Tomato Crop

He Saved Cl Tomato Crop

A CORRESPONDENT, writing from the Cook Islands, expresses the thanks of the Rarotonga tomato growers to a master mariner well known in South Pacific ports.

Due to the breakdown of Viti and the absence of Maui Pomare from the Auckland-Cook Islands service during the tomato season just ended, much of the crop would have been lost but for the timely arrival of some passing overseas vessels which were called in by radio to pick up the ripening cargoes.

Rarotonga, an open roadstead, is not a popular place, and on the occasion in question the master of one Bank Line vessel refused to call in for the comparatively un profitable consignment—whose value, however, meant a great deal to the Rarotonga growers if it could be got to market.

Thanks to Captain Hough, of Meadowbank, they were got to NZ.

He knows and likes Islanders and he decided to take a chance and come in on his own initiative, but he was unfortunate in losing a valu able anchor while on the job. The Rarotonga growers are concerned at this as they are grateful for his action. They are not likely to for get him if he calls in again on his Pacific trampings.

U Miss Barbara Hodgson, of Lakemba, Sydney, was married in December to Mr. John Higgins, of Bankstown, Sydney. They left soon afterwards for the British Solomon Islands where, as lay workers, they have entered the service of the Roman Catholic Mission. Among telegrams of congratulation they received at

their wedding was one from Bishd Wade, of Bougainville, fl While on leave in Sydney, M John Coulson, of Drina plantatid New Britain, bought an 18-ft moi( cruiser for coastal trips. He pis to ship the launch this month its destination.