Cipa Resurgence At Mangaia

From Our Own Correspondent

Mangaia, Feb. 1.

THE “DCB” steamer “Mahurangi,” run by Mr. D. C. Brown of Rarotonga, called here for copra in the last week of January. This is the second ship to dare the cyclone months this year; and the “Mahurangi” restored to Mangaians their much-loved talkie-show, which, by reason of the sale of copra at present prices, has been well patronised—the first screening had to run two sessions in one night, and curfew was ignored for the occasion.

A more important occasion even than this, was the meeting of CIPA-guided local chiefs convened by a CIPA leader from Rarotonga, who was a passenger by the steamer.

It is evident that, in spite of setbacks in Rarotonga, the Progressive Association is determined to retain its mana upon Mangaia, and interesting developments are likely. One notes, however, a change of policy; the Association now lays a stress on peaceful and legitimate ways of uniting orange-growers into a bloc for the purpose of collective bargaining with the IMD—a refreshing change, indeed, from the former radical tone of our local politicians.

Stress has been laid upon non-violence and moral suasion in dealing with non adherents or hesitant planters, of whom there are still a few, though the island in general embraces CIPA policy.

Mangaia, as the only island having ample supplies of oranges every season, in in a peculiarly favourable position in dealing with the IMD, though, from figures gained by the writer in Rarotonga, the average spoilage is high per case. No local, however, will believe this; and Mangaians hope to continue in a seller’s market indefinitely.