gangster” methods and apparent antagonism in dealing with Europeans generally.

Mr. Henry admitted that he had learned of many incidents of which he did not approve. They were not the result of directions from headquarters. Many mis takes in the past could be attributed to members of the crews of visiting NZ ships, who, mistaking the CIPA for a trade union had advised courses of action which sometimes had unfortunate results. Local enthusiasts, not always clear regarding procedure, had been over-zealous on occasion. This was the reason for his visit—to train local leaders in the best methods to promote friendly co-operation between all parties.

In a voluntary statement, Mr. Henry said: “Regarding this talk about Com munism—l am not a Communist and I do not even know much about Commun ism, I am actually a member of the NZ Labour Party. All I can say is that the Auckland Communist Party has been our best friend. We are prepared to accept help from anyone who is prepared to give it, and I have found the Auckland Com munists most sincere and helpful gentle men,”

Our Correspondent’S

Comments

IF Mr. Henry is sincere in his desire for friendly 90-operation, then he has been rather badly let down in the past by some of his local disciples.

Traders are sceptical of the “free-trade” theory, bearing in mind the matter of the “pu-pu.” A year or so back, when there was still a brisk demand for these strings of small sea-shells, the CIPA let it be known that all “pu-pu” should be brought to them for marketing. Traders reported that women customers furtively produced strings of “pu-pu” from the folds of their clothing, with the remark that they would get into trouble with the CIPA if it were known that they were offering them for sale.

It is well-known, also, that the CIPA is envious of the extensive trade that has been developed during the past year by a local firm for the heretofore worthless candlenuts.

During the past two years, this question of whether there is an anti-European tendency in Rarotonga has given us much concern. Europeans who have been resident in the group from 10 to 50 years say they have noticed no change of heart among 'their own particular circle of native acquaintances, and they share the opinion that if there is anti-Europeanism now, it is the result of propaganda.

We have heard such phrases as “Raro tonga for the Rarotongans”—“We want all Europeans out of the Cook Islands.”

There are, and always have been a few European-haters here. The Islanders have had good reason to dislike some few Europeans with whom they have had dealings. We ourselves have a hearty dislike for those individuals of our own race who “let us down.” On the other hand, there are many rational Maoris who agree that there are “good and bad Europeans as well as good and bad Maoris,” and leave it at that.

A tally of the permanent European re sidents of the Cook Islands reveals that an extraordinarily high percentage have Polynesian or part-Polynesian wives each

with a number of charming children. In practically all cases, these men are either the proprietors or managers of businesses or are Administration officials.

AN interesting aspect is that the cream of Rarotonga’s youth—especially females—are still leaving Rarotonga in increasing numbers to seek a per manent new life in New Zealand. The Exodus is limited only by the restricted shipping accommodation.

The majority are simply anxious to go to a white man’s country and become as “European” as possible. It is difficult to believe that it is the youth of the islands that desires “the islands for the islan ders.” Not on this particular island, any way In a recent discussion on what might happen if all Europeans were removed from the Cook Islands, it was suggested

that one could go to history for the an swer. Whatever good or bad influences the white brought, it is true that before their coming, life in these islands was one precarious round of bloody feuding and inter-tribal warfare. These hereditary feuds, rivalries and jealousies have never been forgotten—and there are intense new ones. If the islands reverted to the natives, the Rarotongans would be at each other’s throats before the last boatload of Europeans was over the horizon.

Worthy though it may be, there is not much hope for the CIPA dream of an all-embracing native co-operative society in the kind of happy island paradise never yet seen outside of Hollywood.

Editorial Note: Dump Him In

The Lagoon!

IF Mr. Henry is not a Communist —and one must accept his statement that he is not—he belongs politically to the even more undesirable and dangerous category of “fellow travellers”—that cock eyed class of post-war planners who pro fess friendship and admiration for Com munists.

Mr. Henry’s Rarotongan activities, and the statements with which he wound them up, have all the hallmarks of Com munist propaganda. We have here a great outpouring of soothing phrases, to cover up an effort to undermine and de stroy the old order, and wipe out in dividualism and private enterprise in favour of another system which leads surely towards totalitarianism. Gentle men of this type are busy to-day all over Asia and Africa, trying to stir up the coloured races against the Europeans, and all that Western Democracy stands for. Perhaps they are not Communists— but they surely carry the blessing of the Reds.

There can be no friendship between the good Britishers of Rarotonga (or any

where else) and wandering busybodies who describe Communists as “our best friends.” If the responsible people of Rarotonga had really understood what is going on in the world to-day they would have replied to Mr. Henry’s impudent invitation to a goodwill feast by dumping him into the nearest lagoon.

The world is moving rapidly to a final deadly struggle between Individualism and Totalitarianism, between personal freedom and State-directed slavery, be tween the community that is based on decent family life, and the community that is modelled on the antheap and fowlyard.

We dare not close our eyes to what is going on—if we do, we shall be caught unprepared by the Reds, and mankind easily then might go into another Dark Age. It is 25 years since I first saw these lines in a London newspaper; Satan, wishing to debase humanity, Crossed Lust with Greed, and Hate with Vanity; Mated their offspring, and thus brought to birth The Bolshie-Communist, the foulest breed on earth.

They seemed far-fetched then. To-day, they warn us of a deadly danger.

There can be no compromise with the Bolshie-Communist, or his tent-bearer, the “fellow traveller.” When he comes whispering around your peaceful Islands communities, don’t waste any time on him —dump him in the lagoon.—RWß.

Captain Orme Denny, at one time one of Guinea Airways most popular pilots on the New Guinea goldfields, and now occupying an executive position with Qantas Empire Airways, made a visit to his old flying haunts last month. He returned to Sydney by plane from Lae on October 16.