The Economy Of An Atoll

I read in October “PIM” reference to the RA of Puka Puka (Cook Islands), Mr. R. Savage, and to the trade in copra and mats. Puka Puka has 1250 acres of coconut-covered sand, distributed be tween the three islets of the atoll, and it is “home” for 600 or so Pukapukans— and Mr. and Mrs. Savage.

The trade in native hats and mats has been given much encouragement by Mr.

Savage. Mr. and Mrs. Savage were formerly resident on Niue Island, noted throughout the Pacific for its export of plaited Islands’ ware. Two years ago the Pukapukans were assured of 5/- for all hats ,and 8/- for all mats that they despatched with their copra on the schooner that trades from Rarotonga, 700 miles away. They are very fine hats and mats, and cheap at that price—and I wonder at what price they retail in the markets of the world?

Puka Puka’s immunity from sickness is due to seeing a schooner only once or twice a year, and now and again an odd warship. Its exports pay for clothing and other things that cannot be eaten. Its people have perfect teeth and good health on their fish and coconut diet, and Mr. and Mrs. Savage get along without their daily bread.

To some extent, the export of copra cuts into the food resources of the some what overcrowded atoll. The export of hats and mats is a home industry that should expand with a better shipping service, and it will not cut into the

people’s food supply.

J.A.S.

Manuel Alzate, who was a member of the Philippines pre-war National As sembly, has been appointed first Consul- General of the Philippines to Australia and New Zealand with headquarters in Sydney.