COOK AND OTHER ISLANDS. [In continuation of Parliamentary Paper A.-3, 1927.]

Appendix to the Journals of the House of Representatives, 1928 Session I, A-03

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1928. NEW ZEALAND.

COOK AND OTHER ISLANDS. [In continuation of Parliamentary Paper A.-3, 1927.]

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

MEMORANDUM. Cook Islands Department, Wellington, 21st June, 1928. I submit the annual report of the Cook Islands and Niue Administrations. The territory has not yet recovered from the severe storm which visited Rarotonga in April, 1926, nor from drought conditions that existed in Niue during that year, the results of which are reflected in the trade and finance returns. Owing to the limited resources of these Islands, it is usually necessary during periods of stress caused through such visitations for the Government to render financial assistance to the local Treasuries. With heavy curtailment of expenditure, however, both Administrations have carried on through the last two very difficult years with only a small additional advance made in aid to the Rarotonga Treasury. I paid a very brief visit to Rarotonga in March last to preside at a Conference, attended by Government representatives, New Zealand fruit merchants, local merchants, and representatives of growers, both European and Native, which was convened with a view to reconstructing the methods of handling fruit in the islands. Due to the helpful attitude of all parties, some very important decisions were arrived at, and I have good reason to believe that the result will be a definite improvement in the quality and grading of fruit exported henceforth from Rarotonga to New Zealand, and that this improvement may later be extended to the outer islands of the Group. The Native growers of Rarotonga displayed a most commendable spirit of self-help by proposing to erect, at their own cost and with their very limited resources, the packing-sheds necessary under the new regulations, but I anticipate that at a later date it may be advisable to render them some assistance in this direction. Good work is being done by the Education Department, and through the system of training of pupil-teachers now established it should be possible within a few years to strengthen very materially, by appointments from within the territory itself, the present teaching staffs. From a medical point of view the position in the territory is very satisfactory. Births continue to show a marked increase over deaths. It is a great pleasure to me to be able to report that at this date every known case of leprosy in our Pacific territories has been transferred to the central Leper Asylum at Makogai (Fiji), where the patients are receiving the very best of medical care and attention. Already several cases have been returned cured from this station, and it is anticipated that a large percentage of the children and those who through strict medical surveillance have been taken in the early stages of the disease will eventually be returned to their island homes. It is with regret that I refer to the retirement on the 31st March last of Mr. J. D. Gray, whose services as Secretary to the Department during the past seven years have been associated with many important advances in the territory. M. PoMAEE, Minister for the Cook Islands.

I—A. 3.

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REPORT OF COOK ISLANDS ADMINISTRATION. Finance. The financial year commenced with a credit balance of £143 16s. sd. Revenue for the year amounted to £18,997 13s. 6d., and the expenditure totalled £17,488 7s. 6d. The details are shown in the Revenue and Expenditure Account set out hereunder, from which it will be seen that our credit balance at the 31st March, 1928, was £1,653 2s. sd. It should be noted that our Customs revenue of £11,986 contains an item of £2,176 3s. 6d. credited for duties collected in New Zealand on goods afterwards reshipped to the Cook Islands, but which really should have been a credit for the previous year. Our financial position is still not satisfactory, as it will be seen from the particulars of balance that we owe £5,956 17s. 7d. to New Zealand Government on Advances Account, whereas the amount due to the Administration totals £3,550 Is. Bd. This leaves a difference of £2,406 15s. lid., to meet which we have only a cash credit of £1,847 ss. 7d., the remaining credits being stocks on hand. Had it not been for an advance of £2,000 made by the Government during the year in aid of the Administration Treasury we would not have been able to meet our obligations towards the end of the financial year. Statement of Revenue and Expenditure for the Year ended 31st March, 1928. Revenue. £ s. d. Expenditure. £ s. d. Balance as at 31st March, 1927 .. 143 16 5 Aitutaki—Salaries .. .. , . 616 5 0 Ammunition .. .. .. 22 15 3 Aitutaki Wharf .. .. .. 310 18 10 Benzine . . .. .. .. 15 0 4 Atiu-—Salaries .. .. , . 198 17 5 Copra export duty .. .. . . 1,742 1 0 Audit fees .. .. .. .. 344 011 Customs duties .. .. .. 11,986 0 0 Agricultural classes .. .. .. 25 0 0 Cinema licenses .. .. . . 15 0 0 Atiu cargo-shed . . .. .. 26 14 1 Cartage shooks .. .. .. 55 15 5 Contingencies .. .. .. 698 0 1 Diving licenses .. .. .. 53 0 0 Courts .. . . .. .. 902 4 8 Dog-tax .. .. .. .. 150 0 0 Dental Department .. .. . . 183 3 8 Education, Northern Group .. .. 122 8 0 Education .. .. .. .. 792 17 1 Fruit-inspection fees .. .. . . 478 4 1 Experimental farm .. .. .. 337 2 4 Film-censorship fees .. .. .. 116 7 Freezer .. .. .. .. 144 1 0 High Court fees and fines .. .. 1,001 14 8 Furniture .. .. .. .. 31 14 8 Hall licenses .. .. .. 5 0 0 Government buildings .. 633 0 2 Liquor .. .. .. .. 209 19 1 Hospital and Medical Department .. 2,740 7 1 Marriage fees .. .. . . 37 2 0 House —Assistant Medical Officer .. 429 16 0 Motor fees .. .. .. .. 131 10 0 Lepers .. .. .. .. 71 11 11 Native Land Court fees .. .. 48 13 9 Lunatics .. . . .. .. 136 1 2 Passport fees .. .. .. 20 19 0 Mail subsidy . . . . .. 40 0 0 Post-office box rents .. .. .. 514 0 Mangaia—Salaries .. . . 162 13 4 Rents .. .. .. .. 268 10 0 Manihiki and Rakahanga—Salaries .. 271 5 0 Road rates .. .. .. .. 91 6 6 Mauke—Salaries .. .. .. 346 0 0 Shipping tees .. .. .. 3 7 0 Mitiaro—Salaries .. .. .. 83 0 0 Stamp sales .. .. .. 1,266 3 4 Penrhyn—Salaries .. .. .. 323 0 0 Stock, Public Works Department .. 14 6 8 Police .. .. .. .. 1,121 8 3 Trading licenses .. .. .. 669 5 0 Post-office .. .. .. .. 531 13 3 Water rates .. .. .. .. 446 4 0 Printing .. .. .. .. 72 0 0 Wireless .. .. .. .. 126 710 Prisoners .. .. .. .. 129 11 11 Public works .. .. .. 771 0 9 Pukapuka—Salaries .. .. .. 220 18 1 Resident Commissioner's Office .. 1,294 4 7 Roads, bridges, culverts, and foreshore .. 1,368 5 6 Subsidy, destruction flying-foxes and rats 152 18 3 Superannuation .. .. .. 235 5 6 Telephones .. .. .. .. 68 1 2 Treasury and Customs .. .. 901 12 1 Trucks .. .. .. .. 300 10 9 Water expenses .. .. .. 436 3 5 Whare Manuhiri .. .. .. 36 19 7 Total expenditure .. .. 17,488 7 6 Balance (particulars below) .. 1,653 2 5 £19,141 9 11 £19,141 9 11 Particulars or Balance. £ s. d. Cash in hand .. .. .. .. .. .. 679 2 9 Cash in bank .. .. .. .. .. .. 1 ; 064 16 11 Cash in hands of Resident Agents— £ s. d. Aitutaki .. .. .. .. ..1161 Atiu .. .. .. .. ..586 Mangaia .. .. .. .. .. 60 0 0 Mauke .. .. .. .. .. 14 16 10 Pukapuka .. .. .. .. ..11146 103 5 11 Stocks on hand .. .. .. .. .. .. 2,212 12 9 4,059 18 4 £ s. d. Amounts due by C.I.A. to N.Z. Government .. 5,956 17 7 Less amounts due to C.I.A. .. .. 3,550 1 8 2,406 15 11 Balance as above .. .. .. .. £1,653 2 5

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The attached table stows, for comparative purposes, income and expenditure since 1921 :— Revenue, Expenditure. £ s. d. £ s. d. Year ended 31st March., 1922 .. .. 17,719 6 4 23,528 0 6 1923 .. .. 19,790 18 1 19,119 4 7 1924 .. .. 19,137 7 10 18,430 18 4 1925 .. .. 23,535 13 9 21,553 13 1 1926 .. .. 23,268 5 1 23,415 17 1 1927 .. .. 19,103 11 5 24,303 6 9 1928 .. .. 18,997 13 6 17,488 7 6 To meet the situation which arose last year, expenditure was cut down to an absolute minimum, being nearly £7,000 less than for the previous financial year. The Public Works programme was curtailed, and expenditure in all Departments was reduced. The New Zealand Government, which has rightly committed us to increasing activities in various directions, such as medical services, education, public works, superannuation, &c., will realize that with the abnormal conditions which have obtained in the last three years owing to heavy storms early in 1926 we must depend upon it for a certain amount of financial aid until better conditions are restored. The balance-sheet set out hereunder takes into account the value of all Administration assets throughout the Group as at the 31st March, 1928, and all liabilities, and shows an excess of assets amounting to £73,000 4s. 9d. Balance-sheet as at 31st March, 1928. Liabilities. £ s. d. Assets. £ s. d. Accumulated funds .. .. .. 73,000 4 9 Land .. .. .. .. 9,476 15 0 Sundry creditors .. .. .. 5,956 17 7 Buildings .. .. .. .. 45,991 3 3 Waterworks, Rarotonga .. .. 4,947 12 0 Water-tank 3, Outer Islands .. .. 1,644 111 Telephone system .. .. .. 527 5 0 Plant and tools .. .. .. 2,397 0 8 Office furniture and fittings .. .. 667 0 7 Furniture, household .. .. 4,295 10 4 Boats .. .. .. .. 461 6 3 Motor-vehicles .. .. .. 939 7 4 Stocks on hand .. .. .. 2,212 12 9 Sundry debtors .. .. .. 3,550 1 8 Cash in hand (Resident Agents) .. 103 5 11 Cash in bank .. .. .. 1,064 16 11 Cash in hand .. .. .. 679 2 9 £78,957 2 4 £78,957 2 4 Trade . For the year ended 31st December, 1927, the value of the imports was £116,606, and of exports £138,357, showing an excess of exports of £21,751. For the previous year the figures were —Imports, £134,473 ; and exports, £138,588. During the year 123,021 cases of oranges and other citrus fruits, 45,470 cases of bananas, and 41,080 cases of tomatoes were exported. The following comparative table shows the exports of our main products for the last four years : — 1924. 1925. 1926. 1927. Oranges (cases) .. .. .. 177,396 94,773 169,668 123,021 Bananas (cases) .. .. .. 78,453 85,451 30,766 45,470 Tomatoes (cases) .. .. .. 25,438 61,064 72,087 41,080 Copra (tons) .. .. .. 2,250 2,440 1,245 1,676 It will be seen that our export of oranges, bananas, and tomatoes still shows a considerable drop on what is a normal year's output. Copra made a small recovery compared with the previous year, but is still considerably below an average year. The orange crop in Rarotonga this year is a heavy one, but reports from the 0 liter Islands shows that their output will be considerably less than that of last year. Bananas have not been extensively planted in Rarotonga, but tomatoes have received considerable attention, and if the weather is favourable the crop should be a fairly heavy one. The following are the returns of the imports and exports for the year just ended, together with a summary for the past thirteen years : — Poet of Avaeua. Return of Imports for the Year ended 31st December, 1927. SUMMAEY. £ £ New Zealand .. .. .. 87,773 Norway .. .. .. 50 United States of America .. .. 13,142 Portugal .. .. .. 30 United Kingdom .. .. .. 6,682 Holland .. .. .. 28 Australia .. .. .. 5,044 Czecho-Slovakia.. .. .. 15 Tahiti .. .. .. .. 1,486 Java .. .. .. .. 11 France .. . . .. .. 730 China .. .. .. .. 5 Canada .. .. .. .. 631 Suva .. .. .. .. 4 India .. .. .. .. 361 Italy .. .. .. .. 4 Germany .. .. .. 212 South Africa .. .. .. 2 Belgium .. .. .. .. 101 Sweden .. .. .. .. 1 Switzerland .. .. .. 91 Hawaii .. .. .. .. 1 Austria .. .. .. .. 80 Japan .. .. .. .. 68 £116,606 Ceylon .. .. .. .. 54 t r-.

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Return of Exports for the Year ended 31st December, 1927.

SUMMARY. £ New Zealand .. .. .. .. .. 99 ; 106 United States of America .. .. .. .. 29,195 United Kingdom .. .. .. .. 9,821 Tahiti .. .. .. .. .. .. '235 £138,357

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Article. Where exported. Quantity. Value. Cases. £ Oranges .. .. .. New Zealand .. .. 121,930 57,042 Bananas .. .. .. „ .. .. 45,470 21,296 Tomatoes .. .. .. „ .. .. 41,054 19,310 Tahiti .. .. .. 26 9 41,080 19,319 Limes and lemons .. .. New Zealand .. .. 180 58 Mandarins .. .. .. „ .. .. 873 105 Grape-fruit .. .. .. ,, .. .. 38 31 Mangoes .. .. .. ,, .. .. 12 6 Taro .. .. .. „ .. .. 32 8 Tahiti .. .. . . 4 1 36 9 Kumaras .. .. .. New Zealand .. .. 248 50 Casks. Orange-juice.. .. .. „ .. .. 32 160 Sacks. Coffee-beans .. .. „ .. .. 7 26 Coconuts .. .. .. „ .. .. 1,552 699 Gunnies. United States of America .. 739 177 2,291 876 Beasts. Pigs, live .. .. .. Tahiti .. .. .. 7 35 Horses, live .. .. ,, .. .. .. 2 16 Cattle, live .. .. .. „ .. .. .. 29 174 Tons. Copra .. .. .. New Zealand .. .. 15 315 United States of America .. 1,356 29,018 United Kingdom .. .. 305 6,161 1,676 35,494 Pearl-shell .. .. .. United Kingdom .. .. 119 3,660 £138,357

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Return of Imports and Exports for the Thirteen Years 1915 to 1927, inclusive.

Medical and Public Health. Apart from an outbreak of very mild influenza in Rarotonga, health conditions throughout the whole Group have remained satisfactory during the year. Owing to his appointment as Director of Maori Hygiene for the Dominion (in succession to Dr. P. H. Buck), Dr. E. P. Ellison resigned the position of Chief Medical Officer in June last. During the year he was in the Group Dr. Ellison rendered very valuable services to our people. His successor is Dr. R. L. Christie, from Samoa, who has had considerable experience in tropical diseases. 11l health compelled Dr. B. G. Thompson, Assistant Medical Officer, to resign his position last month, and his place is being filled by Dr. A. J. Brass, also from the Samoan service. Arrangements have been completed for all the leper cases remaining in the Group to be removed to the Leper Station at Makogai, Fiji, by the " Hinemoa " next month. We are greatly indebted to the New Zealand Government for its assistance in thus clearing the Group of all cases of this disease. During the year steady progress has been made in our campaign against hookworm and yaws. The following are extracts from the report of the Chief Medical Officer :— " During the year there has been one epidemic, an outbreak of influenza occurring in June of last year. Fortunately the disease was of a mild character, with the result that few deaths occurred. The report of Dr. Thompson for June contains an extract from the Register of Deaths, and he attributes four deaths only to the epidemic. " Two cases of typhoid fever were reported for Rarotonga in July, 1927, and in February of this year there was a small outbreak reported by wireless from Mangaia. A later wire announces the recovery of all the cases. " Several cases of mumps were reported in September, 1927, and sporadic cases have been seen since, but the disease has not assumed epidemic form. " The Northern Islands were visited by me between November, 1927, and March, 1928. The condition of health matters in these islands was found to be satisfactory except in Rakahanga and Pukapuka. The former place has many flies, and there are a number of deaths reported in children from diarrhoea and vomiting, the infection probably being fly-borne. The difficulty appears to be in the establishment of proper privies. " During the northern trip one more case of leprosy was discovered at Rakahanga, the patient being a girl of about sixteen years of age. " The health committees established by Dr. Ellison at the various islands were seen. Unfortunately, in some places there appeared to have been some friction between the men's committee and the Island Council. This was apparently due to the committees having gone a little beyond their authority in the matter of trying to establish fines for untidy premises and in issuing orders to individuals. However, it is hoped that since they have had their position and functions explained to them again the committees will continue to do useful work, and that further friction will not occur. " A satisfactory response at Penrhyn was made to the mass treatment for hookworm during the northern trip. A total of 283 persons received the treatment. " In August of last year the New Zealand Government steamer ' Hinemoa ' made a trip to the Northern Group and removed twenty-nine cases of leprosy to Fiji. I accompanied the ship on this trip, having joined her in Apia. " Inspection of shipping has been carried out during the year, pratique having been granted to thirty-seven overseas vessels. " The village committees in Rarotonga have done good work in the matter of village sanitation, and it is hoped that in the ensuing year the sanitation may be still further improved. The Administration has offered a cup for competition between the villages.

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Year. j Imports, j Exports. Total Value.j Year. Imports. Exports. Total Value. £ £ £ £ £ £ 1915 .. .. 65,590 63,057 128,647 1922 .. .. 116,726 125,802 252,528 1916 .. .. 58,478 68,146 126,624 1923 .. .. 131,590 118,710 250,300 1917 .. .. 80,061 60,190 140,251 1924 .. .. 138,202 154,554 292,756 1918 .. .. 99,632 82,708 182,340 1925 .. .. 130,609 151,939 282,584 1919 .. .. 142,925 127,729 270,654 1926 .. .. 134,473 138,588 273,061 1920 .. .. 177,911 94,697 272,608 1927 .. .. 116,606 138,357 254,963 1921 .. .. 112,974 69,301 182,335

A.—3,

" The hospital has done a great deal of work during the year, both in the out-patient department and in the wards. There are at present three Native nursing probationers employed at the hospital under the charge of the Matron, and they do their work willingly and well. The total number of attendances at the out-patients department during the year was 9,209, and over a thousand visits were paid to patients in their own homes. The number of in-patients during the year was 205. The attached table shows the nature of ailment, and home, village, or island of each patient, according to the classification of illness adopted for the usual monthly reports. Ten deaths occurred in hospital during the year. Apart from injuries, &c., and special tropical diseases, diseases of the respiratory system easily lead in numbers. This is due in part to the influenza epidemic mentioned above, which led to cases of bronchitis and broncho - pneumonia. The number of cases of phthisis on the island appears to be considerable. The establishment of a small hospital in a suitable part of the island where these cases could receive treatment would undoubtedly prove of great benefit. " On account of the absence of returns to date from other islands of the group owing to the hurricane season, I am unable to furnish a comparison of birth-rate and death-rate for the period. There is every reason to believe, however, that the figures, when they come to hand, will show a satisfactory excess of the former over the latter. The figures for Rarotonga are —Births, 134 ; deaths, 90 : which shows 44 more births than deaths. The total figures available for the whole group are —Births, 331 ; deaths, 265 ; the difference being 66. Dental Department. The Dental Clinic still continues to do good work, and considerable progress has been made in the betterment of oral conditions. The clinic was open in Rarotonga from April to October, and in November was transferred to Mangaia, where excellent work is being carried out, chiefly amongst the school-children. Work will be resumed in the clinic at Rarotonga on the return of the Dental Officer from Mangaia next month. The number of patients during the year totalled 1,180, and the attendances, 2,184. The following operations were performed : Fillings, 1,644 ; extractions, 667 ; miscellaneous, 998 : total, 3,309. The following are extracts from the report of the Dental Officer " The year ending 31st March, 1928, has passed off successfully, and considerable progress has been made in the betterment of oral conditions. " While dental prophylaxis is still an unknown factor (or disregarded) in the lives of the majority of the people, I feel that the children are gradually being instilled with a desire for better teeth, and also with the knowledge of how this desire may be attained. As pointed out in a previous report, it is to the schools that we must look for any real progress in this direction. To rely on the parents, or to expect noticeable results from propaganda work among them (although this work has been attended to), is next to hopeless. When one sees, almost every day, some instance of serious neglect in medical treatment until all Native remedies have failed, it is not surprising to note mouths (which are, after all, comparatively obscure corners) filthy in adults, and neglected in numerous children who have not yet come within the scope of work of the Dental Clinic. Undoubtedly fear is another factor, especially in a place like Mangaia, which has known only extractions until my present visit. Curiosity is a Native characteristic, and may be utilized for eliminating this fear, by "holding a more or less open clinic where the dentist may be seen working. This is possible in Mangaia and Aitutaki, and advantage has been taken of it. As a consequence, a Maori will perhaps stand for several days at the door watching you work, and then be sufficiently reassured to enter for treatment. " The general idea prevalent in the Native mind is that European food is the Utopian diet, and it is going to be a hard idea to eradicate, especially in Rarotonga, where the Native foods appear to be less cultivated than formerly, and where the population is too large for the amount grown. Aitutaki, a comparatively rich island financially, is quickly leaving its native diet. Mangaia, which has better teeth than either of the former places, is poor financially, but shows progressively worse teeth in its progressively richer villages, thus : Oneroa (main settlement, largest export producing area), 60 per cent, good mouths ; Ivirua (exports large quantity of oranges), 70 per cent, good mouths ; Tamarua (poorer land, and less exports), 86 per cent. It therefore appears to be fairly conclusive from the above and similar observations that the more native the diet the better the teeth. If one could find an island with perfectly dentured inhabitants it might be profitable to investigate conditions there. " This year's work compares favourably with that of last year. From March to November, time was fully occupied in treating new pupils and children up to Class 4 in the Avarua School, Rarotonga. Some thirty senior pupils also were completed after school hours. In addition, European and Maori adults received treatment. " In November the clinic was removed to Mangaia, where, at the end of March, 1928, some 320 children had been rendered dentally fit. This makes a total of approximately 600 children completed for the year in Rarotonga and Mangaia. " This current year will see the installation of a casting-apparatus for inlay and necessary crown work, and the addition to the staff of a fully qualified dental nurse."

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Vital Statistics.

Migration. The following returns show the migration to and from Rarotonga from the Ist April, 1927, to the 31st March, 1928 :— Arrivals. —Europeans : Adults—loo males, 58 females ; children—9 males, 15 females. Natives : Adults —57 males, 41 females ; children —10 males, 9 females. Departures. —Europeans : Adults—B7 males, 48 females ; children—l 4 males, 13 emales. Natives : Adults —18 males, 26 females ; children —4 males, 3 females. Education. We continue to make excellent progress in educational matters, carrying out the policy mentioned in the last annual report. The annual visit of inspection was this year made by Mr. F. H. Bakewell, M.A., whose report contains many very valuable suggestions. Mr. Bakewell was greatly impressed with the work being carried out by the Superintendent, and the headmasters and staffs of the various schools throughout the Lower Group. Unfortunately Mr. Binsted, Superintendent of Schools, has been compelled by the strain of the Tropics to proceed to New Zealand on sick-leave. In his absence the annual report on schools has been prepared by Mr. A. F. Scherer, the Acting-Superintendent, and the following are extracts therefrom :— " Staffing, Schools, and Attendance. —At the end of the year the teaching staff in the schools of the Southern Group consisted of nineteen European teachers and thirty-seven Native teachers. Mr. R. B. Wicks, after six years of valuable service as headmaster of Takitumu School, returned to service in New Zealand in November, and to this position Mr. N. Y. Smith has been appointed. Towards the end of the year the headmaster of Aitutaki School, Mr. P. Ruston, on account of the ill health of Mrs. Ruston, who had ably assisted him, resigned, and to this position Mr. A. McKenzie, late of the Niue Island schools, has been appointed. It is to be regretted that at the close of the year the Superintendent and the Head Teacher of Titikaveka School both had to go to New Zealand on sick-leave. " There are eighteen schools under the control of the local Administration, eleven in the Southern Group and seven subsidized mission schools in the Northern Group. The roll numbers show an increase, the number in the Southern Group now being 1,521, as against 1,507 last year. This number includes fourteen European children, who form a separate class of the Avarua School. The subsidized mission schools have a roll of 403, as against 380 last year. One of these schools was opened at Mitiaro in August, on which occasion the parents expressed their appreciation to the Government of this further educational facility. " Supervision and Inspection.—During the year the Superintendent visited the schools of the Southern Group, apart from frequent supervision of the work in the Rarotongan schools, and in August and September visited all the schools of the Northern Group. This is the first occasion when the Superintendent has visited all the schools in the scattered Northern Group. In October Mr. F. H. Bakewell, M.A., inspected all of the Rarotongan schools and also most of the schools in the Southern Group, and furnished a very valuable report and recommendations. " Completion of School Course. —The curriculum involves an eight-years course, and out of the total roll in the Southern Group approximately ninety-eight pupils are in the highest class or class 8. In November over forty pupils in the Rarotongan schools had covered the work prescribed, and they all took this Class 8 examination, with the result that nearly 60 per cent, passed. This is the first time that such a " leaving " examination has been given in common in all the schools. Where those pupils have chosen to remain at school, the head teachers, where possible, are making arrangements for them to further continue their studies. At the close of this school year this examination will be held throughout the Southern Group, and will, in part form the basis of selection of those who wish to continue and gain their proficiency certificates at the Avarua Normal School.

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Births. Deaths. Marriages. Name of Island. European. Maori. European. Maori. : j European. Maori. M. j F. M. F. M. j F. M. F. Rarotonga ] 2 75 56 .... 46 44 2 35 Aitutaki 1 37 30 .... 31 28 .. 12 Mangaia .. .. 15 12 .... 13 13 .. 12 Atiu .. .. .. 19 18 .... 22 15 1 11 Mauke .. . . 1 .. 14 4 .. . . 4 4 .. 4 Mitiaro .. .. • • • • Manihiki .. .. 4 1 .... 8 11 .. 7 Rakahanga .. .. 2 5 .... 1 .. .. 3 Penrhyn .. .. 4 8.... 5 4 1 5 Pukapuka . . . . 14 8 .... 9 7 . . 10 Palmerston .. . . . • • ■ 2 Totals .. .. ! 2 3 184 142 .. .. I 139 126 4 101

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" The Curriculum. —Geography and nature-study have now been introduced into the work of the schools. During the year a course in oral language was developed, and several of the courses of study were modified as a result of the work of last year. Work in the Native arts is somewhat handicapped because of the difficulty of getting supplies of raw material, which are rapidly becoming depleted in the Southern Group. The woodwork classes are to be more fully organized and developed, for at present many of the schools are handicapped as regards equipment or through some other handicap, such as want of a building or space for a workshop. The Director of Agriculture holds an afternoon class in agriculture for Native teachers, students, and the senior pupils. All schools maintain garden and agriculture plots, and in a practical manner the growing of certain crops and the care of certain plants are demonstrated. In many of the schools the funds with which to buy sports equipment, &c., are built up from the sale of produce from such plots. Inter-school matches in football, basketball, and cricket have been played by the Rarotongan schools. " The Pomare Medals have once again their recommended recipients among the pupils of the seven schools supervised by European head teachers. We express our appreciation to the Hon. Minister, Sir Maui Pomare, for such generous incentives for the promotion of scholarship and leadership among the senior pupils in the schools. " Improvement of Teachers. —Throughout the year classes for Native teachers and students have been held regularly. In the first six months of the year an hour per day during school hours, and two afternoons per week, were given to classes in arithmetic, English, health, nature-study, and agriculture. During the latter half of the year the same time was given to the teaching of the above subjects in their respective classes. This tuition has meant the giving-up of much time outside of school hours not only by the European teachers, but also by the Native teachers and students, many of whom, in Rarotonga, travelled two afternoons per week to Avarua, a distance of from six to twenty miles daily. Similar classes for teachers were held by the European head teachers in the outer islands of the Southern Group. " Students in Training. —During the year thirteen students were receiving added tuition and training in class-room procedure at the Avarua Normal School. Some of these have been placed in the schools of the Southern Group. Those remaining have to complete a course of two years' training before they eventually take charge of classes permanently. The scheme is sound and practical, and already this year students have been called on to fill, temporarily, positions of teachers on leave. They have undertaken their responsibility most satisfactorily and efficiently. '' Dental Treatment. —Throughout the year the Dental Officer gave treatment to the children of Avarua and Takitumu schools, and since November the children of the Mangaian schools have been receiving attention. It is hoped that all the children in the schools on Rarotonga can be catered for this year. " Text-books and Reading-material. —The problem of obtaining suitable text-books and readingmaterial is still a very real one. All schools are now supplied with reading-books and a limited quantity of other reading-material. Still, these do not provide that informational matter desirable in the various subjects. A school journal, Te Tuatua Apii, is being published and distributed bi-monthly, and the Native teachers and children are finding it a valuable addition to their limited reading-material. While the majority of articles are written in simple English, some are written in Maori. This journal should provide not only a source of reading and reference for the children, but also for those who have left school, and for the parents, and should help to give an added understanding of the outside world." Public Wobks. The following are the principal works carried out by this Department during the year : — Roads and Bridges. —The prison gang has been kept fully employed repairing the main road, sufficient men being available to work the tramway and lorries. A new lorry was procured during the year. The wooden bridges have required considerable attention. Several of these bridges are unsafe for the heavy traffic during the fruit season, and they should be replaced by reinforced-concrete structures. The small wooden bridge, St. Joseph's Road, has been replaced by a concrete culvert. The corner of this road and the main road itself have also been widened and made much safer for traffic. Two triple culverts of reinforced concrete were laid to drain the swamp at the southern end of Aorangi, as recommended by Mr. J. B. Thompson, Under-Secretary for Lands, during his visit here. The Natives concerned promised to cut the drain, but so far they have not made any effort to keep their promise. Tapere Roads. —The Avatiu people have been busily engaged making two side cuttings in the Avatiu Valley Road. This will form a new road on a higher level, as the old road on the lower ground was frequently washed out by floods. In all cases of Tapere roadwork the Administration supplies food, which is rationed to the workers by the head Natives in charge. The Administration also erects bridges and culverts where necessary. Foreshore. —The jarrah posts erected eighteen years ago along the foreshore are being replaced with reinforced-concrete posts. The road is also being widened and levelled as opportunity permits. Drains. —The Marairenga drain from the sea through Makea's and the Experimental Nursery to the Ngatipa Road has been cleaned and deepened to the original depth, and also the drain from the Marairenga drain to the valley at foot of Ngatipa hill. Water-supplies - The water-supply mains, especially at Ngatangiia, Arorangi, and Avarua, give considerable trouble after every heavy rain. Much repair work has been carried out on the Avarua main, and in a few months' time this main for 700 ft. at the intake will be removed from the creek-bed and placed on higher ground, except in three places where crossing the creek cannot be avoided ; the intake is also being removed to about 300 ft. farther up the stream to a more protected pool. This will increase the pressure and give a better supply to residences situated on the higher levels. When the

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main is completed work will be commenced on the Ngatangiia main, and the supply-pipes will be removed from the creek-bed wherever possible. The repairs to the Avatiu main were completed last June, and this supply is in fair working-order. There are still about 800 ft. of 2 in. piping which will have to be replaced by 3 in. to enable the full bore of 3 in. to be available for the supply. A new strainer is also required. Government Buildings and Residences. —The Government buildings and residences have been kept in a good state of repair. The interior and veranda portions of the residences of the Chief Medical Officer, Postmaster, Collector of Customs, and Headmaster (Ngatangiia) have been painted. Administration Grounds. —The Hospital, Ngatipa, and Administration Office grounds, and also the foreshore, have received attention when required. Aitutaki. —Thirty-two wells, varying in depth from 24 ft. to 52 ft., have been sunk in various places, of which fifteen have been fitted with pumps. Some of the wells were blasted through rock. The least water in any well is 10 ft., and the most 26 ft. The people of the villages of Yaipae and Tautu no longer go to the swamps to get drinking-water. From six of these wells the water has been led to washing-places. All wells are fitted with stone tops down to hard soil, and have good covers over them. Water has been laid on through a 2 in. pipe from the spring to a public washhouse on the section near the beach. Twelve culverts of various sizes, with arched tops, have been built with cement, sand, and blue metal. A boat-shed, 40 ft. by 20 ft., has been built for the use of the Administration and the Island Council A shed has been built, with concrete posts, iron sides, and rau roof, for the Council truck. Three boats have been built, one for the Administration and two for the Council, to carry rock and gravel for roadwork. The Administration boat is 30 ft. by 6 ft. by 2 ft. 4 in. The Council boats are 31 ft. by 8 ft. by 2 ft. 4 in. (value £120), and 31 ft. 6 in. by 8 ft. by 2 ft. 6 in. (value £175). The money for the Council boats has been saved from island funds. These boats and the motor-truck are doing valuable work for the island in putting the roads in order. About five miles of roads have had a good coating of metal and coarse sand this year. A cutting has been put through Amuri Hill, 19 ft. deep, and roadway formed each side of the hill. This had to be blasted out. The wharf has been put in first-class working-order, sides built up with blue metal, and cemented in. Part of the line of the wharf has been straightened and raised 2 ft. 6 in. on one side, and filled in 7 ft. on the other side. All stone used is metal, not coral as before. Double lines have been laid full length of wharf and up to the cargo-shed. 1,075 sleepers for the lines have been used. These are all from 4 in. to 9 in. thick, and cut from trees on the Motus. The timber is ngangie, and is the best lasting wood known here, and very hard. The stone was nearly all carted by volunteer labour, and boated a mile. A punt was built to help carry the stone. High Court. Criminal Jurisdiction. —In Rarotonga the total number of cases of criminal offences, breaches of regulations and of local ordinances, was 1,104 for the year, as follows : Manufacturing intoxicating liquor, 50 ; consuming intoxicating liquor, 682 ; drunkenness, 19 ; theft, 18 ; cohabiting, 32 ; adultery, 13 ; riding bicycle at night without a light, 16 ; driving buggy at night without a light, 2 ; driving furiously, 1 ; exceeding the speed-limit, 1 ; driving vehicle at night without a light, 1 ; driving motorcar under the age of seventeen, 1 ; animal trespassing, 36 ; tethering an animal upon a public place, 12 ; cruelty to an animal, 1 ; failing to register dogs, 72 ; breach of Fruit Regulations, 48 ; breach of Noxious Weeds Regulations, 30 ; breach of Regulations and Offences Ordinance, 5 ; breach of Water Ordinance, 4 ; having possession of intoxicating liquor, 1 ; wilful trespass, 6 ; wilful damage, 1 ; contempt of Court, 3 ; keeping pigs within settlement, 16 ; using threatening behaviour, 4 ; assault, 8 ; obstructing the police, 2 ; attempting to bribe the police, 1 ; breaking and entering, 1 ; intending to defraud, 1 ; using obscene language, 2 ; gambling, 7 ; attempted murder, 1 ; wilfully causing grevious bodily harm, 1 ; wilfully causing actual bodily harm, 1 ; escaping from lawful custody, 4 : total, 1,104. These cases were dealt with as follows : Convicted and fined, 899 ; convicted and discharged, 74; convicted and sentenced to imprisonment, 43; convicted and ordered to come up for sentence if called upon, 4 ; cases adjourned sine die, 12 ; cases adjourned, 33 ; cases dismissed, 28 ; cases withdrawn, 9 ; ordered to register a dog, 2. Civil Jurisdiction. —The following civil cases were dealt with at Rarotonga during the year : 17 actions for debt, which involved £154 19s. 9d. ; 17 actions for damages, which involved £347 9s. ; 13 applications for divorce ; 9 actions on judgment summons ; 3 actions for possession ; 3 applications for probate ; 5 affiliation cases ; 1 application for charging-order ; 1 application to assess and award compensation. Native Land Court. The Registrar's report shows that during the year the Chief Judge visited the islands of the Lower Group (Mangaia, Aitutaki, Mauke, Atiu, and Mitiaro), when various matters pertaining to Land Court work were dealt with. Police Department. The following are extracts from the annual report of the Inspector of Police : — " The strength of the Rarotonga police is as follows : one Inspector (European), two sergeants, and eight Native constables, a total of eleven.

2—A. 3.

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" During the year the police generally behaved well, and in some cases have shown considerable ability in the discharge of their duties. I would like to take this opportunity of placing on record the valuable services rendered by Sergeant Ngatikao, of the Avarua police, who was Officer in Charge of Police during my six months' absence on furlough last year. Upon my return I found everything in order, and great credit is due to Sergeant Ngatikao for the way he carried out his duties during that time. He is the senior member of the Rarotonga police, and is quite capable of taking charge should necessity arise. " In the High Court during the year the sum of £1,108 ss. was inflicted in fines, and out of this amount £711 19s. was collected by the police, and paid into the Registrar's Office. Fines to the amount of £235 Is. were worked out on the roads, and the amount left outstanding at the end of March was £61 ss. " Last year 328 dogs were registered, and up to the present date this year 292 dogs have been registered. Several dogs were destroyed by order of the Court, the owners failing to register same within a specified time. " During the year nineteen offenders were reported for drunkenness ; but when it is taken into consideration that on this island we have six settlements, and police stationed in each, the figure of nineteen for drunkenness covering twelve months is a remarkable low percentage. Speaking personally, I see practically no drunkenness on this island, and considering the Native population is near the four thousand mark, I think this is a good sign. The effect of straight-out imprisonment without the option of a fine in drunkenness cases has undoubtedly had the desired effect upon the Natives. " During the past year there has been practically no serious crime committed here. " I have had no reports from Resident Agents of the outlying islands of any serious offences having been committed on their respective islands, and feel satisfied that law and order throughout the Group has worked smoothly. " The Au Yaine (or Women's Committees) still continue to do good work, and numerous cases brought by these bodies have been successfully dealt with in the High Court. They deal mainly with animal trespass cases, and often detect cases when the police are otherwise engaged. The Au Yaine report all their cases to the police, who prosecute. " During the past year 212 cinematograph-films have been censored. Out of this number I personally rejected eight, considering same to be unsuitable for exhibition amongst Natives. In thirteen other films cuts were made before exhibition was allowed. Films for exhibition in Rarotonga are now censored here, and it enables me to have full control over the class of film shown here. " In concuslon, I feel quite safe in stating that during the past year law and order have been suitably enforced throughout the Cook Group." Printing Department. Work in this Department is still being carried out by Pure Pokia, under the supervision of Mr. S. Savage. The following is the value of plant, type, printers' material and printed stock on hand, as at the 31st March, 1928 : Outside jobs—value when completed and delivered, £10 25.; printed stock on hand —forms for various Departments, £51 Is. Bd. ; printed books for various Departments, £32 9s. ; bulk paper, £34 Is. 3d. ; printed books on sale, £56 ss. ; value of printing plant, machinery, and fittings, £228 Bs. 3d. ; value of type and cases, £150 ; value of material for use in working, £2 4s. 9d. : total value, £564 lis. lid. Postal Department. The following are extracts from the report of the Postmaster at Rarotonga : — " Offices. —The Post-office at Danger Island (Pukapuka) was reopened during the year ; all other offices remained unchanged. " Savings-bank. —For the year deposits amounted to £11,283 10s. 4d., and withdrawals to £13,020 ss. lOd. 188 new accounts were opened and thirty-six closed. Of the closed accounts nineteen were transferred to New Zealand, representing £3,101 9s. Taking into consideration the number of accounts transferred, the position of the Savings-bank is considered to be very favourable. Interest accrued to depositors amounted to £736 12s. Id., and interest accrued to the Administration from investments in New Zealand £975 Bs. 6d. On the 31st March 822 accounts remained open, with a credit to depositors of £19,665 7s. 4d., of which £18,888 is invested in New Zealand. " Money-orders. —During the year 1,410 money-orders were issued, representing £91 18s. for commission, and £20,473 13s. lOd. value of orders issued. 582 money-orders were paid, to the value of £14,487 Is. The above figures show an increase over the previous year of £2,700 issued and £3,164 12s. 2d. paid. " Stamps. —The new pictorial stamps at 2fd. for Rarotonga, Aitutaki, and Penrhyn, and the 4d. Rarotonga are now to hand. To meet local requirements the 3s. New Zealand has been overprinted ' Rarotonga.' Arrangements have been made with the Secretary of the New Zealand Post and Telegraph Department for the placing of Cook Island stamps on sale with the Marine Post-office agents. The above arrangement will meet a long-felt want of passengers passing through Rarotonga

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who on account of weather and other conditions have been unable to land and procure stamps of these islands. Arrangements have also been made for the sale of Cook Islands stamps at the office of the High Commissioner in London. " Telephones. —The service continues to give satisfaction, and during the year several new subscribers have been connected with the Exchange. " Staff. —During the year Mr. J. C. Cameron, Postmaster, Mangaia, resigned, and his position was filled by the appointment of Mr. J. McGruther." Wireless. During the year Mr. L. G. Emens, Superintendent, Radio Station, completed his term of office and returned to New Zealand. Mr. S. A. Heginbotham was promoted to the position of Superintendent. Application has been made to the Government for a vote to cover the cost of installing a modern low-powered high-frequency transmitter for Rarotonga, which will enable us to get direct communication with New Zealand and other distant stations at reduced cost to the public. We also hope to be in a position shortly to erect a station at the Island of Mauke. This is badly needed, especially during the fruit season. The following are extracts from the annual report of the Superintendent of the Radio Station : — " Wireless communication has been efficiently maintained throughout the year with all radiostations concerned. The radio-substations at Aitutaki, Mangaia, and Atiu continue to give efficient service. " In September last we established short-wave communication with Samoa and Tahiti on a shortwave transmitting-set. Although this transmitter is a very low-powered one, we find it preferable to our spark transmitter for disposing of the traffic. Its installation has enabled us to maintain continuous communication with these stations, which would otherwise have been impossible, owing to the abnormal atmospheric conditions at times experienced. " The installation of a higher-powered short-wave transmitter would enable this station to communicate with New Zealand direct. If this could be arranged it would be possible to reduce the radio rates, which would undoubtedly result in an increase of traffic. " A new set of storage batteries are on order, costing approximately £200. These are expected to be on hand within the next few weeks, and will replace the present ones, which have reached the end of their usefulness. " The liberal broadcast of free press news from Wellington has enabled us to keep the inhabitants of these islands well informed regarding current events. " Five applications for amateur receiving licenses were received and approved." Fruit Industry and Agriculture. For some time the Administration has been endeavouring to improve the quality and pack of fruit exported from these islands, and to place the industry on such a sound basis that we will be in a position to compete with California and Australia in the orange market, and with Fiji in respect of bananas. To further this object a Conference was held at Rarotonga at the end of last month, presided over by the Hon. Minister for the Cook Islands, who, with Mr. S. J. Smith, of the Cook Islands Department, came from New Zealand especially for this purpose. The Conference was attended by the Resident Commissioner and the Director of Agriculture, representing the Administration ; delegates from the New Zealand fruit-merchants ; and local representatives of all branches of the industry. After amicable discussions, important decisions were arrived at, the main one being that all fruit should be graded and packed in district packing-sheds under the control and supervision of Inspectors to be appointed by the Administration. The Native growers agreed to erect the sheds and do all in their power to assist in the matter of improving our trade. Seven sheds have been agreed upon, and committees of six influential Natives, with an Ariki or member of the Island Council as chairman, have been elected to see that the sheds are erected, and to assist in the management thereof. Packers for each shed are at present being trained by the Fruit Department, so that when the orange season commences each shed will have the services of skilled packers. The Administration is obtaining the services of additional Inspectors from the Department of Agriculture, New Zealand, to assist in the work of inspection and supervision at the sheds during the orange season. The present system of inspection at the wharf during shipment will only be carried out as a check. The scheme of having one large shed in each district, under the supervision of an Inspector, assisted by the Shed Committee, and also having a trained staff of packers for each shed, should make a marked improvement in the quality and pack of fruit for export. A weakness will appear in the scheme should the Natives not stand together and completely fulfil the requirements of the Administration in regard to the packingsheds, in which event the Government will step in and confronts own packing-sheds. " Group Islands. —Inspectors made several visits to the Group Islands during last season. At Mangaia there is a noticeable improvement in the packing, but the practice of using cases made from split native timber should be discontinued. This island should rank next to Rarotonga in its fruit

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export, but, mainly owing to rough handling and the use of indifferent cases, there is little or no demand for Mangaian fruit. The best tomatoes in the Group are grown on this island, and bananas of excellent quality can also be produced. Mauke has also made an improvement in the pack of oranges; but looseness is still the principal defect. At Atiu the packing is very indifferent. Looseness is general, and undergrade fruit is too evident. The fruit is of good quality, and only requires more care in handling and packing. The Aitutaki oranges do not contain as much moisture as the Rarotongan, and are therefore better carriers. The fruit from this island is the best packed in the Group. This, I think, is due to the method adopted by the buyers and traders of purchasing the fruit in bulk at the sheds, and having the work of grading and packing carried out under their personal supervision. The system is to be commended, as the Native growers are paid a very fair price for their fruit, and once the oranges are delivered to the sheds the grower's responsibility ceases ; and the packing, case, and space problems do not trouble them. The purchasing in bulk affords an excellent opportunity of having the whole consignment packed to a uniform standard. " Crops.—'The orange crop in Rarotonga will be a heavy one for the incoming season. Bananas have not been extensively planted. Tomatoes have received considerable attention, and, provided the weather is not too warm and humid, the crop should be a heavy one. Kumaras, taro, and domestic crops have been largely planted, mainly through the efforts of the Au Yaine, or Women's Committees. " New Zealand Market. —During the past few months the quality and pack of Rarotongan bananas have been excellent, and the fruit has been shipped in a green and good condition, but on arrival in New Zealand the markets have frequently been supplied by shipments from Fiji landed only a day or so previously. This has occasioned very heavy loss to the local growers, and is very discouraging to them after giving the fruit so much labour and attention. " Experimental Nursery. —The varieties of citrus-trees imported from New Zealand and planted out are in most cases growing well. These trees are worked on different varieties of stocks, and are being carefully watched to see which stocks are the most suitable for such of the Rarotongan soils as are lowlying. The mango-trees, especially the varieties Tahitian No. 1, Tomato Mango of India, Langra Bensari, and the Honey Mango of Ceylon, all carried heavy crops. The fruit was of excellent quality and flavour. Several consignments were forwarded to New Zealand. The varieties of Avocado were also fully laden with fruit. Although many boxes were shipped to New Zealand, this fruit does not appear to gain favour with the New Zealand public. No doubt when its virtues are more widely known there will be a demand for it. Over three hundred mango-seedlings have been raised for stocks, on which will be grafted selected varieties for distribution. " A large collection of varieties of Hawaiian kumaras were again planted, mainly for the purpose of raising cuttings for distribution. The Queensland arrowroot is now nearing maturity, and indications show that there will be a heavy crop. The turmeric and commercial ginger have been very slow in growing, mainly owing to the dry weather at the time of planting. Sufficient should be available for replanting and testing for commercial purposes. " All the citrus-trees have been pruned, and, generally speaking, are in a healthy state of growth. The bearing-trees, with the exception of the grape-fruit, are carrying good crops. About forty lemonseedlings have been budded to replace trees which have failed to grow. " Two varieties of orange are worthy of note —viz., the Washington Navel and the Siletta. These were originally imported from Florida and Victoria respectively. Until recently the Washington Navels were inclined to be rather thick-skinned and generally very coarse ; but as the trees are now reaching maturity the prospects for the fruit are very much better. The outstanding features are the thin skin, flavour, and keeping-qualities. The Siletta has the same advantages as the Washington Navel, but it ripens later in the season. " All the ploughable sections have been kept in a good state of tilth, and the citrus-trees have been frequently hand cultivated. At present the schoolboys' section is planted in maize between the rows of citrus-trees. " Two hundred young pawpaw (Carica Papaya) have been planted out for the purpose of securing sufficient marketable papain to test for commercial purposes. " The West African oil-palms (Elceis Guineenis), although healthy, are very slow in growing. They were planted out over three years ago. The commercial-sago palms (Metroxylon Sagu), planted three years ago, are making excellent growth, and will soon be amongst the most noticeable plants in the nursery. " The seven Mangosteen and three durian plants which survived after the long trip from the Dutch East Indies are growing slowly. No doubt as they become established the growth will be more rapid. " The following is a list of plants distributed from the nursery during the year, free of charge : 20 lb. of arrowroot tubers, 100 Manihot cuttings, 160 Dracena cuttings, 140 bamboo, 20 breadfruit trees or suckers, unlimited Hibiscus cuttings, 60 orange seedlings, 2,500 cuttings of Hawaiian kumaras, 30 Cococ plumosa palms, 20 Caffra plums, 15 Indian plums, 24 Avocado pears, 10 Brazilian cherries, 10 grafted mangoes, 12 Nephelium, large supply of Croton and Escallonia cuttings, 40 Poinciana regia, 20 Bauhinia tomentosa, 40 pimento, 45 Indian laburnum, 35 Malabar chestnuts, 25 spatliodia or fountaintrees, 22 Panama pawpaw, 10 Cochin goraka, 5 Cashew nuts, 24 banana-shoots. " Noxious Weeds. —The enforcement of the regulations has occasioned considerable work, and a great deal of patience has had to be "exercised in many cases in having the provisions carried but. Frequent visits have been made around the island, and where noxious weeds have been found owners have been served with notices to eradicate such weeds. Altogether sixty-five notices were served during the year, and thirty persons were summoned and convicted.

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" Australian burr is now almost eradicated from the island. Lantana is causing little trouble, except in isolated patches. Pitati mama gives a great deal of trouble, and when growing amongst bush and scrub is hard to eradicate. Three large areas of this weed have been cleared, and the land ploughed. Elephant's-foot is proving very expensive to eradicate. One large coconut plantation is almost covered with this weed, and over £50 has been spent this season in an endeavour to clean it out." Meteorological. The total rainfall at Avarua (Rarotonga) for the twelve months ended 31st March, 1928, was 74'98 in., the highest fall recorded for twenty-four hours being 9-46 in. on the 9th December, 1927. The highest reading of the Fahrenheit thermometer in the shade at 9 a.m. was 91°, on the 20th January ; and the lowest was 54°, on the 17th September. For the twelve-months period the mean of the maximum was 81-9°, and the mean of the minimum 69-I°.

REPORT OF THE NIUE ISLAND ADMINISTRATION. Finance. The financial year commenced with a credit balance of £1,875 9s. 9d. Revenue for the year amounted to £6,055 Is. 3d., the main items being New Zealand grant of £1,750 ; Customs duties, £1,546 13s. Bd. ; stamp sales, £770 3s. 5d.; Aid to Revenue, £443 10s. ; and copra export duty, £310 18s. Expenditure amounted to £6,435 15s. 7d., leaving a credit balance at the 31st March, 1928, of £1,494 15s. sd. The estimated revenue for the coming year is £4,835, and the expenditure £5,665. Statement of Revenue and Expenditure for the Year ended 31st March, 1928. Revenue,. £ s. d. Expenditure. £ s. d. Balance brought forward, Ist April, 1927 .. 1,875 9 9 Ammunition .. .. .. .. 40 3 6 Aid to revenue . . .. . ■ 443 10 0 Benzine .. .. .. .. 228 14 11 Ammunition .. .. .. .. 139 13 1 Education — Benzine .. .. •• •• 195 8 10 Government schools .. .. 391 16 11 Bond storage .. .. . ■ 12 1 London Missionary Society schools, subCopra export duty .. .. .. 310 18 0 sidized .. .. .. .. 500 0 0 Customs .. .. .. •• 1,546 13 8 Foreman, Public Works .. .. 275 0 0 Dox-tax . . .. . . . . 34 17 0 Fruit-inspection fees .. .. .. 5 2 6 Education subsidy, London Missionary Fruit-case Account .. .. .. 460 15 2 Society .. .. • • • • 500 0 0 Furniture, Government residences .. 1112 10 Fruit-case Account .. .. .. 171 8 6 Government buildings .. .. 71 18 5 Government buildings—Grant .. .. 1,000 0 0 Interpreters .. .. .. .. 148 6 3 Fruit-inspection fees . . .. .. 45 13 4 Jetty .. .. .. .. 145 3 9 High Court —Fees and fines .. .. 84 2 0 Landing Account .. .. .. 27 18 4 Landing Account .. .. .. 27 18 4 Leper Account .. .. .. 3 10 Licenses .. .. • • ■ • 163 0 0 Liquor .. .. .. .. 312 1 Liquor .. • • • • • • 55 1 5 Medical service .. .. 1,920 7 0 Medical services—Subsidy .. .. 250 0 0 Miscellaneous services .. .. .. 311 4 8 Native Land Court .. .. . • 015 0 Niue Island Council .. .. .. 48 10 0 Public Works, credit .. ■■ ■ ■ 154 3 11 Police .. .. .. .. 425 16 10 Registration fees .. .. •. 13 10 0 Prisoners .. .. .. .. 227 8 1 Stamp-sales .. .. •. • • 770 3 5 Printing and stationery .. .. 200 10 4 Superannuation .. .. .. 17 7 6 Public works .. .. .. 160 0 1 Transport .. .. • ■ • • 129 15 2 Rent, officer's quarters .. .. 33 0 0 Reservoirs .. .. .. .. 33 18 0 Roads .. .. .. .. 128 17 1 Superannuation .. .. .. 42 12 6 Transport .. .. .. .. 399 3 7 Wireless .. .. .. .. 191 1 9 Balance— Cash in hand .. .. 1,048 7 7 Cash in Bank of New Zealand .. 446 7 10 £7,930 110 £7,930 11 0 Audit. —An audit of the Administration accounts was carried out by the New Zealand Audit Department, during September and October last. Shipping. Fourteen vessels visited Niue during the year. The N.Z.G.S. " Hinemoa " made eight trips to Niue from Auckland. The London Missionary Society's "John Williams," called once, the s.s. "Petricola" called twice, and the s.s. "Pulpit Point," "Hauraki," and "Wairuna" once each, in passing to pick up mails. The H.M.S. " Veronica " paid her annual visit on the 2nd July. Three vessels passed within sight of the island —the s.s. "Hauraki" twice, and the s.s. " Plume " once — but owing to the rough state of sea and boat-passage, it was impossible to despatch mails by them.

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The following return shows the tonnage of cargoes carried to and from Niue for the year 1927 by the New Zealand Government steamer " Hinemoa," which is the only vessel carrying cargo between Niue and New Zealand : —-

Schedule showing Tonnage of Cargoes carried by N.Z.G.S. "Hinemoa" to and from Niue, for the Year 1927. IMPORTS.

EXPORTS.

SUMMARY. Inwards, 509j- tons; outwards, 920J tons : Total, 1,429| tons. Trade. Imports for the year 1927 totalled £1-1,006, as against £17,563 for 1926. Exports amounted to £11,350, as against £17,655 for 1926. All with the exception of £60 went to New Zealand. The main items were —Bananas, 7,564 cases ; basketware, 1,747§ dozen ; copra, 257f tons ; fungus, 49,951 lb.; and hats, 1,327J dozen. Return of imports and exports for the year ended 31st December, 1927, together with a summary for the past twenty-five years, are attached hereto (Appendix A). Copra. —The export of copra, the main product, was extremely poor, and shows a big drop of nearly 400 tons on the previous year, being less than half a normal year's output. The crop was one of the poorest that the island has ever had. This is attributed to the severe set-back the trees received by the prolonged drought of 1925-26. Very little improvement can be expected until the new crop matures in July or August. Fruit. —During the year six shipments, totalling 7,564 cases, were made, the average net return for same being 7s. per case. The industry is steadily developing. Since the passing of the Planting of Lands Ordinance in September, 1926, over 175,000 plants have been planted. -The Natives a,re taking a keen interest in the industry, and with the advent of the new Government motor-ship " Maui Pomare " next year a big stride forward should eventuate. The development of the banana trade will make a wonderful difference to the social conditions of the Niueans. Hitherto copra has been sufficient to provide only their bare necessities, but the proceeds from fruit shipments should result in a higher standard of living and assist materially in the progress of the people. Cotton. —A further attempt to reintroduce the cotton industry to Niue has been made. 300 lb. of Allan's Upland Improved long-staple seed was obtained from the British Cotton-growers Association, Manchester, England. The seed was distributed among the Natives of the various villages, and was

14

Date of Arrival. I Trip No. General Cargo. Timber. Coal. Total Tonnage. Tons. Sup. ft. Tons. 14/4/27 .... 1 56J 612 .. 57f 17/5/27 .. .. 2 30i 495 20 5lf 13/6/27 .... 3 71 650 45 117 31/7/27 .. .. 4 34| 2,669 .. 40 4/9/27 .... 5 20| .. 13 33J 6/10/27 .. .. 6 35| 500 15 51J 27/10/27 .. .. 7 51 1,167 .. 53 6/12/27 .. .. 8 102 1,350 .. 105 Totals .. .. 401J , 7,443 93 j 509J

i i I i Date of Departure. j Trip No. Copra. Fruit. I Fungus. Goods Coal. Xorinage I I __J j_ | i Tons. Cases. lb. | Tons. Tons. [ 15/4/27 .. .. .. 1 50 .. 20,585 6$ .. 66 19/5/27 .. .. .. 2 15 1,173 6,451 5 .. 101 14/6/27 .. .. .. 3 9 1,073 6,319 H .. 85£ 3/8/27 (leper trip) .. .. 4 .. ... .. ... 80 80 6/9/27 .. .. ..5 100 734 9,138 9f .. 163J 7/10/27 .. .. .. 6 39 1,732 4,362 .. .. 149| 7/11/27 .. .. .. 7 27 1,507 1,913 1J 28 156f 7/12/27 .. .. .. 8 21 1,392 2,556 3J .. 118$ Totals .. .. .. .. 261 7,611 51,324 27$ 108 920J

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planted in the early part of February this year. It is yet too early to say what the results will be : so far the plants in some villages appear to be doing well, but in others at least 75 per cent, of the seed failed to germinate. Basketware.—-There is still a good demand for these goods in New Zealand. 1,747f dozen were exported during the year. Hi&h Court and Native Land Court. Criminal cases for 1927 totalled 207, as against 291 in 1926. As usual, the majority of these were offences against morality, and there was very little that could be called serious crime. Fees and fines collected amounted to £84 2s. Civil work was negligible in quantity. In the Native Land Court the only work before the Court was two applications for adoption orders, both being granted.

High Court. Return of Criminal Cases for the Year ended 31st December, 1927.

Return of Civil Cases. Debt and damages .. .. .. .. .. .. 5 Divorce —Decree absolute .. .. .. .. .. 7 Letters of administration .. .. .. . . .. 1 Total .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 13 Native Land Court. Applications for adoption-—Orders granted .: .. .. 2 Niue Island Council. Four meetings of the Niue Island Council were lield during the year, one in each quarter. The following Ordinances were passed : — No. 28, Niue Traders' Hours of Business Amendment Ordinance, 1927 : Amending the closing-hour from 5 p.m. to 4 p.m. No. 29, Niue Permit Ordinance, 1927 : To regulate and control the emigration of Natives from Niue. No. 30, Niue Traffic Regulations Amendment Ordinance, 1927 : To regulate and control the motor traffic on the island. This was found very necessary owing to numerous complaints from the Natives in regard to motorists driving at excessive speed dangerous to public safety.

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Male. Female. Offence. r 1 1 Total. Convicted, j Acquitted. Convicted. | Acquitted. Cook Islands Act: — Adultery .. .. .. 30 2 26 1 59 Theft .. .. .. .. 20 3 11 .. 34 Disorderly conduct .. .. 15 1 14 .. 30 Assault .. .. .. .. 10 .. 4 .. 14 Wandering animals .. .. 8 .. 5 .. 13 Defamatory libel .. .. .. 1 .. 6 .. 7 Burglary .. .. .. 3 .. .. .. 3 Mischief .. .. .. . . 3 .. .. .. 3 Trespass .. .. .. .. 3 .. .. .. 3 Indecency .. .. .. 2 .. .. .. 2 Contempt of Court .. .. 2 .. .. .. 2 Water-pollution .. .. .. .. .. 2 .. 2 Under Regulations : —- Fruit-packing .. .. .. 5 .. .. .. 5 Under Ordinances : — Suppression of immorality .... 8 1 8 1 18 Failure to cultivate . . .. 10 .. .. .. 10 Public health .. . . . . 2 .. .. .. 2 Totals .. .. 122 7 76 2 207

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Vital Statistics. During the year there were ninety-three births and eighty-two deaths, all Natives. Most of the deaths were of persons of sixty years and over. The following table shows the births, deaths, and marriages for the past eight years : —

The natural increase for the above period was 158. Migration : Ten persons, including two Europeans, arrived, and forty-nine persons, five being Europeans, departed. The population of the island at the 31st December, 1927, was : Europeans and Natives —Males, 1,777 ; females, 1,994 : total, 3,771. Deaths for the year were thirteen in excess of those for 1926, and births were slightly below the average.

Return of Births and Deaths for the Year 1927.

Illegitimates included in above number, 10. Births per 1,000 of population, 24-80 ; deaths per 1,000 of population, 21-87. Percentage of illegitimate to total births, 10-75. Percentage of deaths under one year to total deaths, 4-88 ; percentage of deaths one to five years to total deaths. 4-88. The number of deaths in Hakupu —i.e., seven —is the lowest yet recorded for that village. Marriages. —There were thirty-nine marriages performed during the. year —thirty-two, by the London Missionary Society, and seven by the Resident Commissioner.

16

Births. Deaths. Marriages. Year. European. ( Native. European. 1 Native. —j — —j Total. Total. European. Native. Total. M. | F. | M. | F. M. F. I M. F. I | | 1 j 1 I II 1920 45 47 92 .... 47 57 104 .. 45 45 1921 1 56 46 103 .... 56 41 97 .. 46 46 1922 1 1 49 48 99 40 42 82 .. 47 47 1923 .. 1 2 56 47 106 .... 43 60 103 .. 42 42 1924 60 54 114 .... 27 42 69 .. 49 49 1925 .. 1 .. 49 56 106 .... 34 29 63 1 40 41 1926 61 53 114 .... 26 43 69 .. 43 43 1927 51 42 93 .... 32 50 82 1 38 39 Totals .. 3 4 427 393 827 .. .. 305 364 669 2 350 352

Births. Deaths. Village. I ; j — Males. | Females, i Totals. | Males. Females. Totals. Alofi .. .. 10 8 18 6 ! 6 12 Makefu ......3 3 6 1 3 4 Tuapa .. .. .. 9 3 12 2 3 5 Hikutavake .... 5 5 10 3 4 7 Mutalau .. .. .. 5 5 10 2 10 12 Lakepa ......3 3 6 2 5 7 Liku .. .. .. 4 5 9 4 6 10 Hakupu 5 6 11 5 2 7 Fatiau .. .. .... 1 1 2 1 3 Avatele .. .. -. 4 2 6 2 6 8 Tamakautoga .... 3 1 4 3 4 7 Totals .. 51 42 93 32 50 82

3—A. 3

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Return of Deaths at Different Ages, 1927.

17

Under 1 Year 5 Years 10 Years 15 Years 20 Years 25 Years 30 Years 35 Years 40 Years 45 Years 50 Years 55 Years go Years , y an d and and and and and and and and and and and , 7 Totals. 15 Village Cr under 5. under 10. under 15. under 20. under 25. under 30. under 35. under 40. under 45. under 50. under 55. under 60. an over * g I lis M. F. M. F. M. F. j M. F. M. F. M. F. M. F. M. | F. M. F. M. F. M. j F. M. F. M. F. j M. : F. M. F. £ o _ . . Alofi .. .. .. .. 1 1 2 1 1 .. 3 3 6 612 Makefu .. 1 1 .. .. 2 1 3 4 Tuapa .. .. 1 1 .. 1 1 1 2 3 5 Hikutavake .. .. 1 .. 1 1 .. .. 1 .. .. 1 2 3 4 7 Mutalau .. .. .. 1 .. 2 11 1 1 1 4 2 10 12 Lakepa .. 1 j .. .. 1 .. .. 2 3 2 5 7 Liku .. .. 1 1 2 4 2 4 6 10 Hakupu .. 1 1 4 1 5 2 7 Fatiau .. .. .. i 1 1 1 2 1 3 Avatele .. .. .. j .. .. ! . .. I .. .. 1 1 2 4 2 6 8 Tamakautoga .. .. 1 j j I 2 2 2 3 4 7 Totals .. .. 2 2 4 1 2 1 .. 1 1 .. .. 2 4 1 2 3 4 1 4 2 2 18 25 I 32 i 50 82 i : : ; 1 ! 1 i ' ' ' 1 ' ' I ! ■ I'll

A.- 3.

Medical and Public Health. The following are extracts from the report of the Chief Medical Officer : — The general health conditions of the island has been good during the year, the only sickness of an epidemic nature being a mild outbreak of influenza during the second quarter. The deaths were eighty-two, as against sixty-nine for 1926. Most of the deaths were of persons of sixty years and over. The following figures show the volume of work carried out during the year : — Europeans in-patients .. . . .. .. .. . . 1 Native in-patients (including 10 infants under one year) . . .. .. 128 Average duration of stay was fifteen days. Patients treated at dispensary and out-patients Department .. .. 1,954 Out-patients, dressings .. .. .. .. . . 3,207 Patients treated in their villages .. .. .. .. .. 531 Patients treated for gonorrhoea (males, 30 ; females, 22) .. .. 52 Injections given (bicreol, 154; novarsenobillon, 93) . . .. .. 247 Yaws (cases treated) .. .. .. .. .. .. 61 Operations (minor) .. .. .. . . .. .. .. 95 Dental— Fillings .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 92 Extractions .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 67 Medical Inspection of School-children. —During the year a systematic inspection of all schoolchildren was carried out, and the results recorded on specially prepared medical-history cards giving the following particulars : Name ; sex ; date of birth ; kaina, village ; school; name of father, name of mother ; date inspected —height, chest-measurement; remarks ; date inspected —teeth, yaws, skin, parasites, general. Under this system a complete medical history of each child will be built up. No children were found to be actively suffering from yaws, while over 50 per cent, gave a history of having suffered from this condition ; but it is considered that these figures are somewhat lower than what they should be. Over 50 per cent, of the children were suffering from pediculosis ; but these figures would certainly have approached at least 80 per cent, if the parents had not taken the children in hand prior to inspection. Nine cases of scoliosis, or lateral curvature of the spine, were detected, but these were in weakly children in whom the condition was probably aggravated by the bearing of heavy loads. The inspection revealed that the facial features were as a whole pure Polynesian with a sprinkling of Negroid, Mongolian, and European facies : the Negroid being traceable to a resident negro on Niue, and the Mongolian through Niueans who were sometime resident in Samoa and Tahiti. Children with European blood tended to have flatter chests than the pure Niuean child. The attached list gives the results of the inspection : —

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19

i • I • I ' I . I I i !' . si g j I § ? g Features. I til ' -si I h I '3 'E " -a e | S i » i h . § ; -s e .j a. 1 o3 i fn O i . ; .2 *t5 ® « 5 ® ' w ."tn 3 Villno-p c -2 £ 2 £ S .3 o . 2? J2 % A . ! cJ \ lliagc. 0> i ,5 i ! ft '2 r> F £ S -2 i -r< T5 ooQ a>^ r « Sc3» illlilM I 1 i l lll 111 I III I 1 ! I i! I ll I 3 1 I f H I 1 III | £ ; t* diiEHQ oPLita.L-jifeo eMh-lpHpiS EEjSP QSWH 55 g H • I I i ' 'I Alofi .. .. 207 125 116 30 71 .. .. 7 16 13 .. 1 3 1 1.. 1 3 10 1 1 1 .. .. 4 .. Makef a .. .. 15 25 31 1 13 .. 7 . . . . 3 .. .. 1 Tuapa 58 36 37 I 3 22 .. .. .. 3 5 1 1 2 2 1 Hikutavake ... j 30 19 27 j 4 10 1 1 .. .. 3 .. ; Mutalau '... ..101 66 52 ' 1 26 .. 1 3 7 1 1 1 .. .. .. Lakopa .. 41 21 21 3 10 .. .. 1 1 Liku .. .. 74 57 65 5 30 .. 1 1 4 2 .. .. 1 7 1 .. 1 1 .. Hakupu .. .. 85 64 57 | 8 27 7 4 .. .. 1 .. 2 1 .. .. 1 .. 6 4 1 Avatele .. .. 51 31 35 .. 18 3 1 .. 1 2 1 1 3 Fatiau .. .. 11 8 10 . . 4 1 1 Tamakautoga .. 42 27 37 1 18 1 . . .. 1 1 2 Totals .. 1745 479 481 ; 56 249 1 2 9 23 34 1 1 1 1 16 18 1 1 1 4 15 1 1 2 1 5 1 1 1 3 2 8 15 2 • i - t r ' I - 1 i-l 1 I I ! I ! I _

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Dental Clinic. —In conjunction with the school medical work, a dental clinic has been established at the hospital. This has proved of great convenience and benefit to both adults and children, the latter receiving particular attention. Attention is being directed particularly to the permanent teeth of the children, and it is hoped that by regular inspection dental caries will be nipped in the bud and the teeth of the younger generation will be preserved. Attention was also directed to the second teeth of the senior pupils. Only a mere fraction of the work requiring to be done can be carried out; but it will pave the way until a dental nurse, now in training in New Zealand, can be stationed on the island. The work done has been as follows : Fillings, 92 ; extractions, 67. Rounds : The outlying villages were visited twice weekly. 531 persons received treatment in their villages. Infectious Diseases. —The following infectious diseases were reported : Pulmonary tuberculosis, 15; tubercular peritonitis, 2; lobar pneumonia, 2 ; broncho-pneumonia, 1 ; influenza, 173 ; gonorrhoea, 52 : total, 245. Influenza. —During the second quarter there was a, mild outbreak of this condition. The attacks were not severe, and were not followed by any complications. The outstanding feature of the attacks were the gastro-intestinal symptoms. Gonorrhoea. —There were fifty-two cases of this condition, as compared with fourteen of last year. This increase was due to an outbreak after a visit of a steamer during the third quarter. The police brought thirty-five suspects to the hospital for examination. During the year seventy-six microscopial examinations were made for gonorrhoea—fifty-two positive, twenty-four negative. Yaws.—Sixty-one cases of this condition were treated. The following list shows the different manifestations of yaws that called for treatment: Tonas, 26 ; plantar dermatitis, 14 ; painful shins and knees, 13; hyperkeratosis, 2 ; gummations infiltration, 2; old scars, 3; throat-ulcers, 1 : total injections given for yaws, 183. The number of cases of yaws requiring treatment in the past four years were as follows : 1924, 288 ; 1925, 199 ; 1926, 199 ; 1927, 61. From the above figures it will be seen that yaws is a condition that is disappearing steadily from the island, and in the course of the next few years it will be entirely exterminated. Leprosy. —No further cases of this disease have been met with. Periodically the contacts of the two cases sent to Makogai Island parade for inspection. Filariasis. —Earlv in the year an inspection of the whole island was made for filarial manifestations. It was found to be fairly common. 4 per cent, of the population presenting clinical signs of this disease. They were as follows : Elephantiasis of the limbs, 55 ; elephantiasis of the breast, 2 ; elephantiasis of the scrotum, 6 ; pedunculated tumour of leg, 1 ; hydrocoele, 82 : total, 146. Goitre. —During the inspection for filarial conditions, four cases of simple enlargement of the thyroid gland were noted. All cases were of long standing, and were in females. House and Village Inspection. —This was carried out early in the year. The village areas as a whole were clean, the villages of Alofi and Hikutavake being outstanding in this respect. The results of the inspection were as follows : Houses to be cleaned or repaired, 73 ; houses to be destroyed, 30 ; W.C.s condemned, 94 ; cookhouses condemned, 4 ; pigsties condemned, 5. Houses. —With the view of increasing and maintaining the general standard of dwellings the following suggestions are offered : — (1) All leaf shacks belonging to deceased persons be completely destroyed shortly after the burial of the deceased. This is done in some cases, but it is not a universal practice. (2) Any lime house belonging to a deceased person be pointedout to the Medical Officer by the village police, and if in the consideration of the Medical Officer such a lime house be in poor repair it be condemned. This measure will prevent the young or relations occupying an old house and thereby avoiding the responsibility of building a new house for themselves. (3) It is found that it is a common practice for young couples to live with their relations. It is suggested that every young couple be compelled to construct a dwelling of their own. (4) All windows in lime houses be fitted with louvre ventilation, and the fitting of windows with close-fitting doors be strictly forbidden. (5) In certain parts there is a tendency to build dwellinghouses rather close together. A distance of at least 30 ft. should be between each dwelling. Mosquito Pest.—This pest has at times made conditions very uncomfortable at the hospital, but since there has been a periodic clearing of the bush surrounding the hospital grounds there has been a marked decrease in numbers of the mosquitoes invading the hospital building during the evening. Staff. —Under the matronship of Miss de Ridder the work of the staff has been highly satisfactory. It was necessary to make one change in the Native staff.

20

A—3.

Classified List of all Cases treated during the Year 1927. Alimentary system— No. Nervous system — No. Stomatitis .. .. .. 8 Peripheral neuritis .. .. 3 Glossitis .. .. . . 1 Intercostal neuralgia .. .. .. 5 Thrush .. .. .. 6 Sciatica .. .. .. 2 Tonsilitis .. .. ... 2 Lumbago . . . . .. 29 Pyrrhcea .. .. . . 2 Rheumatism, muscular .. 44 Constipation .. . . .. 65 Neuritis .. .. .. 26 Dyspepsia . . .. .. 67 Poliomyelitis .. .. .. 1 Gastritis .. .. .. 21 Senile insanity .. .. .. 1 Jaundice .. .. .. 4 Idiopathic convulsions .. .. 1 Abdominal colic . . . . 11 Intestinal parasites .. . . 19 Total .. .. .. 112 Diarrhoea . . .. .. 1 Tubercular peritonitis . . .. 2 Ear, nose, and eye— Atitis media .. » .. .. .. 7 Total .. .. .. 209 Wax in ear .. .. .. 21 —• Furunculosis of ear .. .. .. 2 Respiratory system— Foreign body in ear .. .. .. 1 Common colds .. . . . . 108 Nasal polypus .. .. 2 Bronchitis .. .. .. . . 65 Conjunctivitis .. .. .. 397 Pleurisy .. .. .. .. 22 Blepharitis .. .. .. 5 Asthma .. .. .. 13 Phthisis .. .. .. ..15 Total .. .. ..435 Lobar pneumonia .. .. 2 Broncho-pneumonia .. . . . . 1 Fevers Hypo-static pneumonia • • • • 1 PU 0 43 ~~ Chicken-pox . . .. .. 3 iotal '■ '• '' 227 Influenza .. .. .. ..173 Circulatory and glandular systems — Total 219 Anaemia .. .. .. 8 Cardiac debilitv .. .. 34 „ ... , . , ~; . Senile heart " 2 Special tropical conditions — A j. '•' i Yaws .. .. . 61 Angina pectoris .. .. .. 1 . r t. -i* , filarial abscess .. .. 35 Lymphangitis .. .. 1 u bercular cervical glands .. .. 1 ™ i ,• • JMephantiasis.. .. .. 4 Tot*il 47 Filarial broad ligament .. .. 5 Genito-urinary system— Total " " • ■ 115 HEematuria .. .. . . 1 Orchitis .. .. . . 1 General and supporting structures— Gonorrhoea . . .. . . .. 52 Fractured arm .. .. 2 Cystitis .. .. .. 8 Fractured thigh .. .. .. 1 Sloughing penis .. . . .. 1 Synovitis .. .. .. 1 Impotence . . .. . . 1 Injuries (minor) .. .. .. 82 — Pott's spine .. .. .. 1 Total .. ~ 64 Chronic osteomyelitis .. .. . . 1 Rheumatism .. . . .. 59 Conditions of women— Parotid abscess .. .. .. 1 Dysmenorrhoea .. .. 58 Pectoral abscess .. .. .. 1 Amenorrhcea . . .. .. 8 Alveolar abscess " . . .. 3 Menorrhagia .. .. .. ..3 Cellulitis .. .. .. ... 2 Ovaritis .. .. .. 3 Whitlow .. .. .. 2 Ovarian cyst .. . . .. 1 Umbilical ulceration .. .. .. 4 Breast-abscess .. .. 5 Umbilical hernia . . .. .. 2 Chronic mastitis . . .. . . 1 Poisoning .. .. .. 2 Vaginitis .. .. . . 1 Fish bite . . .. .. 1 Hvperemesis .. .. . . 2 Prematurity .. .. .. 1 Abortion .. . . .. .. 2 Malnutrition .. .. ~ 1 Confinements .. .. . . 10 Circumcision .. .. .. .. 46 Post-partum pains .. .. 30 Retained placenta .. .. .. 1 Total .. .. .. 213 Post-partum haemorrhage .. .. 2 Pendulous uterus . . .. .. 1 summary. Alimentary system .. .. .. 209 Total .. .. . . 128 Respiratory system .. .. .. 227 Circulatory and glandular .. ~ 47 Skin conditions— Genito-urinary system .. 64 Ringworm .. .. .. 45 Conditions of women .. .. .. 128 . Boils .. .. .. .. 214 Skin conditions .. .. .. 303 Scabies .. .. .. .. 21 Nervous system .. .. . 112 Herpes zoster.. .. .. 3 Ear, nose, and eye .. .. .. 435 Prickly heat .. .. .. 10 Fevers .. .. .. .. 219 Impetigo .. .. .. ..9 Special tropical conditions .. .. 115 Urticaria .. .. .. 1 General and supporting structures .. 213 Total .. .. ..303 Total .. .. 2,072

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A.—3.

Postal. The following figures show the postal business transacted during the year, the total volume of business amounting to £10,311 4s. 8-|-d. (a record), as against £4,697 7&. 4d. for the previous year. £ s. d. Money-orders issued .. .. .. .. .. .. 2,768 18 5 Money-orders paid .. .. .. .. .. .. 3,420 8 9 Savings-bank deposits .. .. .. .. .. 2,139 17 0 Savings-bank withdrawals .. .. .. .. .. 574 7 3 New Zealand postal notes issued .. . . .. .. 112 18 7 New Zealand postal notes paid .. .. .. .. 8 18 11 British postal orders paid .. .. .. .. .. 125 Miscellaneous payments .. .. .. .. .. 879 10 8-| Stamp-sales .. .. .. .. .. .. 405 2 6 £10,311 4 8J The amount of business transacted during the year is easily a record, and is due almost entirely to the fruit industry, which it has been possible to develop through the Government placing the " Hinemoa " in the Niue Service to replace the former schooner connection.

Return of Postal Business transacted during the Five Years 1923 to 1928, inclusive.

Meteorological. Summarized, the readings for 1927 are as follows : Barometer : Mean for year, 30-03. Thermometer : Highest, 91, in February ; lowest, 57, in July ; mean maximum, 88-25 ; mean minimum, 62-75. Rainfall, 99-36 in. Rain fell on 180 days. Rainfall for first quarter, 60-99 in. (a record). Maximum rainfall for any one day, 7-25 in. on 21st February. The hurricane season passed without any serious blow. Except for a south-westerly gale and heavy seas experienced during the first week in February, shipping could have been worked throughout the season.

Meteorological Return for the Year ended, 31st December, 1927.

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I I ! 1923-24. ! 1924-25. 1925-26. : 1926-27. j 1927-28. j I J I ; I £ s. d. £ s. d. £ s. d. £ s. d. £ s. d. Money-orders issued .. .. 846 14 3 1,132 16 0 1,523 6 8 1,894 10 0 2,768 18 5 Money-orders paid .. .. 547 15 0 966 16 3 836 4 10 312 13 11 3,420 8 9 Savings-bank deposits .. 2,017 14 0 1,632 14 0 2,643 15 0 1,006 14 0 2,139 17 0 Savings-bank withdrawals .. 626 11 0 300 11 3 222 17 11 112 16 11 574 7 3 New Zealand postal notes issued .. 90 3 11 48 15 8 62 10 3 111 10 0 112 18 9 New Zealand postal notes paid .. 5 17 6 159 11 10 11 6 12 4 8 18 11 British postal orders paid .. 700 210 5 16 3 914 125 Miscellaneous payments .. .. 1,038 1 8 911 8 1 909 5 0| 837 18 10 879 10 8^ Stamp-sales .. .. .. 386 6 3 252 2 9 424 16 0 405 10 0 405 2 6 Totals.. .. .. 5,566 3 7 5,248 11 7 6,640 2 10| 4,697 7 4 10,311 4 8£

I Temperatuie. i ota j Number of Maximum Month. I Barometer. - —j , Rainfall Days Rain on any Maximum. Minimum. with Rain. one Day. Deg. Fah. Beg. Fah. Inches. Inches. January .. .. 29-96 90 67 28-12 I 25 ! 4-82 February .. .. 29-93 88 62 21-05 16 ' 7-25 March " .. .. 30-02 91 68 11-82 1 23 2-76 April .. .. 30-02 90 60 6-22 1 16 1-71 May .. .. 30-04 88 64 6-25 ■ 13 2-04 June .. .. 30-10 87 58 0-55 10 0-30 July .. .. 30-19 86 57 0-99 12 0-22 August .. .. 30-10 88 60 2-39 j 13 1-07 September .. .. 30-13 87 61 2-10 8 0-76 October .. .. 30-08 88 62 5-91 12 2-33 November .. .. 29-98 87 65 4-97 12 1-77 December .. .. 29-95 89 69 8-99 20 1-57 Totals .. .. .. .. 99-36 180 ; Means .. 30-03 • 88-25 62-75 8-28 15 I ' I ( .

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Meteorological Records.

Wireless. The wireless station has, with one exception, worked smoothly throughout the year The following figures show the volume of work transacted during the period, excluding press : —

Radio press news is issued free twice weekly. In addition to the New Zealand free press, the Administration have supplied the most interesting items from the Suva, Sydney, and American press, thus providing the local residents with a much appreciated bulletin of some ten to twelve thousand words monthly. Public Wokks. Roads. —General maintenance work has been carried out on the roads by prison labour. On the Alofi-Liku Road at Mana, where the road runs through the bush, all trees overhanging the road have been cut down and the road re-formed and top-dressed with makapala. The trees felled have been cut up for firewood at the hospital. The junction of the Hakupu-Alofi Road has been widened and the sharp corner taken off. A new deviation 500 yards in length at Opaahi, on the Tufukia-Alofi Road, has been completed. This has straightened out the road considerably and has done away with a very dangerous bend. Reservoirs. —A new reservoir with a capacity of 3,200 gallons has been erected in concrete at the Medical Officer's residence ; another with a capacity of 2,500 gallons has been erected at the hospital theatre. Repairs have been effected to both the Hikutavake and Tuapa reservoirs. Government Buildings.—Medical Officer's residence : A considerable amount of work has been done to this building. In addition to the new reservoir mentioned above, general repairs have been effected to the bottom plates, studs, and floors, and all guttering around the building has been renewed. The veranda has been enclosed with lattice-work to a height of 3 ft. 6 in. Schoolmaster's residence and school, Hakupu : The roof of the detached classroom has been rethatched with sugarcane-leaf. One 12 ft. desk to seat six children made, a concrete stand for pump erected, and. new cesspits and drainage-pits dug. The residence and school have been whitewashed inside and out, and general repairs effected. Schoolmaster's residence and school, Tufukia : The residence and school have been whitewashed inside and out, and general repairs effected. Two horizontal bars and a sandpit with concrete kerbing have been erected for the use of physical defectives. Wireless operator's residence : A new cookhouse, W.C., and 200-gallon. galvanized-iron tank on stand have been erected. Carpenter's workshop : A 600-gallon galvanized tank on concrete stand has been erected. Bond shed : Concrete foundations put in and sliding-door fitted. Wharf : Concrete stands and fittings for davits erected, and electric-light brackets fitted. Hospital: The theatre and kitchen which were in a bad state of repair have been demolished. The new building containing the operation and dental theatre, also the new kitchen, has now been completed. The new reservoir erected at the hospital has been connected up with the hot-water service, and laid on to both the operation and dental theatres. Dispensary : Cupboards and fixtures for safe custody of all poisons and dangerous drugs have been erected, and boxes, drums, &c., made for keeping of stock medicines. Repairs to water-tank and stand, and new guttering erected.

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Temperature. Barometer. — Rainfall. ! l>il |^. with Maximum Rain Kain. on any One Day. Maximum. Minimum. Deg. Fall. Deg. Fah. Inches. Inches. Highest .. 30-32 98 72 30-90 27 10-35 (April, 1911) (Mar., 1921) (Feb., 1921) (Mar., 1923) (Mar., 1913) (Nov., 1926) Lowest .. 29-66 82 1 54 0-08 1 0-06 (Mar., 1911) (July, 1914) (July, 1915) (June, 1915) (July, 1911) (June, 1915)

Inwards. Outwards. • Gross | Receipts. Messages. Words. Messages. Words. £ s. d. First quarter .. .. .. .. 34 255 23 183 14 6 6 Second quarter .. . . . . 39 370 44 386 27 0 9 Third quarter.. .. .. .. 66 462 53 459 32 2 4-| Fourth quarter . . . . .. 67 522 60 660 46 0 8 Totals .. .. .. 206 1,609 210 1,688 119 10 3f

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Transport: A new garage has been erected at Utuko to accommodate the two new motor-lorries All motor-vehicles have been taken down, thoroughly overhauled, and all worn parts renewed, and two lorries repainted. The Medical Officer's car has been fitted with new hood, assembly and frame, upholstery and seats, also a new medicine-chest fitted to the running-board for carrying large bottles (Winchesters). Painting, where necessary, has been carried out at the various buildings during the vear. The wireless masts, stays, and guys have been treated with Stockholm tar, and the flagstaff and beacons painted. The two surf-boats and dinghy have been overhauled, repaired, recaulked, and painted in readiness for the new season's work. Education. Arrangements were made for the late Director of Education in New Zealand to visit Niue during the year, for the purpose of inspecting and reporting on both Government and London Missionary Society subsidized schools. The whole of the upper classes in both Government schools have been in constant communication during the year with the senior pupils of the two schools which have adopted them in New Zealand, and every mail many exceptionally interesting letters are exchanged, together with gifts of various kinds. Extracts follow from the individual reports of the headmasters, which deal in detail with the work of both schools for the past year. The following are the attendance figures of both schools for the year : —

London Missionary Society Subsidized Schools.--The Government subsidy for the year was paid quarterly to the local missionary, Rev. Beharell, whose receipt was taken and filed in the accounts of this Administration. The annual report of the local missionary on the work of the subsidized schools for the year ending 31st December, 1927, has been received. The following are the attendance figures of the ten schools for the year : —

Tufukia School. Schemes of Work. —During the year new schemes of work have been drawn up. The basic principles underlying these schemes are similar to those found in last year's schemes, but have been modified in places to be in keeping with the new syllabus which was issued some time after the Island Education Conference, held in Wellington, New Zealand, during the early part of the year 1926. An important feature of the schemes is that they contain greater detail, particularly in regard to method and examples. This has been done in order to simplify as much as possible the whole year's work for the Native assistant teachers, in order to allow them to prepare their daily programme of work with greater ease and to get completely away from the rule-of-thumb methods of teaching. Educational Viewpoint. —Niue is very isolated : there is no mixture of races and there are but a handful of Europeans. On account of this the Niue child sees, hears, and knows little of the outside world, and the educational course has to be framed to suit the conditions of life under which we find him. It is likely that English may become the language in Earotonga, and no doubt some common tongue is necessary in Fiji, where different races live side by side ; but, on account of so little outside influence, the Niue language must remain pure for a long time, and to devote less time to English and a greater amount of time to more vital subjects is a distinct advantage to Niueans. This matter is already receiving attention, and it is intended that the new course of instruction now under consideration will be framed to prepare the child for the life he has to live. Teachers' Examination. —In order to encourage the Native assistant teachers to raise their academic status and take a deeper interest in their work, a teachers' examination was held. Considering their restricted experience in teaching and study, such as we understand these, and taking into consideration

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Tufukia. Hakupu. Males. Females, j Total. Males. Females. Total. Number on roll on 1st January, 1927 . . 127 106 233 49 31 80 Number on roll on 31st December, 1927 118 104 222 52 34 86 Average Attendance.. .. 107-4 96-3 203-7 50-3 32-7 83

Number on Rolls. Males. Females. Total. Attendance First quarter . . . . 276 230 | 506 448-4 Second quarter . . . . 275 220 495 454-2 Third quarter . . . . 269 238 507 466-9 Fourth quarter . . . . 276 230 506 459-9 Average attendance for .. . . .. 457-3 year I

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the limitations in regard to life, environment, and experiences in general through the complete isolation in which they live, the results were indeed creditable. The Staff. —The educational machine is functioning smoothly and the staff is a happy family. Bach member now has a much clearer understanding of the methods of teaching, class-management and general routine work, and applies them with more definiteness and greater confidence. The tendency towards initiative and resourcefulness is developing. The usual staff meetings have been held, and from the residt of the deliberations much good work has been put into practice. The work has not in every case been strictly confined to school; instead, the influence and help of the staff has been extended into the social life of the people. Medical Lectures. —During the year the Medical Officer visited the school and delivered interesting addresses, which were much appreciated. None had ever looked into a microscope before, and when certain parasites, not uncommon to the human race, were viewed through the microscope as hideous monsters all looked at each other in amazement. Such lessons have great driving-force, and have the desired effect where words fail. Medical Inspection.—Shortly after school reopened a medical inspection of the pupils was carried out. This took some weeks, and each pupil received a thorough inspection. The personal health record was entered on medical cards specially drawn out for the purpose and filed at the hospital. Except for a few minor defects, the Medical Officer reported that the children were, as a whole, a hardy and healthy lot. Any child requiring medical attention reports to the hospital until a cure is effected. Dental Inspection and Treatment. —During the early part of the year all children were dentally examined by the Medical Officer. Agriculture.—Agriculture, gardening, and experimentation are vital subjects to these people, who are primary producers, and their prosperity depends almost entirely upon what the soil produces. Teachers and children have developed a liking for this class of work, whereas little more than a year ago it was considered menial and not a true educational school subject. Although agriculture is now firmly established as a' school subject, and although the whole general appearance of the grounds has been changed, yet it is felt that for the amount of energy expended, and the hard work done, the results are not commensurate with the efforts expended, and that this class of work has not yet reached the true value that it is desirable it should have as a school subject. Because of the rocky nature of the soil, taro and yam have not been a success ; maniota, maize, tomatoes, lima beans, peanuts, cabbage, and kumaras have done fairly well; granadillas and passion-fruit are quite a success. Choko seem to grow strongly for a time, but usually succumb to the attacks of a small brown beetle and a variety of epilachna. The banana plantation is but fair ; the young orange, Brazilian cherry, and sweetsop trees are beginning to make growth. Papayas are vigorous growers and fruiters, and do splendidly on Niue. Lemon and lime trees are also coming away, but the coffee and the cacao plantation were a complete failure. The salt spray during the hurricane season ruined these at a time when they were looking healthy. Experiments to introduce hardwoods for future use and soft timbers for boxmaking have been a failure, while fifty transplanted trees died. The garden has not been in existence long enough to discover the most suitable rotation of crops, but from minor experiments made it would seem that taro, corn, kumaras, and maniota, or cane, kumaras, maize, and taro, would do. It may be necessary to substitute one of these by sowing a leguminous crop. Lima beans, peanuts, or cowpeas are valuable catch-crops not only for their food value but because the tubercles on their roots are the home of many bacteria which enrich the nitrogen-supply of the soil. Detached Class-room.—A new room, erected this year, relieved the congestion in the main school considerably, and was occupied at once. This open-air class of building is ideally suited for the tropics, and is much superior to the older structure, being cooler, better ventilated, and more hygenic in every way. Mr. Caughley considered that this type of building was well-nigh ideal for tropical climates and for the general health of school-children, as well as being in keeping with modern hygenic thought in regard to the construction of suitable class-rooms. Reclamation and School-ground Extension. —In order to extend the school-ground a considerable area has been reclaimed on a rocky and rugged section running out to form a point beside the sea. Coral outcrops and large rocks on this point were sledge-hammered and levered out with crowbars ; pieces broken were dumped into hollows, the whole levelled and top-dressed with small stones. Soil was carried from the bush and placed into pockets purposely left. Cuttings from a large hardy and shady tree called puka were planted in these pockets of soil, and most of them struck root and are growing well. Large pao and puka trees grew on and about the part reclaimed, and shade a considerable section of it. Technical Instruction. —-The work carried out in the technical classes has been of a purely practical nature, the idea being to produce useful boys about the home and the village who can use the ordinary class of tool to their own advantage. Sewing Classes. —Because no sewing-mistress had been appointed to the Tufukia School, sewing was not taught during the whole of the year 1926, nor the first quarter of the year 1927. This important subject was reintroduced towards the end of April of the present year. The primary aim and the basic principles underlying sewing were to produce the handy girl about the home, and, after all the elementary forms of stitching were known, the immediate aim was that each girl should be able to make completely some useful ordinary garment. Native Handicraft Classes.—Native crafts have been reintroduced as a school subject at Tufukia. Native crafts on Niue are, as with the Maori crafts in New Zealand, dying out. This is due partly through neglect to have the craft taught, and partly through the younger generation preferring to buy in shops. A competent Native instructress was appointed in April of this year. The instructress is a capable person, and good at every kind of Native craft. A class was started at once, good progress has been made, and the handwork turned out so far is indeed a credit to the teacher.

4—A. 3.

25

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Correspondence with New Zealand Children. —Since correspondence was opened up between these young Polynesians and the children at the school that adopted us, some three years ago, much pleasure has been brought into the lives of these little folks. They feel that there is something very much alive in the whole business, and the children at both ends are keener than ever. Pupils with beaming faces and wreathed in smiles bring their letters to school to have some part not clearly understood explained. They also come along fairly dancing in their excitement and happiness to show their teacher the fakalofa, or gift, received from their New Zealand friends. Specimens of work also exchanged add further interest. This correspondence is a great success. It has struck a vital chord in their natures, and satisfied a want that they have unconsciously longed for. If it serves no other purpose, this is enough. It has, however, done more : it is one of the finest educational subjects that has been introduced into Niue, and the high standard of English mentioned by Mr. Caughley is in part traceable to this correspondence. Mr. Caughley's Visit. —During the month of August, Mr. J. Caughley paid a visit to Niue. He examined the Tufukia School, and was well satisfied with the class of work being done. Mr. Caughley perceived immediately that a considerable amount of what was specified in the school syllabus was quite unsuited to the life of the present generation, even though it may be what is required by the Natives in other islands. Niue seems to stand alone in its requirements, and it seems difficult to compare it with other islands. An educat'onal conference was held and an expression of opinion invited. It was unanimously agreed that the present standard of education is too high, and that it would be an advantage to the pupils as well as to the general welfare of the island, if a modified course omitting all that is foreign to the life and experiences of these people, whose general outlook and environment is so very limited were adopted. It was thought that to overburden with facts and a form of education out of harmony with their life would be education of the wrong kind and out of touch with the needs of the people. It was recognized that the education must be in advance of that which is required at the present time, but not too much so, as has been the case in the past, and that the basic principle should be a course of instruction to suit and develop the present conditions of life. The Vernacular. —As a policy measure, greater attention is to be paid to teaching in the vernacular, particularly among the very young pupils —the aim being that Niue children should know their own language first and thoroughly, and that the teaching of English should receive secondary consideration as a school subject. Native language, particularly where the population is small, tends to die out soon enough, and every attempt is to be made to preserve it so long as it is possible to do so, rather than to hasten its death by overemphasizing English. Rather much stress has been placed on English during the past, but it is intended that this fault will be rectified in the new programme of instruction to be brought out in the near future. The younger members were taught to read and write in their native tongue at once, and rapid progress was made. The upper classes seem to know their own language very well; they write and speak it fluently. Books in the Vernactdar. —Now that Niueans must pay more attention to their mother tongue, it will be an advantage and even necessary to have some books, particularly for the lower classes, prepared in the vernacular. The children are at the present time making good progress in spoken or conversational work, as well as with written work on slates, paper, and on blackboard. Athletics and Games. —Athletics of all kinds are encouraged, and the boys are keen on this class of play. An island sports meeting coinciding with the annual Church gathering is held every year. Many of the senior pupils compete at these sports, and win their share of the prizes. Cricket, modified football to suit the rugged nature of the ground, basketball, and hockey are the principal games played. Minor games, such as rounders, skipping, marbles, tops, stilts, and a purely native game of throwing a large dart, called tika-throwing, are all indulged in. Competitions are held among the different classes at school, and there is keen rivalry among the pupils. Inter-school competitions are not held to any great extent because the villages are scattered and the only practical way to travel from one village to another with the great majority of Niueans is to walk. Hakupu School. The year's work just completed has been very satisfactory in all respects. The children have made excellent progress in all branches of study, and the staff have rendered good service in both school and playground. Attendance has been very good—only a few individual cases of sickness— and with these exceptions the children have attended regularly throughout the year. Appearance, Cleanliness, &c. —The general standard of cleanliness is fairly good, considering the distance from the sea and the lack of natural running water. The majority of the children are always cleanly and tidily dressed, hair neatly brushed, and generally clean in person ; but such standard is only maintained by constant supervision and attention on the part of the staff, except in the case of the senior boys and girls, who seem to realize the advantage and need of personal cleanliness. There being an ample supply of water at the school, the Administration was approached and timber washstand, sink, and locks supplied. Lockers were built by the boys, and the children encouraged to bring soap and towels. They responded well, practically all the seniors availing themselves of the opportunity, with good and, it is hoped, lasting results. Instruction, &c. —The children are keen and intelligent, and good progress has been made. The various subjects are simplified and taught along such lines as seem best suited to meet the requirements of the local environment. The arithmetic syllabus has been curtailed and simplified, while an attempt is being made to improve local methods of agriculture along the lines of surface mulching, conserving moisture, rotation of crops, and the introduction of new crops and varieties. Unfortunately the work

26

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of the year has been greatly handicapped by the excessively dry weather of the first half of the year. Variety crops of sweet potato and maize were a failure, due to prolonged absence of rain ; but valuable object-lessons were obtained by surface mulching of taro with weeds, leaves, &c., and by growing watermelon to shade the ground between the taro-plants. The visit of Mr. Caughley has done much to clear the air of doubts, and, by giving us the authority to scrap unnecessary instruction, to simplify much of what remained, and to introduce instruction in the vernacular, has improved very much matters educational on the island. It remains for those of us in whose hands the work of education is entrusted to create a simple but satisfactory course of instruction both in Niue and English, suitable for the needs of all the schools, so that there may be some measure of unity prevailing on the island. As instruction in the vernacular was to be introduced into the Government schools, and there was no systematic method of instruction in any of the schools, a set of books was planned and drawn up by the staff, (a) Live Reader, adapted and translated : for first-year children, (b) Niue Phonics : Graded instruction in the phonic elements of the Niue language, (c) Niue Reader : Reading-book with spellings based on the domestic life of a Niue family. In addition over thirty fairy-tales (translated), Samoan and Niue stories, have been compiled and made up into small books for free reading. As there seems to be many differences of opinion in regard to what is correct Niue grammar, even among teachers, it is intended to have the books corrected by one competent authority, and to make such corrected work the basis of future instruction. The writing of letters to New Zealand children has been extended, and examples of work exchanged with West End School, Palmerston North. This has brought the children of the two countries into closer touch, with a consequent broadening of ideas and a better knowledge of each other's lives. Games.—With funds raised by last year's concert and by the boxing exhibition given this year, ample sports material has been purchased, and both boys and girls have made full use of Badminton and basketball both during and after school hours. Boxing, which finds great favour with the boys, has been taught regularly as part of the physical training. Buildings. —The residence and school buildings are in good state of repair, with the exception of the school-veranda, which is rapidly breaking up and will need attention in the near future. Once again I wish to record my sincere appreciation of the assistance given by the Administration. The Commissioner has done everything possible to help us in our work at Hakupu, and though our requests for materials and transport have been many and varied, they have always received prompt consideration and attention.

APPENDIX A. Port of Alofi. Return of Imports for the Year ended 31st December, 1927.

27

Article. J Whence imported. Value. I I £ £ Agricultural produce .. .. New Zealand .. .. .. .. 65 Ale and stout .. .. .. .. „ .. .. .. .. 42 Apparel n.e.i. .. .. .. .. „ .. .. .. 394 Western Samoa .. .. 34 United Kingdom .. .. 216 Fiji 1 Tonga .. .. .. 6 Japan .. .. .. 24 United States of America .. 77 American Samoa .. . . 13 765 Arms, ammunition, and explosives .. .. New Zealand .. . . . . .. 174 Bacon and ham .. .. .. .. ,, .. .. .. .. 11 Bags and sacks .. .. .. .. ,, .. .. .. .. 316 Beverages, non-alcoholic .. .. .. „ .. .. .. .. 14 Bicycles and parts .. .. .. .. „ .. .. .. 210 United Kingdom .. .. 5 United States of America .. 1 216 Biscuits .. .. .. .. .. New Zealand .. .. .. .. 653 Blue .. .. .. .. .. „ .. .. . . .. 11 Boots and shoes .. .. .. .. „ .. .. .. 175 United Kingdom .. . . 11 186 Brushware .. •. .. .. New Zealand .. .. .. .. 8 Butter and cheese .. .. .. .. „ .. .. .. .. 177 Carriages and parts.. .. .. .. ,, .. .. .. .. 50 Cement, masonry, &c. . . .. .. ,, .. .. .. .. 114

A.—3.

Return of Imports for the Year ended 31st December, 1927 —continued.

28

Article. j Whence imported- Value. £ £ Confectionery n.e.i. .. .. .. New Zealand .. . , .. 102 United Kingdom . . .. 3 105 Cordage and twine .. .. .. .. New Zealand .. .. .. 34 United Kingdom .. .. 22 American Samoa .. .. 1 57 Cotton piece-goods n.e.i. .. .. •• New Zealand .. .. .. j 630 United Kingdom .. . . [ 1,339 American Samoa .. .. j 3 1,972 Cotton, sewing .. .. .. . . New Zealand .. .. .. 24 United Kingdom . . . . 60 84 Crockery and glassware .. .. .. New Zealand .. . . .. .. 18 Cutlery and silverware .. .. .. „ .. .. .. . . 5 Drapery n.e.i. .. .. .. ■. „ .. .. .. 80 i United Kingdom .. .. 72 Tonga .. .. .. 1 Japan .. . . .. 2 ■ 155 Drugs and druggist's sundries .. .. New Zealand .. .. .. .. 306 Fancy goods n.e.i. .. .. .. .. „ .. .. | 309 United Kingdom .. .. j 76 Australia .. .. .. J 2 Japan . . . . .. I 1 United States of America .. j 10 398 Fish, preserved .. .. .. .. New Zealand .. . . .. .. 218 Fish-hooks .. .. .. .. „ .. .. .. 3 United Kingdom .. .. 20 23 Flour .. .. .. .. .. New Zealand .. .. .. 171 Australia .. .. .. 112 283 Fruits — Dried .. .. .. .. .. New Zealand .. .. .. .. 13 Fresh .. .. .. .. .. „ .. .. .. | .. 50 Preserved .. .. .. .. ,, .. .. .. i .. 61 Furniture and joinery .. .. .. ,, .. .. .. 148 United States of America .. 2 150 Glass, sheet .. .. • • • • New Zealand .. .. .. .. 4 Hardware n.e.i. .. .. .. .. „ .. .. .. 286 United Kingdom .. .. J 11 American Samoa .. .. 1 298 Hats and caps .. .. .. .. New Zealand .. .. .. 33 United Kingdom .. . . 4 37 Hosiery .. .. .. • • • • New Zealand .. .. .. | 20 United Kingdom .. .. I 72 92 Instruments, musical .. .. .. New Zealand .. .. .. J 14 United Kingdom .. .. 1 United States of America .. 2 Hawaii .. .. .. j 8 25 Iron — Galvanized corrugated roofing .. .. New Zealand .. .. .. .. 321 Galvanized tanks.. .. .. ,, .. .. .. .. 13 Wire and wire netting . . .. „ .. .. .. .. 34 Jam .. .. • . ■ ■ ■ ,, .. • . •. .. 24 Lace .. .. ■ • • • ,, • • •. ■. 13 j United Kingdom .. .. 69 82

A.—3

Return of Imports for the Year ended 31st December, 1927—continued.

29

Article. Whence imported. Value. £ £ Lamps, lanterns, and lampware .. .. New Zealand .. .. . . .. 5 Machinery, printing .. .. .. „ .. .. . . 7 Australia .. .. . . 5 12 Machines— Radio .. .. .. .. .. New Zealand .. .. .. 32 Sewing .. .. .. .. .. ,, .. . , . . 5 Australia .. .. . . 12 17 Matches .. .. .. .. .. New Zealand .. . . .. .. 261 Meats— Preserved .. .. .. .. „ • .. .. .. .. 816 Salted .. .. .. .. .. „ .. .. .. .. 94 Milk, preserved .. .. .. .. „ .. .. .. .. 215 Motors and parts .. .. .. .. ,, .. .. . . 559 United States of America . . 23 582 Nails .. .. .. .. .. New Zealand .. .. .. .. 59 OilBenzine and kerosene .. .. .. „ .. .. .. .. 438 N.e.i. .. .. .. .. .. „ .. .. .. .. Ill Paint, enamel, and varnish .. .. .. ,, .. .. .. .. 100 Paper— Printing .. .. .. .. „ .. .. .. .. 13 Wrapping .. .. .. .. „ .. .. .. .. 10 Perfumed spirits and perfumery .. .. ,, .. .. .. 52 i United Kingdom .. .. 2 54 Photographic materials .. .. .. New Zealand .. .. .. .. 14 Pipes, tobacco .. .. .. .. „ .. .. .. .. 17 Provisions n.e.i. .. .. .. .. „ .. .. .. 205 Australia .. .. .. 2 207 Rice .. .. .. .. .. New Zealand .. .. .. 146 Australia .. .. .. 34 180 Rugs .. .. .. .. .. New Zealand .. .. .. .. 50 Saddlery and harness .. .. .. ,, .. .. .. .. 54 Silk .. .. .. .. .. „ .. .. .. 25 United Kingdom .. .. 1 26 Soap .. .. .. .. .. New Zealand .. .. .. 254 United Kingdom .. .. 2 256 Specie .. .. .. .. .. New Zealand .. .. .. .. 104 Spirits — Brandy .. .. .. .. .. „ .. .. .. .. 11 Whisky .. . • • • • • „ .. .. .. 20 Western Samoa .. .. 2 22 Gin .. .. .. .. .. New Zealand .. .. .. .. 3 Stationery and books .. .. .. „ .. .. .. 233 United Kingdom .. .. 9 242 Sugar .. .. .. .. .. New Zealand .. .. .. .. 156 Tea, coffee, and cocoa .. .. .. „ .. .. .. .. 52 Timber— Sawn .. .. .. .. .. „ .. .. .. .. 238 Banana cases .. .. .. .. „ .. .. .. .. 744 Tobacco, cigarettes, &c. .. .. .. „ .. .. .. 258 Australia .. .. .. 711 969 Toilet preparations n.e.i. .. .. .. New Zealand .. .. .. .. 22 Tools .. .. .. .. .. „ .. .. .. 59 United Kingdom .. .. 5 United States of America .. 7 71

A.—3

Return of Imports for the Year ended 31st December, 1927 —continued.

Summary of Imports, 1927. £ New Zealand .. .. .. .. .. 10,896 Western Samoa .. .. .. .. .. 36 United Kingdom .. .. .. .. .. 2,003 Australia .. .. .. .. .. ... 878 Fiji .. .. .. .. .. .. 1 Tonga .. .. .. .. .. .. 7 Japan .. .. .. .. .. .. 27 United States of America .. .. .. .. 132 Hawaii .. .. .... .. .. 8 American Samoa .. .. ' .. .. .. 18 £14,006

Port of Alofi. Return of Exports for the Year ended 31st December, 1927.

Summary of Exports, 1927. £ New Zealand .. .. .. .. .. 14,290 Western Samoa .. . . . . . . .. 1 Fiji 7 Hawaii .. .. .. .. .. .. 52 £14,350

30

Article. Whence imported. j Value. ; I £ £ Trunks, portmanteaux, &c. .. .. .. United States of America .. .. 10 Typewriters and parts .. .. .. New Zealand .. .. .. . . 19 Umbrellas .. .. .. ,, „ .. .. .. 15 United Kingdom .. . . 3 18 Vegetables— Fresh .. .... .. .. Hew Zealand .. .... ., 52 Preserved .... .. ,. „ .. .. . . .. 10 Wine— Port .. .. .. .. .. „ .. .. .. .. ?> Sparkling .. .. .. .. „ .. .. .. .. 7 Total .. .. .. .. £14,006

Article. Whence exported. | Quantity. Value. £ £ Bananas .. .. New Zealand .. .. 7,564 cases .. .. 4,679 Baskets .. .. .. „ .. .. 1,737f dozen .. 1,438 Hawaii .. .. 10 „ .. 7 1,445 Carriages and parts .. New Zealand .. .. .. .. 9 Copra .. .. .. „ .. .. 257f tons .. .. 4,785 Fancy goods n.e.i... „ .. .. .. 56 Fiji •• 7 Hawaii .. .. .. 45 108 Fungus .. .. .. New Zealand .. .. 49,951 lb. .. .. 2,319 Hats .. . . .. ,, .. . . 1,327J dozen . . .. 935 Machinery, printing .. „ .. .. .. .. 4 Mats, table .. .. „ .. .. 35 dozen .. .. 12 Matches .. .. .. „ .. .. .. .. 15 Oil n.e.i. .. .. ,, .. .. .. .. 12 Oranges .... .. „ .. .. 42 cases .. .. 17 Taro and yam .. .. „ .. .. 15 „ 8 Western Samoa .. 1 „ 1 9 Tools .. .. .. New Zealand .. .. .. .. 1 Total .... .. .. .. £14.350

A.—3

Niue Island Administration. Return of Imports and Exports for the Twenty-five Years, 1903 to 1927, inclusive.

Approximate Cost of Paper.—Preparation, not given; printing (600 copies), £41 10s.

Authority : W. A. G. Skinner, Government Printer, Wellington.—l92B.

Price 9d. J

31

Year. Imports. Exports. Value '< Year. Imports, j Exports. ; I ll I i I £ 1 £ £ £ £ £ 1903 .. 8,001 7,862 15,863 1916 .. 9,512 3,379 12,889 1904 .. 6,707 7,016 13,723 1917 .. ! 13,079 9,400 22,479 1905 .. 5,698 9,868 15,566 1918 .. 17,258 16,537 33,795 1906 .. 6,707 I 8,724 15,431 1919 .. ! 21,783 35,977 57,760 1907 .. 8,491 ! 7,955 16,446 1920 .. ! 20,524 13,140 33,664 1908 .. 6,458 7,107 13,565 1921- .. : 26,339 16,721 43,060 1909 .. 10,047 1 12,203 22,250 1922 .. I 15,418 15,122 30,540 1910 .. 9,182 12,112 21,294 1923 .. 18,388 13,227 31,615 1911 .. 9,838 12,047 21,885 1924 .. 16,798 14,608 31,406 1912 .. 19,119 15,709 34,828 1925 .. 18,747 17,429 36,176 1913 .. 13,761 12,170 25,931 1926 .. 17,563 17,655 35,218 1914 .. 11,200 9,503 20,703 1927 .. 14,006 14,350 28,356 1915 .. 9,678 8,130 17,808