Handcrafts

NZ Demond for Cook Is.

THERE is a demand for a variety of Cook Islands produce in New Zealand at the present time, re ports Mr. J. C. Garlach, Agricul tural Agronomist to New Zealand’s tropical territories, following dis plays of produce and handcrafts which he recently arranged at two winter shows. Based on inquiries at these shows at Hamilton and New Plymouth, there is a ready sale for ladies’ hats from Palmerston Island, belts, Mangaian hats, and kapok.

Though less keen, there is a market also for Manihiki hats, and a limited sale for Palmerston Island hat bands, fans, and door-mats.

In the primary produce section some interest was shown by visitors in the purchase of candle-nuts, and of pearl shell. The latter item has a ready and highly profitable United States market, and obviously only small quantities for sale as orna ments would be wanted in New Zealand at prices equal to or above the US price.

There was keen interest in man darins, the export of which has been very limited for some years.