Notes From Mangaia, Cook
p. 101 · Read in the full issue
Islands
From Our Own Correspondent THE CIPA’s converted Fairmile launch, Lareta, visited this island in Septem ber, under the new arrangements that have made the isolation of Mangaia less formidable than formerly. The Lareta made two calls.
Mr. Albert Henry, the leader of the Progressive Association, was aboard and a meeting was held that will undoubtedly have important results later on.
On Mangaia, the CIPA has a following of at least 90 per cent, of the island, but just how many of these enthusiasts have “signed up” and paid the £3 share-money that qualifies them for full financial membership is an open question.
The CIPA will, to this writer’s mind, have its day. To underrate its potentiali ties would not be realistic; while to regard the Association as the tool of Com munism, again, is an excessively dramatic view. Albert, who received a warm wel come from Mangaian friends, did not indulge in any fervent oratory. * The second trip of the Lareta, a week or so later, brought us our very popular Cl medico, Dr. “Tommy” Davis, who now occupies the post of CMO in Rarotonga, succeeding Dr. R. Irwin, who is now in practice in NZ.
Mangaia is always glad to see this young doctor. A grandson of the late Captain Harries, Dr. Davis has a connection with Island Maori-dom deeper than the mere position of CMO; like his famous grand sire, the doctor is at home on the sea, navigation and radio being two of his many accomplishments. His transmitter in Rarotonga is well known to Pacific amateurs, and makes communication with many centres in Oceania. * Some inconvenience to the local post office and an obvious financial loss to the Internal Marketing Division of the NZ Government was caused when the Maui Pomare made her recent loading call, by the ship’s departure without the mails, and with a large quantity of cased fruit still waiting on the beach. The hurried getaway has not so far been explained, and is no loss to the planters here as the IMD pays for fruit whether shipped or not. It is, however, to be regretted that the mails were not taken, as the failure is likely to have an effect upon orders in tended for the closing months of the trading year.
The incident, which caused some an noyance locally, is an unusual one, and
not typical of Cl service. The boatmen had worked well (on. this occasion, well into the evening), under bad conditions at sea. , , The CIPA launch Lareta called later,
and occasion was taken to dispatch the delayed mails, the damp bags having by then been carefully dried and re-made up after their abortive trip to and from the Maui Pomare.