COOK AND OTHER ISLANDS. [In continuation of Parliamentary Paper A.-3, 1918.]

Appendix to the Journals of the House of Representatives, 1919 Session I, A-03

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1919. NEW ZEALAND.

COOK AND OTHER ISLANDS. [In continuation of Parliamentary Paper A.-3, 1918.]

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

MB MOKAND U M. Cook Islands Department, Wellington, 22nd August, 1919. The annual reports of the Resident Commissioners at Rarotonga and Nine are attached hereto, in which particulars of the operations for the year are fully set out. The finances of the Administration are satisfactory notwithstanding the disabilities under which the Islands have laboured on account of the war, and the trade prospects are improving. During the year the wireless station at Rarotonga was completed and opened for public use, and has proved a great convenience to the residents of the Islands. Educational matters have received attention. A new school was opened at Avarua, Rarotonga, under a European teacher, making the third school in the island to be so established ; and a school was opened at the Island of Mangaia also under a European teacher. M. Pomace, Minister for the Cook Islands.

COOK ISLANDS. REPORT OF THE RESIDENT COMMISSIONER OF RAROTONGA FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31st MARCH, 1919. Sir, — Rarotonga, Ist July, 1919. I have the honour to submit the following report: — Finance. For the past two years our revenue has steadily increased. This year it amounts to £13,846, an increase of £2,778 over last year's. The expenditure was £12,343 (last year, £12,614). We close the year with a credit balance of £2,785, as against £1,262 for the previous year. Trade and Trade Prospects. During the year our chief exports were 150,000 cases of fruit valued at £41,000 (as against 165,000 cases, of the value of £36,500, the previous year), and 1,750 tons of copra (£37,000) as against 700 tons valued at £19,000. The total value of our imports was £99,632, compared with £80,000 for the year before. As much as other parts of the Empire —perhaps more, because of our geographical position-—the Cook Islands have suffered from the economic pressure of the war, and especially from the dearth of

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shipping. And in this respect the last six months, ended March, 1919, were the most disastrous we have experienced since the war began ; but that was owing to the influenza epidemic here and in New Zealand, and to resultant labour difficulties. Our fruit-export during that period sank to the lowest on record. This season we are doing much better ; but, for all that, not more than one-third of the fruit crop of these Islands is being exported to New Zealand. The rest must rot on the trees because of the lack of shipping-space. As shipping is released from war contracts the position will continue to improve. We can lookforward at an early date to a cargo service to New Zealand that will carry every available case of fruit, say, 500,000 cases, instead of 150,000 cases, during the season. This must mean an unprecedented expansion of trade ; and, as the fruit businesses being so reorganized as to assure to the fruitgrower a profitable return for his produce, the outlook is a bright one. Disputes between Traders and Natives. During the past two years there have been repeated complaints by the Natives of the operations of combines. A combination of four or five traders has for a long time past been strong enough every season to fix the price the Natives must accept for their fruit. It must be remembered that nearly all the fruit exported from the Islands —more than seveneighths of the total output —is grown by the Native planters. The Natives complain that the prices fixed by these organizations have been unreasonably low, and that for a time last season, for example, the fruitgrowers had to accept Is. a case. Similarly, a combination of the same traders has fixed and controlled the price of copra. Hitherto, if the Natives objected, the traders have been able to reduce them to subjection by cutting off trie supply of fruit-cases, copra-bags, &c. ; and they have always held a stronger card in a practical monopoly of steamer and schooner space. This feeling of resentment against the operations of these rings has been stronger since the return of the soldiers, and it reached a climax this season, which began in March. The fruit ring fixed the price at 2s. 6d. per case. The Native fruitgrowers have formed a ring of their own, and they declined to sell under ss. per case. Neither party would alter its price. The Natives then decided to export their fruit themselves, but the traders met that decision by cutting off the supply of fruit-cases and by asserting a claim, based upon long usage, to the shipping-space. Owing to want of capital, and of credit in New Zealand, the Natives have always been dependent upon the local traders for fruit-cases. They now complained to the Administration, and asked for help. Upon inquiry it was found that these statements of the Natives were correct, and the Administration then assisted them to obtain a supply of cases and a share of the shipping-space. They were thus enabled to ship their own fruit directly to the agents selected by themselves. So far this new departure has had very satisfactory results for the Natives, for the fruit for which the buyers tried to make them take 2s. 6d. a case they cleared 10s. a case ; in subsequent shipments they have done even better than that. The same battle has been fought and won by the producers of New Zealand. It is a question of the interests of the whole Native population of the Group as against those of the four or five traders who have hitherto controlled the fruit and copra export trade of the Islands. When shippingfacilities are so increased, as they soon will be, that the Native grower is able to export the whole of his crop, this new trade arrangement will assure him a fair return for his labour and a fair share of the value of his produce. It will thus enable him to raise his standard of living and of comfort, which is sadly in need of improvement. The islanders themselves are the real wealth of the Islands. To promote their general welfare, their health, their education, as well as their material prosperity, is the task of the Administration. Public Health. I attach the report of the Chief Medical Officer, Dr. R. S. Trotter, which discloses a satisfactory state of the public health. The appointment of Sister M. M. la Fontaine as nurse in charge of Aitutaki has proved so successful that similar appointments to other islands are now being considered. This is likely to* be the solution of the difficult problem of providing skilled medical aid for the Natives of the outer islands. Influenza, brought from Tahiti, broke out in September last year. Prompt and effective steps were taken to deal with it. The work of Dr. Moore, Assistant Medical Officer, who carried on until he was himself overcome by the disease, was beyond all praise. The nurse in charge of the hospital (Sister Sisley) and Dr. Storey (temporarily appointed during the absence of the Chief Medical Officer) also rendered excellent service. The thanks of the Administration are due to the European residents, particularly the ladies, who freely gave their services to the organization for fighting the epidemic. ■ Many deaths were caused by lack of proper feeding during the convalescent period. To prevent this a daily supply of nourishing food was provided for all the Native patients who required it. By this means many valuable lives were saved. In the course of five weeks there were forty-five deaths from influenza at Rarotonga, a death-rate of about 1| per cent, of the population. To prevent the

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spread of the disease to the other islands in the Group, where with no medical or nursing assistance available it was seen that the results would have been calamitous, all the mails and passenger traffic were suspended until the danger had passed. One result of the epidemic is the formation of classes at all the schools for teaching the elder girls plain cookery, including the preparation of simple foods for invalids. Education. Education in the Cook islands was placed under the control of the Minister in 1916. Then there were three schools in the Group, two being in Rarotonga and one at Aitutaki. These had an attendance of 450 pupils under nine teachers. Since 1916 two new primary schools have been opened in Rarotonga —viz., Avarua and Titikaveka—one at Palmcrston Island, one at Mauke, and one at Mangaia. There are now eight primary schools at work in the Group, and the ninth will be opened at Atiu this year These primary schools have more than one .thousand scholars being taught by twenty-six teachers. A Technical School, also created since 1916, has been established at Avarua, with classes in agriculture, drawing, and woodwork, and an advanced class in carpentry. Tn most of the schools classes for simple cookery and for mat and basket weaving are held. Three scholarships for annual competition, tenable for two years at St. Stephen's College, Auckland, and created by the Administration, were allotted this year. The first holders of these scholarships are now at the College. Reports of their work are highly satisfactory. This year we have also sent to Wellington four advanced pupils, chosen from the Technical School, to be apprenticed to trades. They are under a bond to return to Rarotonga on the completion of their apprenticeship. By this method the Administration intends to secure the necessary supply of skilled Native artisans required for the Group. Soldiers' Riots. Unfortunately a number of the returned soldiers spoiled their otherwise excellent record by acts of violence and cjime. On Saturday night, 7th March, ten or twelve of the men entered a tea-shop and smashed up the furniture and cookery and looted the premises. On the following night (Sunday) • a crowd of about seventy men, nearly all returned soldiers, attacked one of the largest stores on the island. They burst open the doors and windows, smashed the shop-fittings, and looted or destroyed the contents. The same night they attacked and looted another store. They announced their intention of looting the remaining stores and the spirit-bond. For twenty-four hours the settlement was at the mercy of the rioters. By Monday night, 9th March, however, we had formed a strong body of Native special constables, a number of the better-behaved soldiers had placed themselves under their officers, and practically every white man on the island had offered his services and was sworn in as a special constable. This force was disposed for the protection of the Government buildings, the stores, the gaol, and, later, for the suppression of disorder in the outlying settlements. We had a most trying fortnight until the danger of further outbreaks was past. A special session of the High Court dealt with various charges arising out of the riots against twenty alleged offenders, of whom twelve were convicted and sentenced. There is no doubt that this prompt vindication of the law did a great deal to bring the men to their senses. The causes of the outbreak were drink, the apparent absence of any force that could restrain the men, and the alleged grievances of the soldiers against the traders. At Rarotonga the returned soldiers have now quite settled down as law-abiding citizens. In the outlying islands some of the soldiers have made threats of violence towards the traders, but there has been no breach of the peace. High Court and Native Land Court. The High Court has had a particularly heavy year. Besides the usual sittings, a special session was held at Rarotonga to deal with the soldiers' riots, and the Court visited the outer islands when required. Its work continues to expand. In 1913 the High Court dealt with 360 cases ; the total for 1917 was 623 cases, and for last year 673 cases. Mr. S. Savage, who has had a long and valuable experience in the Courts, was appointed Registrar of the High Court in August last. The Native Land Court has cleared off the arrears of business that had accumulated prior to the appointment of Judge Ayson. This year it will sit at Atiu and at Mauke. Post and Telegraph Department. In 1916 there was one post-office in Rarotonga. We now have a main post-office at Avarua, with three branch offices at Arorangi, Ngataugiia, and Titikaveka respectively; a wireless-telegraph station, commercially successful beyond all anticipation (from its opening in September, 1918, to the 31st March, 1919, it dealt with 720 messages, representing charges to the value of £1,087) ; and a telephone system linking up all the Native settlements with Avarua, which is now being extended to business places and residences. We have provided pillar-boxes in the outskirts of Avarua and postoffice boxes at the post-office.

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The volume of the postal business continues to grow. In 1908 it was £17,139 ;in 1913 it was £65,074 ; in 1918 it was £84,339. The telephone subscription is £5 per annum for a business wire and £2 10s. for a private-house connection, with no limit to distance. The fee for a post-office box is 6s. per annum. Public Works ; The Public Works Department has again had a busy year. The dwellinghouses for the wireless operators are almost completed. Additional schoolrooms have been built at Avarua and at Arorangi. The cool store has been built and is in operation. It has already proved a great boon to the European residents, by enabling them to obtain fresh meat and butter, &c. Private boxes have been provided at the Chief Post-office, all of which are let. The Government buildings and roads and bridges at Rarotonga have been kept in repair. The Administration is devoting special attention to the development of the more backward islands of the Group, and especially to Atiu and Mangaia. Atiu has just been surveyed. Its roads are being laid off. To secure an adequate water-supply a number of large tanks and bathing-places are being built. At Mangaia arrangements for the building of a new open-air schoolroom, and another large cargo-shed, have been completed. At Mauke a new school and teacher's residence are being built. At Aitutaki further improvements of the water-supply are being made. General. A' 'aviijating-light. —A powerful light to assist navigation is to be placed on the wireless tower. Harbour-improvemerti. —A proposal to lay down a large mooring-buoy that will facilitate the loading and discharge of vessels at Avarua is under consideration. Public Library. —A circulating library will be opened shortly at Rarotonga. T have, &c, * F. W. Platts, Resident Commissioner. The Hon. Dr. Pomare, Minister for the Cook Islands, Wellington.

REPORT OF CHIEF MEDICAL OFFICER. Rarotonga, 3rd April, 1919. I beg to present my report for the year ended 31st March, 1919. Upon the Island of Rarotonga 475 visits were made to Europeans, and in addition there were 486 attendances by Europeans at the Hospital; the corresponding figures for Maoris are 1,4-83 and 5,698. This gives a total of 8,142 visits and attendances for the year. The heaviest months for visits and attendances upon Europeans were November, with 153 ; October, with 113 ; and December, with 112 ; the months in which these were lowest were August, with 41 ; and April, with 48. The heaviest visiting months amongst the Maoris wore September, with 310 visits ; March, with 240 ; and August, with 187. The months with lowest number of visits were —Amongst Europeans, February, with 15 ; August, with 19 ; and June, with 23. Amongst Maoris, February, with 32 ; October, with 36 ; and June, with 44. During the latter part of August and the first part of September there was an outbreak of infective catarrh resembling a mild form of influenza. This was the only sickness in epidemic form during the year. ' . The Assistant Medical Officer, Dr. Moore, unfortunately was laid off duty by illness during the. epidemic, and a considerable increase of work devolved upon the Matron of the Hospital, Miss Sisley. The Administration was able to secure the services of Dr. Storey, who helped to tide us over the difficulty, I being away myself on duty in the out-islands. Dr. Matheson, former Assistant Medical Officer, had, unfortunately, for health reasons, to leave the island in May after six months service. It is quite a mistake, to think that a man who is not physically strong can stand the work in these Islands, and it is not advisable to send men who are not strong and healthy to attempt to do the work. The position is similar in regard to nurses. The conditions of living for Europeans in these Islands are by no means ideal. There is too much need for living upon tinned foods, and there is a great scarcity of green vegetables. The Administration is attempting to remedy the one evil for Rarotonga only ; the other appears to be largely a matter for the white people themselves so faj as the islands of the Group are concerned. In the northern islands the position is much worse, and not so much can be done in either case as in the Group.

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During the year all the islands were visited by me with the exception of Takutea, which is uninhabited. Dr. Matheson visited Aitutaki, and Dr. Moore paid visits to Mangaia, Atiu, Mauke, and Aitutaki. The Resident Nurse at Aitutaki, Miss la Fontaine, appears to be doing good work on the island. There was no special outbreak of sickness on any of the outer islands. As a whole the Island settlements were found to be comparatively clean with the exception of those at Atiu, where some of the houses and their surroundings left considerable room for improvement in the matter of cleanliness. Encouragement is being given to the people to live more upon their plantations and less in the settlements, and many are doing so with markedly good results from a health point of view. Many cases of incipient phthisis under this plan have done well. There is less tendency, too, for the spread of numerous contagious diseases in this method of living, as there is not so much indiscriminate visiting as in the settlements. The chief drawback to plantation life, in the northern islands particularly, is the difficult)' of getting a good potable water, but so far as water for drinking purposes is concerned this does not much matter, as the people mostly drink the water of nuts. The watersupply in Atiu needs to be supplemented, as does that in Aitutaki. In most of the other islands the drinking-water supply is now satisfactory, except during lengthened periods of drought. Much improvement in the domestic supply in several of the islands could be effected were the people taught how to build tanks with material ready to hand supplemented by the addition of small quantities of cement and alum, as not every one can afford to buy iron tanks. A much healthier class of house is being built in the northern islands than has been the fashion in former years. This should help to mitigate the ravages of tuberculosis. It was found impossible to make any lengthy stay on an}' of the outer islands with the exception of Pukapuka, owing to the difficulties experienced in arranging connections with the schooners. This is inevitable to a great extent so long as Government is dependent upon ordinary trading-vessels for the transport of its officers. It is to be hoped that with three schooners trading amongst the islands next year journeys may be so arranged that greater facilities for longer stays at particular islands may be afforded to the Medical Officers. It seems advisable that the Chief Medical Officer, whilst visiting islands which it is impossible for the Resident Commissioner or the Land Court Judge to visit, should be invested with the powers of a Deputy Commissioner to facilitate the transaction of public business. Efforts have been made, with success, to increase the Native food-supply in the northern islands, and more work of this nature is to be attempted in the coming year. During the year 1,475 visits and attendances were made in the outer islands. In the interests of the health of the islanders it was found advisable to curtail the movements of the passengers and crews of vessels trading in these islands. This involved a considerable amount of work as regards the inspection of vessels coming to or leaving the. Port of Rarotonga. All vessels were inspected. Hospital. —The in-patients treated at the Hospital during the year numbered seventy-seven, with an average stay of twenty-one days in the Hospital. There were four deaths. The cost of drugs and appliances was a heavy item of expenditure, and many drugs and appliances were unprocurable. Leprosy .—There has been no spread of this disease during the year. One case is isolated locally, as none of the trading-vessels can be induced to transport it to one of the segregation areas. I am indebted to the Resident Commissioner, the Land Court Judge, the Treasurer, and other officials for help in various administrative, matters. Their courtesy and willingness to help were all that could be desired. [ & c Robert S. Trotter, CM., M.D., D.Hy., &c, Chief Medical Officer.

REPORT OF TREASURER. The revenue for the period under review amounted to £13,846 17s. 9d., being an increase of £2,778 17s. 7d. over the previous year. Customs duties show an increase of £1,218, stamp-sales £842, and Liquor Account £245. A now item of income—export duty on copra —produced revenue to the extent of £1,380. High Court fees and fines decreased by £41.2, Land Court £384, and Fruit-fumiga-tion Account by £266. The postal business is steadily increasing. Money-orders to the number of 948, value £18,273, were issued, and 586, value £8,119, were cashed, the commission earned being £78 lis. 3d. Postal notes to the value of £298 were issued. In the Savings-bank the deposits amounted to £1,837 and the withdrawals £197. Soldiers' allotment warrants to the value of £8,852 were cashed, and in addition £5,757 as soldiers' pay was distributed on behalf of the Defence Department. •■-.■'•■. #

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The wireless station was opened for traffic in September, and is quite a convenience to traders and fruit-shippers. The arrival of steamers is now timed to the hour, and the waste of fruit which was so heavy in the past is now avoided. During the six months 371 messages, of 6,396 words, value £521 Is. 9d., were despatched, and 349 messages, of 6,221 words, value £566 3s. Id., were received. Trade. —The overseas trade for the year is valued at £182,340, showing an increase of £42,089 compared with the previous year. The imports totalled £99,632, and the exports £82,708, showing increases of £19,571 and £22,518 respectively. Copra and fruit—oranges, bananas, and tomatoes- were the main products for export. The orange output increased by 14,901 cases, but the bananas decreased 14,901 cases and the tomatoes by 10,484 cases. Had it not been for the influenza epidemic the export of bananas would have been much greater. The " Flora," which connects with Auckland, did not take any fruit from the Cook Islands between the 31st October and the 23rd April, and with the exception of a few small shipments by mail-steamers to Wellington the whole of the banana production during that period was lost for export. The tomato shipments fell from 16,804 cases to 6,330 cases. This industry promised well a few years ago, but growers having suffered severe reverses through lack of shipping-facilities do not feel inclined to plant extensively at present. 1,752 tons of copra were exported, the whole of which practically went to America. Much of it had been on hand from the previous year owing to scarcity of shipping. Freights on this article are still very high; and although the Armistice was signed over six months ago, and freight rates to almost all parts of the world were reduced immediately after, the Cook Islands still pays the war-freight rate by subsidized mail-steamers on both inward and outward cargo. W. J. Stevenson, Collector of Customs and Treasurer.

Cook Islands Administration. Revenue for the Year ended ■list March. 1919. £ s. d. £ s. d. Balance, Ist April, 1918 .. .. .. .. .. .. 1.262 1 8 Customs duties, Rarotonga .. .. .. .. .. 5.515 I (i New Zealand . . . . .. .. 1,192 17 ' 9 Export duties .. .. ...... . . . . 1 .379 16 3 Trading-license fees .'. .. .. .. .. .. 600 15 0 Stamps . . .. . . .. ~ .. ..I .856 10 I Fees and fines. High, Court, Rarotonga .. .. .. .. 362 7 6 Aitutaki .. .. .. 69 13 0 Mangaia .. .. .. .. 100 2 6 Mauke . . . . . . .. 90 3 0 Atiu .. .. .. .. 6 9 0 Manihiki .. .. .. ' 102 2 0 Penrhyn . . ~. .. . . 24 14 0 Fees, Land Court .. .'. .. .. .. .. 140 14 9 Water rates, Avarua .. .. .. .■. .. 191 18 S Arorangi . . .. . . .. .. . . 77 14 0 ~ Ngatangiia .. .. .. .. .. 39 6 0 ~ Matavera .. .. .. .. .. .. 39 7 0 Titikaveka . . . . .. .. . . 54 17 0 Muri .. .. ' .. .. 26 16 0 Shipping fees . . . . . . .. .. . . . . 15 15 1 Marriage fees . . . . . . .. .. .. 37 17 11 Motor-vehicle fees . . . . . . ~ . . . . 23 19 ,2 Hall licenses . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 0 0 Road rates . . . . . . . . . . 1715 6 Interest on fixed deposit . . . . . . . . 35 0 0 Rents .. .. .. 144 7 0 Fruit Fumigation and Inspection Account, cash balance .. .. 979 6 1) Ammunition Account, cash balance .. .. .. .. 2 6 8 Muri Water Account, cash balance : . . . 4 3 6 Liquor Account, cash balance . . . . . . . . 542 13 I Miscellaneous .. .. . . . . .. .. .. 10 17 8 13,846 17 9 Total .. .. .. .. ... .. £15,108 19 5

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Expenditure for the Year ended 31st March, 1919.

Service. Voted. Expended. 1. Engineer and Surveyor 2. Interpreter andJPrinter .. . . .. . . .. ! 3. Hospital Nurse .. .. .. .. . • • i 4. Foreman of Works . . . . . . 5. Draughtsman 6. Island allowance, Collector of Customs . . 7. ,, Registrar of Courts 8. ,, Sergeant of Police 9. Clerk, Land Office 10. ,. Registrar's Office 11. .. Post Office 1.2. „ 13. Cadet, Registrar's Office 14. Clerk, Commissioner's Office . . . . . . 15. Resident Agent, Mangaia . . . . . . . . . . ' 16. „ Atiu .. .. .. .. .. .. I 17. ,, Aitutaki] . .' . . .. . . I 18. ,, Penrhyn . . . . . . 19. ,, Rakahanga and Manihiki 20. ,, Pukapuka . . . . . . 21. „ Mauke 22. Native Agent, Mitiaro. . . . . . .. . . 23. Native police, Rarotonga 24. „ Aitutaki 25. „ - Mauke .. .. .. .. .. 26. ,, Mitiaro.. .. .. ."."" .. 27. „ Penrhyn 28. ' ,, Mangaia 29. ,, Rakahanga and Manihiki 30. ,, Atiu 31. Native Assessor, Rakahanga 32. Maintenance of lunatics 33. ,, lepers .. v . 34. Hospital supplies and attendance . . .. ; 35. Rents— t s. d. Wharf-site . . . . . . 8 15 0 Post-office site .. .. .. .. 5 0 0 Registrar's house ... .. .. .. 12 0 0 £ s. d. 355 0 0 275 0 0 175 0 0 196 0 0 175 0 0 150 0 0 50 0 0 25 0 0 90 0 0 113 0 0 113 0 0 100 0 0 36 0 0 100 0 0 245 0 0 220 0 0 220 0 0 220 0 0 200 0 0 220 0 0 220 0 0 50 0 0 218 0 0 44 0 0 20 0 0 15 0 0 21 0 0 41 0 0 30 0 0 20 0 0 10 0 0 180 0 0 270 0 0 1.000 0 0 £ s. d. 355 0 0 212 lOj 0 180 12 9 196 0 0 175 0 0 150 0 0 20 16 8 27 7 6 100 0 0 120 0 0 98 5 0 106 13 4 45 6 8 80 6 8 232 10 0 220 0 0 220 0 0 220 0 0 200 0 0 230 0 0 241 5 0 50 0 0 211 19 0 12 10 0 20 0 0 15 0 0 17 0 0 41 0 0 30 0 0 21 5 0 14 3 4 148 17 6 109 13 2 I . 183 6 3 36. Contingent expenditure, General 37. „ High Court 38. ,, Land Court 39. „ Education 40. Subsidy, boatman, Mangaia 41. ■ ,, ,, Aitutaki 42. „ „ Atiu 43. „ „ Mauke 44. ,, carrying mails in Group 4-5. ,, wireless station, Rarotonga 46. ,, destruction flying-fox and rats 17. House allowance, Interpreter and Printer 48. Assistant Printer 49. Allowances, Registrars of Births and Deaths at Mitiaro, Palmerston, and Pukapuka 50. Postal and telephone services 51. Cool store, machinery and buildings 52. School-buildings 53. Experimental farm .. .. .. .. .. 54. Upkeep of Government buildings . . . . . . • 55. Roads and bridges Avarua Water Account, Dr. Matavera Water Account, Dr. Ngatangiia Water Account, Dr. Titikaveka Water Account, Dr. .. Arorangi Water Account, Dr. . . Motor-truck Account, Dr. 25 15 0 500 0 0 300 0 0 300 0 0 400 0 0 10 0 0 9 0 0 3 0 0 6 0 0 30 0 0 500 0 0 800 0 0 40 0 0 90 0 0 11 0 0 29 6 3 890 9 8 192 18 3 156 7 9 560 7 8 10 0 0 9 15 0 3 0 0 6 0 0 30 0 0 170 3 7 30 0 0 108 0 0 200 0 0 1,000 0 0 500 0 0 350 0 0 150 0 0 800 0 0 253 5 0 1.347 13 5 639 19 11 287 19 3 155 17 10 706 9 0 37 10 2 3 3 0 8 0 6 4 3 1 15 I 7 264 0 7 'I

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Expenditure for the Year ended 31st March, 1919— continued.

Details of Vote 36, General Contingent Expenditure. £ 8. d. i g, d. Salary, assistant in Printing Office .. 35 10 6 Public conveniences .. . . 2 0 0 Clerical assistance. Resident Commissioner's Maori dictionary .. . . .. 10 4i 8 Office . . .. . . ~ 38 12 6 Post-office material . . . . . . 2 2 5 Clearing and planting Government grounds.. 36 7 3 Tools and repairs .. .. .. 514 0 Stationery .. .. .. 120 1 1 Boat-repairs .. .. .. .. 212 7 Passages and travelling-expenses. Resilient Collector of Customs, residence, fittings . . 6 12 0 Agent, Pukapuka .. .. .. 78 5 0 Photographs .. .. .. 313 11 Bicycle allowance. Resident Agent, Atiu .. 3 0 0 Flags .. .._ .. .. 711 8 Mangaia 3 0 0 Post-office, lighting . . .. . . 2 8 0 Special services, " John Williams" . . 30 0 0 Rewards, smuggling .. .. 110 0 Traveling-allowance, Resident Commissioner, (ielebrations, peace and returned soldiers .. 21 4 0 while visiting New Zealand .. . . 20 (I 0 Exhibition exhibits .. . . .. 12 10 3 Travelling allowance and expenses. Resident Mangaia offices, fittings . . .. . . 2 16 1 Commissioner in Cook Islands .. . . 33 8 7 Mauke office, fittings . . .. . . 2 0 0 Transfer expenses, Resident Agent, Mangaia 30 9 0 Overtime, Post-office . . .. 19 6 0 Aitutaki 29 17 0 Boatmen, Rarotonga .. .. ~ 28 10 0 ~ ~ Mauke .. 40 7 6 Rifles, cleaning, &c. .. 19 0 Passage, Resident Commissioner in Group .. 17 5 0 Furniture purchased .. .. .. 24 10 3 „ Interpreter in Group .. ~ 17 5 0 Aitutaki Island Council badges .. .. 417 11 Wireless messages .. .. .. 41 17 0 Lime-kiln, Aitutaki .. .. .. 111 2 Travolling-expenses, members Island Council 45 0 0 Typewriter ... .. .. .. 15 17 0 Customs tidewaiter .. . . .. 20 12 0 Passage, clerk, to Wellington .. .. 615 0 Acting Resident Agent, Aitutaki . . .. 10 0 0 Travelling-allowance, dork, to Wellington .. 2 0 0 Number-discs for motor vehicles . . .. 114 3 Fruit for passing vessels .. .. .. 015 0 Mauke war bonds .. .. .. 016 0 Flagstaff repairs, Rarotonga .. .. 010 0 Donation of fruit to French soldiers .. 2 0 0 Part passage, motor-driver .. .. 10 0 0 Discount on stamps sold . . . . 0 9 6 Ngatipa furnishings .. .. .. 19 8 9 £890 9 8 Travelling-allowance, interpreter .. .. 7 6 6 — Expenses opening wireless station . . 2 10 0 Details of Vote 37, Contingent Expenditure, High Court. £ s. d. £ s. d. Travelling-allowance, police . . .. 30 13 9 Interpreter. Atiu .. .. .. 615 0 Travelling-expenses, sergeant .. . . 6 0 6 Bonus, police, Atiu .. .. .. 3 0 0 Travelling-allowance, Registrar .. . . 012 0 Mileages .. . . .. .. 5 4 6 Uniforms .. .. ... 22 4 2 Refund fees . . . . .. . . 050 Prison supplies . . . ... . . 217 8 Typewriter-repairs . . .. . . 012 6 Rewards, police.. .. .. .. 15 14 0 Lighting .. .. 012 0 Food, prisoners and police . . ~ 58 3 4 Furniture .. .. .. 2 S 5 Bicycle allowances . . ..9.00 Law reports .. .. .. .. 2 7 3 £201 8 3 Passages, prisoners .. 3 10 0 Less refund passage, Registrar 8 10 0 Buggy-hire . . . . .. .. 0 8 0 : Stationery .. .. .. 11 0 2 £192 18 3 Interpreter, Mangaia .. 8 0 0 ——-s Aitutaki .. ~ ~ 12 0 0

Service. j Voted. Expended. Titikaveka cottage Whare, Manuiri Hotel. . Peace celebrations .. Aitutaki wharf, beacon and shed ,, Courthouse Atiu, tanks Compensation for land Registrar of Courts Aitutaki Nurse Account, Dr. Mauke landing Meat and Ice Account (oil fuel on hand) Bonus, officers " Inverness " crew, clothing £ s. d. 32 10 3 46 18 6 77 5 0 41 8 7 6 8 9 12 14 9 14 5 8 99 18 0 97 7 5 13 1 10 175 4 8 155 6 0 12 2 0 .Balance, including investments.. 12,343 10 9 2,765 8 8 Total £15,108 19 5

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Details of Vote, Contingent Expenditure, Land Court. £ s. d. £ s. d. Material .. .. .. '.. 52 .14 10 Overtime .. .. . . ..360 Labour .. .. .. .. . . 39 1 0 Instrument-repairs .. .. 0 2 6 House allowance, Judge .. .. 23 6 8 Freight, material, Atiu .. . . .. 19 6 Passage, Judge .. .. .. 19 10 0 „ ' surveyors .. .. .. 15 0 0 i £156 7 9 Office fittings .. . . - .. .. I 1 3 ! ■ Buggy-hire .. .. • .. . . 016 0• ■ Details of Receipts awl Expenditure, Fruit Fumigation and Inspection Account, for Year ended 31st March, 1919. Receipts. £ s. d. Expenditure. £ s. d. Inspection and fumigation foos .. .. 1,168 0 5 Bicycle allowance .. .. .. 310 0 Fruit-buyers'licenses .. .. .. 94 0 0 Labour .. ..' .. .. 123 19 0 Salo of jars .. . . .. .. 15 0 Noxious-weed Inspectors .. .. 28 0 0 Registration of brands.. .. .. 115 0 Material .. .. .. .. 12 14 3 Sale of fruit .. .. .. .. 110 4 House-repairs .. .. .. 0 4 6 Refund, passage .. .. .. 14 811 Chemicals .. .. .. .. 21 17 I Inspector, Mangaia .. .. .. 14 0 Aitutaki . . .. .. 4 10 0 Island allowance, Inspector .. . . 83 6 8 Passage, Inspector .. .. .. 13 0 0 'Fruifc-casos .. .. .. .. 516 8 Wireless messages .. .. . . 3 9 2 Fumigation, rats .. . . . . 0 15 £301 12 9 Balance to general revenue . . .. 979 6 11 Total .. .. .. £1,280 19 8 £1,280 19 8 Statement of Liquor Account for Year ended 31st March, 1919. £ s. d. £ s. d. Stock on hand, Ist April, 1918 . . .. 155 16 5 Sales .. .. .. .. 1,750 12 0 Supplies . . .. . . .. 783 19 0 Pillages recovered . . .. .. 25 10 10 Duty . . .. ' . . . . 384 13 0 Stock on hand, 31st March, 1919 .. 80 10 10 Freight .. . . .. . . 64 17 9 Balance . . ~ . . .. 467 7 6 £1,856 13 8 £1,856 13 8 Profit and Loss Account £ s. d. i £ s. d. Stock on hand, Ist April, 1.91.9- .. .. 801.010 Stock on hand, Ist April, 1918 .. .. 15516 5 Cash transferred to the general rovenue .. 542 13 1 Balance, 31st March, 1919 .. .. 467 7 6 £623 3 11 | £623 3 11' W. J. Stevenson. Treasurer and Licensing Officer. Rarotonga, Cook Islands, 27th May, 1919. \ I

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Cook Islands Administration. Estimated Expenditure for the Year ending 31st March, 1920. £ s. d. 1. Engineer and Surveyor .. .. .. . . .. 370 0 0 2. Interpreter and Printer .. .. .. .. .. 150 0 0 3. Hospital Nurse, Rarotonga . . .. . . . . 17500 4. „ Aitutaki (half salary) .. .. '. . 100 0 0 5. Foreman of Works .. '. . .. .. .. 210 0 0 6. Draughtsman .. .. .. .. .. 175 0 0 7. Island allowance, Collector of Custcftns .. .. .. 125 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.. .. .. .. .. 113 0 0 12. „ , „ .. .. .. .. .. .. 100 0 0 13. Cadet, Registrar's Office .. .. .. .. .. 36 0 0 14. Clerk, Commissioner's Office . . . . . . . . 100 0 0 15. Resident Agent, Mangaia . . . . . . . . . . 300 0 0 16. „ Atiu .. .. .. ... ~. 220 0 0 17. „ Aitutaki .. .. .'. .. .. 300 0 0 1.8. „ Penrhyn .. .. .. .. .. 220 0 0 19. ~ Manihiki and Rakahanga .. .. .. 200 0 0 20. „ Pukapuka ... .. .. .. 220 0 0 21. „ Mauke .. .. .. .. 300 0 0 22. Native Agent, Mitiaro .. .. . . . . . . 60 0 0 23. Native police, Rarotonga . . . . ... . . . . 218 0 0 24. „ Aitutaki .. .. .. .. 60 0 0 25. „ Mauke .. .. .. 30 0 0 26. „ Mitiaro . . .. .. .. .. 15 0 0 27. „ Penrhyn .. .. .. .. .. 21 0 0 28. ~ Mangaia . . .. . . . . . . 41 0 0 29. „ Manihiki and Rakahanga . . . . .. 30 0 0 30. „ Atiu .. .. .. .. 30 0 0 31. Native Assessor, Rakahanga .. . . . . . . 20 0 0 32. Maintenance of lunatics . . .. . . . . . . 180 0 0 33. „ lepers . . .. . . . . . . 270 0 0 34. Hospital supplies and attendance .. .. .. .. 1,000 0 0 35. Rents— Wharf-site . . .. .. . . . . . . 5 0 0 Post-office site .. .. .. .. .. 815 0 Registrar's house . . . . . . . . . . 12 0 0 36. Contingent expenditure —General .. . . . . . . 500 0 0 37. „ High Court .. .. .. 300 0 0 38. „ Land Court .. . . .. 300 0 0 39. „ Education .. .. .. 500 0 0 40. Subsidy, boatman, Mangaia .. .. . . . . 10 0 0 41. „ " „ Aitutaki .. .. .. .. 15 0 0 42. „ „ Atiu .. .. .. .. .. 300 43. „ „ Mauke.. .. .. .. .. 6 0 0 44. ~ carrying mails in Group .. .. .. .. 30 0 0 45. ~ wireless station, Rarotonga .. . . .. 500 0 0 46. ~ destruction of flying-fox and rats . . . . .. 800 0 0 47. Assistant Printer ' .. .. . . . . . . 108 0 0 48. Allowances, Registrars of Births and Deaths at Mitiaro, Palmerston, and Pukapuka .. . . . . . . . . 110 0 49. Postal and telephone service, Rarotonga .. . . . . 200 0 0 50. School buildings . . .. . . - .. 500 0 0 51. Experimental farm .. . . . . . . . . 350 0 0 52. Upkeep of Government buildings .. .. .. .. 150 0 0 53. Roads and bridges .. .. . . . . . . 800 0 0 54. Atiu water-supply .. .. .. .. .. 250 0 0 55. „ Residency . . . . . . . . . . . . 600 0 0 56. ~ school-teacher's residence . . . . . . . . 500 0 0 57. Aitutaki road subsidy .. ... .. .. .. 50 0 0 £11,125 15 0 ¥. W. Platts, Rarotonga, 29th July, 1919. Resident Commissioner.

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Cook Islands Administration. Port of Rarotonga.—Value of Imports for the Year ended 31st December, 1918.

Article. Country whence imported. Value. Total Value Agricultural produce, n.o.e. New Zealand United States America £ 906 53 £ Animals, living — Ducks Fowls Horses 959 New Zealand 6 9 Tahiti" 21 9 Pigs Sheep Apparel and slops New Zealand 30 9 24 United Kingdom United States America Tahiti Japan 2,705 360 930 361 5 Arms, ammunition, and explosives Arrowroot Bacon and hams Bags and sacks New Zealand Tahiti New Zealand United States America Tahiti 1.081 153 9 4,361 214 3 248 Bamboo for hatmaking Beer and stout Beverages, non-alcoholic Bicycles, tricycles, and motor-cars Tahiti New Zealand 1,243 271 210 63 United Kingdom New South Wales . . United States America Tahiti .. .. ' 1.478 109 13 1,957 242 Biscuits and cabin-bread Boots and shoes New Zealand United Kingdom New South. Wales .. United States America Tahiti 279 I 68 382 11 3,799 4,622 Building material, n.o.e. 741 New Zealand United States America 721 38 759 1,411 Butter and cheese Carriages and parts of same New Zealand United States America 2 686 Cement Cinematographs, parts, and hire of films New Zealand New South Wales .. Tahiti 158 50 280 688 927 Coal Confectionery 488 140 New Zealand United States America 256 2 Cordage and twine 258 New Zealand United States America Tahiti 529 133 30 Cotton piece-goods 692 Drapery, n.o.e. New Zealand United Kingdom New South Wales .. United States America New Zealand United Kingdom France United States America Tahiti 2,517 6,485 3 3,906 2,183 .. i 1,110 .. ! 194 .. 678 10 12,911 i 4,175

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Port of Rarotonga. — Value of Imports for the Year ended 31st December, 1918 —continued.

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Article. Country whence imported. Value. Total Valui Drugs and chemicals New Zealand United Kingdom New South Wales . . United States America Tahiti £ 719 5 145 138 3 £ Earthenware and glassware 1,010 New Zealand United States America 366 87 453 Fancy goods and toys New Zealand United Kingdom United States America Tahiti 169 9 182 25 Fertilizers Fish, preserved New Zealand 385 26 j? - * British Columbia United States America 1,172 316 922 Flour .. New Zealand . . . New South Wales . . Victoria United States America 4,067 9 200 36 2,4-10 Furniture 4,312 New Zealand United States America Tahiti 963 25 17 Hardware 1,005 New Zealand United Kingdom New South Wales . . United States America 1,280 76 9 598 Hats .. New Zealand United Kingdom United States America 200 24 41 1,963 Hops Instruments, musical Iron — Bar, bolt, and rod .. Galvanized, corrugated Wire New Zealand 265 18 140 j? • ■ New Zealand j? • • 52 111 187 141 United States America 163 Jewellery New Zealand United Kingdom United States America Tahiti 105 30 30 77 Machinery — Diving New Zealand Victoria 50 109 242 Electric Freezing Printing Sewing New Zealand 159 18 787 222 New South Wales .. United States America Tahiti 108 6 15 Matches .'. 129 New Zealand Sweden 502 223 MeatsFrozen Potted and preserved Salted 725 New Zealand 37 7,706 672 395 >> Milk, preserved Nails j? • • 485 451 United States America

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Port of Rarotonga. — Value of Imports for the Year ended 31st December, 1918 —continued.

Article. Country whcnco imported. Value. Total Valui Oils- £ £ Kerosene and benzine New Zealand United States America Tahiti 184 1,708 212 Other kinds New Zealand United States America, Tahiti 268 78 6 2,104 Paints and varnish New Zealand United States America Tahiti 352 288 211. 3 502 Perfumery and toilet preparations New Zealand United States America 7 42 Photographic goods New Zealand United States America Tahiti 49 261 9 3 273 Plants, trees, and shrubs New Zealand Queensland 42 28 70 Provisions, n.o.e. New Zealand Victoria New South Wales .. United States America 1,770 14 20 247 Rice New Zealand United States America Tahiti 2,051 186 603 478 New Zealand United States America Tahiti .1,267 Saddlery and harness .. ... 79 155 6 Silks 60 33 240 New Zealand United States America Soap Specie, silver Spirits — Brandy New Zealand 93 1,600 1,400 >> ■ • New Zealand New South Wales . . 49 25 Methylated New Zealand United States America 74 14 7 Perfumed United Kingdom Tahiti 21. 70 48 11.8 Whisky New Zealand Canada 311 137 448 Stationery and books New Zealand United Kingdom New South Wales . . United States America. Tahiti 936 8 35 116 8 Sugar New Zealand United States America New South Wales .. 2,743 I 3 1,103 Tea and coffee 2,747 New Zealand United States America 296 3

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Port of Rarotonga.—Value of Imports for the Year ended 31st December, 1918 —continued.

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Article. Country whence imported. Value. Total Value. £ £ Timber— Sawn New Zealand United States America Tahiti 1,032 307 359 Fruit-box . . :., Tobacco, cigars, and cigarettes 1,698 15,725 New Zealand 1,730 587 New South Wales .. Tools New Zealand United Kingdom New South Wales .. United States America 129 96 4 99 2,317 Wines — Claret 328 New Zealand United States America 69 66 135 Port New Zealand New South Wales .. United States America 8 22 28 New South Wales . . New Zealand United States America Tahiti 58 8 Sparkling Woodenware 361 66 9 Miscellaneous New Zealand United Kingdom Tahiti 249 91 9 436 349 Total .. £99,632 Cook Isla: r DS Administration. Value of Exports for the Year ended 31st December, 191.8. Article. Where exported. Quantity. Value. Total Value. Fruit, fresh — Bananas New Zealand 60,645 cases 7,550 kits £ 16,677 940 £ Lemons Oranges Pineapples Tomatoes Not otherwise enumerated 117 cases 84,061 „ 81 „ 6,320 „ 48 „ 8 tons 5 „ J, 442 „ 305 „ 17,617 46 21,01.5 24 2,528 15 390 Coffee, raw « t Copra United States America Tahiti 95 31,724 5,405 Coconuts New Zealand United States America 1,752 tons. 150,800 No. 25,000 „ 37,224 1,130 170 1,300 Kumaras and taro Limejuice Pearl-shell Cattle New Zealand 175,800 No. 65 cases 500 gallons 35 tons 3 No. 20 39 2,450 40 United States America Tahiti Total £82,708

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Total Values of Imports and Exports for the Year ended 31st'December, 1918. IMPORTS. £ New Zealand .. .. .. .. .. .. 70,773 United Kingdom .. .. .. .. .. 8,474 New South Wales. . .. .. .. .. 1,331. Victoria .. ... .. .. .. .. .. 323 Queensland . . . . . . . . . . . . 28 Canada .. .. .. .. .. .. 137 British Columbia .. .. .. .. .. .. 316 Tahiti .. ..... .. .. .. .. 2,504 France . . . . .. .. . . .. 194 Japan . . .. . . .. . . . . . . 5 Sweden .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 223 United States of America . . . . . . .. . . 15,324 Total .. .. .. .. £99,632 EXPORTS. £ New Zealand .. .. .. .. .. .. 42,919 Tahiti .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 5,445 United States of America . .. .. .. .. 34,344 Total ~ .. .. .. £82,708

Total Values of Imports and Exports from the Year 1902 to the 31st December, 1918.

Year. Amount. Increase. Decrease. 1902 1903 1904 1905 1906 1907 1908 1909 1910 1911 1912 1913 1914 1915 1916 1.917 1918 IMPORTS. £ 27,623 34,866 33,399 36,993 41,437 50,756 55,021 67.739 83,759 89,623 93,812 110,283 91,132 65,590 58,478 80,061 99,632 £ 7,263 3,594 4,44-4 9,314 4,265 12,716 16,058 5,828 4,189 16,421 £ 1,487 19,151 25.542 7.112 21,583 19,571 1902 1903 1904 1905 1906 1907 1908 1909 1910 1911 1912 1913 1914 1915 1916 1917 1918 EXPORTS. £ 34,821 34,740 38,248 34,890 45,925 51,578 60,652 73,653 90,74-9 91,076 101,708 109,926 77,512 63,057 68.146 60,190 82,708 £ 3,508 11.035 5,653 9,024 13,001 17,096 327 10,632 8,218 £ 81 3,358 32,414 14,455 5,089 7,956 22,518

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16

Principal Exports from each Island in the Cook Group during Year ended 31st December, 1918

VITAL STATISTICS. Births, Deaths, and Marriages in the Cook Islands for the Year ended 31st March, 1919.

NIUE ISLAND. REPORT OF THE RESIDENT COMMISSIONER. Sir,— Nine, 2nd April, 1919. I have the honour to submit for your consideration my report on the work' of the Nine Island Administration for the year ended 31st March, 1919. Finance. The accompanying statement of receipts (marked " A ") shows that the revenue for the year amounted to £3,604 Is. 2d., a record in the history of the Administration. The expenditure (see statement'marked " B") amounted to £3,110 19s. Id., the balance in hand being £1,340 3s. 10id., an increase of £493 2s. Id. for the year. An estimate of the expenditure for the coming year (marked " C ".) is attached. I consider that the revenue; should reach £4,000.

i a a en a s 9 a S § 4 ■ ■ i g § a u .a o O S H a 33 M r 1 9 « S » * ° g 3 S « J, \ 9 ft £5 £ o o o> o P* O Pj I O 52 o I & « ft 3 Karotonga Aitutaki .. Mangaia .. Atiu Mauko Mitiaro .. Oases. 60,645 Kits. 7,742 S Cases. ! Cases. Cases. 65,923 ; 19 6,320 8,862 ; 62 1,020 2,240 6,016 Cases. 48 Cases. Cases. Cases. No. Oals. 117 65 175,800 | 500 Cases. Tons. Tons. lb. 747 200 m . . 20,000 106 .. 3,000 147 60 13 96 88 128 (i!) 6 33 Cases. Tons. Manuae .. Penrhyn .. Rakahanga Manihiki .. Palmers ton '.'. '.'. i !! Suwarrow Pukapuka Totals .. 60,645 7,750 84,061 j 81 6,320 48 117 65 175,800 j 500 .. 1,752 .. 2,'!,000 Raroti inga, Cook islands, 27th Mi y, 191.9. W. .1. STEVENS' Coi: ON, lector of Customs.

Island. Births. Deaths. Marriages. Rarotonga Aitutaki Mangaia Atiu Mauke (nine months) Mitiaro (nine months) .. Manihiki (nine months) .. Rakahanga (nine months) Pukapuka (nine months) Palmerston (nine months) 128 38 45 29 16 9 2 106 9 32 21 4 31 II 3 1 i l 3 8 9 '8 4 Totals 287 « 185 47 S. Savage, Registrar.

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Trade. Exports for the year ended 31st December, 1918, amounted to £16,537, which is also a record for the island. The high price paid, for copra, of which 600 tons were exported, during the year, was mainly responsible. A further 700 tons await shipment, and it is to be hoped that the incoming year will bring greatly increased shipping-facilities for dealing with this and other island products. Present appearances point to another satisfactory yield of copra, and the commercial prosperity of the island during 1919-20 depends largely on whether the copra is to be allowed to rot here in the sheds or to find its way to the markets as soon as it becomes availa.ble. Imports for 1918 amounted to £17,258, of which £14,782 came from New Zealand. The increase on the figures for the previous year is £4,179. Detailed returns of exports and imports were forwarded to you at 31st December, 1918. Shipping. Besides five trips made by the contract schooner " Awanui," the " Rira " and the " Manna " made one trip each during the year and loaded copra. The London Missionary Society steamer " John Williams " paid two visits to Niue during the year, and H.M.A.S. " Fantome " called once. It is with great regret that I have to record the wreck of the " Awanui " at Alofi on the morning of the 11th January, 1919. A strong westerly came up suddenly during the previous night, and with it the heaviest sea of the year. Both the vessel's cables parted, and she drifted on to the reef. No lives were lost, and a considerable quantity of cargo, stores, and fittings was saved. The wreck, to my mind, emphasizes two points : First, the contract schooner— or, indeed, any schooner calling here regularly- -should carry an auxiliary engine ; second, the necessity exists here for wireless or some other means of communication with the outside world. Despite attempts to attract the attention of passing ships I was unable for a period of almost three months to transmit any information as to the wreck or the fate of the crew. On the 31st March the steamer " Dawn," under instruction bom the New Zealand Government, arrived and took off the European members of the crew. Roads. On my arrival in May, 1918, I found that the condition of the roads in the island varied considerably. While there were long stretches in excellent repair, four or five miles of the arterial roads across the island were barely fit for vehicular traffic, while minor repairs were required on another thirty miles of road. The Natives contributed £328 towards roadwork during the year, and it was obvious that the Administration would have to find at least another £200 to cope with the work. J made an arrangement through the Island Council under which the villages concerned were to do the work under a Government foreman at a rate of £15 a mile, with an additional £5 a mile where special difficulties existed. In addition there were expenses of supervision, dynamite, tools, and compensation for coconuts destroyed in widening the roads. So far about nine miles of road, have been reformed under this system, and it appears to be working well. The roads have been widened to 16 ft., and all overhanging bush has been cut well back. The year's programme has not been completed, the expenditure so far being only £303, and I have therefore put the estimate for the coming year at £700. The roads re-formed are- Liku-Alofi Road, Liku to Mana corner, miles ; Fatiau to the Avatele-Hakupu Road, 1-J miles ; Hakupu-Alofi Road (still in progress), 1| miles. When the whole of the roads have been brought to a certain standard of repair I consider that it will be advisable to keep a small permanent gang of roadmen regularly at work on them. Both from the medical and the commercial point of view good roads are of the first importance in Niue, and if revenue permits I hope to be within an approachable distance of completion of this work by the end of the coming year. Other Public Works. The steps and track leading up from the jetty have been concreted during the year. These were in a very dilapidated condition, and were dangerous in places. Two new leading-beacons have been erected, the old ones having been destroyed by a gale some time before my arrival. A mast from the " Awanui " has been utilized to provide a fine flagstaff at Alofi, while the old one has been set up at Tufukia School. The residence of the police officer, which was a very old Native building and had long outlived its usefulness, has been pulled down, and a new house is practically completed. Two long stone walls coated with punga have been built by prison labour at dangerous spots on the main road in Alofi Village. In addition all necessary repairs to Government buildings, reservoirs, &0., have been effected. I propose to enlarge the jetty considerably during the coming year so as to permit of the stacking of copra at the waterside in readiness for shipping. At present only one boat at a time can load or unload at the jetty, and this requires alteration. When the price of corrugated iron and cement is more normal I propose to duplicate the reservoirs in the larger villages. The Native water-supply, particularly in those villages which are not actually on the coast, is a long way from adequate. Population. During the year 1918 eighty-one persons, including fifteen Europeans, arrived in Niue, while 133 persons, including eight Europeans, left, ft will be noticed that the Native population suffered to the extent of fifty-nine through migration.

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The following is the number of births, deaths, and marriages registered during 1918 as well as for the five preceding years : — Year. Births. Deaths. Marriages. 1913-14 .. .. .. .. ..94 80 48 1914-15 .. .. .. .. ..93 73 70 1915-16 .. .. .. .. ..94 100 41 1916-17 .. .. .. .. ..82 128 63 1917 (nine months only) .. .. .. 100 137 37 1918 .. .'. .. 95 178 43 The excess of deaths over births was eighty-three. Adding the migration deficiency we. find that the Native population decreased by 142 during the year, and this I consider the most unsatisfactory feature that I have to report. The Niue Island Council at my instigation passed an Ordinance making a fee of £1 payable by any intending Native emigrant, and this has had an appreciable effect, but it is at best a makeshift. I have endeavoured to explain to the people that this exodus of the best of their young men and women spells ultimate extinction, but the Niueans are not capable of looking very far ahead, and it is difficult to make the danger real to them. Education. It will be necessary to extend the education scheme of the island as soon as possible, and as a first step 1 propose to open a school at Hakupu and to send one of the European teachers from Tufukia School to take charge of it. The Hakupu people have presented a piece of land to the Administration, for this purpose, and have already cleared it. They have also undertaken to build a school at their own expense and to my specifications. It is abundantly evident to me that no school here could be left in charge of a Native. Even should the knowledge and the ability to instruct be present, a Native without supervision cannot be entrusted with the maintenance of discipline. Five or six schools would be necessary to cater completely for the children of the island, so that a considerable expense in salaries of European teachers would be involved before education could be placed on a proper footing in Niue. The report of the headmaster at Tufukia is enclosed. Very satisfactory work has been done during the year by the staff, and the Natives continue to show a lively appreciation of the benefits of education. High Court and Native Land Court. During the year 190 criminal cases were dealt with in the High Court : Adultery, 46 ; libel, 6 ; offences against the person, &c, 90 ; theft and offences against property, 13 : miscellaneous, 35. The civil cases comprised : Debt, 4 ; divorce, 14. Fees and fines amounted to £197 9s. 3d. As regards the Native Land Court, practically no work has been done during the past year, only seven adoptions being granted. It is impossible to deal with the. granting of titles without the services of a surveyor. Land disputes are common, and these can only be settled in a temporary fashion at present. The position will become more acute as time goes on, and I therefore trust that this matter will not be allowed to rest in its present position. Tn view of the amount of work involved I consider that it would be more satisfactory to appoint a separate Judge of the Native Land Court, as has been done in the other islands. While the surveyor was in Niue it would be necessary to hold Native Land Court sittings almost continuously, and my other duties would naturally suffer. Ordinances. Four meetings of the Island Council were held during the past year, and. the following Ordinances wore passed : — No. 10.—An Ordinance to prohibit the Sale of Dry Coconuts in Niue. No. 11.—An Ordinance to impose Restrictions upon the Emigration of Natives from Niue. No. 12. — to provide for Better Sanitation in Niue, Meteorological. Summarized, the readings for 1918 are as follows : Barometer — Mean for year, 30-04. Thermometer —Highest, 94, in March and November ; lowest, 60, in July ; mean maximum, 84-59 ; mean minimum, 70-33. Rainfall—Rain fell on 156 days ; total fall, 71-36jin. Postal. The following figures show the postal business transacted during the year: Money-orders— Issued, £1,1-45 6s. 7d. ; paid, £481 6s. 9d. Savings-bank—Deposits, £598 9s. 6d. ; withdrawals, £229 12s. lid. Postal notes, &c. —Issued, £52 ss. 3d.; paid, £7 2s. 6d. War pensions, soldiers' allotments, &c, paid, £991 6s. Id. The War. A second Niue Contingent was in training when news of the Armistice reached us. These men, who were to have gonejto Palestine, were very keen to give a good account of themselves, and[doubtless they would have fared better in health than the former Contingent did in France. Steps are being taken to celebrate Peace Day in a fitting manner. Besides speeches and the various villages, every person on the island will plant a coconut, and these trees will serve as a constant reminder to the people of the war and its significance. For even in this little

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island outpost the war has left its effects. There is the sadness of lonely Niuean graves in countries the names of which were hardly known hitherto to the but among the people there is also a wider knowledge of the world and of the meaning of civilization, a pride in the nation to which they belong, and an assurance that our flag is no mere empty symbol, our Empire no vain boast. I have, &c, Guy N. Morris, The Hon. the Minister for the Cook Islands, Wellington. Resident Commissioner.

REPORT OP SCHOOL-TEACHER. I have the honour to lay before you a report on Tufukia School for the year ended 31st March, 1919. Roll Number, —At the end of March, 1918, the number of pupils in attendance was 155 boys and 78 girls, totalling 233 pupils. During the year just closing 13 boys and 11 girls were admitted, but 14 boys and 6 girls were withdrawn during the same period ; thus there are left at date 1.54 boys and 83 girls, totalling 237 pupils. Attendance— During the year the average daily attendance was as follows: 125-85 boys and 68-37 girls, totalling 194-22. This works out to be 88-8 per cent, of the average school roll for the year. On the face of it this seems an unsatisfactory state of affairs, but when one considers the amount of minor sickness there is among the young folk ; the want of appreciation of their responsibilities by the parents in connection with educational matters ; the failure||to recognize, by the parents, the future value their education will be to the young ; the quite different conditions in a schoolroom from what the children are used to otherwise in their own free and easy modes of life and thought; and the heavy rains at certain parts of the year, then one has not far to seek for the main causes of the great difference between the actual roll number and the average attendance. Moreover, a great many of the pupils come from, villages distant four to seven miles from the school, to which they walk every morning to commence the day's work at 7 o'clock. A very pleasing feature of the attendance for the year ended 31st December last was the fact that no less than twenty-one pupils were awarded a prize each for having attended every half-day the school was opened, some of the prize-takers being pupils from the outside villages aforementioned. Progress. —Despite the many disabilities under which we labour, and the many interruptions we were subjected to during the year, the general rate of progress was maintained. At the beginning of the year under review I was unable to give undivided attention to my school-work owing to the duties pertaining to the position of Resident Commissioner falling to my lot. I was able, though, to control the school and do a great amount of teaching ; but in a school of this description, more so than in a white school, to carry things to a successful issue one requires to have his whole mind on school work and affairs. Then, on the 19th November last, Mr. Cowan, the first assistant, left for Rarotonga and New Zealand on holiday leave, arid has not yet returned. Moreover, with a Native staff, the members of which have to be trained daily in both general knowledge and methods of teaching, you cannot expect the best of work. But with all the drawbacks there is much to be thankful for as a result of our labours- The pupils are certainly making headway, and the time has come when a wider and more solid curriculum of work can be undertaken. It is very gratifying to hear from visitors, as well as from those residents on the island who are competent of judging, of the very great difference apparent between the pupils attending the school and the children in the rest of the island, not only in looks, bearing, and health, but also in general knowledge, intelligence, and manners. Health. —Although there has been no outbreak of serious illness during the year, still the attendance has been greatly affected by numerous minor cases of sickness. During the third quarter there was a mild outbreak of scabies, which necessitated the isolation of quite a number of the pupils for a Lengthy period. The very prompt and energetic measures adopted by the Medical Officer in connection with it prevented the spread of this disease throughout the school. His very groat interest in the health and welfare of the pupils of the school is a great aid to me in my work. He is ever available to attend to the children. I hereby extend to him my heartiest and sincerest thanks for his kindness in this direction. There is one pleasing feature in regard to this section of the school interests, and that is the general health of the children has vastly improved since they came to school. This is very apparent to outsiders, who frequently comment upon the healthy and happy appearance of the pupils of the school. This desirable state of affairs is due mainly to the lessons on health given by the members of the staff and the Medical Officer. For some little time past the latter gentleman has been coming up every week, and delivering a lecturette to the whole of the pupils. On two or three subsequent days the gist of his remarks is put upon the blackboard, in simple English, and thoroughly explained in English and Niue, assisted by examples, stories, pictures, and drawings. The children then write the lessons in their best writing, learn it, and say it to the teachers. They also are set to draw the incidental pictures and drawings. The thing about it, though, that appeals to me most as a teacher is that, though the most of the matter has been taught by the school staff and learnt before, my statements are in this manner backed up by the one who speaks with authority on these matters. This scheme is capable of great usefulness in the future life of these boys and girls. I have, &c, J. C. Evison, Headmaster.

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A. Niue Island Administration. Statement of Revenue for the Year ended 31st March, 1919. £ s. d. £ s. d. Ist April 1918—Balance forward .. .. .. .. .. 847 1 9^ Customs duties . . .. .. .. .. ... .. 1,666 .13 11 Aid to revenue .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 528 10 0 Dog-tax .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 29 7 6 High Court fees and fines .. .. .. .. .. 197 9 3 Native Land Court fees . . . . .. .. .. . . 12 0 Licenses . . .. .. . . .. .. .. 188 15 0 Liquor-sales . . . . .. . . .. .. .. 305 4 8 Medical aid and. attendance .. .. .. .. .. 650 Registration fees . . . . . . . . . . . . 14 14 0 Revenue from Postal Department .. . . .. .. 270 12 llf School fees . . . . .. .. .. .. . . 44 2 0 Emigration fees . . .. .. . . .. . . 38 0 0 Copra-export duty .. .. .. .'. .. .. 281 9 lOf Shipping fees .. . . . . . . . . .. .. 1 1.5 0 Refund of war bonus overpaid .. .. .. .. . . 30 0 0 3,604 I 2 £4,451 2 llf Joseph P. MoMaiion-Box, Treasurer. Alofi, Nine, Ist April, 1919 Guy N. Morris, Resident Commsisioner. B. Niurc Island Administration. Statement of Expenditure for the Year ended 31st March, 1919. £ s. d. £ s. d. Niue Island Council .. .. .. .. .. .. 63 15 0 Native; police .. . . .. .. .. .. .. 187 19 0 Prisoners, food and supervision .. .. .. .. .. 131 2 6 Medical supplies and assistance ... . . .. . . . . 678 6 0 Medical Officer, local travelling-expenses .. .. .. .. 105 11 4 Resident Commissioner, local travelling-expenses . . .. .. 108 3 0 Interpreting and translation of laws .. .. .. .. 78 9 3 Printing and stationery.. .. .. .. .. .. 75 6 8 Office fittings and requisites .. .. . . . . . . 57 10 3 Tufukia School working-expenses ... .. .. .. 281 17 1 Maintenance, Government buildings .. .. .. . . 377 6 1 Maintenance, reservoirs and tanks .. .. . . . . 50 14 3 Maintenance, jetty, boat, &c. . . .. . . . . ... 120 7 0 Furniture lor officers' quarters .. .. .. .. .. 59 3 2 Maintenance, roads . . .. . . .. . . .. 303 16 I Liquor purchased . . .. .. . . .. . . 270 7 6 Public library .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 8 17 2 Rent of officers' quarters .. .. .. .. .. 1800 Compensation for land acquired . . . . .. .. .. 40 10 0 Miscellaneous services . . .. .. .. .. .. 93 17 9 3,110 19 1 Balance at 31st March, 1919 — Cash in hand .. .. .. .. .. .. 1,231 12 If Current Account, Bank of New Zealand . . . . . . 108 II 9 — 1,340 3 101 £4,451 2 llf

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Details of Item. " Medical Supplies and Assist- Details of Item " Miscellaneous Services." mice." £ »• d - C s. (I. Heat's crew .. . . . . 718 6 Drags., .. .. .. .. <>24 18 II Locker-bond .. .. .. .. 1 (i :! Instruments and'appliances .. .. 12 3 9 Native assistance .. .. .. 29 911 Invalid foods . 4 111 11 Notice-boards for villages .. .. 15 0 Transport of drugs, &c. .. .. .. 27 8 5 Carriage of mails .. .. .. 413 10 Charring and oleanins .. .. .. 800 Labourers, food for .. .. .. 882 Dog-collars .. .. .. . . 13 17 I £678 (1 0 Porterage .. .. .. ;. 3 8 6 Passage of prisoner from Samoa . . . . 2 0 0 Handcarts —repairs, &o. .. .. .. 8 7!) n, ■/ /■ /, i! mri ■a , i nf 7' i Niue Contingent— Details of Item Tufukia School Working- Instructing .. .. .. ..380 expenses." Food for .. .. .. .. 914 !) £ s. d. Native assistant teachers .. .. 214 12 11 . £93 17 9 Caretaker .. .. .. 36 0 0 - Printing and stationery .. .. .. 22 11 3 School prizes . . . . . . . . 5 12 11 Disinfectant .. .. .. 2 10 0 Sohool-beli .. .. .. .. 010 0 £281 17 1 I Joseph P. McMahon-Box, Treasurer. Alofi, Niue, Ist April, 1919. Guy N. Morris, Resident Commissioner,

C. Niue Island Administration. Estimated Expenditure for the Year ending 31st March, 1920. £ Niue Island Council .. .. . . . . .. . . 55 Native police—Salaries, special duties, and equipment .. .. .. 200 Prisoners —Food and supervision .. .. .. .. .. 150 Medical supplies and assistance .. .. .. .. .. 450 Medical Officer—Local travelling-expenses .. .. ..' .. 80 Resident Commissioner Local travelling-expenses .. .. .. 80 Interpreting and translation of laws .. .. .. . . . . 100 Printing and stationery . . .. . . .. . . . . 75 Office fittings and requisites . . . . . . . . . . . . 25 Tufukia School working-expenses .. .. .. .. .. 350 Maintenance, Government buildings .. .. .. .. .. 150 Maintenance, reservoirs, &o. . . . . . . . . . . . . 50 Maintenance, jetty, &c. .. .. .. .. .. .. 120 Miscellaneous services . . .. .. . . . . . . 75 Furniture, officers' quarters . . . . .. . . . . . . 25 Maintenance, roads . . . . . . . . . . . . .. 700 Purchase of liquor .. . . .. .. . . . . . . 200 Public library .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 10 Rent of officers' quarters .. . . . . . . . . . . 20 Refund of salary, A. Mac-Donald, to New Zealand Government .. .. 490 £3,405 Joseph P. McMahon-Box, Treasurer. Alofi, Niiie, Ist April, 1.919. Guy N. Morris, Resident Commissioner

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Niue Island Administration.

Approximate Cost of Paper. —Preparation not given ; printing 750 copies), £20,

Authority : Marcus F. Macks, Government Printer, Wellington.—l9l9.

Price, 9d.]

Return of Imports for Year ended 31st December, 1918. From .From From New Zealand. Australia Samoa. From other | Total. Places. £ £ £ Agricultural produce . . .. . . .. 136 29 2 Animals, horses .. .. . . .. 50 28 Apparel and slops .. .. .. .. j 1,101 28 77 Bags and sacks .. .. .. .. 404 Bicycles and parts . . .. .. . . 252 . . 55 Biscuits .. .. .. .. .. 869 4 Boots and shoes .. .. .. . . Ill .. 6 Butter and cheese .. .. .. . . 130 Carriages and parts .. . . . . . .' 122 Cement . . .. . . .. . . 39 Cordage and twine .. .." .. .. 98 .. 4 Cotton piece-goods .. .. .. .. 2,832 86 423 Drapery, &c. .. .. .. .. 770 131 15 Drugs .. .. .. .. .. 653 7 Fancy goods.. .. .. . . .. 159 . . 20 Fish, preserved .. .. .. .. 791 .. 71 Flour .. .. .. .. .. 200 3 Fruits, dried, fresh, and preserved . . .. 59 . . 105 Furniture, &c. . . .. . . .. i 122 Hardware . . .. . . .. . . 387 10 3 Musical instruments, &c. . . .. . . 97 30 ... Matches .. .. .. .. .. 433 .. 25 Meats, preserved .. .. .. .. 1,186 ) Meats, salted .. . . .. . . 113 f Milks, preserved .. .. .. . . 89 Oil) kerosene, &c. .. .. .. .. I 160 3 70 Perfumery and toilet preparations . . .. 138 .. 10 Rice .. .. .. .. .. | 200 1 7 Rugs .. .. .. .. .. -I 200 Saddlery and harness. . ' .. . . . . I 95 Soap .. .. .. .. .. ! 345 17 Specie .. .. .. .. .. 398 .. 550 Stationery and. books, &C . . . . . . j 137 33 1 Sugar . . .. .. .. . . i 136 2 8 Tea, coffee, and cocoa . . .. . . 52 Timber, sawn .. .. .. .. 73 13 Tobacco pipes, &c. .. . . .. .. 958 75 5 Miscellaneous . . '.. .. . . 686 55 20 Totals .. .. .. 14,781 555 1,477 £ £ 167 78 203 1,409 404 307 873 117 130 48 170 39 I 103 72 3,413 5 921 660 179 862 • .. 203 5 169 122 16 416 127 458 .. • 1,299 89 78 311 148 208 6 206 95 362 948 171 146 52 86 I I.039 10 771 445 17.258 : I Exports for Year ended 31st December, 1918. Quantity. New Zealand. Samoa. ; : I I 1 ■ I . Au *" Total, tralia. £ £ Copra.. .. .. .. 393| tons 9,265 ' .. 206i „ .. 4.646 £ ! £ 599f Fungus .. .. .. 2,8041b. 46 1,7861b. .. 49 13,911 4,5901b. lints .. .. .. .. 2,752 doz. 1,731 26 „ .. 18 95 2,778 „ Other goods .. .. .. .. 272 504 1,749 6 782 Totals .. .. .. 11,314 5,217 11,314 5,217 6 16,537 6