Rarotonga's 25 Illegal

Pubs Hit The Skids

For a long time people on Rarotonga have been able to enjoy a quiet tipple in one of the island’s many illegal pubs.

But on July 23, Premier of the Cook Islands Mr. A. R. Henry made it clear that his government no longer intended to tolerate the situation.

Addressing his people over Radio Cook Islands, Mr. Henry reiterated a public warning, made by himself on January 14, in which he stated that the government would not tolerate anyone breaking the liquor laws of the country. These laws de fine the illegal manufacture and sale of alcoholic drinks.

In his earlier address Mr. Henry stated that action was going to be taken immediately . In fact, the police made a few raids and offenders operating illegal pubs were taken to court and fined between $3O and $BO, But liquor sales continued and the pubs flourished to the point where at the end of July, 25 of them were known to be in operation.

The decision for drastic action from the government was explained in the Premier’s speech on July 23.

He stated: “It might surprise you all to know that 25 such places known to us are operating in Rarotonga today. But most miserable of all, the operators of some of these illegal liquor dens have introduced as added attractions to their low-minded

customers the selling of young Cook Island girls. . .

Not noted in the address was a claim that several girls from Raro tonga secondary school had attended some of the illegal pubs—and some of them were reputed to be pregnant.

Mr. Henry stated that perhaps the penalties imposed upon the operators were too light—or maybe “too many people of some standing in our com munity, both Maori and European, patronise these places thus encourag ing these law breakers to openly flout the laws of this country”.

Not fooling

But, he stated, perhaps it was thought that because nothing strong happened following his January warning broadcast, law-breakers thought that he was only fooling.

“Let me assure you, ladies and gentlemen, I was not fooling then and I want to emphasise at this point that I am definitely not fooling now”.

Mr. Henry warned people residing under permits that anyone found on premises known to be selling liquor

Outspoken on the matter of Rarotonga's illegal pubs—Premier of the Cooks, Mr.

A. R. Henry. Behind him on his office wall is an aerial picture of Rarotonga.

Photo: Van Eijk and Meers.

without authority would have their permits cancelled immediately and would be required to leave the Cook Islands by the first transport.

He added: “Expatriate officers of government are residing under permits and to all non-indigenous persons in the Cook Islands, this clause would also apply to you!”

Mr. Henry said he would put in writing to the Public Service Com mission that any public servant found on premises being used for illegal sale of intoxicating liquor, shall be regarded as being guilty of improper conduct—bringing the public service into disrepute and disciplinary action be taken against him which may lead to dismissal.

Finally, Mr. Henry conveyed the government’s warning to those illegally selling liquor that the offence carried a fine of S2OO or 12 month’s gaol. Steps, he emphasised, will be taken to enforce these penalties.

Following the radio address there was a reaction of amazement and dis belief on the part of a large section of the general public.

Rumours flew that visiting sailors, through their union activities and influence, would bring about a general strike of waterfront workers.

There was talk of long petitions of protest to the government, and of open defiance.

But by the end of the month the supply ship called without incident, no protests had been circulated—nor had comment appeared in the local newspaper—and the pubs remained firmly closed.

But the question remained in the minds of many people that the action decided upon by the government in cluded measures against imported officers, non-indigenes, and public servants found in illegal pubs.

Other drinkers

But action against the large num bers of drinkers belonging to none of these categories was not defined.

Despite this minor inconsistency, it was clear that nobody intended to challenge Mr. Henry’s words by pay ing a visit to an illegal pub.

And it was reported that sales at the Government Bond—which offers everyone of age a respectable assort ment of beer, wine, and spirits— rose sharply, and guests at the gov ernment-owned hotel’s bar increased appreciably.

Constitution Day, August 4, is a day of big celebrations in the Cooks. This pretty Cook Islander was dancing at this year's celebrations. — Photo: Van Eijk and AAeers.