COOK AND OTHER ISLANDS. [In continuation of Parliamentary Paper A.-3, 1916.]

Appendix to the Journals of the House of Representatives, 1917 Session I, A-03

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1917. NEW ZEALAND.

COOK AND OTHER ISLANDS. [In continuation of Parliamentary Paper A.-3, 1916.]

Presented to both Houses of the General Assembly by Command of His Excellency.

CONTENTS.

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Subject. Pago Memorandum by the Hon. the Minister for the Cook Islands 2 innual Report of the Resident Commissioner at Rarotonga 3 Re port of Medical Officer 5 Report of Treasurer and Collector of Customs 6 Auditor's Report .. .. .. .. 13 Report of Registrar of the High Court 14 Report of Registrar of the Native Land Court U Vital Statistics.. 15 Island: Report of Resident Commissioner 16 Statement of Revenue 19 Statement of Expenditure 20 Return of Imports 21 Return of Exports 21 Niue Island Ordinances .. 21

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MEMORANDUM. Cook Islands Department, Wellington, 27th June, 1917. The annual reports of the Resident Commissioners, of Rarotonga and Niuo, are attached hereto. Prom the reports of the Commissioners it will be seen that the conditions in the Islands have been much more favourable than those for the two previous years, and that trade and revenue has been fairly well maintained in spite of the drawbacks due to the lack of adequate shipping facilities. The maintaining of adequate steamer connection with the Islands in order to preserve the trade with New Zealand is of the utmost importance, and any curtailment of the present service would be a serious blow to the prosperity of the Islands. Educational matters are being well looked after, and additional facilities will be afforded as finances permit, particularly in Nine and in some of the outlying islands, where there is- much yet to be done. I wish also to make particular reference to the answer to the call of Empire made by the people of the Cook Islands and of Niue in the present great war. The members of the Niuean contingent, through adverse climatic conditions, had to be returned to their homes, but not without having first done valuable work on garrison duty in Egypt and afterwards on active service in France. The Rarotongans, having proved themselves more fitted to stand the climate, are still bravely playing their part on the western front and in Palestine. The splendid manner in which the people of the Islands have responded in the present crisis is deserving of the highest commendation, and is one of which I am sure all true Britishers are proud, and their display of patriotism also furnishes further and unique evidence of the wonderful unity and loyalty of the greatest Empire the world has ever seen. M. Pomace, Minister for the Cook Islands.

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COOK ISLANDS. Report of resident commissioner. Sir, — Rarotonga, 11th June, 1917. In submitting my report for the twelve months ending the 31st March, 1917, I am glad to be able to say that we have experienced a fairly successful year. There has been no hurricane in any part of the Group. Trade and revenue have been fairly well maintained. The public health has improved, and the census shows that our population is no longer diminishing. Visit to the Northern Islands. In September last, thanks to the courtesy of the London Missionary Society (who, through their representative here, the Rev. G. H. Eastman, very kindly provided me and other officers of the Administration with passages on the mission steamer " John Williams "), I was enabled to visit all the Northern Islands of the Group. At Aitutaki, Manihiki, and Rakahanga many ruined houses still bear witness to the fury oi the great hurricane of 1914. But the plantations at Aitutaki and the coconut-groves at the other islands have made a splendid recovery. In this round of visits I travelled upwards of two thousand miles. Besides the usual Court work a great variety of public business was disposed of. The people of all the islands except Pukapuka and Palmerston are prosperous and contented. In Penrhyn, Manihiki, and Rakahanga they seem to be very well off. Public Health. The public health of all the islands was satisfactory. Dr. Trotter, Assistant Medical Officer, accompanied me to some of the islands. He has since then visited all of them. There are twenty-seven lepers in the Group, nearly all of whom are found in the extreme north, where the disease, introduced, it is believed, from Hawaii, first obtained a footing. Our Resident Agents at Aitutaki, Manihiki, and Penryhn look as carefully as possible after the lepers under their care. It is manifest, however, that the patients are too scattered. After careful consideration it has been decided, on the recommendation of our Medical Officers, Dr. G. Pearce Baldwin and Dr. R. S. Trotter, to segregate at Penrhyn all leper patients from islands north of Aitutaki, whilst any cases at Aitutaki or from islands south of Aitutaki are to be dealt with there. Penrhyn is our most northerly island, seven hundred miles from Rarotonga. The uninhabited islands in its great lagoon offer special advantages as a site for a sanatorium. There are only three cases of leprosy at Aitutaki, and none at all in the islands of the Lower Group. There are grounds for hope that, with the closer isolation and better medical care that will result from the new scheme of segregation, the disease may eventually be stamped out. At Penrhyn, Manihiki, and Palmerston the water-supply was deficient, although there is an ample rainfall. To remedy this we have just built two largo, storage tanks at Penrhyn, two at Manihiki, and another is being constructed at Palmerston. The Chief Medical Officer's report is attached. Census. The census of last year shows that the Maori population of these Islands is holding its own. In the following table are the figures of the three last census periods : —

191 16. 19 1. .1916. Whites and Half-castes living as Whites. Natives and Half-castes living as Natives. Wh'tes and .Half-castes living as Whites. Natives and Half-oastes living as Natives. Whites and Half-oastes living as Whites. Natives and Half-oastes living as Natives. Rarotonga Mangaia Aitutaki Atiu Mauke Mitiaro Palmerston Penrhyn Manihiki Rakahanga Pukapuka 107 8 8 4 2 2 2,334 1,523 1,154 914 444 208 82 414 519 351 435 139 5 16 2 10 1 2,620 1,466 1,221 810 447 198 107 332 440 315 490 163 4 8 4 10 1 2,913 1,241 1,294 1.752 480 236 f;|90 '312 775 6 2 1 3 4 3 4 .474 Totals .. 140 8,378 180 8,446 197 8,567

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are twelve engaged in planting and fourteen in commercial pursuits. With their families they number about a hundred persons. The remainder of the European population is chiefly made up of officers and others connected with the Administration and their families. We are never likely to have a very much larger settled white population, although Rarotonga must some day become a great winter resort for New-Zealanders. It is increasingly difficult for intending settlers to lease land, every acre of which belongs to the Natives. The sale of Native lands is prohibited. There is no opening for white labour, and for successful planting capital is necessary. Rarotonga has a Native population of 2,900. A system of registration of births, deaths, and marriages is now in operation throughout the Group. Education. In Rarotonga we have two Native schools, one at Arorangi with 148 scholars, the other at Ngatangiia with 194 scholars. A third school will shortly be built on a site generously presented to the Government by the chiefs and people of Avarua. At Aitutaki (population 1,290), the island next in importance to Rarotonga, there is a large school at which 270 children are taught by Native teachers. At Palmerston Island a small school was opened last year. The Administration intends as soon as possible to establish a school in each of the other islands of the Group. In the meantime the London Missionary Society is very considerately carrying on its schools in the outlying islands until we are in the position to take them over. The teaching of English, with reading, writing, and arithmetic, up to the requirements of the Fourth Standard, and a practical training in agriculture, woodwork, &c, is the present aim of our educational department. To overcome the great difficulty of obtaining the necessary teachers for the smaller islands Native pupil-teachers are now being trained at Rarotonga. Technical Education.—As 90 per cent of the Native boys are destined to become planters, the formation of an agricultural class was our first step in technical education. This class was opened last year under Mr. E. A. Reid. Its success has encouraged us to a further advance. A class for instruction in woodwork and manual training under Mr. W. C. Smith has just been established. A girls' class to teach home science is being arranged. Scholarships.' —Two places at St. Stephen's School, Auckland, for boys from these Islands aie to be offered for competition this year. The provision of other similar scholarships, to be held at some of the institutions in New Zealand that provide higher education for Maori boys and girls, and of industrial scholarships by means of assisted apprenticeships in New Zealand (with attendance at a technical college) for boys who have passed through our technical school, is under consideration. It is satisfactory to note the real appreciation by the Natives of the educational advantages offered to their children. Trade. The figures relating to the trade of the Islands for the past year, shown in the comprehensive report of the Treasurer attached hereto, are quite satisfactory. In the copra industry there was an increased output for better prices. At the Northern Islands, from which the bulk of it comes, the coconut crop is more promising than it has been for years, 1,120 tons of copra, valued at £28,000, were exported during the year. It is estimated that there will be a much larger harvest this year. In round numbers, 94,000 cases of oranges (value, £16,000), 43,000 cases of bananas (£12,000), and 36,000 cases of tomatoes (£5,000) were snipped to New Zealand. Seven-eighths of all this fruit and produce, approximately worth £28,000, was grown by Native planters. The fruit-export trade is capable of enormous expansion. In order to secure a steady increase in these products, and so to prepare for the expansion of trade coming after the war, we have passed an Ordinance requiring all Native planters to clear and plant their uncultivated lands. Inspectors have been appointed to see that the requirements of this Planting Ordinance are duly carried out. A similar Ordinance has been enacted at Aitutaki, and like measures will be placed before other Island Councils. As much loss has resulted from the bad carrying-qualities of the Island orange and its susceptibility to fly and other blights, the question of obtaining the services of an expert, probably from Florida, U.S.A. (where an orange similar to the Island orange is grown), to report on the fruit industry of these Islands, and to advise as to the best methods of orange cultivation, packing, transport, and marketing, is under consideration. Provided our present steamer communication with New Zealand be not curtailed, our trade prospects for the year are excellent. Mr. Reid, our Chief Fruit Inspector, estimates the new season's crop at 200,000 cases. Revenue and Taxation. We are quite financial. The year began with a credit balance of £1,684 ;we close with a balance in hand of £2,808. Apart from Customs duties, which are practically the same as those of New Zealand, our people sit practically tax-free. Not even the war has altered this unique position amongst British communities. In Rarotonga there is a small rate of 6d. in the pound on the annual letting-value of leasehold properties. This falls almost entirely upon the European residents. It averages less than £1 per head of the ratepayers.

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There is also a levy of 2d. per case charged on all fruit exported. Originally a fumigation and inspection fee of Id., it was increased last year to 2d. per case to provide necessary revenue. It is now a fruit-export tax. It falls principally on the Native planters, who, as we have seen, grow nearly all the fruit exported. In a total revenue for the year of £9,7.10 the principal items are- —Customs duties, £5,716 ; fruitexport tax (fumigation, &c), £932 ; and postal stamps, £711. Wireless Installation. War conditions have, unfortunately, delayed the erection of this very necessary means of communication. We confidently expect the work to be commenced within the next few months. As soon as the main station is completed we propose to link up the other fruit-exporting islands, Aitutaki, Mangaia, and Mauke, with Avarua. These islands will thus share with Rarotonga the advantages of wireless communication with the Dominion. Local Legislation. The Island Council of Rarotonga has passed measures for local rating, an improved breed of horses, the planting and cultivation of lands, land-drainage, water-supply, fruit-packing, and that variety of objects usually covered by city by-laws. Roads and Bridges. Until the Cook Islands Act,' 1915, provided for the taking-over of the roads by the Administration the Natives were required, as necessity arose, to repair and to maintain the roads without pay. They were liable to fine and imprisonment if they refused to work. Landless Europeans were also subject to compulsory labour to repair the roads for several days in every year. They compromised by paying a small annual sum into the Treasury. As might be expected, this method of road-main-tenance proved very unsatisfactory. Since the work has been undertaken by the Administration there has been a marked improvement in the state of the roads. The Main Road, with its bridges, is being thoroughly renovated ; interior roads, untouched for many years, are being opened up : in short, a vigorous roads-and-bridges policy is being pursued. Satisfactory contracts have been made with several taperes and settlements for the upkeep of important section., of the main thoroughfare I need scarcely add that the Natives duly appreciate the new conditions. Judicial. The Native Land Court (Judge 11. F. Ayson) has dealt with the several years' accumulation of work at Rarotonga. At present the Court is sitting at Aitutaki. The other islands will be visited in due course. Sittings of the High Court were held at all the Northern Islands during my visit last year. General. At Rarotonga three new post-offices have been opened ; a public market has been built; a telephone system has been initiated that will be extended to the outlying villages. Drainage of swamp lands by co-operation between the Government and the landowners promises to restore to cultivation many acres of first-class land hitherto abandoned to floods. The Arbor Day idea has been successfully introduced. Home Industries. Efforts are being made to improve the methods and material of hat-manufacture—a Native home industry that has been languishing for some time. The Panama plant is being introduced from Central America. If it can be acclimatized there is no doubt that a great deal, can be done to restore what was formerly a profitable trade. I have, &c, F. W. Platts, Resident Commissioner. The Hon. Dr. Pomare, Minister for the Cook Islands, Wellington. REPORT OF MEDICAL OFFICER. Sir,— I have the honour to present my annual report on the work of the Medical Department for the year 1916. The number of patients admitted to the hospital, excluding 9 left from the previous year, was 100, of whom 5 died. The number of individuals treated as out-patients was 1,210, consisting of European males, 31 ; European females, 21 ; European male children, 6 ; European female children, 11: Native males, 342 ; Native females, 341 ; Native male children, 212 ; Native female children, 246. The number of attendances was 5,203. The principal diseases treated were those of the organs of respiration, of the digestive system, of the skin and jaws. Considerable inconvenience has been caused, as in previous years, to patients and the staff by the want of a consulting-room. Owing to the whole of the space being occupied this cannot be provided in the present building. An annexe to the hospital is urgently needed. A plan of the suggested building was sent in by me in December, 1912.

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During the year all the islands except Mitiaro and Mauke have been visited. A report on their condition has already been sent in to you. The principal feature to be noted is the increase in the number of lepers, indicating the urgent need of steps being taken for dealing with this disease, and of providing more frequent visits to those islands where the disease is present. In 1912 I found ten lepers, all of whom are dead. In 1.914 Dr. Maclurkin reported fifteen lepers and four suspects In 1916 Dr. Trotter found thirty-one lepers and five suspects. Considering the contagious nature of the disease and that a person may be infected for years without showing any symptoms, this increase is not altogether to be wondered at. Mr. Wilson, Resident Agent at Penrhyn, and who has lived there for about thirty years, has obtained for me the sex and relationship of seventy-four lepers, nearly all the oases which have occurred in Penrhyn. The first case came on a schooner with returned labourers from the Hawaiian Group some thirty-five to forty years ago, and as this vessel went on to Rakahanga and Manihiki, it is exceedingly probable that it conveyed the disease there also. The sexes are—forty males and thirty-three females. Nineteen of the cases are described as not related to previous cases. Some of these undoubtedly contracted the disease by living amongst or marrying persons who afterwards became lepers. There is one very striking case of a marriage when only one side was related to a leper : both parties appear in the list, and their fifteen children, one of these being born in the leper settlement. There are also several, instances of adopted children, the adopting parents being lepers. Observations at the leper settlements in Hawaii, extending over a number of years and a large number of cases, show that a very small percentage of children born of leprous parents become lepers provided they are taken away from their parents in infancy, and that the longer they are left with their parents the greater is the percentage affected. I regret to have to complain again of the want of regulations on public-health matters. I have, &c, The Resident Commissioner. G. Pearce Baldwin.

REPORT OF TREASURER. Sir, — Rarotonga, Cook Islands, 2nd June, 1917. I have the honour to forward herewith the annual statement of revenue and expenditure for the year ended 31st March, 1917, and trade returns for the year ended 31st December, 1916. The revenue for the period under review amounted to £9,710 ss. Bd., being an increase of £2,037 12s. 4d. over the previous year. Customs duties increased by £1,080, Fruit Inspection Account £749, Liquor Account £108, Water rates £88, High Court fees £191, and Land Court fees by £73. The increase in Customs duties is not due to any expansion of trade, but to the increase of imports from the United States of America. Many articles formerly purchased in New Zealand are now imported direct from America. During the year the inspection fees on fruit were raised from Id. to 2d. per case. The revenue, £9,710 ss. Bd., together with the cash balance of £1,684 7s. lid. at the beginning of the year, made a total of £11,394 13s. 9d. available for financing the Administration. The expenditure, as shown in the return attached, amounted to £8,585 18s. 7d. One item which calls for attention is the amount of £635 expended in the destruction of rats. Although the Government had been offering 2d. per head for the destruction of this pest, it was only in October last that the Natives took it up, and as a result for the six months ended 31st March the Administration was called upon to pay out £635, equal to over 760,000 rats. The balance in hand at the end of the year was £2,808 155., compared with £1,684 7s. lid. the preceding year. Postal. —The business in this department has been well maintained. Money-orders numbering 983, value £12,132, were issued, and 880, value £9,737, were paid, the commission earned being £57 15s. Postal notes to the value of £374 were sold. Allotment warrants in favour of soldiers' dependants to the value of £3,057 were cashed. The deposits in the Savings-bank amounted to £2,788 18s. 9d., and the withdrawals to £686 lis. 3d. Trade. —Imports, £58,478, show a decrease of £7,112, and exports, £68,146, an increase of £5,089 over the preceding year. At present the principal exports are copra, coconuts, oranges, bananas, and tomatoes. The output of copra was 1,121 tons, compared with 773 tons the previous year. The yield for the coming season should be good, as there have been copious rains, and the palms are looking remarkably well on all the islands. America is now our principal market for this commodity, owing to shortage of tonnage for British ports. Oranges to the number of 93,686 cases were exported, which is practically the same as the preceding year. Bananas, 42,979 cases, show a falling-off of 18,89.1 cases. There should be an improvement during the present year, as the Natives have been planting extensively. Tomatoes, 35,523 cases, weighing on an average 22 lb., exported, whereas 13,119 cases were sent away in 1915. The crop, however, was anything but a payable one to growers, chiefly owing to the irregular shipping service. Owing to the late arrival of steamers the fruit often lay in the sheds from three to five days before shipment, and arrived at its destination in a decayed condition. Two shipments of fruit-—one owing to the breakdown of the " Flora " in May last, and the other to the wreck of the " Maitai "■—were lost. Had wireless been established the " Flora's " shipment would certainly have been saved.

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Pearl-shell is being gathered at Manihiki, and stored there for shipment immediately there is a payable market. The prospects for the present year appear bright. The only drawback may be the shipping services. I have, &c, W. J. Stevenson, The Resident Commissioner. Collector of Customs and Treasurer.

Cook Islands Administration. Revenue for the Year ended 31st March, 1917. £ s. d. £ s. d. Balance, Ist April, 1.916 .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 1,684 711 Customs duties, Rarotonga .. .. .. .. .. 4,131 1 6 New Zealand .. .. .. .. .. 1,585 8 4 Traders' licenses .. .. .. .. .. .. 604 2 0 Stamps .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 711 17 9 Fees, Land Titles Court .. .. .. .. .. .. 108 7 3 Fees and fines, High Court, Rarotonga .. .. .. . . 578 12 6 R.M. Court, Aitutaki .. . . . . .. 47 15 0 Mangaia .. .. .. .. 28 5 0 Mauke .. .. .. .. 8 13 6 Atiu .. .. .. .. .. 3 19 8 Manihiki .. . . .. .. 59 410 Penrhyn .. .. .. .. 10 8 0 Water rates, Avarua .. .. .. .. .. .. 194 8 0 Arorangi . . .. .. .. .. .. 93 18 0 „ Ngatangiia . . .. .. .. .. . . 41 0 0 Matavera . . .. .. . . . . .. 40 14 6 Titikaveka .. .. .. .. .. .. 65 19 0 Muri .. .. .. . . .. .. 36 8 3 Rents .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 132 10 0 Shipping fees and forms .. .. .. .. .. .. 1302 Interest on deposit . . . . .. . . . . .. 40 0 0 Road rates .. . . .. .. . . .. .. 38 0 0 Post-card sales .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 0 16 4 Hall licenses . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 5 0 Fruit Fumigation and Inspection Account .. .. .. . .Cr. 932 2 5 Ammunition Account . . .. . . .. . . .. Cr. 3 1 4 Muri Water Account .. .. .. .. .. . .Cr. 65 1 3 Liquor Account . . . . .. .. " .. . .Cr. 1.24 15 I Miscellaneous .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 7 .1.1 0 9,710 5 8 Total .. .. .. .. .. .. £11,394 1.3 7 Rarotonga, Cook Islands, 11 th April, 1917. W. J. Stevenson, Treasurer. Audited and found correct —A. G. Clarke, Auditor.

Expenditure for the Year ended 31st March, 1917.

Service. Voted. Expended. 1. Registrar of High and Land Titles Courts 2. Engineer and Surveyor 3. Interpreter and Printer 4. Nurses, Hospital (two) 5. Foreman of Works 6. Draughtsman 7. Island allowance, Collector of Customs .. 8. Clerk, Land Office 9. ,, Registrar's Office .0. „ Post Office .1. Resident Agent, Mangaia 2. . „ Atiu 3. „ Aitutaki .4. „ Mauke 5. ,, Penrhyn 6. ,, Rakahanga and Manihiki 7. Native Agent, Mitiaro 8. Native Police, Rarotonga 9. „ Aitutaki 10. „ Mauke .. £ 350 200 275 200 196 175 150 90 90 90 245 220 220 220 220 200 50 122 39 20 s. d. 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 £ s. d. 325 0 0 275 0 0 186 16 1 196 0 0 175 0 0 150 0 0 90 0 0 97 11 8 90 0 0 245 0 0 238 6 8 220 0 0 21 12 2 220 0 0 200 0 0 50 0 0 169 1 0 41 10 0 20 0 0

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Expenditure for the Year ended 31st March, 1917 —continued.

Details of Vote 29, General Contingent Expenditure. £ s. d. Overtime, Post-office .. .. .. . . .. .. 819 6 Rewards, detection of smuggling .. .. .. .. .. 100 Freight, soldiers' effects .. .. .. .. .. .. 316 10 Clearing foreshore . . . . .. . . . . . . 5 2 0 Food, Atiu recruits .. .. .. .. .. 12 15 6 Fencing, Aitutaki .. .. .. .. .. .. 219 0 Stationery .. ~ .. ~ ~ ~ ~ 124 13 7

Service. Voted. Expended. 21. Native Police, Atiu 22. „ Mitiaro 23. ,, Rakahanga and Manihiki 24. „ Penrhyn 25. Native Assessor, Rakahanga 26. Native Police, Mangaia 27. Assistant Printer, Rarotonga .... 28. Contingent expenditure, High. Court 29. ,, General 30. ,, Land Court 31. Head-money for destruction of flying-fox and rats 32. Maintenance of lunatics 33. Hospital supplies and. attendance 34. Maintenance of lepers 35. Rents— Wharf-site .. .. .. .. £5 0 0 Post-office site .. .. .. .. 8 15 0 Registrar's house .. .. .. .. 1200 £ s. d. 20 0 0 15 0 0 40 0 0 20 0 0 10 0 0 41 0 0 90 0 0 200 0 0 400 0 0 150 0 0 50 0 0 40 0 0 900 0 0 150 0 0 £ s. d. 20 0 0 15 0 0 26 5 0 21 1 0 10 0 0 41 0 0 90 0 0 362 10 11 413 17 2 68 12 10 668 9 4 42 7 6 1,177 7 1 207 1 2 36. Subsidy, cool chamber 37. ,, boatman, Mangaia 38. ,, ,, Aitutaki 39. ,, „ Atiu 40'. „ „ Mauke 41. ,, carrying mails in Group 42. Roads and bridges 43. Upkeep of Government buildings 44. Experimental nursery 45. Fresh-water tanks, Penhryn 46. „ Manihiki 47. „ Mauke 48. „ Atiu 49. Fresh-water supply, Aitutaki 50. School-teachers' residence, Avarua Avarua water-supply Ngatangiia water-supply Titikaveka water-supply Matavera water-supply Arorangi water-supply Whare Manuiri accommodation-house Ngatipa Furnishing Account Education Account Tutakimoa drain Nikao drain Schoolhouse, Avarua Public conveniences Police offices House allowance, Interpreter and Printer (seven months) Island allowance, sergeant of police (seven months) ,, Registrar of Courts (three months) 25 15 0 100 0 0 10 0 0 9 0 0 3 0 0 6 0 0 30 0 0 60 0 0 150 0 0 300 0 0 100 0 0 100 0 0 200 0 0 200 0 0 650 0 0 500 0 0 30 8 9 75 0 0 10 0 0 9 0 0 3 0 0 6 0 0 30 0 0 399 19 8 317 8 6 249 13 3 44 11 0 19 15 7 583 9 1 127 18 4 1 17 6 3 2 3 3 14 0 9 4 0 60 3 5 21 4 9 123 6 3 71 16 6 1 4 0 102 5 10 12 9 9 44 8 3 23 6 8 14 11 8 12 10 0 Balance, including investments 8,481 15 0 8,585 18 2,808 15 7 0 £1 11,394 13 7 Rarotonga, Cook Islands, 11th April, 1917. Audited and found correct, A. G. Clarke, Auditor. W. J. Stevenson, Treasurer.

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Vote 28, High Court Contingent Expenditure. £ s. d. Travelling-allowance, police .. .. .. .. 39 17 0 Salary, cadet .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 12 0 0 Stable .. .. .. .. .. .. 468 Strong-room door (part cost) .. .. .. .. 21 2 0 Food for prisoners and police .. . . . . .. 36 17 0 Horse-feed ~ .. .. .. .. .. .. 813 10 Passage, prisoners .. .. .. .. .. 12 3 6 Refunds fees and fines .. .. .. .. .. .. 018 6 Shoeing ..' .. .. .. .. .. .. 1 10 6 Office overtime .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 340 Buggy-hire .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 069 Mileages .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 30 9 9 Stationery . . . . .. . . . . .. .. 1 13 5 Boot allowance, police sergeant .. .. .. .. .. 100 Rewards, police.. .. .. .. .. .. 13 17 0 Office fittings .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 611 5 Law reports .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 5 7 5 Uniforms ~ .. .. .. .. .. .. 29 10 5 Cells .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 68 0 3 Travelling-expenses, Judge .. .. .. .. .. 13 2 9 ~ Interpreter .. .. .. .. .. 330 Interpreter, Atiu .. .. .. .. .. .. 300 Mauke .. .. .. .. .. .. 300 Aitutaki .. .. .. .. .. .. 600 Firearms .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 718 9 Lantern .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 046 Typewriter .. .. .. .. .. . • ..1606 Allowance, Acting-Registrar .. .. .. .. 12 12 0 £362 10 11 Rarotonga, Cook Islands, 11th April, 1917. W. J. Stevenson, Treasurer

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Details of Vote 29, General Contingent Expenc diture —continued. Boatman, Rarotonga Office fittings, Rarotonga ,, Aitutaki Customs tidewaiter Boat repairs Office-lighting Photos " Maitai " wreck Passage and carriage of effects, Resident Agent, Atiu Mina birds Flagstaff repairs .. .. .. Conveniences, Mangaia Special schooner charter, Mangaia Carriage of food to Northern Islands General average, " Flora " Audit expenses Bicycle allowance, Resident Agent, Mangaia ,, ,, Atiu Clock, Post-office Aitutaki Wharf repairs Passage interned prisoner of war Wireless messages Buggy-hire Clerical assistance Labour on Government grounds Burial expenses, Ellis Typewriter Carriage mails " Cholita " Printer's boy Tree-planting Washing office towels Pig-pound Stamps, letters to foreign countries Travelling-expenses, Resident Commissioner ,, Interpreter Tank repairs, Aitutaki Island literature purchased from Major Large £ s. d. 29 1 6 ..810 12 0 .. 33 0 0 ..249 0 5 0 0 5 0 9 13 5 5 10 4 3 9 0 1 14 1 .. 25 0 0 3 15 0 2 12 6 .. 16 10 0 3 0 0 2 15 0 2 0 0 17 2 0 6 15 0 3 14 5 1 12 0 10 0 .. 10 4 0 2 10 4 12 10 0 0 2 0 .. 19 14 6 16 0 0 5 0 3 4 4 0 7 10 13 2 9 3 3 0 0 8 0 7 110 £413 17 2 Rarotonga, Cook Islands, 11th April, 1917. W. J. Stevenson, Treasurer

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Vote 30, Land Titles Court Contingent Expenditure. £ s. d. Labour .. .. .. .. .. .. 11 14 6 Buggy-hire .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 880 Stationery .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 0 15 11 Survey material.. .. .. .. .. .. .. 618 3 Judge's office fittings .. .. .. .. .. .. 15 14 5 Instruments .. ~ .. .. .. .. 513 9 Strong-room door (part cost) .. .. .. .. ..1980 £68 12 10 W. J. Stevenson, Treasurer. Rarotonga, Cook Islands, 11th April, 1917. Liquor Account for the Year ended 31st March, 1917. £ s. d. I £ s. d. Stock on hand, Ist April, 1916 .. 3115 4 Sales .. .. .. 1,123 411 Supplies .. .. .. 605 17 10 | Stock on hand at 31st March, 1917 1.38 17 1 Freight .. .. .. 51 8 10 ! Duty.. .. .. .. 341 3 2 Balance .. .. .. 231 16 10 £1,262 2 0 £1,262 2 0 Profit and Loss Account. £ s. d. £ s. d. Stock at Ist April, 1917 .. .. 138 17 1 Balance, Ist April, 1916 .. .. 31 15 4 Cash to general revenue .. .. 124 15 1 Balance, 31st March, 1917.. .. 23116 10 £263 12 2 £263 12 2 W. J. Stevenson, Treasurer. Rarotonga, Cook Islands, 11th April, 1917.

Value of Exports for the Year ended 31st December, 1916.

Article. Where exported. Quantity. n r Value. i Total. 1 1 | i I Fruit, fresh — Bananas New Zealand 42,979 cases 405 kits 55 cases 93,686 „ 3,214 „ 35,523 „ 344 „ 116 „ 51,200 lb. 383 tons 658 „ 80 „ £ 12,980 L_!L 20 16,350 320 5,778 61 23 1,280 9,958 16,450 1,920 £ 13,060 20 16,350 320 5,778 61 23 1,280 )» * * Lemons Oranges Pineapples Tomatoes Cucumbers N.o.e. Coffee, raw Copra .. 5? ■ ' J) • • J» * * )) ' - )) • ' )) ■ ' United Kingdom United States America Tahiti • Ooconuts New Zealand United States America 1,121 tons 28,328 28,328 — 102,760 157,920 514 721 260,680 1,235 1,235 Kumeras and taro Lime juice Pearl-shell Hides Carriages New Zealand United States America New Zealand 3,657 cases 1,1.74 1,174 360 gals. 42 42 9 tons 450 450 10 10 15 15 £68,146 w. J. Stevenson, Collector of Customs. Rarotonga, Cook Islands, 17th; i|A Mil, 1917.

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Port of Rarotonga. —Value of Imports for the Year ended 31st December, 1916.

Total Values of Imports and Exports for the Year ended 31st December, 1916. imports. £ New Zealand .. .. .. .. .. .. 43,557 United Kingdom .. .. .. .. .. ..3,787 New South Wales 740 Victoria .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 174 Tonga .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 60 Canada .. ... .. .. .. .. .. 35 Queensland .. .. .. .. .. .. 44 South Africa .. .. .. .. .. .. 1 Fanning Island .. .. .. .. .. .. 8 Japan .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 2 Sweden .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 260 United States of America .. .. .. .. .. 8,241 Tahiti .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 1,569 Total .. .. .. .. .. £58,478 exports. £ New Zealand. .. .. .. .. .. .. 38,647 United Kingdom .. .. .. .. .. .. 9,958 United States of America .. .. .. .. .. 17,621 Tahiti 1,920 Total .. ~ .. .-. ■- £68,146 W. J. Stevenson, Rarotonga, Cook Islands, lfth April, 1917. C/olrector of Customs.

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Article. United New *t32rt Kingdom. Zealand. «£•£ Tahiti. Other Piaoes. Totals. Agricultural produce n.o.e. Animals (live) Appaiol, drapery, and silks, <fec,.. Bags and sacks Biscuits and cabin bread Bicycles, tricycles, motor-cars, &c. Boots and shoes Butter and cheese Building-material, timber, &c. .. Cordage and twine Cotton piece-goods Drugs and chemicals Fish, preserved Flour' Fruit-boxes Furniture Hardware, tools, iron, &c. Meats, frozen, &c. Oils Provisions n.o.e. Rice £ £ £ 954 103 221 838 2,882 478 343 513 3,788 ' 297 63 814 40 4 338 , 257 931 I 1,147 170 385 ' 137 2,036 728 1,104 249 598 19 17 713 776 848 1,506 7,653 422 18 181 1,778 321 6,743 337 774 85 1,683 236 466 785 1,228 15 522 40 3,073 2 251 1,004 307 3,707 650 £ 7 7 287 £ £ 1,064 228 4,574 856 4,167 992 639 931 1,328 539 4,159 867 1,538 2,505 7,653 457 2,307 6,805 1,262 2,163 1,334 1,298 580 3,146 257 1,225 5,604 89 71 75 1 a 39 11 i.7 25 266 1 32 151 13 62 127 14 66 1.7 14 Soap Stationery, books Sugar Tea and. coffee Tobacco, cigars, and cigarettes .. Miscellaneous 4 65 2 2 541 24 145 17 55 14 6 4 219 399 Totals 3,780 43,557 8,241 1,569 1,331 58,478

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Total Values of Imports and Exports from the Year 1902 to 31st December, 1916. imports. Amount. Increase. Decrease. £ £ £ 1902 27,623 1903 .. .. .. .. .. 34,866 7,263 1904 .. .. .. .. .. 33,399 .. 1,487 1905 .. .. .. .. .. 36,993 3,594 1906 .. .. .. .. .. 41,437 4,444 1907 .. .. .. .. .. 50,756 9,314 1908 .. .. .. .. .. 55,021 4,265 1909 .. .. .. .. .. 67,737 12,716 1910 .. .. .. .'. .. 83,759 16,058 1911 .. .. .. .. .. 89,623 5,828 1912 .. .. .. .. .. 93,812 4,189 1913 .. .. .. .. .. 110,283 16,421 1914 .. .. .. .. .. 91,132 .. 19,151 1915 .. .. .. .. .. 65,590 .. 25,542 1916 .. .. .. .. .. 58,478 .. 7,112 EXPORTS. Amount. Increase. Decrease. £ £ £ 1902 34,821 1903 .. .. .. .. .. 34,740 .. 81 1904 .. .. .. .. .. 38,248 3,508 1905 .. .. .. .. .. 34,890 .. 3,358 1906 .. .. .. .. .. 45,925 11,035 1907 .. .. .. .. .. 51,578 5,653 1908 .. .. .. .. .. 60,652 9,024 1.909 .. .. .. .. .. 73,653 .13,001 1910 .. .. .. .. .. 90,749 17,096 1911 .. .. .. .. .. 91,076 327 1912 .. .. .. .. .. 101,708 10,632 1913 .. .. .. .. .. 109,926 8,218 1914 77,512 .. 32,414 1915 .. .. .. .. .. 63,057 .. 14,455 1916 .. .. .. .. .. 68,146 5,089 Rarotonga, Cook Islands, 17th April, 1917. W. J. Stevenson, Collector of Customs.

Principal Exports from each Island in the Cook Group during the Year ended 31st December, 1916.

Island. Banal MB. it & § it 9 8 .5 5 % S EH 05 d a' g B I 1 n u S u i o i a a o 45 O O 05 S 'a a 05 05 e o O i o a 3 Cases. 40,963 894 1,120 Kits. 405 Cases. 73,348 2,106 6,089 5,716 6,427 Cases. 161 3,026 27 Cases. 35,523 Cases. 116 Cases. 344 Tons. 170 99 18 27 86 Cases. 1,249 505 1,903 No. 255,480 5,200 Gals. 360 Lb. 17,000 Cases 55 Rarotonga Aitutaki Mangaia Atiu Mauke .. Mitiaro .. Manuae Penrykn Rakahanga Manihiki Palmerston Suwarrow Pukapuka 2 1 1 62 201 173 261 24 34,200 I •• Totals 42,979 405 93,686 3,214 35,5241 117 344 ll ,121 3,657 260,680! 360 51,200 65 Rarotonga, Cook. Isli W. J. Stevenso: Collecti •r of Customs. -nds, 17th April, 1 a 7.

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Auditor's Report. Sir, — Rarotonga, sth June, 1917. I have the honour to inform you that I have audited the accounts of the Cook Islands Administration for the year ended 31st March, 1.917, and find them to be correct. I have also audited the books of the High Court and Land Titles Court and find that all moneys received have been duly accounted for. The Resident Commissioner, Rarotonga. A. G. Clarke, Auditor.

Cook Islands Administration. Estimated Expenditure for the Year ending 31st March, 1918. £ s. d. 1. Engineer and Surveyor .. .. .. .. .. 325 0 0 2. Interpreter and Printer .. .. .. .. .. 275 0 0 3. Hospital nurse .. .. .. .. .. .. 150 0 0 4. Foreman of Works .. .. .. .. .. 196 0 0 5. Draughtsman .. .. .. .. .. .. 175 0 0 6. Island allowance, Collector of Customs . . .; .. 150 0 0 7. „ Registrar of Courts .. .. .. 50 0 0 8. „ Sergeant of Police .. .. .. 25 0 0 9. Clerk, Land Office 90 0 0 10. „ Registrar's Office .. .. .. .. .. 113 0 0 11. „ Post Office.. .. .. .. .. .. 100 0 0 12. Cadet, Registrar's Office .. .. .. .. .. 36 0 0 13. Resident Agent, Mangaia .. .. .. .. .. 245 0 0 14. „ Atiu 220 0 0 15. „ Aitutaki .. .. .. .. .. 220 0 0 16. „ Penrhyn .. 220 0 0 17. „ Rakahanga and Manihiki .. .. .. 200 0 0 18. Native Agent, Mitiaro .. .. .. .. .. 50 0 0 19. Resident Agent, Pukapuka .. .. .. .. 200 0 0 20. Native police, Rarotonga .. .. .. .. .. 195 0 0 21. „ Aitutaki .. .. .. .. .. 44 0 0 22. „ Mauke .. .. .. .. .. 20 0 0 23. „ Mitiaro 15 0 0 24. „ Penrhyn .. .. .. .. .. 21 0 0 25. „ Mangaia .. .. .. .. .. 41 0 0 26. „ Rakahanga and Manihiki .. .. .. 40 0 0 27. Native Assessor, Rakahanga and Manihiki .. .. .. 10 0 0 28. Contingent expenditure, High Court .. .. .. 360 0 0 29. „ General 400 0 0 30. „ Land Court .. .. .. 300 0 0 31. Head-money for destruction of flying-foxes and rats .. .. 600 0 0 32. Maintenance of lunatics .. .. . . .. .. 120 0 0 33. „ lepers .. .. .. .. .. 200 0 0 34. Hospital supplies and attendants .. .. .. .. 1,000 0 0 35. Rents— £ s. d. Wharf-site .. .. .. .. 5 0 0 Post-office 8 15 0 Registrar's house .. .. .. ..1200 25 15 0 36. Subsidy, boatman, Mangaia .. .. .. .. 1000 37. „ „ Aitutaki .. .. .. .. 9 0 0 38. „ „ Atiu .. .. .. .. .. 300 39. „ „ Mauke .. .. .. .. .. 600 40. ~ Carrying mails in Group .. .. .. .. 20 0 0 41. ~ wireless station, Rarotonga .. .. .. 500 0 0 42. Education —Salaries and material for technical school.. .. 100 0 0 43. ~ Salary, Schoolmaster at Palmerston (twenty months) 25 0 0 44. House allowance, Interpreter and Printer .. .. . . 40 0 0 45. Allowances, Registrars of Births and Deaths at Mitiaro, Palmerston, and Pukapuka .. .. .. .. 11 0 0 46. Postal services, Rarotonga .. .. .. .. .. 65 0 0 47. Native police, Atiu . .•■ .. '.. ... .. 20 0 0 48. Assistant Printer, Rarotonga ... .. .. .. 90 0 0 7,330 15 0 Estimated public-works expenditure as per schedule .. 3,685 0 0 Total .. .. .. .. ... .. £11,005 15 0 SESSSrpSSS3p39SB3 F. W. Platts, Rarotonga, Cook Islands, Bth June, 1917. Resident Commissioner.

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Proposed Expenditure on Public Works during the Year ending 31sl March, 1918. £ School buildings, &c, Avarua .. .. .. .. .. 1,000 Roads and bridges . . .. .. .. .. .. . . 800 Rarotonga water-supply .. .. .. .. .. .. 600 Upkeep of buildings .. .. .. .. .. .. 150 Aitutaki water-supply, &c. .. .. .. .. .. .. 500 Tanks, Mangaia .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 30 ~ Palmerston .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 125 ~ Penrhyn (to complete payments) .. .. .. .. 60 ~ Manihiki ~ .. .. .. .. .. 70 Experimental farm .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 350 £3,685 F. W. Platts, Rarotonga, Cook Islands, Bth June, 1917. Resident Commissioner.

REPORT OF REGISTRAR OP THE HIGH COURT. Sir,— I have the honour to report as follows on the work of the High Court at Rarotonga during the year ended the 31st March, 1917 :■ — The number of criminal cases has greatly increased, as is shown by the following table :■ —

The principal increases are in the convictions for bush-beer drinking and for wandering animals. The increase in the former is due, no doubt, to the appointment of permanent Native police and to the strict supervision and diligence of the European sergeant. As to the latter, the increase is due entirely to the repeal of the Wandering Animals Ordinance, under which the offender avoided the issue of a summons by the payment to a constable of the sum of ss. Civil cases : 152 civil cases were dealt with during the year, as against 112 for the preceding year. The increase is due, no doubt, to the repeal of the Private Debts Act. The fees and fines collected during the year amounted to £578 12s. 6d. The fines outstanding amount to £55 Is. lOd. The High Court Office was the medium for the collection of £780 13s. 6d. The Resident Commissioner, Rarotonga. F. Mitchell, Registrar. REPORT OF REGISTRAR OF THE LAND COURT. Sir — I have the honour to report as follows on the work of the Native Land Court for the year ended the 31st March, 1917 :— The Court sat at Rarotonga on every available day from the 26th July, .1916, to the 12th March, 1917. During that period the following applications were disposed of: Investigation, 24 ; partition, 36 ; succession, 123 ; confirmation, 42 ; adoption, 19 ; amendment, 55 ; appointment of trustee, 55 ; miscellaneous, 8 : total, 362. The fees collected during the year amount to £108 7s. 3d. The fees outstanding on the 31st March amount to £555 14s. 3d., made up as follows : Rarotonga, £435 16s. 3d. ; Aitutaki, £45 6s. ; Mauke, £73 12s. ; Mangaia, £1 : total, £555 14s. 3d. Owing to pressure of work the collection of these outstanding fees has had to stand over, but it is hoped that the greater part will be collected during the current year. The applications awaiting sittings of the Court are as follows : Aitutaki, 324 ; Mauke, 39 ; Mangaia, 1; Atiu, 43 ; Mitiaro, 10; Penrhyn, 3 ; Rakahanga, 2 ; Manihiki, 5. I have, &c, The Resident Commissioner, Rarotonga. F. Mitchell, Registrar.

1916-17. 1915-16. Gonviotions. Dismissals. I Totals. Totals. iffences against the person ,, property ,, liquor laws ,, regulations ,, public order Ither offences 33 27 410 83 149 50 4 30 16 18 39 52 i 37 57 426 101 1.88 102 47 70 274 131 10 27 Totals 752 159 911 559

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REPORT OF REGISTRAR OF BIRTHS, ETC. Sir,— The following are the vital statistics for the year ended the 31st December, 1916 :—

The above figures have been obtained mainly from the registers of the London Missionary and other societies ; but, as registration with these societies is not compulsory, it is very doubtful whether the figures are at all complete. Owing to the delay in the supply of registers, &c, the Administration could not take over the registration until the Ist April, 1917. The new system, however, is now working in all. the islands except Pukapuka,, with which island there has been no communication for some months. The Resident Commissioner, Rarotonga. P. Mitchell, Registrar.

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Island and Village. Births. Deaths. Marriage*. Rarotonga Aitutaki Mangaia Penrhyn Manihiki (six months) Rakahanga (six months) Atiu Pukapuka, Mauke, and Mitiaro (no returns). 127 69 43 3 8 5 29 113 50 41 4 50 15 5 2 13 8 22 2 (i Totals 284 251 80

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NIUE ISLAND. REPORT OF RESIDENT COMMISSIONER. Sir, — Cook Islands Administration, Niue, 2nd April, 1917. I have the honour to report as follows on the work of this Administration for the year ended 31st March, 1917 :■=— Finance. The revenue derived from all sources amounted to £2,067 12s. 6d., and the expenditure to £1,747 3s. 7d. As compared with the year 1915-16 the revenue shows an increase of £1.53 16s. 7d. and the expenditure a reduction of £346 15s. 4d. The balance at credit of the Administration, which stood at £727 os. 4d. on the Ist April, 1916, was £1,047 lis. 3d. on the 31st March, 191.7. As no public works were carried out during the past year the expenditure represents the ordinary recurring expenses of the Administration. Full particulars of the receipts and expenditure will be found in statements A and B and the several supporting statements which are herewith, Trade. The total value of the imports for the year 1916 is £9,512 and the exports £3,379. These figures are the smallest recorded since the Government was instituted. The island has not yet recovered from the effects of the disastrous hurricane of January, 1915, and the subsequent drought. During the greater part of the year 1915 and the whole of 191.6 the ordinary Native foods were extremely scarce ; consequently the coconuts which otherwise would have been turned into copra and. exported were consumed as food. Altogether the Niueans have passed through a very trying period, but, thanks to an. abnormally large rainfall, the island has made an excellent recovery, and at the time of writing there is an exceptionally heavy crop of nuts on the trees, and everything points to a speedy return to prosperous times. Returns of the imports and exports for the year are attached hereto. Subsidized Schooner Service. At the beginning of 1916 a new contract was entered into for the service by schooner between Auckland and Niue direct. The contract, which is for two years, provides for six round voyages from Auckland to Niue and back to Auckland each. year. Unfortunately the " Kereru," the ship appointed to carry out the contract, was practically destroyed by fire at Auckland in January, 1916, and owing to the delay in securing and refitting the " Awanui " that schooner was late in leaving Auckland on the first voyage. Consequently the ship was able to complete only five voyages instead of six. During normal times, when trade is flourishing, this would have meant a great loss to the traders and people of Niue, but happening as it did during the very slack period no great inconvenience has been occasioned. However, the missing of the sixth trip has meant that the people of Niue have been cut off from all communication with the outside world for a period of over four months. Public Works. During the year no new works were commenced. It is proposed, however, to erect a small prison in Alofi in the course of a month or two at an estimated cost of £500. This work would have been commenced earlier, but owing to the contract schooner not making the sixth voyage at the end of last year the necessary material could not be procured. Government Buildings. During the year all necessary repairs to Government buildings have been made, and the buildings painted. Emigration and Immigration. Sixty-seven persons, including nine Europeans, left Niue for other places, while 182, including fourteen Europeans, arrived in Niue. Apart from those engaged in military services the movements of Natives were very small. Vital Statistics. The following is the total number of births, deaths, and marriages registered during the year 1916-17 and the four preceding years : — Year. Births. Deaths. Marriages. 1912-13 ..' .. .. .. .. -.106 99 45 1913-14 .. .. .. .. .. ..94 80 48 1914-15 .. .. .. .. .. ..93 73 70 1915-16 .. .. .. .. .. ..94 100 41 1916-17 .. .. .. .. .. ..82 128 63 It will be noticed that the number of births is smaller than usual. This may be accounted for by the fact that a large number of the young men of the island were away on active service. The number of deaths recorded is much larger than usual, and is undoubtedly due to a very large extent to the excessively wet year that has been experienced.

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The High Court and the Native Land Court. In the civil jurisdiction of the High Court fourteen cases of divorce were dealt with, there being practically no other business. 126 criminal cases were dealt with. Fees and fines amounted to £52 7s. The Niucans do not appear to be so fond of litigation as the Natives in some of the other islands. As regards the Native Land Court, only one case has been heard and determined so far. In the absence of a surveyor, not much practical progress is possible. Medical and Health. Attached will be found a report made by Dr. Barraclough, the Medical Officer, on the health of the people of the island. As regards the doctor's remarks about the hospital for Nine, I may say that I hope to recommend the acquirement of a piece of land situated on the high land above the Village of Alofi. The piece of land I refer to was recommended to me by Dr. Dawson, when that gentleman was Medical Officer here, as a very suitable site for a hospital. I have shown Dr. Barraclough the site referred to, and he has also approved of it, provided the land is of sufficient area —say, 5 to 6 acres. It is pre-eminently the most central and convenient place for a hospital, and the land has never been put to much use by the Native owner. If after a careful inspection it is found that sufficient area is available I will recommend that the land be compulsorily acquired under the Cook Islands Act. Even if it is not possible at the present time to find the necessary money for the erection and maintenance of a hospital, it will be a step in the right direction to have the site ready. Estimates tor 1917-18. I attach hereto my estimates of the expenditure for the current year. They have been put as low as possible, consistent with efficiency. You will observe that a sum. of £300 is set apart for the maintenance of roads. ' That represents the expenditure of the estimated receipts under Local Ordinance No. 6. If the land required for prison, police, and hospital purposes is acquired during this year I estimate the sum of £325 will be required for compensation to the owners of the land. It is very difficult to frame an estimate of the probable revenue for the current year, as so much depends on the success or otherwise of the coconut crop. However, provided that everything goes along well, I estimate that the total revenue will amount to £2,800. I have, &c, H. Cornwall, The Hon. Minister for the Cook Islands. Resident Commissioner. Extracts prom the Report of Dr. Herbert Barraclough, M.8., Medical Officer, Niue Island. Alofi, Niue, 2nd April, 1917. I have the honour to present my report on the medical state of the Island of Niue during the nine months which have elapsed since my arrival here on the 30th June, 1916. During this period there has been a very large amount of sickness on the island- —more, I am assured on. good authority, than there has been at any one time in the past thirty years. This has very considerably raised the numbers attended to at the dispensary and the visits paid to patients in their own homes. At the dispensary the number of consultations or of medicines issued reached the high total of 10,948, and there were in addition 2,554 visits paid. This latter figure includes all those seen and attended to during my periodical visits to the outlying villages. All the outside villages have been frequently visited, though, on account of the incidence of sickness, some have at different times received more of my attention than others. The largely increased sickness during the last three months of the year 1.916 was mainly of a general character, though at one time' it almost assumed the proportions of an outbreak of epidemic pneumonia. Also a large proportion of chronic cases swelled the mortality. In November, for instance, there were twenty deaths, not less than 75 per cent, being due to chronic diseases. The cause of this outbreak was undoubtedly the abnormally heavy rainfall'—l 4-60 in. and 13-96 in. falling in November and December respectively. This, as is usual, badly affected the old people, 36 per cent, of the deaths during those two months being due to old age or diseases incident thereto. Tuberculosis. —This fell disease, the white man's curse, seems likely to become the brown man's curse also. During the past nine months fourteen, deaths occurred from this cause. Besides these there are many cases under treatment which are doing well, the disease having been detected at an early stage. This is always difficult to do, as the Niuean will not take the trouble to come and see the doctor until discomfort or pain compel him to do so. The problem of what is to be done to fight this terrible disease is beset with great difficulty. Vigorous measures will certainly have to be taken ere long to cope with the evil. Malignant Disease. —This is slowly but surely laying its deadly grip upon the island, there having been five deaths from cancer and two from sarcoma during the past nine months. There are also three cases of cancer at present under observation.

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The High Court and the Native Land Court. In the civil jurisdiction of the High Court fourteen cases of divorce were dealt with, there being practically no other business. 126 criminal cases were dealt with. Fees and fines amounted to £52 7s. The Niueans do not appear to be so fond of litigation as the Natives in some of the other islands. As regards the Native Land Court, only one case has been heard and determined so far. In the absence of a surveyor, not much practical progress is possible. Medical and Health. Attached will be found a report made by Dr. Barraclough, the Medical Officer, on the health of the people of the island. As regards the doctor's remarks about the hospital for Nine, I may say that I hope to recommend the acquirement of a piece of land situated on the high land above the Village of Alofi. The piece of land I refer to was recommended to me by Dr. Dawson, when that gentleman was Medical Officer here, as a very suitable site for a hospital. I have shown Dr. Barraclough the site referred to, and he has also approved of it, provided the land is of sufficient area ■ —say, 5 to 6 acres. It is pre-eminently the most central and convenient place for a hospital, and the land has never been put to much use by the Native owner. If after a careful inspection it is found that sufficient area is available I will recommend that the land be compulsorily acquired under the Cook Islands Act. Even if it is not possible at the present time to find the necessary money for the erection and maintenance of a hospital, it will be a step in the right direction to have the site ready. Estimates for 1917-18. I attach hereto my estimates of the expenditure for the current year. They have been put as low as possible, consistent with efficiency. You will observe that a sum. of £300 is set apart for the maintenance of roads. ' That represents the expenditure of the estimated receipts under Local Ordinance No. 6. If the land required for prison, police, and hospital purposes is acquired during this year I estimate the sum of £325 will be required for compensation to the owners of the land. It is very difficult to frame an estimate of the probable revenue for the current year, as so much depends on the success or otherwise of the coconut crop. However, provided that everything goes along well, I estimate that the total revenue will amount to £2,800. I have, &c, H. Cornwall, The Hon. Minister for the Cook Islands. Resident Commissioner. Extracts from the Report of Dr. Herbert Barraclough, M.8., Medical Officer, Niue Island. Alofi, Nine, 2nd April, 1917. I have the honour to present my report on the medical state of the Island of Niue during the nine months which have elapsed since my arrival here on the 30th June, 1916. During this period there has been a very large amount of sickness on the island- —more, I am assured on. good authority, than there has been at any one time in the past thirty years. This has very considerably raised the numbers attended to at the dispensary and the visits paid to patients in their own homes. At the dispensary the number of consultations or of medicines issued reached the high total of 10,948, and there were in addition 2,554 visits paid. This latter figure includes all those seen and attended to during my periodical visits to the outlying villages. All the outside villages have been frequently visited, though, on account of the incidence of sickness, some have at different times received more of my attention than others. The largely increased sickness during the last three months of the year 1.916 was mainly of a general character, though at one time' it almost assumed the proportions of an outbreak of epidemic pneumonia. Also a large proportion of chronic cases swelled the mortality. In November, for instance, there were twenty deaths, not less than 75 per cent, being due to chronic diseases. The cause of this outbreak was undoubtedly the abnormally heavy rainfall- —14-60 in. and 13-96 in. falling in November and December respectively. This, as is usual, badly affected the old people, 36 per cent, of the deaths during those two months being due to old age or diseases incident thereto. Tuberculosis. —This fell disease, the white man's curse, seems likely to become the brown man's curse also. During the past nine months fourteen, deaths occurred from this cause. Besides these there are many cases under treatment which are doing well, the disease having been detected at an early stage. This is always difficult to do, as the Niuean will not take the trouble to come and see the doctor until discomfort or pain compel him to do so. The problem of what is to be done to fight this terrible disease is beset with great difficulty. Vigorous measures will certainly have to be taken ere long to cope with the evil. Malignant Disease. —This is slowly but surely laying its deadly grip upon the island, there having been five deaths from cancer and two from sarcoma during the past nine months. There are also three cases of cancer at present under observation.

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Skin-diseases. —These are almost entirely parasitic in nature. The various species of the genus Tinea abound. Scabies is much rarer, though possibly many cases of this disease are concealed by the patients. The commonest skin-disease, however, is pityriasi, on the east of the island especially. Litchen is not uncommon. Eye-diseases. —This island would be a " happy hunting-ground " for an opthamologist. Chronic conjunctivitis is the commonest of all. Out of a large number of these latter cases examined I have been unable to find an undoubted case of trachoma. Leprosy. —Two leprosy scares were started by Natives, the alleged victims being near relatives of the leper who died here over a year ago. One proved to be incipient elephantiasis and the other a mild case of ichthyosis. It can be positively asserted that there is no leprosy on the island at the present time. Tropical Diseases. —The only two diseases of this class indigenous to Niue are yaws and filariasis —that is, elephantiasis. The question of the prevalence of yaws brings up the eternal problem of the relationship of the specific form of the disease to syphilis. Suffice it to say that the eruption is absolutely atypical, and a differential diagnosis between the two diseases is always difficult and often impossible. As, however, the same treatment is as efficient for one as for the other, this is not of much practical importance. There are a few cases of elephantiasis spread over the island, but their number relatively or absolutely is not great. Heat-stroke and Heat-apoplexy. —Five cases of this nature occurred during the past few months' Two died, one in the bush at night, before my assistance could be obtained ; one resulted in a temporary attack of insanity ; one in total blindness, but the sight of one eye has recovered ; one at present under treatment and apparently improving has retro-ocular hemorrhage, with the blindness of one eye. Hospital. —I most earnestly draw your attention to the great need of hospital accommodation, even on a small scale, in Niue. It is an undoubted fact that during the severe sickness which has covered the island during the past few months many lives could have been saved by skilled nursing and hospital treatment. Even without these conveniences many recoveries have occurred in Alofi, where the patients were under my constant observation, who would have undoubtedly died in the outlying villages. Also, major operations, such as abdominal sections, could not be performed in Native houses. I know that nothing can be done until after the close of the war, but I can only hope that the first post bellum estimates of the Cook Islands Department will include a grant for the much-needed hospital on the Island of Niue.

Niue Island Administration. Statement of Revenue-for the Financial Year ended 31st March, 1917. £ s. d. £ g. d. Ist April, 1916 —Balance forward .. .. .. .. ... .. 727 0 4 Customs duties .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 1,247 15 1 Dog-tax .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 250 High Court fines and fees .. .. .. .. .. .. 52 7 0 Native Land Court fees .. .. .. .. .. .. 410 0 Interest on investments . . .. .. .. .. .. 35 0 0 Licenses .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 124 1.7 9 Liquor-sales .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 52 7 6 Medical aid and attendance .. .. .. ... .. 4 18 6 Registration fees .. .. .. .. .. .. 17 16 0 School fees .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 15 4 6 Shipping fees .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 110 Stamp-sales . . . . .. .. .. .. .. 108 8 6 Sundry receipts .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 1110 Contributions to Medical Fund- — £ s. d. New Zealand Government .. .. .. 208 0 0 Niue Natives .. .. .. .. 191 12 8 399 12 8 — 2,067 14 6 Total revenue .. .. .. .. .. .. .. £2,794 1.4 10 Joseph P. McMahon-Box, Treasurer. Niue, 2nd April, 1917. H. Cornwall, Resident Commissioner.

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Niue Island Administration. Statement of Expenditure for the Financial Year ended 31st March, 1917. £ s. d. Councillors .. . . .. .. . . .. .. .. .. 32 17 3 Togia, late President of Niue Council .. .. .. .. .. .. 48 15 8 Magistrates, Native .. .. . . .. .. .. .. .. 818 10 Police, Native .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 68 14 8 Officer in Charge of Police, local travelling-expenses .. . . .. .. 15 311 Police officer's quarters, rent of .. .. .. .. .. .. 10 5 0 Prisoners, food for .. . . .. .. .. .. .. .. 66 14 11 „ supervision of .. .. . . .. . . .. .. 66 13 3 Dispenser .. .. .. . . .. .. . . .. .. 51 12 3 Medical supplies and assistance .. .. .. . . .. .. 533 14 4 Medical Officer, local travelling-expenses . . .. .. .. .. 103 511 Interpreter .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 42 10 0 Translation of laws .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 110 0 Printing and stationery .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 42 17 6 Office fittings and requisites .. .. .. .. . . .. .. 33 4: 9 Public library . . .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 10 2 Tufukia School, working-expenses .. .. .. .. .. .. 163 12 8 ~ extra desks, &c. .. .. .. .. .. .. 55 9 2 Maintenance and upkeep of Government buildings .. .. .. .. 235 14 10 ~ of reservoirs .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 446 ~ of jetty, boats, &c. . . .. .. . . .. . . 2 510 Miscellaneous services .. .. .. .. .. .. .. . . 82 1 7 Erection of stable .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 1116 8 Furniture for Government buildings .. ... .. .. .. .. 196 Clearing prison-site .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 116 0 Liquor purchased .. .. .. .. .. .. .. . . 54 4 5 Total expenditure . . .. .. .. .. .. .. 1,747 3 7 Balance, 31st March, 1917— £ s. d. Cash in hand .. .. .. .. .. .. 727 7 10 Current account, Bank of New Zealand .. .. .. 320 3 5 — — 1,047 11 3 £2,794 14 10 Joseph P. McMahon-Box, Treasurer. Niue, 2nd April, 19.17. H. Cornwall, Resident Commissioner.

Estimated Expenditure for the Financial Year ending 31st March, 1918. £ s. d. Councillors .. .. .. .. .. .. .. . . .. 55 0 0 Police officer, European . . .. .. .. . . .. ... 180 0 0 Police, Native .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 100 0 0 Food for prisoners .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 50 0 0 Supervision of prisoners on labour works.. .. .. .. .. . . 60 0 0 Medical supplies and assistance .. .. . . .. . . . . 500 0 0 Medical Officer, local travelling .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 90 0 0 Interpreter .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 60 0 0 Translation of laws .. .. .. . . .. . . .. . . 40 0 0 Printing and stationery .. . . .. .. . . .. .. 50 0 0 Office fittings, &c. .. .. .. • .. .. .. .. .. 20 0 0 Tufukia School, working-expenses . . .. .. .. .. .. 250 0 0 „ extra furniture .. . . .. .. .. .. .. 25 0 0 Maintenance and upkeep of Government buildings . . .. .. .. 75 0 0 ~ of reservoirs .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 1000 of jetty, boats, &c. .. .. ..' .. .. .. 10 0 0 Miscellaneous services . . .. .. .. .. . . .. .. 75 0 0 Purchase of liquor . . . . .. . . .. .. .. .. 50 0 0 Maintenance of roads . . .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 300 0 0 Erection of prison .. .. . . .. .. . . .. .. 500 0 0 Taking of land for prison and police purposes .. .. .. .. . . 175 0 0 „ hospital purposes .. .. .. .. .. .. 150 0 0 £2,825 0 0 H. Cornwall, Nine, 2nd April, 1917. Resident Commissioner.

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Principal Imports for the Year ended 31st December, 1916.

Exports for the Year ended 31st December, 1916.

ORDINANCES. No. I.—The Niue Copra Ordinance, 1916. An Ordinance to regulate the Making and Selling of Copra in Niue Be it enacted by the Island Council of Niue in Council assembled, and by the authority of the same, as follows : — 1. This Ordinance may be cited as the Niue Copra Ordinance, 1916. 2. (1.) It is forbidden for any person to make, sell, purchase, or have in his possession copra made from immature coconuts. (2.) For the purposes of this section "immature coconuts" means coconuts that have not ripened on and fallen naturally from the tree. 3. It is forbidden for any person to sell, purchase, export, or have in his possession stored ready for export,— (a.) Copra that is not properly dried : (6.) Copra that is dirty or rotten : (c.) Copra affected by contact with fresh water.

From New Zealand. Prom Australia. From Total other Places. j Agricultural produce Animals-—horses Apparel and slops Bicycles Biscuits Boots and shoes Butter and cheese Cotton piece-goods Drapery Drugs and chemicals Fish, preserved Flour Furniture and joinery Hardware Matches Meats, preserved and salted Milk, preserved Oil, kerosene, and benzine Perfumery Rice £ 50 30 539 121 806 170 176 1,034 184 640 233 182 255 211 134 584 105 176 97 4.01 204 91 106 175 64 744 1,422 £ 19 45 7 4 1 1 155 17 2 5 £ £ 69 31. 61 19 603 128 810 171 1.77 70 1,259 5 206 642 233 187 255 218 134 584 106 179 2 100 403 204 2 99 108 175 64 760 1,577 7 1 3 I 2 Soap Stationery and books Sugar Timber, sawn Tinware Tobacco, cigars, and cigarettes Miscellaneous 6 2 16 155 Totals 8,934 449 129 9,512

To New Zealand. Quantity. Value. Copra Fungus Hats Other goods .. 87 tons 63,246 1b. 1,278 dozen £ 1,196 1,297 600 286 £3,379 Total

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4. Every officer of police may at any time during business hours visit the premises of any trader or exporter of copra and examine the copra therein stored, and may al any time visit any place where copra, is being dried. Any officer of police may seize any copra which in Ids opinion does not comply with the provisions of this Ordinance. 5. Any copra the cause of any conviction may be confiscated arid destroyed by an order of the High Court. 6. Every one is liable lo a line not exceeding ten pounds who infringes any of the provisions of this Ordinance. Passed by the Island Council of Niue, this thirty-first day of October, one thousand nine hundred and sixteen. Joseph P. McMahon-Box, Clerk of the Island Council of Niue. Assented to on behalf of the Governor, this thirty-first day of October, one thousand nine hundred and sixteen. H. Cornwall, [l.s.] Resident Commissioner of Niue.

No. 2.—The Niue Traders' Hours of Business Ordinance, 1916. An Ordinance to regulate the Hours of Business of Licensed Traders in Niue. Be it enacted by the Island Council of Niue in Council assembled, and by the authority of the same, as follows :— 1. This Ordinance may be cited as the Niue Traders' Hours of Business Ordinance, 191.6. 2. (1.) The following hours of business shall be observed by traders, and no trader shall carry on the business of buying, selling, and bartering at other hours : Week-days, except Wednesdays, from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Wednesdays, from 7 a.m. to noon. (2.) Nothing herein contained shall binder a trader from attending to the lauding and shipping of goods at other than the appointed hours of business when a ship is in port. 3. (1.) The following days shall be observed as holidays by traders and their employees, and no business of any kind whatever shall be carried on on those days : New Year's Day, 2nd January, Good Friday, Easter Monday, the Sovereign's birthday, Christmas Day, and Boxing Day. (2.) When New Year's Day, or 2nd January, or Christmas Day, or Boxing Day falls on a Sunday, then the Monday and Tuesday following that Sunday shall be observed as holidays; also when the Sovereign's birthday falls on a Sunday the following Monday shall be observed as a holiday. 4. Every one is liable to a fine not exceeding ten pounds who infringes any of the provisions of this Ordinance. Passed by the Island Council of Niue, this thirty-first day of October, one thousand nine hundred and sixteen. Joseph P. MoMaiion-Box, Clerk of the Island Council of Niue. Assented to on behalf of the Governor, this thirty-first day of October, one thousand nine hundred and sixteen. H. Cornwall, [l.s.J Resident Commissioner of Niue. No. 3.—The Niue Fish-protection Ordinance, 1916. An Ordinance to impose Restrictions upon the Practice of destroying Fish by Means of Explosives. Be it enacted by the Island Council of Niue in Council assembled, and by the authority of the same, as follows :— 1. This Ordinance may be cited as the Niue Fish-protection Ordinance, 1916. 2. Every person who uses dynamite or other explosive substance to catch or destroy fish in the waters surrounding Niue is liable to a fine not exceeding ten pounds. 3. Every person who accompanies or assists any person using dynamite or other explosive substance to catch or destroy fish as aforesaid shall be held to be guilty of the principal offence. Passed by the Island Council of Niue, this fourteenth day of November, one thousand nine hundred and sixteen. Joseph P. McMahon-Box, Clerk of the Island Council of Niue. Assented to on behalf of the Governor, this fourteenth day of November, one thousand nine hundred and sixteen. H. Cornwall, [ij-S.j Resident Commissionei of Niue. No. 4.—The Niue Traffic Regulation Ordinance, 1916 An Ordinance to make Provision for the Regulation of Traffic on the Roads of Niue. Be it enacted by the Island Council of Niue in Council assembled, and by the authority of the same, as follows : — 1. This Ordinance may be cited as the Niue Traffic Regulation Ordinance, 1916.

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2. (1.) Every one is liable to a fine not exceeding five pounds who does any of the following things on a road :— (a.) Drives an entire horse or any savage or dangerous animal loose. (b.) Drives any vehicle in his charge without having reins to guide the horse or other animal drawing the same. (c.) Allows any vehicle drawn by a horse or other animal to proceed along a road without the horse or other, animal being led or controlled by reins. (d.) Does not keep any vehicle driven or propelled, or animal ridden or led by him, on the left or near side of the road when meeting, and on the right or off side when passing, another vehicle or animal, or does not leave a reasonable portion of the road for any vehicle or animal passing him. (c.) Drives or rides any vehicle in his charge after one hour after sunset and before one hour before sunrise without exhibiting a light on such vehicle. (/.) Having charge of a vehicle to which a horse or other animal is attached, leaves such vehicle unattended without the horse being tied up or at least one of the wheels of such vehicle being securely fastened. (g.) Causes or allows any timber or other heavy material not being wholly raised above the ground on Avheels to be dragged on the road. (2.) In this Ordinance, if not inconsistent with the context, "vehicle" means any wheeled vehicle drawn by a horse or other animal or other means, or propelled by any mechanical means, and includes bicycles and tricycles. Passed by the Island Council of Niue, this fourteenth day of November, one thousand nine hundred and sixteen. Joseph P. McMahon-Box, Clerk of the Island Council of Niue. Assented to on behalf of the Governor, this fourteenth day of November, one thousand nine hundred and sixteen. H. Cornwall [l.s.J Resident Commissioner of Niue.

No. s.—The Niue Dog Registration Ordinance, 1916. An Ordinance to provide for the Registration of Dogs in Niue. Be it enacted by the Island Council of Niue in Council assembled, and by the authority of the same, as follows :— 1. This Ordinance may be cited as the Niue Dog Registration Ordinance, 1916. 2. Subject to the conditions hereinafter contained, any person who keeps a dog of a greater age than six months shall pa}' to the Government a registration fee of five shillings per annum, and such registration fee shall become payable at the Government Office, Alofi, on the first day of April in each and every year. 3. Any person who keeps a, dog and fails to pay the registration fee on or before the thirtieth day of April of the year in which such registration fee becomes payable shall be liable to a fine nol exceeding three pounds over and above the amount of any fee payable in respect of the registration of a dog. 4. In respect to every first registration made after the month of September in any year there shall be payable only one-half of the registration fee. 5. Until payment of the appropriate fee the registration shall not be deemed to have been duly made. 6. There shall be supplied to every person who registers a, dog a dog-collar bearing a metal label affixed thereto, such label having marked thereon the registered number and the year for which the same is issued. 7. Duplicate collars shall be issued on payment of the original cost thereof on affirmation that the original has been lost or stolen. 8. The name and residence of every person who procures a collar shall be entered in a register-book to be kept for that purpose at the Government Office, and opposite the name shall be registered the number of each collar purchased by such person, and a description of the dog by which such collar is to be worn. 9. Every person who wilfully inserts or omits, or wilfully causes or permits to be inserted or omitted, in any such description any matter or thing contrary to, or for the purpose of concealment, the truth is liable to a fine not exceeding five pounds. 10. Where the ownership of a dog is changed the registration of such clog shall continue good, and the registration collar shall, upon the application of the new owner, remain with the dog ; but the name of the new owner of such dog shall, upon application by him, be entered in the register-book in substitution of the name of the previous owner thereof without payment of any fee; and thereupon, for the purpose of this Ordinance, such new owner shall take the place of the previous owner. 11. Dogs without collars having the proper registration labels thereon shall prima facie be deemed to be unregistered; and any person upon whose land such dog is found, or his agent, or any person duly authorized by the Government, may destroy any such dog. 12. Every one who falsely makes or counterfeits, or, knowing the same to be counterfeit, purchases, uses, or has in his possession, any label resembling or apparently intended to resemble or pass for a metal label supplied at the Government Office under this Ordinance is for every such offence liable to a fine not exceeding twenty pounds.

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13. Every person who, after the thirtieth day of April in every year, has in his following or keep any dog wearing a label issued in any previous year, which dog has not been registered for the then current year, is liable to a fine not exceeding three pounds. 14. Every person who has in bis following or keep any dog wearing a label issued in respect to another dog.is liable to a fine not exceeding ten pounds. 15. This Ordinance shall come into operation on the first day of April, one thousand nine hundred and seventeen. • Passed by the Island Council of Niue, this fourteenth day of November, one thousand nine hundred and sixteen. Joseph P. McMahon-Box, Clerk of the Island Council of Niue. Assented to on behalf of the Governor, this fourteenth day of November, one thousand nine hundred and sixteen. H. Cornwall [l.s.J Resident Commissioner of Nine.

No. 6.—The Niue Aid to Revenue Ordinance, 1916. An Ordinance to provide for the Collection of Additional Revenue and the Appropriation of the same. Be it enacted by the Island Council of Niue in Council assembled, and by the authority of the same, as follows : — 1. This Ordinance may be cited as the Niue Aid to Revenue Ordinance, 1916. 2. Every male Native who is over the age of eighteen years shall pay to the Government an annual contribution amounting to ten shillings. 3. Such contribution shall become payable at the Covernment Office, Alofi, on the first day of July in each year. 4. In the case of every person who does not pay such contribution within a period of thirty days from the date when such contribution becomes payable there shall be paid, by way of penalty, a sum of five shillings over and above the amount of such contribution. 5. In the case of every person liable under this Ordinance who makes default in the payment of any contribution, such contribution and penalty shall be recoverable in the High Court by the Treasurer of Niue, on behalf of the Crown, by suit in his official name. 6. The Treasurer of Niue shall keep a roll of all male Natives, showing their ages, places of abode, and any other particulars that may be necessary for the proper carrying-out of the provisions of this Ordinance; and such Treasurer shall also keep a register of those Natives who make payments, showing the amount of contribution and penalty (if any) paid by each contributor and the year for which the contribution was paid. 7. The Treasurer of Niue shall at the time of payment hand to every person who pays a contribution or penalty under this Ordinance a receipt for the amount so paid, and the production of such receipt by a contributor shall be regarded as conclusive evidence of the payment by him of such contribution or penalty. 8. In the case of any dispute as to the age of any male Native, the Treasurer of Niue shall refer the matter to the Resident Commissioner, who, after hearing evidence on the subject, shall decide the matter, and his decision thereon shall be regarded as final. 9. The revenue derived from contributions and penalties collected under the authority of this Ordinance shall be appropriated annually as follows : — («.) A. sum of two hundred pounds as a subsidy towards the cost of the Niue Medical Service; and (b.) The balance shall be expended on maintaining the public roads. 10. This Ordinance shall come into operation on the first day of July, one thousand nine hundred and seventeen, and shall cease to have any force or effect after the thirtieth day of June, one thousand nine hundred and twenty. Passed by the Island Council of Niue, this fourteenth day of November, one thousand nine hundred and sixteen. Joseph P. McMahon-Box, Clerk of the Island Council of Niue. Assented to on behalf of the Governor, this fourteenth day of November, one thousand nine hundred and sixteen. H. Cornwall, [l.s.] Resident Commissioner of Niue.

Approximate Cost of Paper. — Preparation, not given ; printing (075 copies), £18 10s.

Authority : Maiicus F. Marks, Government Printer, Wellington.—l9l7.

Price 9d.]