1. A documentary on the Cook Islands on the eve of their achieving independence. Narrated by an unnamed broadcaster.
Recorded in April, 1965.
[Opens with actuality of traditional Cook Islands singing - unidentified song.]
The narrator describes the island of Rarotonga and the introduction of party politics by New Zealand in April 1965.
An interview with Mr Omar Adeel, the Sudanese leader of the United Nations observer group which is supervising the Cook Islands elections. He explains their role and says he believes the people themselves are the best ones to judge if they are ready for self-government.
Some locals think the U.N. team have come too late to decide if the Cook Islands are ready for self-government. An unnamed businessman say it has been pushed onto the Cook Islands people by New Zealand. Other unnamed people say they will wait and see, or that it is too early and they would prefer integration with New Zealand. Others say they are ready and the government will work under the leadership of Albert Henry.
Actuality of an election meeting imene being sung. Albert Henry comments on plans to amend a clause in the Constitution which prevents him standing for election, because of a three-year residential requirement. He says his sister is standing in his place in the election and will then stand down when the clause is repealed.
The transition from a traditional Polynesian foods to European ones is discussed by an unnamed woman. Avarua shops retail New Zealand goods at New Zealand prices. Neil Mortimer, manager of a trading company on Rarotonga, talks about how residents supplement their income with money sent by family members in New Zealand.
Mr [Bob] McEwan, Director of Education, talks about the progress which has been made in education in the Cook Islands. Every child now has the opportunity of a minimum of two years secondary education. There have been good successes with students sitting New Zealand School Certificate.
There is little industry and the orange crop is still the main income earner. Albert Henry comments on the need for greater exploitation of unused land in the valleys. He says more produce could be grown and the living standard of more people improved.
Actuality of a Saturday night dance in a disused packing shed.
[Documentary appears to end prematurely at this point.]
2. An episode of a radio quiz programme called 'National Old Testament quiz'. It is the final and was won by H. A. Lewis. Recorded in 1964.
3. Extracts from a 'Voice of America' radio programme reporting on the progress of the Civil Rights Bill. Includes interviews with various leaders including Dr. Martin Luther King and President Lyndon Johnson. Recorded in September, 1964. Senator B Russell speaks, urging Georgians to accept the new Bill, before Martin Luther King says compliance towards desegregation is growing. Lester Maddox asserts his non-compliance towards de-segregation while Governor LeRoy Collins talks about how his views and moral obligations have changed. Roy Wilkins doesn’t believe the Bill will stop mobs and abrasive action. Actuality of mobs. King comments on the de-facto southern segregation and President Lyndon Johnson says patience and unity are needed for progress.