KAP. 4.

Zealand Appeals from the Court of Appeal go to the Pricy Council in
London.
Liquor laws. The manufacture of intoxicating liquor without a license
is illegal. Liquor is imported by the government and sold through
the Cook Islands Liquor Supplies and various authorised stores. There
are several licensed hotels, restaurants and bars in Rarotonga, as well as
various sporting clubs which may serve members and guests. Aitutaki
has two licensed hotels. It is an offence to drink in public places such as
outside dance halls.
Gambling. Licences are issued under the Gaming Act 1967, to permit
gambling by totalisator, housie (bingo), small raffles and lotteries. A
local totalisator covers betting on some New Zealand horse races.
DEFENCE. Under the Cook Islands Constitution Act 1964, New
Zealand has retained responsibility for the defence of the Islands.
EDUCATION. Schools are operated by the government, the Roman
Catholic Mission, and the Seventh-day Adventist Mission. Under the
Education Act 1966 education is free and compulsory between the ages
of six and 15.
There are 38 schools, including nine colleges, 26 primary schools
and a teacher’s college. Pre-school centres are established on most
islands. There is also an apprentice training scheme.
The Roman Catholic mission operates two primary schools, and
Nukutere College at Avarua, Rarotonga. The Seventh-day Adventists
operate two primary schools, Paparoa Junior College at Titikaveka,
Rarotonga, and a college on Aitutaki.
Schools in 1984 recorded a total of 6421 pupils (including preschool).
In government schools, there were 3148 in primary (grades 1–
6), and 2746 in secondary (forms 1–6). In the Seventh-day Adventist
schools there were 142 in primary and 98 in college. In the Roman
Catholic schools there were 241 in primary and 203 in college.
The Teachers College completed at Tereora in 1970 had 32 students
in 1981. Teacher trainees at local and overseas institutions average 30
annually. The University of the South Pacific has an extension centre at
Avarua.
Students enrolled overseas are mainly in New Zealand and Fiji, with
some in Western Samoa, Papua New Guinea and Australia. Up to 100
students and trainees receive education or vocational training each year
under various aid programmes.
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