PACIFIC PARADISE

Manawatu Standard, Volume XLIX, Issue 248, 18 September 1929, Page 8

PACIFIC PARADISE

ISLAND OF RARATONGA

CONDITIONS AT PAPEETE,

“It seems a great shame that we cannot obtain first-class fruit cheaper in New Zealand than we are doing, commented Mr D. Buchanan, of liakitahuna, to a “Standard” representative when discussing Ins recent trip abroad. The sight of luscious fruit wasting and rotting on islands in the Pacific was not one of the reasons which actuated his statement. En route to the United States, Mr Buchanan spent eight hours at tho island of Raratonga, and went for a twenty-five mile motor drive round the coast. He considered this spot of land in the Pacific one of the most restful places in the world, and said it gave the impression of great tranquility and beauty. The further one travelled through the island of Raratonga, the more he became enthralled, stated Mr Buchanan, who mentioned the wonderful productivity of oranges, bananas and pineapples. He said that all the natives were smiling and liappy. Having the opportunity of spending a day in the French possession of Papeete, Mr Buchanan found the conditions there similar to those at Raratonga, but tho natives were of quite a different appearance and, racially, appeared to be deteriorating. Practically every store or business there seined to have the license to sell liquor and it was available at a cheap price. The hotels were open night and day. There was, said Mr Buchanan, no evidence of agricultural activities, and no stack was to be seen. He saw one animal which was described as a horse,hut it was of the type which had a value of about 2s 6d. It was in tho poorest condition, and the harness consisted of bags and wire. Incidentally, Mr Buchanan said that fruit was dearer in America and Canada than in New Zealand and an apple could not be purchased for less than (id

Just before landing in San Franciso, all passengers on the boat were instructed to throw overboard any fruit in their possession, and were not permitted to go ashore even with an orange in a pocket.