Mangaian Labourers Sail

For Phosphate Isle

From Our Own Correspondent

Mangaia, Sep.

fIIHE long-hoped for chance to go to X the French “phosphate island” of Makatea, at last materialised. A large group of workers from the various districts of Mangaia left recently by the French-owned steamer that serves the phosphate island and the Tuamotus.

Cl native labour has worked at Maka tea for several years now, but this is the first contingent to go direct from Man gaia, where, up to now, the Island Coun cil has objected to the departure of local youth for service in French territory. The phosphate diggings had a bad name be fore conditions were altered. At that time, the worker took his own risk of illness or incapacitation; and if any acci dent occurred, it meant loss of pay. The improved conditions and wages of the pre sent day have given the Rarotongans satisfaction. There is great competition for the jobs on Makatea.

A regrettable feature of the emigra tion, however, is the impossibility of ob taining field-workers, and house-builders for “contract” jobs, on Mangaia, the cream of Mangaian man-power now hav ing departed for a term of two years.