English: The Cook Islands, since 1901 a territory of New Zealand, attained internal self-government on August 4, 1965. The 20,000 inhabitants of this scattered South Pacific group, however, remain New Zealand citizens and, the former administrating country retains responsibility for the Islands' defence and External Affairs.

Tuberculosis, once a major health problem in the Cook Islands, is on the decrease, children and adults suffering with this disease receive treatment in a well-equipped sanatorium situated on the lower slopes of mountainous Rarotonga, principal island of the group.

Here, five young patients at the sanatorium, run and staffed by the Cook Islands Department of Health, receive their morning milk. Cook Islands, Health, Rarotonga publicity photograph. (1965)

Photographer: Unknown

Archives New Zealand Reference: AAQT 6539 W3537 R3421