COOK AND OTHER ISLANDS. [In continuation of Parliamentary Paper A.-3, 1924.]

Appendix to the Journals of the House of Representatives, 1925 Session I, A-03

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1925. NEW ZEALAND.

COOK AND OTHER ISLANDS. [In continuation of Parliamentary Paper A.-3, 1924.]

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

MEMORANDUM. Cook Islands Department, Wellington, 26th May, 1925. Summaries of the annual reports of the Cook Islands and Niue Administrations are attached hereto. Trade returns for the past year disclose a very satisfactory condition in Rarotonga, both the exports and total trade constituting a record. Niue Island was not so fortunate, owing to a dislocation of trade through the loss at the Chatham Islands of the contract steamer " Rama." All efforts to arrange for private enterprise to take up the running of the " Rama " failed, and the Government has decided to recondition the N.Z.G.S. " Hinemoa " and place her in the Niue service. Though the " Hinemoa "is rather small for the trade, it is hoped that she will be the means of solving the ever-recurring difficulties of a regular connection that have surrounded this service in the past. It will also give to the island that continuity and regularity of service so essential to the fostering of a fruit industry. It was necessary on the loss of the " Rama "to arrange a special trip to Niue by the N.Z.G.S. " Tutanekai " with supplies sufficient to carry over the hurricane season. Wireless stations were erected during the year at the Islands of Aitutaki, Mangaia, and Niue, and have been staffed and efficiently run by Cook-Islanders trained in New Zealand. A receiving set has also been installed at the Island of Atiu, and will be completed later with a transmitter. These stations have proved of inestimable value to trade and shipping by making known to planters and traders the dates upon which the steamers would call, and have broken down the long periods of isolation through the hurricane season of past years. An effort is being made to eliminate the present heavy waste in fruit shipments arriving in New Zealand from the Cook Group. There are two necessaries to this—i.e., better shipping facilities, and improved methods of picking and packing the fruit. A fruit-packing-shed system has been inaugurated, by means of which the fruit can be stored for sufficient time before packing to allow bruises and defects to manifest themselves before shipment takes place, and it is hoped by this means to remove one of the weaknesses of the present system. During the year the Resident Commissioner, Rarotonga—Judge H. F. Ayson—paid a visit to the isolated islands of the Northern Cook Group, and found the health of the people generally good and other conditions more or less satisfactory. As a result of his visit it has been decided to appoint at the Island of Pukapuka a European Resident Agent, who will also act as school-teacher. I desire to place on record my appreciation of the long and excellent services rendered by Messrs. Guy N. Morris, Resident Commissioner, Niue; J. C. Evison, Superintendent of Schools, Rarotonga ; and Dr. R. S. Trotter, Chief Medical Officer, Rarotonga, whose pending retirements from the Islands service I very much regret. M. Pomare, Minister for the Cook Islands.

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REPORT OF COOK ISLANDS ADMINISTRATION. Rarotonga, 30th April, 1925. Finance. The revenue for the year amounted to £23,535 12s. lid., being £4,398 ss. Id. in excess of the last year's revenue ; the expenditure was £21,553 13s. ld. ; leaving a balance of £1,981 19s. lOd. The Revenue and Expenditure Accounts are set out hereunder, from which it will be seen that the year's operations resulted in a credit balance of £5,491 3s. 9d. Cash in bank includes a sum of £1,000 granted by New Zealand in aid of new refrigerating plant and buildings, not yet expended. Statement of Revenue and Expenditure for the Year ended 31st March, 1925. Revenue. £ s. d. Expenditure. £ s. d. Balance as at 31st March, 1924 .. 3,509 3 1 Aitutaki Imprest Account .. .. 0 710 Aitutaki Wharf Account .. .. 183 18 0 Aitutaki—Salaries .. .. .. G3B 5 10 Ammunition Account .. .. 37 13 3 Atiu Imprest Account . . .. 0 6 4 "All Blacks" Entertainment Account... 16 9 3 Atiu—Salaries .. .. .. 197 5 0 Benzine Account ~ ■ .. .. 173 13 5 Audit Account ... .. .. 380 0 0 Copra duty .. .. .. .. 2,184 14 10 Aitutaki—Wireless Construction Account 318 1 9 Customs duties .. .. .. 11,917 17 4 Atiu —New House Construction Account 1,527 14 6 Cinema licenses .. .. .. 15 0 0 Arorangi—New School Construction AcCartage Shooks Account .. .. 34 6 5 count .. .. .. .. 41212 3 Diving licenses .. .. .. 160 0 0 Agricultural classes .. .. .. 46 12 9 Dog-tax .. .. .. .. 143 0 0 British Empire Exhibition .. . . 18 6 Education, Northern Group .. .. 96 3 1 Contingencies .. .. .. 963 1 6 Fruit-inspection .. .. .. 1,480 4 2 Courts .. .. .. .. 1,224 18 0 Film censorship .. .. .. 5 4 6 Education .. .. . . .. 1 ,222 8 1 Freezer, new building (grant) .. .. 1,000 0 0 Experimental farm .. .. .. 250 16 11 High Court fees and fines .. .. 1,721 5 6 Freezer Account .. .. .. 442 8 6 Hall licenses .. .. .. 11 0 0 Furniture Account .. .. .. 58 010 Liquor Account .. .. .. 108 19 6 Government buildings .. .. 1,517 2 9 Hospital, new building .. .. 376 14 0 Hospital .. .. .. .. 2,292 9 7 Mangaia Imprest Account (profit, nails).. 16 14 7 Lepers .. .. .. .. 649 14 1 Marriage and registration fees .. .. 51 8 3 Lunatics .. .. .. .. 173 4 5 Motor fees .. .. .. .. 1,11100 Mangaia—Salaries .. .. .. 526 6 8 Native Land Court fees ~ .. 76 12 0 Manihiki —Salaries . . .. .. 284 0 0 Passport fees .. .. .. 25 2 0 Mauke —Imprest .. .. .. 0 16 Post-card sales .. .. .. 0 10 8 Mauke —Salaries .. .. .. 362 0 0 Post Office boxes .. .. .. 5 11 0 Mitiaro—Salaries .. .. .. 75 0 0 Printing Account .. .. .. 198 110 Mangaia—Wireless Construction Account 658 16 7 Rents .. .. .. .. 213 16 8 Mauke—Cargo-shed Construction Account 94 14 0 Road rates .. .. .. .. 112 3 6 Mauke—Tank Construction Account .. 52 13 8 Shipping fees .. .. .. 6 0 0 Penrhyn —Salaries .. .. .. 320 0 0 Stamp sales .. .. .. 1,045 410 Police .. .. .. .. 1,254 2 6 Stock Adjustment Account .. .. 378 11 11 Post Office .. .. .. .. 643 11 5 Telephones .. .. .. .. 17 9 8 Prisoners .. .. .. .. 277 13 6 Trading licenses .. .. .. 749 0 0 Public works .. .. .. 692 12 1 Water rates .. .. .. 427 12 0 Pukapuka —Salaries .. .. .. 35 0 0 Wireless Account .. .. .. 434 10 9 Pukapuka—Tank .. .. .. 96 0 7 Penrhyn—Beacons . . . . .. 14 15 7 Resident Commissioner's Office .. 1,092 3 6 Roads, bridges, and foreshore .. .. 1,537 0 10 Subsidy, flying-foxes and rats .. .. 138 9 6 Treasury and Customs .. .. 771 2 8 Trucks Account .. .. .. 198 12 2 Water Account .. .. .. 62 0 1 Whare Manuhiri .. .. . . 49 16 10 21,553 13 1 Balance as below .. .. 5,491 3 9 £27,044 16 10 £27,044 16 10 PARTICULARS OF BALANCE. £ S. (1. Cash in bank .. . .. . .. .. 2,254 211 (-ash in hand .. .. .. .. .. .. 441 14 3 Cash in hands of Resident Agents .. .. .. .. 119 13 4 £ s. d. Amounts due to Administration .. .. 617 9 0 Less amounts owing .. .. .. 394 13 6 222 15 6 Fruit-case accounts .. .. .. .. .. .. 417 6 7 Stocks on hand . f .. .. .. ~ .. 2,035 11 2 £5,491 3 9

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The following cash statement takes into account the amounts due to and owing by the Administration and stocks on hand as at the close of the financial vear, and shows an estimated credit balance of £8,032 Os. Bd. Cash Statement as at 31st March, 1925. Assets. £ s. d. Liabilities, £ s. d. Cash in hand .. .. .. 441 14 3 Sundry creditors .. .. ... 394 13 6 Cash in bank .. .. .. 2,254 211 Debts deemed to be irrecoverable —- Cash in hands of Resident Agents ..119134 £ s. d. Sundry debtors .. .. .. 617 9 0 Fruit-case accounts .. 417 6 7 Stocks on hand .. .. .. 2,035 11 2 Sundry debtors .. .. 21 17 3 Proceeds of Customs due from New Zealand, — 439 3 10 due 31st March, 1925 (estimated) .. 2,000 0 0 Contingent losses— Stamp sales, New Zealand (estimated) .. 300 0 0 Claims by the Cook Islands Native High Court fees outstanding .. .. 75 9 0 Association .. .. .. 214 11 9 Native Land Court fees outstanding .. 819 3 6 Cash balance .. .. .. 8,032 0 8 Fruit-case accounts .. .. .. 417 6 7 £9,080 9 9 £9,080 9 9 To balance .. .. £8,032 0 8 The balance-sheet set out hereunder takes into account the value of all Administration assets throughout the Group as at the 31st March, 1925, and all liabilities as per cash statement, and shows an excess of assets amounting to £65,572 Bs. Bd. Statement of Assets as at 31st March, 1925. Assets. £ s. d. Land and buildings .. .. .. .. .. 44,697 10 0 Waterworks .. .. .. .. .. .. 5,500 0 0 Telephone system .. .. .. .. .. .. 500 0 0 Furniture and fittings .. .. .. .. .. 5,274 18 0 Printing plant, machinery, and type, &c. .. .. .. 375 0 0 Plant, tools, &c., Rarofconga .. .. .. .. 213 0 0 Boat-shed, boat, and truck ~ .. .. .. 160 0 0 Motor-vehicles and trailer .. .. .. .. .. 575 0 0 Desks, Northern schools .. .. .. .. .. 80 0 0 Group Islands—Hospital stocks .. .. .. .. 55 0 0 Group Islands —Plant, tools, &c. .. .. .. .. 110 0 0 Cash as per cash statement .. .. .. .. 8,032 0 8 £65,572 8 8 Liabilities. Nil. Trade. For the year ended 31st December, 1924, the value of imports was £138,202, and of exports £154,554. For the previous year the figures were —Imports, £131,590 ; exports, £118,710. It will be seen that the exports exceeded the previous year's figures by £35,844, and a perusal of the attached return of imports and exports for the past ten years will show that not only the exports, but the total trade also, constitute a record. The position is very satisfactory, especially considering that the " Maunganui," owing to stress of weather, had in December last to leave the bulk of her fruit cargo behind. Space for fruit shipments was well maintained throughout the year, and we had the advantage of a change in time-table, so that our fruit shipments by the mail-steamers did not clash with the imports of fruit from Fiji. It is to be regretted, however, that the north-bound mail-steamers do not stay sufficiently long at Rarotonga to lift all the copra that is offering. Local merchants, on one occasion, got over the difficulty by chartering a sailing-vessel to carry their copra to San Francisco, and it is understood that arrangements have been made for similar charters in the future when necessary. The Union Company could very well, and quite easily, adjust this matter, in its own interests as well as those of the Islands. It would also be very much in the interests of the Islands if a more suitable vessel could be engaged in the alternate Auckland-Wellington cargo service. The vessels now being used are not suitable fruit-carriers, and are too slow, especially as they have to serve the Group Islands as well as Rarotonga. During the year 177,396 cases of oranges, 78,453 cases of bananas, and 25,438 cases of tomatoes were exported to New Zealand. The figures for the previous year were —oranges, 138,857 ; bananas, 70,206 ; and tomatoes, 24,578 ; so that it will be seen that we have increased our fruit exports this year by 47,646 cases.

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The following is a summary of imports and exports for 1924, together with a return for the last ten years :— Port of Avarua. Return of Imports for the Year ended 31st December, 1924. £ £ New Zealand .. .. .. 101,727 Belgium .. .. .. 101 United States of America .. .. 18,671 Sweden .. .. .. 80 United Kingdom .. .. .. 8,791 Germany .. .. .. 50 Australia .. .. .. .. 5,693 Holland .. .. .. 50 Tahiti .. .. .. .. 1,190 China .. .. .. 48 Canada .. .. .. .. 605 Czecho-Slovakia .. .. 31 Japan .. .. .. .. 425 Italy .. .. .. .. 20 Switzerland .. .. .. 341 South Africa .. .. .. 4 France .. .. .. .. 220 —-—— Samoa .. .. .. .. 155 £138,202

Return of Exports for the Year ended 31st December, 1924.

SUMMARY. £ New Zealand .. .. .. .. .. 108,352 United States of America .. .. .. .. 29,081 United Kingdom .. .. .. .. .. 14,502 Tahiti .. .. .. .. .. .. 2,364 Samoa .. .. .. .. .. .. 255 £154,554

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Article. Whore exported. Quantity. Value. £ £ Bananas .. .. .. New Zealand .. .. 78,453 cases .. .. 40,141 Oranges .. .. .. „ .. .. 177,396 ,, .. .. 51,644 Tomatoes .. .. .. ,, .. .. 25,438 ,, .. .. 13,745 Pines .. .. .. „ .. .. 704 „ .. .. 196 Mandarins .. .. .. ,, .. .. 462 ,, .. .. 120 Brazilian cherries .. .. ,, .. .. 6 „ .. 1 Lemons .. .. .. ,, .. .. 416 ,, .. 76 Kumeras .. .. .. ,, .. .. 139 „ .. 34 Taro .. .. .. ,, .. .. 4 . .. 2 Grapefruit .. .. .. ,, .. .. 12 „ .. 4 Cucumbers .. .. ... „ .. .. 4 • „ .. 1 Lime-juice .. .. .. „ .. .. 8 casks .. .. 44 Coffee .. .. .. „ .. .. 10 sacks .. .. 45 Coconuts .. .. .. ,, .. .. 1,464 „ .. 537 United States of America .. 1,982 gunnies 396 Tons cwt. qr. lb. 933 Pearl-shell .. .. .. United Kingdom .. .. 124 5 0 12 .. 4,395 Copra .. .. .. New Zealand .. .. 101 18 0 0 1,762 United States of America .. 1,504 11 2 0 28,685 United Kingdom .. .. 478 2 3 11 10,107 Tahiti .. .. .. 147 18 4 0 2,364 Samoa .. .. .. 17 9 0 0 255 43,173 2,250 0 1 11 £154,554

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Return of Imports and Exports for the Ten Years 1915 to 1924, inclusive.

Medical and Public Health. On the whole, general health conditions in all the islands have been satisfactory during the year. The work of altering and extending the hospital at Rarotonga and erecting the out-patients department is well under way. The building of a new quarantine station has been approved, and will be put in hand shortly. Arrangements are being made for a report from a competent engineer as to proposed extensions to the water-supply systems in the various districts, and also the provision of suitable filter-beds at the intake of the Avarua supply. We have under consideration a proposal to transfer our lepers to the well-equipped and efficient leper station at Makogai, Fiji, and if this is carried out it will solve our problem of dealing with the twenty-three leper patients now segregated at Penrhyn, Manihiki, and Rakahanga, in the Northern Cook Group. An important step in health matters is the arrangement just entered into with the Health Department of New Zealand whereby a qualified dentist is to be provided for the Cook Islands, in order that the teeth of the children may be properly attended to. Under the arrangement referred to we shall also be able to train our own dental nurses in the dental clinic in New Zealand. After nine years' good service Dr. R. S. Trotter, Chief Medical Officer, is retiring in a few months' time. The following are extracts from the annual report of Dr. Trotter : — " There was no outstanding epidemic throughout the year, but in the month of November there were numerous cases of catarrhal conditions and of diarrhoea amongst the Maoris. June also was a heavy month for minor sicknesses both amongst Europeans and Maoris. The most outstanding feature during the year was the continuous prevalence of various diseases produced by worms (round, thread, hook, &c.), causing a great deal of sickness and fever, particularly amongst children. There was less itch, ringworm, and kindred skin-diseases than in former years, but tane, a form of pityriasis, may be said to be almost universal amongst certain classes of the Maoris, causing considerable expense in treatment, owing to the carelessness of the people in changing articles of clothing with each other and in neglecting to have their clothing boiled whilst undergoing treatment. Filarial infections of various kinds and degree gave a good deal of trouble from time to time, particularly filarial abscesses, which at times, after having been opened, took a lot of dressing and clearing up. There was a fair amount of pneumonia and of pulmonary tuberculosis, and a few sporadic cases of enteric fever. " The number of new in-patients admitted to the hospital during the year was eighty-six, and their average stay therein was eighteen days. " The following outer islands were visited by the Medical Officers : Mauke (four times), Manuae (once), Atiu (thrice), Aitutaki (twice), Mitiaro (once), Palmerston (once), Pukapuka (once), Rakahanga (three times), Manihiki (three times), and Penrhyn (twice). Nassau was not visited, nor were Suwarrow and Takutea. Yaws was dealt with particularly in Aitutaki, Atiu, Mauke, and Mangaia. There was an outbreak of typhoid fever in Mangaia, which apparently was taken there by pilgrims from foreign islands who were attending the London Missionery Society's centenary celebrations in Mangaia. It is regrettable that this disease has got into Mangaia, as the Mangaians are a difficult people for a stranger to handle, and it will be no easy task to insist upon segregation of the sick. " There was an outbreak of a severe type of infective catarrh in Manihiki and Rakahanga whilst I was there. Nearly every person on both islands was affected, and my time was well occupied there, fortunately with good results for the islanders. " After we had left Penrhyn, and before we got back, Mr. Wilson, Resident Agent there, had to deal with a similar outbreak, and did the work well. " The Rakahanga cases which I was unable to go back to treat last year had, as ordered, been segregated by the Resident Agent. Injections were given to them, and when we returned from Palmerston and Pukapuka they had cleared up and there were no further cases. Those dealt with last year in Pukapuka had recovered, and there were no new cases on the islands. It is to be hoped that these islands will again be free from infection, as they had been for several years. I was much disappointed when I found that these cases had been taken up there, as we had managed to keep them free for so long. Pulmonary tuberculosis, too, is nearly stamped out in these Northern Islands. It is to be hoped that no encouragement will be given to the inhabitants to build the abominable coral limestone houses. Their own type? rt\ houses are much superior.

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Year. j Imports. Exports. Total Value. £ £ £ 1915 .. .. .. .. 65,590 63,057 128,647 1916 .. .. .. .. 58,478 68,146 126,624 1917 .. .. .. .. 80,061 60,190 140,251 1918 .. .. .. .. 99,632 82,708 182.340 1919 .. .. .. .. 142,925 127,729 270,654 1920 .. .. .. .. 177,911 94,697 272,608 1921 .. .. .. .. 112,974 69,301 182,335 1922 .. .. .. .. 116,726 135,802 252,528 1923 .. .. .. .. 131,590 118,710 250,300 1924 .. .. .. .. 138,202 154,554 292,756

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" L&prosy. —This is the bane of the Northern Islands. The state of affairs at present is—Lepers. Suspects. M. F. M. F. Aitutaki .. .. .. .. .. ..20 00 Penrhyn .. .. .. .. .. ..7 4 22 Manihiki .. .. .. .. .. ..41 05 Rakahanga .. .. .. .. .. ..7 0 0 1 20 5 2 8 " The suspects are isolated apart from the lepers. I should like to say, in the hope that it will be of assistance to whatever Medical Officer may have the unpleasant duty of dealing with these afflicted people, that the Resident Agents in Manihiki and Penrhyn are experts in picking out persons affected with leprosy in the early stages, and both are thoroughly conversant with the family histories of all affected persons upon the islands under their charge —a most important point. " General Remarks. —-The general health and sanitary condition of all the islands has been well maintained during the year. There have been no deadly epidemics. The typhoid problem in Mangaia and the leprosy one up north are our greatest difficulties at present; our staff is not adequate to deal thoroughly with these matters under existing conditions of intercommunication round our widely scattered group of islands. In Rarotonga itself the most pressing requirement is the provision of settling-tanks and filter-beds at the various intakes of the water-supplies, and the removal of all chances of pollution of taro swamps where these exist above the intake of the water."

Vital Statistics.

Migration. The following return shows the migration to and from Rarotonga for the twelve months ending 31st March, 1925 Arrivals. —Europeans : Adults —45 males, 43 females ; children—B males, 9 females. Natives : Adults —26 males, 16 females'; children—lo males, 13 females. Total for year, 170. Departures. —Europeans: Adults —43 males, 36 females ; children—lo males, 7 females. Natives : Adults —17 males, 19 females ; children—B males, 2 females. Total for year, 142. Education. The attached report of the Superintendent of Schools shows that, including the Northern Group, we have seventeen schools under our jurisdiction, with a total of 1,728 pupils on the rolls. In addition to the completion of the Arorangi School buildings, three new class-rooms have been built at Aitutaki, and during the coming year new class-rooms will be added at Atiu and at Avarua. It is much to be regretted that Mr. J. C. M. Evison, Superintendent of Schools, will retire on superannuation in June next, after many years of valuable service. Attendance. —In the Lower Group the roll number at the beginning of that year was 762 boys and 599 girls ; total, 1,361 : at the end it had increased to 754 bovs and 656 girls ; total, 1,410. The average roll number for the year was 1,369-91 pupils. The average attendance was 673-13 boys and 559*93 girls, totalling 1,233*06. There were also in attendance in the schools of the Northern Group 367 pupils. Pomare Medals and Vernon Reed Shield.- These were again competed for by the schools in the Island of Rarotonga, and the competition is to be extended to embrace the school at Oneroa and the school at Atiu.

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" ' Births. Deaths. Marriages. Name of Island. European.: Maori. European, Maori. j Remarks. —— European. ] Maori. M. I F. M. F. M. i F. M. j F. | ' 1 I Rarotonga .... 4 73 64 .... j 35 43 2 30 Aitutaki 38 35 j .. .. 10 16 .. 22 Mangaia 17 20 .. .. i 45 17 .. 13 Atiu 11 13 .... 10 10 .. 2 To 31 Dec., 1924. Mauke 9 8 .... 5 2 .. 4 To 30 Nov., 1924. Mitiaro* .. .. Manihiki 8 7 .... 5 7 .. 8 To 31 Dec., 1924. Rakahanga 6 5 5 4 .. 6 „ Penrhyn 4 3 1 .... 1 4 218 „ Pukapuka* .. .. .., Palmerston* .... .... Totals .. .. 4 166 155 .. .. 116 103 4 93 * No returns received.

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Agricvlture Class.—ln April last a class in agriculture was instituted, by which boys from all the schools in Rarotonga were given instruction in this necessary and valuable subject. The class closed in December last after working for thirty-five weeks, the average attendance of pupils being 56-5. All the work was done in Avarua, the theoretical part in Avarua School and the practical work on the Government farm. For the year 1925 it is intended to continue the work with the members of last year's class as a senior class, and to institute a junior class. Northern Group.—The seven schools there formerly existing merely as mission schools were last May brought under the control of the Administration as far as inspection, instruction, and equipment are concerned. This marks an era, in the progress of education in that far-away part of the Group. These schools increase the number to seventeen schools now under the control of the local Administration. Public Works. New Buildings.—During the year the following new buildings have been completed: The Arorangi School buildings were completed at a cost of £422, making the total expenditure £1,570 2s. lid. The wireless stations at Aitutaki and Mangaia were erected by Mr. Reid, Officer in Charge of Public Works, and Mr. Hampton, Radio Superintendent. They deserve great credit for their work. The cost to this Administration for the erection of these stations and necessary buildings was £441 10s. Bd. for the Aitutaki Station, and £651 18s. 9d. for Mangaia. This is in addition to the New Zealand votes for the plant and machinery. A commodious residence for the Resident Agent at Atiu (including offices) was completed, at a cost of £1,527 16s. 6d. A cargo-shed has been provided at the Island of Mauke, the material for which cost £116 9s. Id. 2,500-gallon tanks have been built at Mauke and Atiu, and at the leper station at Penrhyn, material costing £180. The new telephone from Avarua to Matavera cost £183 lis., and the material for the three school class-rooms at Aitutaki £115 6s. 6d. A residence for single male officials was built at a cost of £359 12s. Id. Various additions and repairs have also been done to Government buildings in the different islands. Roads and Bridges.—The main road round the Island of Rarotonga has been kept in a good state of repair, and various improvements made, including the provision of a new bridge at Nikao. In the coming year it is proposed to build three bridges on the Avatiu Valley Road in order to open up this fine valley. The amount spent on roads and bridges during the year was £1,537. It is worthy of note that all the amounts expended under the above headings of " New Buildings " and " Roads and Bridges " have been, provided out of local revenue. New Works in Hand or Contemplated.—The alterations and additions to the hospital at Rarotonga, and the erection of the out-patients department, are well in hand, the total cost being estimated at £2,000, of which the local Treasury is finding £1,000, and the balance of £1,000 was provided by a vote on last year's New Zealand estimates. The new refrigerating plant and buildings are estimated to cost £2,000, of which New Zealand has provided £1,000. The local funds are finding the remaining £1,000. In addition various works will be undertaken, such as alterations to the Whare Manuhiri (accommo-dation-house), extension of telephone to Ngatangiia and Arorangi, &c., a.nd as mentioned elsewhere in this report. A scheme of electric lighting for the main village of Avarua is also under consideration. High Court. Criminal Jurisdiction.—The total number of cases heard for criminal offences, breaches of regulations, and for breaches of local Ordinances are as follows : Manufacturing intoxicating liquor, 110 ; consuming intoxicating liquor, 585 ; drunkenness, 29 ; wilful damage, 1 ; being in possession of intoxicating liquor, 1 ; giving intoxicating liquor to Natives, 2 ; wilful trespass, 12 ; theft, 32 ; contempt of Court, 4 ; animals trespassing, 85 ; landing intoxicating liquor, 9 ; gambling, 20 ; assault, 22 ; adultery, 11 ; obscene language, 4 ; disorderly conduct, 14 ; resisting the police, 1 ; perjury, 1 ; rape, 2 ; escape from lawful custody, 1 ; slander, 1 ; indecent language, 1 ; riding bicycle at night without a conspicuous light, 2 ; breaches of Fruit Regulations, 80 ; breaches of Education Regulations, 3 ; breaches of Noxious Weeds Regulations, 2 ; adjourned cases which involved title to Native lands, 14 : total, 1,163. Of the above total cases heard, 75 were sentenced to imprisonment, 938 convicted and fined, 82 convicted and discharged, 35 cases dismissed, 16 withdrawn, 3 remanded to Mangaia and there dealt with, 14 adjourned as above stated. It will be noticed in the foregoing return 403 more cases than last year, but this fact does not indicate more crime, but is the result of greater energy displayed by the police in apprehending offenders. Changes made by the Chief of Police combined with proper control and instruction have resulted|in the Police Force being brought up to a more efficient standard. Native Land Court. Sittings of the Native Land Court were held at Penrhyn and Pukapuka during the visit of the Chief Judge in May and June, 1924, as set forth in my report of 3rd October, 1924. During this visit several important matters that had been waiting for some time were heard and dealt with. Outstanding Fees. —The following are the outstanding fees on the 31st March, 1925 : Rarotonga, £274 6s. 9d. ; Aitutaki, £490 3s. 9d.; Mangaia, £1 ; Atiu, £37 195.; Mauke, £15 14s. : total £819 3s. 6d. Printing Department. The printing plant could be very much improved by installing an up-to-date press, to be run by a small-power engine, and other necessary appliances. The following is the revised value of plant, bulk material, and printed stock on hand on the 31st March, 1925 : Printing-press and accessories, £238 ]os. ; type, cases, &c., £130 ; material for use in working, £6 10s. ; bulk paper in stock, £65 ; total value of printed stock in hand, £107 os. 9d. ; total, £547 os, 9d.

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Visit of Resident Commissioner to Northern Islands. During the year I paid a ten-weeks visit to all our Northern Islands, accompanied by the Registrar, Mr. Savage. The health of the people was found to be good, the villages (with the exception of Pukapuka), clean, and matters generally in a satisfactory condition. At meetings with the various Island Councils and with representative Natives many matters were discussed and explained for the general welfare of the people in these remote islands. At Penrhyn and Manihiki matters connected with the pearl-shell fisheries, and the regulations governing the same, were considered, and a few minor points adjusted. Since my visit the passage through the reef to the wharf at Penrhyn has been marked with beacons, and it is now safe for fairly large vessels. At Manihiki, Rakahanga, and Pukapuka the existing passages through the reefs have been improved and made safer, and new ones blasted out, thus facilitating working of vessels in almost all weathers. Further work in this direction will be done during the coming year. The 5,000-gallon concrete tanks which have been erected in all the villages of the various islands were found to be in good order. Additional tanks are being built at Pukapuka. All the leper stations were visited, and the conditions of segregation noted. Reference to this matter will be found under the heading of " Health." Several long-standing and important cases in the High Court were dealt with, and arrears of work wiped out. A few Land Court matters and compensation claims were also disposed of. Visits were paid to all schools, and the new scheme by which we have the supervision of same was found to be working smoothly. All routine matters requiring the attention of the Resident Commissioner and the Registrar were brought up to date, and altogether the visit was of considerable mutual benefit to all concerned. Several changes took place during the year. Mr. J. C. Cameron was transferred from Mauke to Mangaia, vice Mr. Thomas Duncan (deceased), and Mr. W. J. Dyer was transferred from Atiu to Mauke. Mr. W. H. Scott was in July last appointed Resident Agent at Atiu and head teacher of the school, with his wife as assistant teacher. Mr. A. A. Luckham having been promoted to the office of Resident Commissioner at Niue, the position of Resident Agent at Aitutaki is being filled by the appointment of Captain E. C. Vellonoweth, late of the Union Steamship Company, who has a first-hand knowledge of Aitutaki and island conditions generally. Arrangements are in hand to appoint a suitable European Resident Agent for Pukapuka, in the Northern Group. The Pukapukans are the most backward of our people, and as the proposed appointee has teaching qualifications, in addition to a wide knowledge of and experience amongst Native races, it is anticipated that the step being taken will be of great benefit to these people. Post-offices. On the Bth May, 1924, the Cook Group was created a separate postal district, with Rarotonga as chief office. The district comprises the following offices, which were transferred from the Auckland District, viz. : Rarotonga (chief office), Aitutaki, Mangaia, Atiu, Mauke, Penrhyn, Manihiki, and Rakahanga. Money-order and Savings-bank. —Both European and Native residents have taken advantage of the new system whereby withdrawals may now be paid to depositors on demand at Rarotonga, instead of having to wait for tie return of the steamer as heretofore. It is anticipated that with the advantages of the savings-bank being more widely known to the Natives the new order will be more fully availed of in the present year. As some of the Group offices have only been created savings-banks during the year, the position as shown is considered highly satisfactory. It is further anticipated that the interest earned in New Zealand under the favourable conditions of investment provided by the New Zealand Post and Telegraph Department on our behalf will show a balance in our favour after taking into account the interest allowed to depositors and working-expenses. Savings-bank : Number of accounts opened, 358 ; amount deposited, £25,240 3s. 3d. ; interest allowed depositors to 31st March, £424 17s. 9d. : total, £25,665 Is. Number of accounts closed, 27 ; amount withdrawn, £8,701 10s. sd. ; balance at credit of depositors on Ist April, 1925, £16,963 10s. 7d. Money-order: Number issued, 966 ; commission charged, £66 ss. lid. ; amount, £16,001 4s. 6d. Number paid, 651 ; amount, £16,449 12s. 6d. Stamps.—The reversion to penny postage, and the withdrawal of the older issues of stamps from sale, have reduced the revenue from this source considerably. Telephones.—During the year extensive additions have been made. The new line to Matavera has been opened, and the construction of the line to Ngatangiia is well in hand. It is proposed to make an early start on the line to Arorangi. New telephones and a thorough overhaul of the Avarua installations are badly needed. Radios. —The amount of radio business for the year has been well maintained, the stations at Aitutaki and Mangaia being well patronized from this island. Wireless Stations. Regulations providing for amateur receiving stations in the Cook Group. The linking-up of Aitutaki and Mangaia telegraphically with the outside world has satisfied a long-felt want on the part of the inhabitants, the service being fully appreciated. These stations are being operated by Rarotongan scholarship boys in a very creditable manner,

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The Island of Atiu Las been equipped with a modern receiver, and an amateur transmitter is now on order, with the object of linking up this island in the radio-telegraphic chain at an early date. The number of words bandied by the main radio station at Rarotonga has increased enormously during the past year, largely on account of the opening of the Outer Island stations, and the liberal Press service rendered on their behalf, as well as locally. The transmitter at Rarotonga is a standard ship's installation, and of relatively low power for a parent station—and the island's only telegraphic communication. "While it has proved an efficient service on current routes, the need for direct wireless communication between the Cook Islands and the mainland of New Zealand is apparent, and inquiries have been instigated with a view to modernizing the transmitter referred to with a valve attachment. Considering the geographical position of the Islands, the rate per word to the United States of America appears to be unduly heavy, and action is being taken with a view to reducing it. During the current year it is proposed to install a low-power radiophone set at the Rarotonga Station, and to broadcast such items as press for the benefit of amateurs in the Lower Group. Cook Islands Public Service. By section 16 of the Appropriation Act, 1924 (N.Z.), the benefits of the Public Service Superannuation Fund were extended to officials permanently employed in the Cook Islands Public Service, and provision made that every complete continuous year of service shall be computed as a year and a half. Fruit-packing. Regulations made by Order in Council, and to come into force on the Ist April, 1925, provided for the packing of oranges and bananas intended for export in duly registered packing-sheds. Oranges and bananas intended for export are to be picked or cut only on dates specified in that behalf by a Fruit Inspector. Oranges must be stored in registered packing-sheds not later than a time fixed by the Inspector, and packing shall not commence before a fixed date. The regulations make it an offence to pick, cart, carry, load, or in any way handle any fruit intended for export, in any manner which is calculated to injure or bruise such fruit. It is hoped that the regulations will ensure a considerable improvement in the quality and condition of fruit to be exported to New Zealand. Agriculture. The experimental farm is being maintained in good condition. In order to bring growers into closer touch with the work of the Agricultural Department it is proposed to ask them and others interested to form an agricultural committee to co-operate with the Department regarding experimental work and field demonstrations. Reference to the school agricultural classes, which are doing valuable work, will be found under the heading of " Education." Rarotonga Fruit Company. The year ending 31st December, 1924, was a most successful one, during which the membership increased from 397 to 522. During the year 11,816 cases of bananas and 2,744 cases of oranges were shipped, as against 7,301 cases of bananas and 3,035 cases of oranges for 1923, thus showing an increase of 4,224 cases. The net proceeds of sale amounted to the very satisfactory sum of £6,116 18s. 9d. The membership is still increasing, and the prospects of the company are very promising indeed. Meteorological. The total rainfall at Avarua, for the year ended 31st March, 1925, was 90-83 in., the highest recorded for twenty-four hours being 3-94 in., on the 20th May, 1924. The highest reading of the Fahrenheit thermometer in the shade was 91-s°, on the sth March, 1925, and the lowest was 59-o°, on the, 14th September, 1924. The naean of the maximum was 80-2°, and the mean of minimum was 70T°.

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REPORT OF NIUE ISLAND ADMINISTRATION. Niue, Ist April, 1925. Finance. The year eommenced with a credit balance of £1,212 3s. 6d. Revenue for the year was low, totalling only £3,598 65., of which Customs duties provided £1,722 17s. 4d., copra export duty £651 7s. 6d., and aid to revenue £489 10s. Expenditure was therefore watched very closely, and totals £3,449 ss. 7d., leaving a credit balance of £1,361 3s. lid. at tfhe 31st March. It is anticipated that revenue for the coming year will amount to about the same sum. The fruit trade, which will provide indirectly an increased revenue in the future, is as yet too small to have an effect. Given a suitable steamer in the contract service there should, however, be signs of this increase before the end of the year. Statement op Revenue and Expenditure por the Year ended 31st March, 1925. Revenue. £ s. d. Expenditure. £ s. d. Balance in hand on Ist April, 1924 .. 1,212 3 6 Ammunition Account .. .. ..Dr. 10 3 7 Aid to revenue .. .. .. 489 10 0 Education .. .. .. .. 118 19 9 Copra export duty .. .. .. 651 7 6 Foreman, Public Works .. .. 250 0 0 Custom duties .. .. .. 1,722 17 4 Furniture, officers' quarters .. .. 37 811 Dog-tax .. .. .. .. 44 15 0 Government buildings upkeep .. .. 202 15 2 Fruit Inspection Account .. .. 18 4 4 Interpreters .. .. .. .. 120 0 0 High Court fees and fines .. .. 169 18 9 Jetty .. .. .. .. 27 16 2 Licenses .. .. .. .. 190 0 0 Library .. .. .. .. 717 6 Liquor Account .. .. .. Cr. 11 12 3 Medical service .. .. ~ 1,004 1 1 Native Land Court fees .. .. 5 10 0 Miscellaneous services .. .. .. 153 11 11 Registration fees .. .. .. 18 3 0 Niue Island Council .. .. .. 58 15 0 Stamp sales .. .. .. ■. 276 12 10 Police .. .. .. 340 18 5 Printing and stationery .. .. 36 11 0 Prisoners, food, and supervision .. 141 4 11 Rent, officers' quarters .. .. 18 0 0 Reservoirs .. .. .. .. 221 14 7 Roads .. .. .. .. 363 8 8 Transport .. .. .. .. 228 1 9 Wireless Account .. .. .. Dr. 101 17 4 Balance — £ s. d. Cash in hand .. 778 3 4 Bank of New Zealand 583 0 7 1,361 3 11 £4,810 9 6 £4,810 9 6 Shipping. Only eight vessels visited Niue during the year. The contract steamer " Rama " made three trips, the s.s. " Tutanekai," s.s. " Waikawa," and the mission steamer " John Williams " called once each, and the warships " Dunedin " and " Laburnum " both paid their annual visits to Niue. It is interesting to note that for the first time in the history of the island the shipping includes no sailingvessels. The advent of a steamer service which made possible a trade with New Zealand in bananas and other fruit was hailed with delight by the Natives. Nevertheless the change brought its difficulties. In the past schooners have called regularly at Tuapa and Avatele as well as Alofi, and land transport was never a serious matter. With the steamer service all copra must come to Alofi, and in addition the Natives in the farther villages complained that they had no adequate transport for bananas. The traders have some vehicles available, but these were by no means able to cope with the altered situation, and the traders were loath to invest in new transport until the continuity of the steamer service was assured. The New Zealand Government has met this difficulty by presenting this Administration with a motor-truck, and a second one is to come to hand at an early date. These trucks will carry bananas for the Native growers at a nominal fee, and between times will be employed in carrying copra and in roadwork. The land transport problem is thus solved for the present. The Natives are aware that part of their profits from bananas must be put aside to purchase vehicles for themselves. The ill luck which has latterly attended the Niue contract service vessels continued, the "Rama " being wrecked at the Chatham Islands towards the end of the year. The final trip of the year was therefore made by the " Tutanekai," and I wish to express on behalf of the island our gratitude for the promptness with which this emergency was met. Trade. Imports for the year 1924 totalled £16,798, as against £18,388 for 1923. Exports, all of which went to New Zealand, amounted to £14,608, as against £13,227 in 1923. The main items of export were —copra, 652 tons ; bananas, 1,211 cases ; hats, 2,529J dozen. Probably owing to excessive rainfall the copra crop was poorer than usual, and a large quantity of nuts were also spoilt by rain during drying. To avoid a recurrence of this loss a proposal to build small driers in different villages is under consideration. These would be handed over to the Natives to be worked by themselves and without fee. Prospects for the coming season are bright, as the trees are bearing well, and there has been no " blow " to throw them back. The banana trade which was inaugurated during the year is destined to make a tremendous difference in the progress and prosperity of the Niueans, Each successive shipment during the year

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showed an increase in the number of cases, and the final boat carried over 1,100. Though the Natives have been somewhat unfortunate in the prices realized in Auckland, the fruit itself has won nothing but praise. An attempt is being made to create fresh industries. Certain of the Natives desire to grow cotton, and seed is being provided for them. A previous attempt collapsed with the outbreak of the war. The Niue women are also becoming expert in making ladies' hats of fanciful design from the bark of various native trees. Specimens of this work are going to New Zealand at the first opportunity for exhibition in city shops. It is anticipated that the exports for the coming year will be considerably in advance of last. Bananas should show a big increase, while copra should reach at least 750 tons. Port op Alofi. Return of Imports for the Year ended 31st December, 1924. £ £ New Zealand .. .. •• 14,169 Western Samoa .. .. .. 39 United Kingdom .. .. .. 1,028 United States of America .. ... 123 Australia . • • • • • 1,393 American Samoa .. .. .. 1 Canada .. .. ■. •• 37 — Fiji .. .. •• •• 1 £16,798 Tonga .. .. .. • • 7 ,

Return of Exports for the Year ended 31st December, 1924.

High Court aud Native Land Court. Criminal cases for 1924 totalled 402, as against 478 in 1923. As usual, the bulk of these were offences against morality, and there was very little that could be called serious crime. Fees and fines collected amounted to £169 13s. 9d. Civil work was negligible in quantity. In the Native Land Court the only applications before the Court were for adoption orders, of which thirty were granted. Niue Island Council. Four meetings of the Niue Island Council were held during the year, one in each quarter. At the October meeting the Secretary for the Cook Islands Department was present, and the members placed various matters before him for consideration. The only Ordinance passed during the year provides for daylight-saving. The clock is moved forward one hour on the Ist October and put back again at the 31st March. As a matter of fact, time makes but little difference to the Native, who uses the sun as his clock, and it is only in his contact with officials and traders that time becomes important. As the Ordinance puts the time more into accord with the variations of sunrise, it suits the majority of the Natives, while it provides leisure for the Europeans on summer afternoons. Medical Service. At the beginning of August last Dr. E. F. Boyd commenced his duties as Medical Officer, and Dr. R. Dorset, who had come to us from the Western Samoan Administration at the end of the previous year, left for New Zealand. Dr. Dorset, who had not expected so long a sojourn in Niue, was living under disadvantages, and I wish to place on record my gratitude for his work. Particularly in connection with the treatment of yaws and hookworm his services were of great value, and the credit of the reduced death-rate is largely his. Dr. Boyd has carried out his duties in. a most energetic manner. Yaws is no longer a serious matter ; practically the whole population has been treated for hookworm, and the improvement of sanitation and housing and a campaign against gonorrhoea are now occupying his attention. It is also proposed at an early date to deal systematically with skin troubles. Miss 0. Peers, who had had charge of the hospital since its inception, also left Niue in August, Her task has been by no means an easy one. Her assistants were mostly untrained Niue girls, and there was a good deal of disinclination on the part of the Natives to avail themselves of hospital treatment. The efficiency of the staff is now reported as very fair, and the Natives are making more

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Article. Where exported. j Quantity. | Value. i 1 £ Apparel .. .. .. . • •. New Zealand .. .. 3 Bananas .. .. •• •• „ ■■ 2,778 cases 1,211 Copra .. .. .. • ■ - • ,, • • 652 tons 11,094 Cotton piece-goods .. .. .. •. ,, .. .. 9 Fancy goods .. .. .. .. • ■ „ .. .. 346 Fungus „ ..8,9981b. 332 Hats .. .. ■■ •• •• „ •• 2,529£doz. 1,533 Instruments, musical, n.e.i. .. .. .. ,, .. .. j 32 Motor parts .. .. .. . • • • ,, • • •. j 10 Taro and yams .. .. • • • • • ,, •. . ■ ! 3 Tools .. •. • ■ • • • • ,, • • • ■ ! 35 £14,603

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and more use of the hospital. We were very fortunate in securing the services of Miss T. Butler, for Lome time Matron of the Apia Hospital, to replace Miss Peers. Both these officials have been indefatigable in their efforts to save infant-iife. Unfortunately, infants are usually in a precarious condition before they are brought to the notice of the Medical Officer, and the strain on the staff is thereby greatly increased. The hospital treatment and suitable feeding give wonderful results, and the loss of a case is extremely rare. ( Dr. Boyd's report, which deals in detail with the work of the year, is attached. Extract from Report of Resident Medical Officer. During the past year the general health of the island has been good : that is well borne out by the fact that there was a record death-rate. The most of the deaths occurred amongst those advanced in years. It is pleasing to note that there has been a reduction in the infantile mortality. My predecessor, Dr. Dorset, began the treatment of hookworm disease, and before leaving he administered tetra-chloride to over a thousand people. On my arrival I completed the treatment of the rest of the island. Over 3,500 people have been treated. Beneficial effects are to be noticed in many cases where profound amemia existed. It is to be hoped that the disappearance of the ansemia in the cases of many females will be shown in an improvement in the birth-rate. Previously on this island yaws had a powerful hold on the people ; now this disease is well under control, and the extensive ulceration due to this disease is not to be seen : since I have been here 1 have seen only one bad case. Most cases which come up for treatment exist among children, and are only minor ones, and it is pleasing to note that they are becoming fewer in number. There is no doubt that the treatment of yaws with salvarsan has greatly helped towards the improvement in the general health of the people which has taken place in the past four years. Injections of salvarsan given during the past yeai numbered 288. Venereal Disease. —There is quite a considerable amount of gonorrhoea amongst the people, and during the last few months forty-six cases have been under treatment. A pamphlet has been written and translated on this disease, advising the people against hiding the disease, and urging them to come up for early treatment. All single males have been inspected, and the Native police have greatly helped by bringing suspects to the hospital for examination. Most cases have given the names of those from whom they received the complaint, and in this way more cases were discovered. Syringes and the necessary drugs have been left at the different villages in the hands of reliable people where the males could receive daily treatment. All females, and even cases in males, arc treated in hospital. Those in the outlying villages come under my notice once weekly during the island round. The greatest difficulty with the disease is that those suffering tend to hide their complaint. Several deaths have been due to pulmonary tuberculosis. There is also a small amount of glandular tuberculosis in young children. With the vifrw of combating this disease attention has been paid to houses. Most of the people sleep in houses which when closed at night have little or no ventilation. Now all houses have to have a ventilating space of 8 in. left between the top of the walls and the roof. Skin-diseases, of which there are a large number, are receiving special attention. These diseases exist mostly amongst young children. In this connection the school-teachers are rendering help by sending all cases that come under their notice for treatment. In view of the fact that infants had previously played a large part in the death-rate, special attention has been paid to children under one year. All weak infants and their mothers have been brought to hospital, and it is gratifying to see how the children pick up. The cause of death amongst most infants has been due to malnutrition and the loading of weak infants with an excess of indigestible food. Where artificial feeding has had to be resorted to, those in charge of the children have received instruction to enable them to carry on after leaving hospital. In this connection many .old injurious customs have to be fought against. During the months of January, February, and March there has been an epidemic of conjunctivitis, which was highly infectious and of a severe form. As many as fifty cases were being treated daily at the hospital, while in the outlying villages there were people instructed in the washing of eyes who administered the lotions to those suffering in their villages. It is gratifying to note that the people are beginning to realize the importance of the hospital and are taking less persuasion to come in. Of late many, especially those suffering from eye conditions, have walked many miles and asked to be admitted. They are also realizing the good that is done for infants at hospital. At the hospital the dispensary and the surgical out-patients department were well patronized. Many minor and several major operations have been performed. At hospital 181 patients, with an average stay of eighteen days, have been treated, while there were 2,319 visits to the dispensary and out-patients department; 401 visits were made to houses on the rounds. Rev. C. Beharell, London Missionary Society missionary, publishes monthly a small paper. He kindly offered a page to the Medical Officer, and this opportunity was accepted. Short articles on house-ventilation, care of the infant, &c., have been written with the view of educating the people on subjects necessary for the preservation of the general health. One cannot close this report without making special mention of Sister Butler. Her experience in Samoa has greatly helped in the management of the staff of Native nurses, who have worked admirably. Much praise is due the sister in the treatment of infants, where she shows unceasing attention. Public Works. Roads.—The section of road which links Hikutavake with the main road round the island, and which was referred to in last year's report, was completed early in May, and has since stood heavy

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rains without damage. The road through Alofi Village has been repaired for a distance of about two miles. A gang was engaged for about two months on the road from Alofi to Mana Junction, which carries traffic from Liku, Lakepa. and Hakupu. These three villages supply the bulk of the copra, and will also produce a large share of the bananas, so an effort has been made to form a lasting surface on this road. It has been coated throughout with makatea, which sets hard almost like cement. With this work the motor-truck supplied to the Administration has assisted. A gang has since been employed at similar work on the road between Tuapa and Mutalau. Reservoirs.—New reservoirs of over 6,000 gallons capacity have been erected in concrete at Mutalau and Liku. The former reservoirs were all sunken, but after consultation with the Medical Officer it was decided to build in future above ground. An attempt was also made to provide a force-pump for a deep waterhole at Hikutavak.e, but after a few weeks' use this was damaged bevond our powers to repair. On the arrival of replacement parts from New Zealand another attempt will be made. There are a large number of such holes in Niue, but the water is usually brackish and would quickly damage piping. A concrete tank was also erected at the teacher's house at Hakupu. Buildings. —Apart from the wireless station, very little new work has been undertaken. A motorgarage has been built at the Medical Officer's residence, and a Native leaf-house at the residence of the Foreman of Public Works. Painting and repairs have been carried out where necessary. <:: Wireless. The establishment of a wireless station in Niue was perhaps the most notable event of the year. Before one can fully appreciate the benefits of wireless one must have lived in absolute isolation such as has been the portion of the Europeans here in the past. During hurricane seasons, for instance, when for about four months no vessels call, it has been largely the absence of news which rendered this a period of strain. With daily wireless news arriving this last hurricane season has been the pleasantest in my experience. In. emergency such as hurricane, wreck, or epidemic the value of wireless cannot be estimated, and accordingly the island is most grateful to New Zealand for bearing the cost of our installation. It is considered that it will be possible to maintain the station at an annual loss of about £100. During the December quarter there were 62 messages of 665 words inwards, and 63 messages of 523 words outwards. The hurricane-season quarter naturally brought less business, 29 messages of 244 words being received and 26 messages of 233 words forwarded. The above figures exclude Press telegrams. Postal. The following figures show the postal business transacted during the year : Money-orders—issued, £1,132 16s. ; paid, £966 16s. 3d. Savings-bank—deposits, £1,632 14s. ; withdrawals, £300 lis. 3d. Postal-notes —issued, £48 15s. Bd.; paid, £3 6s. 9d. Miscellaneous payments, £911 Bs. Id. Education. With the coming year the New Zealand Government will subsidize the London Missionary Society, which undertakes education in those villages not yet catered for by this Administration. These schools will therefore fall under the supervision of the Administration teachers, and their syllabus will, as far as possible, follow the lines of our own. The difficulty of financing further schools is thus disposed of for the present, but as opportunity offers the Administration will take over further villages from the society. Woodwork is being taught at Tufukia, and agriculture has been commenced at Hakupu. Lessons are given in sewing and in Native arts and crafts, and the Medical Officer delivers lectures in hygiene and elementary physiology. The numbers on the rolls at the 31st March are 218 at Tufukia and 87 at Hakupu. Meteorological. Summarized, the readings for 1924 are as follows : Barometer —mean for year, 30-04. Thermometer —highest 96, in March ; lowest 56, also in March : mean maximum, 85-16 ; mean minimum, 70-27. Rainfall, 125-41 in.—a record. Rail fell on 150 days. On the sth October a cyclonic storm of short duration struck the island, accompanied by thunder, lightning, and hail. The hail, an uncommon experience here, seems to have fallen only in the southern part of the island. The hurricane season just ended was one of the calmest in my experience. Except for a north-westerly gale and a heavy sea in the middle of March, shipping could have been worked throughout the season. Population. The following table shows the births, deaths, and marriages for the past five years :—

Forty-five persons, including thirteen Europeans, arrived, and twenty-seven, twenty-six being Europeans, departed. There are increases therefore to record of forty-five on vital statistics and eighteen on migration, a total of sixty-three. The population at the 31st December, 1924, was 3,813, and at the 31st March, 1925, there is a further increase to 3,853. The death figures for the year are

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Year. j Births. j Death?. Marriages. 1920 .. .. .. .. 92 104 45 1921 .. .. .. 103 97 46 1922 .. .. .. .. 99 82 47 1923 .. .. .. .. 106 103 42 1924 .. .. .. 114 69 49

the lowest recorded in the history of the Administration, while it will be seen that the births are above the average. In 1918, the year I arrived in Niue, deaths totalled 178. Since then, except for 1923, there has been a steady decrease. In my opinion further improvement is quite possible, and the figures are an indication that given a conscientious medical service the island may some day regain its former population.

Vital and Migration Statistics for the Year 1924.

Return of Births and Deaths for the Year 1924.

Return of Deaths at Different Ages, 1924.

Approximate Cost of Paper.—Preparation, not given; printing (475 copies), £20.

By Authority : W. A. G. Skinner, Government Printer, Wellington. —1925.

Price 6d.]

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Aboriginal Natives. Persons other than Aboriginal Natives. Total. Male. Female. Male. ■ Female. Births .. .. . . 60 54 .. . . 1J 4 Deaths.. .. .. 27 1 42 .. .. 69 Arrivals .... 17 15 7 6 45 Departures .. .. j 1 j • • 14 12 27 Population. —At 31st December, 1923, 3,780 ; at 31st December, 1924, 3,843 : increase for year 1924, 63.

Births. Deaths. Village. j 1 j j Male. Female. Total. Male. Female. Total. Alofi .... 14 7 21 9 2 11 Makefu .... 3 1 4 2 3 5 Tuapa .... 6 7 13 1 6 7 Hikutavake 5 3 8 .. 2 2 Mutalau .... 8 8 16 4 6 10 Lakepa .... 6 3 9 1 .. 1 Liku .... 4 3 7 3 4 7 Hakupu .... 5 9 14 4 11 15 Fatiau .... 1 1 2 1- | 1 Avatole .... 7 8 15 14 5 Tamakautoga .. 1 4 5 1 4 5 Totals .. 60 54 j 114 27 42 ; 69 __ I I I I

- 1,11 I . I.!... 2? . 05 05 00 M 05 CC ; X 05 GO 05 • ® 05 f-.it-. b f-< f-. b U U U 1 1 f- cS ' eg cS ?8 eg eg eS c3 eg «S f2 eg 4> 0> 0> <X> © © O © O V * g £ I* I o Totals. % |>l >OiO iO © lO o lO O lOO^f rS| © I <N <N CO CO rt< - 1C iO CO 12 >o ; ~ ii i i i iii i i i 2 I II — I O CO r- CO r-H CO X p cq CO 1-H r- <M <M CO CO Tji Tf to «C O . - j j i" ', Alofi 1 2 .... 1 ..].. 1 .... 2 1 1 2 11 Makefu .. .. 1 1 ■ - 1 • • • • 2 5 Tuapa .. .. 2 1 .. 1 1 1 1 7 Hikutavake .. 1 • ■ 1 2 Mutalau .. .. 2 J 2 .. 1 .. .. 4 10 Lakepa .. 1 • • • • 1 Liku .. .. ■• 1 2 1: 1 ..j.. 2 7 Hakupu .. .... 1 2 2 1 j .. J ] 1 1 5 15 Fatiau .. ■ • • ■ 1 • • • • 1 Avatele .. 1 • • 1 1 1 1 1 5 Tamakautoga • ■ .... 1 1 | 1 2 5 Totals .. 7 8 3 4 I 4 j .. j 6 2 7 4 I 4 19 69 I I I |