COOK AND OTHER ISLANDS. [In continuation of Parliamentary Paper A.-3, 1928.]

Appendix to the Journals of the House of Representatives, 1929 Session I, A-03

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1929. NEW ZEA'LAND.

COOK AND OTHER ISLANDS. [In continuation of Parliamentary Paper A.-3, 1928.]

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

MEMORANDUM. Cook Islands Department, Wellington, 30th June, 1929. I submit the annual report of the Cook Islands and Niue Administrations, together with a memorandum in regard to the shipping services with the islands. The report discloses a satisfactory state of affairs throughout the Group. It is perhaps not generally realized that the Cook Group contains fourteen inhabited islands widely dispersed over 850,000 square miles of ocean. With the exception of Rarotonga and Niue, communication between these islands is irregular and infrequent, and there is no sea communication whatever during the hurricane season—December to April. The medical needs of the Group are met by only three Medical Officers and the nursing staffs. The general health of the people is good. The natural increase per 1,000 of mean population during the year was 13-3, and the average increase over the past six years was 11-16 per 1,000. The education system is extended throughout the Group ; in the most outlying islands the teaching is undertaken by Native pastors of the London Missionary Society, under the supervision of the Superintendent of Schools. The cost of policing the whole Group is less than £2,000 per annum, and that with a remarkable freedom from serious crime. Radio-stations are gradually being erected, and the Island of Mauke has recently been placed in wireless communication with the outer world. Radio-stations have now been erected at Rarotonga, Niue, Aitutaki, Mangaia, Atiu, and Mauke, and as funds permit these will be extended to the most northerly island of Penrhyn. Many of the northern islands are productive of little revenue, and are subject to periodical droughts and devastating hurricanes. Progress is therefore necessarily slow unless recourse is had to the Consolidated Funds, but this is avoided as far as possible. In accordance with the policy followed by the Administration in encouraging the Natives to plant ample foodstuffs for their own requirements, the past year has been one of plenty on all of those islands which are fertile. Lack of shipping, however, prevents the export of large quantities of valuable fruit to New Zealand from the Lower Group. The service inaugurated by Government vessels has overcome this difficulty so far as Niue is concerned, and a considerable banana industry is now established between that island and New Zealand. Owing to the lack of private enterprise, the Government shipping service established in 1925 by the s.s. " Hinemoa " with Niue and Norfolk Island has during the year been extended to Samoa for the purposes of a banana trade with that territory. The " Hinemoa " was replaced in June last by the M.Y. " Maui Pomare." This vessel has not proved altogether satisfactory during the past year, and certain defects in her construction and engines have had to be remedied. The Government's technical advisers have been concentrating on these works for some time, and it is hoped that the coming year will give a more satisfactory service. Too much is being asked of this vessel, however, in expecting her to maintain a service \vith New Zealand ports and Niue and Samoa, as well as with Norfolk. Although the Norfolk trade has developed rapidly and shows much promise, it has not been possible to induce private enterprise to take over this service with Auckland. A reduction of the service in the near future to one North Island and one South Island port, and Niue and Samoa, would assist materially in the efforts being made to establish a fruit industry with these islands. Anticipated cargoes from Samoa did not materialize last year, owing no doubt to political unrest in that territory, and the revenue of the ship suffered accordingly. Despite the difficulties of the nine months ended 31st March last, and the crippling effect of four New Zealand ports of call (with the consequent long coastal runs and duplicity of port charges), the " Maui Pomare " made fifteen trips from the islands to New Zealand. She has handled nearly 6,000 tons of cargo, including 46,000 cases of bananas shipped direct from the islands for southern ports. The total expenditure for the year exceeded the revenue by £1,972 12s. Id. The service can be regarded as a satisfactory performance for the inaugural year. A. T. Ngata, Minister for Cook Islands.

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SHIPPING SERVICES OF THE COOK ISLANDS DEPARTMENT, WELLINGTON. Niue Island. Inadequate and unreliable sea communication with Niue Island for many years prior to 1925 caused considerable anxiety to the Government, and very seriously hampered development and trade with that island. The following extracts from the annual report of the Department are eloquent of the serious state of affairs that existed prior to the entry of a steamer into this service : — " 1921. —The subsidized, schooner service proved a failure last year, despite the fact that she was an auxiliary schooner. To begin with, she did not arrive here on her first trip till the beginning of the second week in May (five months). Then it took over two months for her to return to Niue on her second trip. Unfortunately, on her third trip she disappeared, and has not been heard of since. This is the second subsidized schooner lest within two years. Never has there been felt greater need for a regular and more frequent service. On four occasions relief in the shape of foodstuffs had to be brought to the inhabitants of the island. Much-needed provisions, that in the ordinary run of even an erratic subsidized service should have reached us last November, have not yet put in an appearance, and probably will not do so for some time yet. The crying need of this isolated outlier of the Empire is regular and dependable communication spread over the whole year. The conditions which obtain now very materially hinder the progress of the island. Until such time as a regular service can be instituted, trade and agriculture will languish, for it is impossible to get the Natives to go in for extensive planting without being able to assure them a regular means of getting their produce away. " 1922. —The following vessels visited the island during the year: ' Ysabel,' four times ; ' Ajax,' once. 1923. —The hurricane season has been a very long one —probably five months by the time the first vessel of the new year arrives. " 1924.—The ill-fated ' Kaeo ' was wrecked here on her first trip. In this case Captain Mac Donald was fortunate enough to make Apia in the ship's lifeboat without mishap, but it is unfair to ask or permit men to run risks of that nature. The Resident Commissioner has twice been faced with this situation during his term here. The fact that the steamer service did not materialize was a heavy blow to the island. A fruit trade is the only road to progress here. A number of Natives planted bananas extensively in view of a proposed service." In 1924 the Chatham Islands Shipping Co. was induced to place the "Rama" in the Nixie service under Government subsidy, but after making three trips to Niue the vessel was wrecked at the Chatham Islands. Every effort was made by the Department to induce private enterprise to cater for the trade, but without success. The Union Steamship Co., Ltd., at the Department's urging, diverted the " Tofua " from her usual monthly run between Tonga and Samoa to Niue, but this assistance was limited to discharging some passengers and emergency foodstuffs. Arrangements could not be made for this company to carry cargoes. A further emergency trip was necessary before the end of the year, and this was made by the Marine Department withdrawing the " Tutanekai " from her lighthouse work for a trip to Niue with supplies to carry over the hurricane season. Eventually the Department were forced to take over and recondition the " Hinemoa," which had at that time been lying for some years in Wellington Harbour, and to place her in the Niue trade. The " Hinemoa " ran between Niue and Auckland from 1925 until 1928, when she was replaced by the " Maui Pomare." The following is an extract from the report of the Besident Commissioner, Niue, which followed the advent of a steamer service : — " For the first time in the history of the island the shipping includes no sailing-vessels. The advent of a steamer service, which made possible a trade with New Zealand in bananas and other fruit, was hailed with delight by the Natives." Norfolk Island. With the entry of the " Hinemoa" into the Niue service, and as the latter service in itself was insufficient to keep a steamer in full-time employment, it was necessary, in order to avoid economic loss in tying the vessel up periodically, to endeavour to find other employment for the ship. Norfolk Island being conveniently situated for this purpose, and several of the Auckland fruit-merchants being willing to charter the freight at a figure that would guarantee the cost of the trip, an experimental voya.ge to Norfolk was made in 1925. This trade proved promising, and developed rapidly, as is indicated by the following tables : — Cargo Cargo outward. inward. Passengers. Tons. Cases. 1925-26 .. .. .. .. ..32 2,196 91 1926-27 .. .. .. .. .. 141 2,528 551 1927-28 .. .. .. .. ..608 3.186 531 1928-29 .. .. .. .. ..981 4,504 606 Comparative Statement of Imports and Exports for Six Years ended 30th June, 1928. £ £ 1922-23 .. .. .. 19,215 1925-26 .. .. .. 25,038* 1923-24 .. .. ..25,193 1926-27 .. .. .. 41,427* 1924-25 .. .. .. 21,151 1927-28 .. .. .. 62,010* Leper Services. In addition to the Niue and Norfolk Island services, the " Hinemoa " was utilized by the Department in making three extensive trips into the Cook Group and removing all of the lepers of that territory—ninety-two in number —to the Leper Asylum at Makogai, Fiji. Several trips were

* Steamer connection with Auckland commenced 1925-26.

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also made between Samoa and Mokogai, Niue and Makogai, and New Zealand and Makogai, carrying lepers from these territories, thus performing a service which, without the Government vessel, would have been an extremely difficult one to carry out. The " Hinemoa " was also utilized on several occasions to perform towing service for Government Departments. In spite of her age and over fifty years Government service, she proved a useful and reliable vessel, and more than justified the Department's action in putting her again into commission for island purposes. .Extension of Service. Although the entry of the " Hinemoa " into the service satisfactorily catered for the Niue Island trade, there were, and had been for some years, pressing demands for improved shipping facilities between the islands and New Zealand. Firstly, in 1920, the Government appointed a Commission to inquire into the conditions of trade between New Zealand and the Pacific islands, and to report upon the best means of promoting and encouraging an increase of trade between New Zealand and these territories. The Commission comprised Messrs. George (now Sir George) Elliot (Chairman), William Richard Pearson and Thomas Wilson (members), and the following is an extract from their report:— " Shipping must naturally play a most important part in the extension of the trade of the islands, and if the New Zealand and British trade generally is to be fostered the subject must have the serious attention of the Government. . . . At present one ship, the ' Navua,' runs a four-weekly service between Samoa and Auckland. ... On its return trip comparatively little cargo is taken from Samoa, as every inch of space is required for green bananas from Suva (Fiji). Although Samoa grows many varieties of fruit, especially bananas, there is no chance at present of a fruit trade being developed. The remedy is obvious : either the New Zealand Government should make equitable arrangements for a direct Samoan service, or purchase suitable ships themselves. There seemed to be the same shipping troubles in nearly every island we visited, and unless the matter is satisfactorily dealt with it is utterly impossible to look for trade development, for without a satisfactory service planters, Native or European, become disheartened and consequently trade languishes. We are aware that the carrying-out of this recommendation would affect private enterprise, which is a matter to be deplored, but the consequences are so vital that we are constrained to make it. " Niue. —A better schooner service should be obtained. If this is impossible, or if the subsidy demanded is too great, your Government should itself purchase a suitable auxiliary schooner and run it." Secondly, the Auckland Chamber of Commerce were also urging the Government to improve the shipping facilities with the islands, and the following is an extract from a letter from that Chamber, dated the sth October, 1921, addressed to the Hon. the Minister : — " Following up the conference with you at the chamber, and as the outcome of various meetings, the council passed the following resolution, which I was instructed to remit to you, in the full assurance that it will receive favourable consideration by you, and the council trusts be submitted to Cabinet for its consideration. " The resolution unanimously adopted is as follows : — " ' That the attention of the council of this Chamber having been drawn to the fact that there is reason to anticipate the loss to New Zealand of the major portion (if not all) of the trade which it has hitherto developed with the island groups of Fiji, Tonga, and Samoa, through the recently arranged steamship service between Sydney and Fiji, subsidized by the Government of Fiji, deems the matter of urgent importance, and suggests the advisability of the Government taking steps immediately to make such counter-efforts, either by subsidized or other improved steamship service, as may assist in retaining this trade, which has been built up and fostered by the New Zealand traders from the days of the old trading cutters and schooners.' " I shall be glad to hear from you at your convenience if the Government proposes to give this matter its attention, and, if desired, this Chamber will do its best to assist in any way that you may indicate for the extension and improvement of the island trade." Thirdly, the South Island Chamber of Commerce and other associated bodies were also continually urging the Government to arrange for a direct steamer service from the islands to southern ports. Fourthly, there was an increasing demand from Samoa for an outlet for the fruit trade, which up to that time it had been impossible to develop, on account of lack of shipping. The only connection with Samoa was by the monthly steamer of the Union Steamship Co., and, as stated in the previously quoted extract from the report of the Commission, any fruit cargoes that may have been available in Samoa were excluded on account of the fruit from Suva, Fiji. Further than this, without insulated stowage it was impossible for fruit to be carried from Samoa via Fiji to New Zealand, and the Union Steamship Co.'s vessels were not so fitted. Although, as previously stated, every endeavour was made from time to time to induce private enterprise to cater for the trade, and public tenders for a satisfactory service were invited, no improvement was effected. The Government therefore determined to replace the " Hinemoa," which, on account of her build, was unsuitable for fruit-carrying, with a modern vessel fitted with insulated holds for the purpose of carrying on these various services. M.V. "Maui Pomare." The new vessel was to provide a direct service between Samoa and Niue Island and New Zealand ports, and was to be fitted with refrigerated space for the carriage of perishable fruit cargoes and to have a limited amount of accommodation for passengers. In addition, it was proposed that the vessel should provide certain services from Samoa into the Northern Cook and Union groups at intervals throughout the year. A motor-ship was specially determined upon, particularly because of the extensive radius of the vessel's itinerary during her periodical visits from Apia into the

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northern islands and of the lack of coaling facilities in the Pacific, and also with a view to economy in space. The Samoan Administration submitted rough specifications and a drawing of the type of vessel that would be suitable for their requirements. To these plans were added certain requirements of the New Zealand Government in regard to the provision of accommodation for officials and a limited number of passengers, and these rough plans were forwarded to the High Commissioner, London, with instructions to obtain from various well-known shipping firms detailed plans and specifications, with prices for a suitable vessel based on the data forwarded. The High Commissioner amplified the information forwarded from New Zealand and incorporated a set of special conditions. Upon these requirements tenders were invited from twenty-two shipbuilding firms, forty-one tenders being received, accompanied by plans and specifications prepared by the various tenderers. The High Commissioner, London, recommended that these tenders should be submitted to the Government Consulting Engineer for New Zealand in London for criticism, and that in the event of a contract being made the inspection of the vessel during building should be left to him. This recommendation was adopted by the Government, there being no engineer competent in motor-driven or fruit-carrying ships available in the New Zealand service, while the High Commissioner, London, was in a position to obtain the advice of the world's experts. The tenders were eventually placed in the London Consulting Engineer's hands, and the following extracts from his reports are worthy of quotation : — " I think no doubt can exist that in a vessel of this design the most important factor lies in the main engines. I have therefore spared no effort to satisfy myself as to the merits or demerits of the various models put forward in the tenders. " The Vickers-Petters engine is a two-stroke cycle engine of the cold-head solid-injection type. The design and reliability of this engine has been occupying my attention, for which purpose I visited the makers' works and witnessed an exactly similar engine under test. Being of the two-stroke cycle principle, I was doubtful whether or not it was preferable to the four-stroke engine. I have therefore seen several installations working, and also visited Messrs. Atlas Diesel Co.'s works in Stockholm and discussed matters with their designers, as they have had more experience with the two-stroke engines for marine purposes. From this point of view lam satisfied the two-stroke engine is preferable to the four-stroke, principally in the much more even turning movement, elimination of valves and their attendant maintenance charge requiring extra skilled labour. The other point concerning the Vickers-Petters engine is the solid injection of the fuel. This is preferable to the use of air at high pressures, being much safer, and also eliminating the compressor. In addition to the above, the VickersPetters engine is of less weight than the four-stroke engine, and occupies less space. The importance of this feature is easily understood, in that to carry a given dead-weight the hull of the ship must be larger with a large heavy engine than with a lighter engine, and more so as the size of the engine again has to be increased to propel the larger hull. The largest engine of this type made is limited to 600 h.p. " I am therefore able to recommend the installation of the Vickers-Petters engine in this vessel. . . . After having studied very fully each of the tenders, it is clear that the best offer and value for money is in that from Messrs. Dublin Dockyard Co. This company, at the present moment, are building in their yard two tugs, one for the Wanganui Harbour Board and another for the Bluff Harbour Board, equipped with the Vickers-Petters type of engine which is proposed for this vessel. In addition to producing good work, this company is owned and supported by Messrs. Vickers Ltd., whom I have always found anxious to give satisfaction. The auxiliary machinery proposed appears adequate for the requirements, and the refrigerating machinery requires no comment. I recommend the authorities in New Zealand to accept the tender of Messrs. Dublin Dockyard Co." The tender of Messrs. Dublin Dockyard Co., with Vickers-Petters engine, as recommended by the Government Consulting Engineer, London, was accepted by the Government, the contract price being £54,000, with extras (as per Appendix C) £4,869 10s., a total of £58,869 10s. The " Maui Pomare " was launched on the 29th September, 1927, and left Southampton for New Zealand, via Panama, Apia, and Niue, on the Ist March, 1928. She discharged cargo at Apia and loaded a small cargo of bananas at island ports, reaching Wellington on the Ist Jane, averaging 10 knots on the voyage. The banana cargo landed in Wellington in excellent condition. Itinerary. —The vessel was docked for survey on her arrival, and entered into service on the 26th June, 1928, on the following itinerary : Auckland-Niue-Apia-Niue-Dunedin and Lyttelton (alternately), Wellington-Auckland ; Auckland-Norfolk-Auckland. Volume of Trade.—For the nine months ended 3'lst March, 1929, the vessel made fifteen trips from the islands to New Zealand (eight from Samoa and Niue, and seven from Norfolk), and handled the following cargoes : Auckland, 2,080 tons, and 55,000 ft. of timber ; Wellington, 926 tons ; Lyttelton, 1,961 tons ; Dunedin, 665 tons. Aggregate : North Island, 3,006 tons ; South Island, 2,626 tons — total, 5,632 tons. Included in the above, figures are 46,000 cases of bananas shipped direct for southern ports. Revenue and Expenditure Account. —The total expenditure for the ten months ended 31st March, 1929, exceeded the revenue by £1,972 12s. Id., as under : — £ s d. Total expenditure for period ended 31st March, 1929 .. .. 22,159 15 6 Total revenue for period ended 31st March, 1929 .. .. .. 20,187 3 5 Balance of expenditure over revenue .. .. .. .. £1,972 12 1 These figures include depreciation (£2,452 18s.), insurance on hull and machinery (£1,226 12s. 6d.), but not interest on capital, £2,425 18s. Bd.

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A balance-sheet will be published in the annual accounts. It should also be noted that prior to the Government taking' over the Niue service in 1925 an amount was expended on the Niue service only, for relief ships and subsidies, of £3,866 for the year. The initial year is naturally a heavy-expenditure one, and in addition, owing to the Mau activities in Samoa, the ship's revenues were considerably handicapped on account of the fact that the anticipated banana cargoes were not forthcoming, and the ship during part of the year ran on very small cargoes. On one occasion, also, hurricane conditions in the islands resulted in half of a cargo having to be left behind, with the consequent loss of revenue. It is also a consideration that the freights to all New Zealand ports are on a flat rate, which places the vessel at a disadvantage as against private shipping firms, both as regards revenues and the greatly extended run to southern ports so far south as Dunedin. The invisible profits of the trade that has been made possible by this vessel are also worthy of consideration. Under the adverse conditions experienced throughout the year, therefore, the service has shown a surprisingly good trading result. Unfortunately, the vessel's machinery has required several extensive overhauls and alterations, with the consequent irritating delays and damaging effects to the service. Breakdowns in machinery were contributory causes of the loss of fruit shipments on two occasions—one a total and one a partial loss. Everything possible is being done to overcome the difficulties under the direction of a technical advisory committee of departmental Engineers appointed for the purpose. A report of the committee is printed herewith : — Government Buildings, Wellington, 26th June, 1929. The Hon. Minister for the Cook Islands, Wellington. Dbak SIB, — In accordance with the request contained in your letter of the 13th May, I visited the motorvessel " Maui Pomare " in company with all members of the advisory committee and made a careful investigation into the troubles recently developing in the vessel's propelling machinery. The committe has been strengthened by the inclusion on this work of Messrs. Breeze and McKinnon, of the Marine Department, who have co-operated very fully in the inquiry and in the determination of remedial measures. Dealing with the several questions in the numerical order adopted in your letter, I beg to report as follows : — • (1) The trouble developed first of all in the heating of two separate crank-pin bearings. This occurred between Lyttelton and Auckland, and necessitated disconnecting the two pistons concerned. On arrival in Auckland it was learned that a number of holding-down bolts were fractured and a small crack had developed in one of the main-engine cylinders. The immediate cause of the heating of the crank-pins was the failure of garter-springs associated with the crank-case sealing-rings. The failure of the springs, in turn, is attributed to the shearing and wearing down of the small feathers on the crank-shaft which drive the sealing-rings. After a detailed study of all the surrounding circumstances, it was decided to replace all existing sealing-rings with new ones of modified design, and this has been done. The new design adopted is still open to objections but is the best that could be adopted in the restricted space available. The failure of holding-down bolts is attributed to excessive vibration, or nodding, of the engines. Complete sets of new bolts have been fitted, and the foundations of the engines have been stiffened up by reriveting some of the intercostals under each engine and the bolting of heavy angle bars on tank-top in way of holding-down bolts. The supports to the heavy exhaust-manifolds have been modified, the original pipe-stanchions being entirely removed and replaced by heavy adjustable bar stays stepped on to the engine-bed. This latter alteration should make the engines steadier and reduce the risk of cracked silencer or cylinder castings. With the above attention it was considered the vessel could safely resume her service, and after a few hours' preliminary run she was finally despatched with a full complement of passengers for Norfolk Island on Friday last, the 21st instant. Reports received yesterday (the 24th instant) indicate that the results of the work have been satisfactory. (2) The advisory committee, as the result of about ten months' association with the vessel, feel that they cannot guarantee that she will run to a rigid schedule at all times without interruption. Since the negotiations for the purchase of the vessel were undertaken there has been considerable development in the design of propelling machinery of the Diesel type and of the size required for the " Maui Pomare." The type of engine installed is now recognized to have certain disabilities, especially in a vessel working in the Antipodes, out of touch with the designers and builders, where the quality and grade of fuel oil is liable to vary, and in a trade involving the working of roadstead harbours. Undoubtedly a steam-vessel would give more regular service, with less time required in port for overhaul ; but, nevertheless, the committee feel that the Government have a vessel capable of giving good and useful service in the carriage of fruit from the islands to New Zealand. There are still some features of the engines that are rather obscure and' doubtful. These features cannot be entirely eliminated, and your engineers therefore find themselves unable to give an unqualified guarantee that the vessel will run to a regular schedule. It is essential that the vessel have ample time between each voyage and while in New Zealand ports to carry out current maintenance and periodical overhaul. (3) At the present time the committee are recommending and taking steps to get quotations for the supply of (a) a complete new equipment of mechanical sight-feed lubricators for the main auxiliary engines ; (b) a complete new generator unit of 15 kw. capacity. These are major items of

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equipment, and, with minor items which may from time to time be found necessary, will, we think, make a great improvement in the working of the machinery. (4) The committee have had good opportunity to form an opinion as to the capabilities of the engine-room staff, and do not recommend any alteration to existing arrangements. The recent work of overhauling the main engines has been of a highly skilled nature and has been well done, and we understand that the engineers during this overhaul have cheerfully worked overtime for long periods whenever the job required it. The relations between the engine-room staff and the deck staff were fully discussed with the master and the chief engineer after receipt of your instructions, particularly as affecting the safe carriage of bananas and the comfort of passengers, and we feel confident that the service in these respects can be safely entrusted to the present organization. (5) Regarding the erratic prices that have at times been received for bananas, particularly 011 her last voyage (arrived Lyttelton on the 3rd May), we can only say that the conditions in the holds during that voyage were entirely satisfactory, and that there is reasonable ground for assuming that, as far as the vessel is concerned, the fruit can be carried under proper conditions in the future. From the information at its disposal the committee consider that the transport and handlingconditions at the islands are distinctly adverse compared with those existing in the larger bananaproducing countries, and from the appearance of the fruit on various voyages we are quite sure in our own minds that for ocean carriage an improvement in the grading and packing is desirable and necessary for complete success. The committee, in seeking the causes of trouble on the vessel at various times, have looked into the circumstances surrounding the placing of the contract. Tenders were called on rough outline specifications and plans. Tenders were invited and examined in England. The contract was subsequently entered into in New Zealand. Under these methods of purchasing a vessel it is to be expected that the owner will be called on to face considerable outlay in the early part of her career in adapting her exactly to requirements. This will apply specially to post-war conditions, when tendering is keen and ship and machinery designs are undergoing rapid changes. The unfavourable comments which are made from time to time with regard to the vessel have very small justification in fact, and the Cook Island Department are having no more trouble than many other owners of motor-vessels. While very considerable modification and improvement has been made to the equipment, with very satisfactory results in the working, the actual failures of machinery during the vessel's first year of operation have not been very serious, and have been only one factor in a number contributing to loss of fruit or low prices for portions of same. Yours faithfully, J. E. L. Cull, Chairman A. Gavey, Member ,,■ T . „ m t • 1 Chas. Wm. Turner, Member V Technical G. E. Breeze, Member | Advlsor y Committee. F. W. Grainger, Member J Opening-up of Trade Routes. Niue - European and Continental Ports. Besides the direct service established with southern ports, a through bill of lading has been arranged with the Clan line for copra from Niue to British and Continental ports, via Apia, which is being fully availed of by the Niue growers. This obviates the longer route via New Zealand ports, and permits of a reduced through freight of 115s. a ton to the consuming markets. The small quantities of Niue copra previously consumed in New Zealand cannot be carried with fruit shipments by the " Maui Pomare," but a through bill of lading, via Apia, has been arranged with the Union Steamship Co., Ltd., at a through freight rate of 78s. a ton. Norfolk. The hitherto unexplored trade and passenger service with Norfolk is steadily increasing, and the interest of the New Zealand public in this island, both for pleasure and as a field for settlement, is remarkable. Owing to the growing shipping requirements of Niue and Samoa, efforts are being made to induce private shippers to take over the Norfolk service and thus release the " Maui Pomare " for our own territories. It would be unfortunate if this promising trade that has been built up by the Government with Norfolk Island were lost to the Dominion owing to lack of private enterprise.

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REPORT OF COOK ISLANDS ADMINISTRATION. RAROTONGA. Finance. The financial year commenced with a credit balance of £1,653 2s. sd. Credit balance at the 31st March, 1929, was £3,972 17s. 9d. Revenue for the year amounted to £20,313 6s. 2d., and expenditure totalled £17,993 10s. lOd. Details are shown in the Revenue and Expenditure Accounts set out hereunder. Statement of Revenue and Expenditure for the Year ended 31st March, 1929. Revenue. £ s. d. Expenditure. £ s. d. Balance as at Ist April, 1928 .. .. 1,653 2 5 Aitutaki —Salaries .. .. .. 639 0 0 Ammunition.. .. .. .. 22 8 4 Aitutaki Wharf .. .. .. 110 14 10 Benzine .. .. .. .. 6 3 8 Atiu—Salaries .. .. .. 90 3 7 Copra .export duty .. .. .. 2,005 5 7 Audit fees .. .. .. .. 264 8 8 Customs duties .. .. .. 12,018 18 3 Agricultural classes .. .. .. 25 0 0 Cinema licenses .. .. .. 15 0 0 Atiu cargo-shed .. .. .. 419 9 Diving licenses .. .. .. 66 0 0 Contingencies .. .. .. 901 1 8 Dog-tax .. .. .. .. 151 10 0 Courts .. .. .. .. 951 3 3 Education, Northern Group .. .. 96 14 5 Dental Department .. .. .. 424 15 6 Freezer .. .. .. .. 22 13 3 Education .. .. .. .. 1,631 8 0 Fruit-inspection fees .. .. .. 332 511 Experimental farm .. .. .. 282 16 3 Film-censorship fees .. .. .. 16 16 7 Furniture .. .. .. .. 83 5 2 High Court fees and fines .. .. 1,281 13 0 Government buildings .. .. 731 3 5 Hall licenses.. .. .. .. 4 0 0 Hospital and Medical De- £ s. d. Liquor .. .. .. .. 164 3 9 partment .. .. 3,1.13 14 3 Marriage fees .. .. .. 33 19 0 Less grant from New Motor fees .. .. .. .. 145 0 0 Zealand .. .. 1,000 0 0 Native Land Court fees .. .. 83 11 2 2,113 14 3 Passport fees .. .. .. 18 9 0 Lepers .. .. .. .. 185 811 Post-office box rents .. .. .. 7 4 0 Lunatics .. .. .. .. 247 7 6 Printing Department .. .. .. 14 16 10 Mail subsidy.. .. .. .. 10 0 0 Rents .. .. .. .. 283 15 8 Mangaia—Salaries .. .. .. 154 0 0 Road rates .. .. .. .. 97 11 0 Manihiki and Rakahanga—Salaries .. 252 10 0 Shipping fees .. .. .. 4 4 0 Mauke—Salaries .. .. .. 346 0 0 Stamp sales .. .. .. .. 2,262 16 4 Mitiaro—Salaries .. .. .. 84 5 0 Stock, Public Works Department .. 17 11 5 Penrhyn—Salaries .. .. .. 326 0 0 Trading licenses .. .. .. 713 15 0 Police .. .. .. .. 1,070 13 6 Water rates .. .. .. .. 427 0 0 Post-office .. .. .. .. 344 9 3 Prisoners .. .. .. .. 140 3 8 Public works .. .. .. 861 14 11 Pukapuka—Salaries .. .. .. 315 0 0 Resident Commissioner's Office .. 1,484 19 11 Roads, bridges, culverts, and foreshore .. 1,557 1. 3 Subsidy, destruction flying-foxes and rats 91 1 1 Superannuation .. .. .. 209 16 10 Telephones .. .. .. .. 338 12 6 Treasury and Customs .. .. 705 15 4 Trucks .. .. .. .. 174 3 2 Water expenses .. .. .. 254 8 2 Whare Manuhiri .. .. .. 280 19 7 Wireless .. .. .. .. 268 15 11 Total expenditure .. .. 17,993 10 10 Balance (particulars below) .. 3,972 17 9 £21,966 8 7 £21,966 8 7 Pariiculaks of Balance. £ s d Cash in hand .. .. .. .. .. .. 801 3 8 Cash in bank .. .. .. .. .. 1,223 7 0 Cash in hands of Resident Agents— .. £ s. d. Aitutaki .. . . .. .. 55 6 0 Atiu .. .. .. .. 12 9 4 67 15 4 2,092 6 0 Stocks on hand .. .. .. .. .. 2,556 6 6 4,648 12 6 £ s. d. Less amounts due by C.I.A. .. .. 3,583 10 9 Less Amounts due to C.I.A. .. .. 2,907 16 0 675 14 9 Balance as above .. .. .. .. .. £3,972 17 9 The attached table shows, for comparative purposes, revenue 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 9f 1928 .. .. 18,997 13 6* 17,488 7 6 1929 .. .. 20,313 6 2 17,993 10 10 * Effect of hurricane year. t Increase due to necessity of effecting storm reparation.

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Particulars of balance show that it is made up of cash, £2,092 65., and stocks on hand, £2,556 6s. 6d., less £675 14s. 9d., being the difference between amounts due to the Administration and amounts owing. Principally as a result of the severe storm of April, 1926, the financial year under review was commenced with a debt to the New Zealand Government of £4,904 6s. 3d., made up of £2,000 granted on loan without interest, and £2,904 6s. 3d. against Advances Account. The revenue increased by £1,315 over the previous year, but £1,000 of this amount is accounted for by increased stamp sales due to the new 2§d., 4d., and 3s. issues. By the strictest economy in all Departments the total expenditure for the year was kept down to £17,993 10s. 10d., which resulted in the improved financial position shown, and permitted a reduction in the indebtedness to the New Zealand Government by £1,698 2s. Id. Notwithstanding this the credit balance of the Administration account shows an increase of £2,319 15s. 4d. over last year. With increasing activities in various directions, such as medical services, education, public works, &c., to which we are rightly committed, expenditure is steadily increasing, and it has been a very difficult matter during the last two financial years to carry these on with a somewhat uncertain revenue and at the same time to try to reduce our indebtedness to the Government. Projects such as road-improvement, electric lighting, water-supply extension, provision of filter beds, and a consumptive sanatorium, which must be undertaken sooner or later, are being held over until finances are in a better position, or until New Zealand is able to grant additional financial assistance for such necessary undertakings. The balance-sheet set out hereunder takes into account the value (after writing off £2,125 18s. Bd. for depreciation) of all Administration assets throughout the Group as at the 31st March, 1929, and all liabilities, and shows an excess of assets amounting to £75,902 2s. 7d. Balance-sheet as at 31st March, 1929. Liabilities. £ s. d. Assets. £ s. d. Accumulated funds .. .. .. 75,902 2 7 Land .. .. .. .. 9,476 15 0 Sundry creditors .. .. .. 3,583 10 9 Buildings .. .. .. .. 45,909 6 1 Waterworks, Rarotonga .. .. 4,749 14 0 Water-tanks, Outer Islands .. .. .1,602 19 10 Telephone system .. .. .. 864 11 10 Plant and tools .. .. .. 3,312 15 6 Office furniture and fittings .. .. 691 2 2 Furniture, household .. .. .. 4,096 16 10 Boats .. .. .. .. 426 14 3 Motor-vehicles .. .. .. 798 9 4 Stocks on hand .. .. .. 2,556 6 6 Sundry debtors .. .. .. 2,907 16 0 Cash in hand, Resident Agents .. 67 15 4 Cash in bank .. .. .. 1,223 7 0 Cash in hand .. .. .. 801 3 8 £79,485 13 4 £79,485 13 4 Trade. For the year ended 31st December, 1928, the value of the imports was £117,639, and of exports £133,051, showing an excess of exports of £15,412. For the previous year the figures were —Imports, £116,606; and exports, £138,357. During the year 142,315 cases of oranges and other citrus fruits, 47,410 cases of bananas, and 51,955 cases of tomatoes were exported to New Zealand. The following comparative table shows the exports of our main products for the last five years 1924. 1925. 1926. 1927. „ 1928. Citrus fruits (cases) .. 177,396 94,773 169,668 123,021 142,315 Bananas (cases') .. 78,453 85,451 30,766 45,470 47,410 Tomatoes (cases) .. 25,438 61,064 72,087 41,080 51,955 Copra (tons) .. .. 2,250 2,440 1,245 1,676 1,770 Although the export of oranges, bananas, and tomatoes showed an increase of 32,000 cases over the previous year, and copra an increase of 100 tons, the total value of exports decreased by £5,306, owing to the low prices ruling for fruit (particularly oranges), and the falling price of copra in the world's markets. The orange output was not a normal one, owing to a short crop in the Group Islands. Since 1925 banana export has shown a considerable drop from previous years, due partly to poor prices obtained up to that time, and partly to the increased cultivation of tomatoes. The copra export is, roughly, 500 tons below a normal year's output, due partly to the 1926 storm, partly to the poor prices, and partly to a considerable decrease in the export from Penrhyn, one of the main copra-producing islands, through the people turning their attention to pipi-pearl diving. As the mail contract with the Union Steamship Co. expires at the end of 1929, representations are being made for more favourable conditions in regard to passenger fares, freight and lighterage charges on fruit, space for fruit on mail-steainers, and the more regular carriage of copra to San Francisco. For details of the imports and exports for the year just ended, together with a summary for the past fourteen years, see Appendix A, page 37.

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Shipping. The following is a return of overseas shipping at the Port of Avarua, Rarotonga, for the twelve months ended 31st December, 1928 :— Calls. San Francisco mail-steamers .. .. .. .. .. 26 S.s. " Waipahi" .. .. .. .. .. .. 6 Auxiliary schooner " Tiare Taporo," from Tahiti .. .. .. 2 N.Z.G.S. " Hinemoa " .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 1 Motor-ship " Beulah" .. .. .. .. .. .. 1 Danish research-ship " Dana " .. .. .. .. .. .. 1 37 Medical and Public Health. General health conditions throughout the whole Group have remained satisfactory during the year under review. The only sickness of an epidemic nature was an outbreak of mild influenza in Rarotonga last November, which spread to the islands of the Lower Group. The departure of schooners for the Northern Group was postponed until the danger of carrying infection was past. An outbreak of measles at Tahiti in November, resulting in a large number of deaths, caused considerable anxiety, but the enforcement of very strict precautions in regard to the mail-steamers passing through Rarotonga until February of this year prevented the disease from reaching the Cook Group. In May last the N.Z.G.S. " Hinemoa " visited both the Northern and Southern Groups and took away to the Fijian Leper Station at Makogai the remainder of our leper patients, and so for the first time during New Zealand's connection with the Cook Group the Islands were free from known cases of this disease. Two incipient cases have since been discovered, and no doubt such cases will manifest themselves from time to time. Now that leprosy has been removed from the Group, and campaigns against yaws and hookworm successfully carried on, our efforts should be concentrated on tuberculosis, which is prevalent in Rarotonga and the islands of the Lower Group. The Medical Officers have been asked to gather data as to the ravages of this disease, and it is proposed to go thoroughly into the question of the erection of a sanatorium or a separate hospital for the treatment of tubercular patients. There is no doubt that such provision should be made as soon as funds are available, but the difficulty will be to provide the necessary money for lands and buildings, and for the subsequent cost of staffing, upkeep, and maintenance. Attached is the report of the Chief Medical Officer : — " During the year the various outlying islands of the Group have been visited wherever possible. The presence of only one Medical Officer in Rarotonga from March until May, and then the trip of the " Hinemoa.," which took a Medical Officer on the cruise, both rather interfered with the visiting of islands in the Lower Group. Still, Aitutaki was the only one of the larger islands where a Medical Officer did not remain for a period, and it was visited on some five or six occasions for a short stay of one to two days. " Two Maori youths have been sent to Suva as students at the Suva Medical School. They should qualify as Native medical practitioners in 1932, and should be of considerable assistance to the administration, particularly in the outlying islands and in the Northern Group. " Following is a brief survey of health matters for the year on the various islands : — " Rarotonga. —The health of Rarotonga during the year has been, on the whole, satisfactory. The inter-village competition for the Au-Vaine Cup, inaugurated during the year, promises to be a useful institution. Points are awarded for planting of food and export crops, and also for cleanliness and sanitation of the various settlements. To judge from the amount of interest shown by the Natives and the provision they have made of clean cook-houses, individual house latrines, &c., this competition should result in an improved condition of the Island generally. " The most serious problem on the island at present is, I consider, tuberculosis, particularly pulmonary tuberculosis. I have made further mention of this matter under the heading of Cook Islands Hospital. Another disease unfortunately prevalent on this island is gonorrhoea. This presents a difficult problem at present. In this, as in many other forms of illness, the Maori of Rarotonga has an exaggerated belief in the efficacy of the treatment of his own Native medicine-man, and it is therefore not easy to get patients to come up for treatment in the first place, or to continue coming when the cure is not immediate. In April mass treatment for hookworm disease was offered in each of the villages, but the response was poor, only some four hundred people taking the treatment. " Aitutaki and Mangaia. —These two islands are the most fortunate of the Lower Group, in that each has a trained nurse in residence. Dr. Brass was at Mangaia for four weeks in July and August. He reports the only infectious disease existing to any extent to be tuberculosis, particularly pulmonary tuberculosis. Only tertiary cases of yaws were seen, but of minor skin-diseases there was a number of cases. Two of the schools showed 20 per cent, of the pupils affected, and the other school, Ivirua, 45 per cent. He considered the shortage of fresh water for washing purposes to be a contributory cause. Cases of skin-disease responded well to treatment. During the year Nurse McGruther has given mass treatment for hookworm disease at Mangaia. " Mauker —This island was visited for two weeks in August and September. The general health of the island is reported as being good. Three cases only of primary yaws were seen, but a larger number of secondary and tertiary cases. Skin-diseases of a minor nature were common, but responded

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readily to treatment. Gonorrhoea is apparently a common disease in Mauke, and many cases appear to be infected at an early age —fifteen years or thereabouts. Tuberculosis does not seem so prevalent as in Rarotonga and Mangaia. Hookworm treatment given to all willing to receive it. but the numbers were small, only 175 being treated. " Atiu. —Dr. Brass visited Atiu from the 13th September to the 23rd September. As in Mauke, the general health of the people was found to be good. There were numbers of cases of yaws and scabies treated, and, apart from these, most of the cases seen were of a minor nature, skin-diseases predominating. One suspected case of leprosy was seen. " Mitiaro. —This island was visited in November. The general health of the people was reported as being good. Cases of minor illness and of skin diseases only were seen. " Northern Group.—With the exception of Pukapuka and Nassau, the islands of the Northern Group were all visited between December, 1928, and March, 1929, in the course of a cruise of the schooner " Tiare Taporo," by which I was a passenger. In May, while on a leper cruise on the N.Z.G.S. " Hinemoa," I was ashore for a short time at Penrhyn, Rakahanga, and Manihiki. During the cruise of H.M.S. " Dunedin," in August, the Surgeon-Commander and a dentist went ashore at Pukapuka, Rakahanga, Manihiki, and Penrhyn, and rendered medical and dental aid to the natives. An official report from these two officers reached us later via New Zealand, and it was therein stated that, while the sanitation and general cleanliness of the settlements was good, further assistance in both medical and dental matters should be afforded. The first of these —medical assistance —should be to some extent provided by the Native medical practitioners mentioned above. If finances permitted, the most satisfactory solution —for thfe present, at any rate —would be the engagement of a third European Medical Officer. The Group is so scattered and the time occupied in travelling so great that the amount of time that can be given to each island yearly is not really satisfactory. " Pukapuka,—While at Pukapuka the " Dunedin " was able to render assistance in dealing with an epidemic of mild influenza, apparently introduced there from Apia by schooner. Though extensive, the epidemic could not have been very virulent, as only three deaths were attributed to the disease in three hundred cases reported. This island is, unfortunately, not to be reached directly from Rarotonga, as there is no communication by schooner. This makes it impossible to visit the island unless a ship is specially chartered. Communication exists by schooner between Apia, Samoa, and Pukapuka, and arrangements have been made for the forwarding from Samoa of drugs and dressings required by the Resident Agent. The latter reports (22nd January, 1929) that the health of the island is satisfactory, except that yaws and ringworm are prevalent. The cases are being treated with supplies received from Apia. " Rakahanga and Manihiki. —These two islands appear always to be kept in a very good state as regards cleanliness and order in the settlements. No cases of yaws were seen, and there are no known lepers, though several suspected cases were examined. On Manihiki the people are fortunate in being able to build drop latrines over the sheltered waters of the lagoon ; but in Rakahanga this is not possible, as the coast by the settlement is open to any big sea that may come up. On this latter island I consider it would be best to construct pit latrines of the Tongan type as modified in Samoa. Plies are a nuisance on Rakahanga, more than in any other island of the Northern Group. It was reported to me that there had been a good deal of sickness of gastro-enteric type amongst babies and young children during the year. This sickness was probably fly-borne. On Manihiki there are some cases of pulmonary tuberculosis. " Penrhyn. — Both settlements at Penrhyn were visited at various times. The health of this island also has been good during the year. The leprosy cases from Tetautua, thirteen in number, were removed to Piji last May, and there have been no further cases recognized up to date. Many suspects were examined, as if there is the least suspicion of the disease the patient or parents immediately wish to have an examination. The fact that several cases have returned cured from Fiji is no doubt largely responsible for this. Yaws was not seen, and fortunately pulmonary tuberculosis is not common. Hookworm treatment has been given the last two years in Penrhyn. " Suwarrow and Palmerston.—The former is at present uninhabited, the labour gang having been returned to their own island, Palmerston, in January of this year. The settlement on Palmerston is taking shape again after the storm of March, 1926, several new houses in the Native style having been erected and one European house. The health of the people was reported as being good. Only minor cases of sickness were seen. There' was no yaws seen. " Infectious Diseases. " Quarantine. —During the year thirty-eight vessels from overseas were inspected. The mailsteamers from Papeete, from November until February inclusive, were not granted pratique, as there was an epidemic of measles in Tahiti. No passengers were allowed from the latter place. Fortunately, the epidemic in Tahiti has ended, and so far there have been no cases of measles in Rarotonga. " Leprosy. —In May the N.Z.G.S. " Hinemoa " made a cruise, calling at Rarotonga, Aitutaki, Penrhyn, Rakahanga, Manihiki, and Apia (Samoa) for the purpose of transferring lepers to the hospital at Makogai (Fiji). In all, twenty cases were taken from the Cook Group, these being all the known lepers at that time. During the year seven cases have been returned as cured. Of these, four belong to Penrhyn, two to Aitutaki, and one to Rakahanga. Five died at Makogai during the year. The number of Cook Islands cases remaining in Makogai is eighty-eight. " Yaws. —This endemic disease I have mentioned under the different islands. It is more prevalent in the Southern Islands than in the Northern. " Typhoid Fever. —Fortunately we have had no cases of this in Rarotonga or the outer islands during the year.

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" Hookworm. —This is endemic. Mass treatment by carbon tetrachloride, oil of chenopodium, and magnesium sulphate has been carried out during the year wherever opportunity offered. Most of the islands were so treated. " Tuberculosis. —This is prevalent in the Lower Group, more particularly in Rarotonga and Mangaia, and to a less extent at Manihiki in the Northern Group. " Mumps and Chicken-pox. —Cases of these were seen in Rarotonga in July, and in Aitutaki in August. In neither case did the diseases show any tendency to assume an epidemic form. " Influenza. —An epidemic of mild influenza made its appearance in Rarotonga in November, and spread round the islands of the Lower Group. The disease was mild in nature, and was not responsible for any deaths, except of a few persons who were in a debilitated state from other causes. " Vital Statistics. " The following table shows the births and deaths in each island of the group for the year : —

"• Of the 212 deaths recorded, 52 were under the age of 1 year (including still-births). "Annexed hereto is a table showing deaths at different ages throughout the Group during the year : —

" Migration. " The following returns show the migration to and from Rarotonga from the Ist April, 1928, to the 31st March, 1929 :— "Arrivals. —Europeans: Adults —80 males, 59 females; children —9 males, 2 females. Natives: Adults—4o males, 36 females ; children—9 males, 7 females. " Departures. —European : Adults—73 males, 53 females ; children, 8 males, 7 females. Natives : Adults—2B males, 20 females ; children —8 males, 11 females. " Cool' Islands Hospital. " During the year the hospital buildings have been painted and repairs effected by the Public Works Department. The road through the hospital-grounds also has been remade. " The following table shows the nature of the cases admitted to the hospital during the year. " In addition to admitted cases, the following are the figures for the year : Attendances (Maori) at out-patients,.B,234 ; visits paid to Maori patients at their homes, 853 ; Maori confinements attended, 38 ; European out-patients and patients visited, 456 ; European confinements attended, 3.

3 —A. 3.

Births. Deaths. Marriages. Name of Islands. European. Maori. • European.! Maori. European. Maori. M. J F. M. F. M. | F. J M. J F. Rarotonga .. .. .... 3 76 59 1 1 38 23 ... 32 Aitutaki .. .. 32 20 .... 16 8 .. 11 Mangaia . . . . .... 1 22 25 .... 15 11 2 17 Atiu .. .. .. 12 23 1 .. 11 9 .. 4 Mauke .. .. 12 12 .... 4 8 .. 6 Mitiaro .. .. 36 23 .... 3 7 .. 4 Manihiki .. .. 8 12 .... 6 7 .. 2 Rakahanga .. .. 12 9 .... 10 14 .. 4 Penrhyn .. .. 17 5 .... 1 3 .. 2 Pukapuka .. .. 1 8 3 .... 9 6 1 5 Palmerston . . .. Totals .. 1 4 [ 235 191 ! 2 1 113 96 3 87 _ ' I _ " Total births, 431 ; total deaths, 212.

Under 1 Year. Under 5 Years. Under 10 Years. Under 15 Years.I Under 20 Years. Over 20 Years. Islands. j Tj Total. M. F. M. F. M. F. M. F. j M. F. M. F. I 1 Rarotonga 13 5 2 3 I 1 1 2 3 2 19 11 39 24 Aitutaki .. 3 2 2 .. .. 2 1 1 .. 1 10 2 16 8 Mangaia .. 4 2 1 .. •. • • 1 • ■ ■ • 1 9 8 15 11 Atiu .. .. 1 2 1 .. •• 11 6 12 9 Mauke .... 3 .. 3 1 ■■ •• 1 •• 1 3 2 4 8 Mitiaro .. .. 3 .. .. .. ■■ •• •• 3 4 3 7 Manihiki .. .. 2 .. .. .. 1 •• •• •• 6 4 6 7 Rakahanga .. 3 6 1 1 . . • • •. .• •. 1 6 6 10 14 Penrhvn .. .. .. 1 •• •• 1 •• •• •• 2 1 3 Pukapuka .. 2 1 1 2 1 5 3 9 6 Palmerston .. .. .. .. •. t - Total 26 26 7 7 4 4 3 6 3 6 72 48 115 97

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"Cases admitted to Cook Islands Hospital during Year ending 31st March, 1929.

" There were fifteen major operations performed in hospital. " One post-mortem examination was made by order of the Coroner. " The hospital is not used as much by the Natives as it might be, and many oases have to be treated in their own homes who could be more satisfactorily looked after in hospital. " In view of the number of tubercular cases seen during the year, I consider it would be a great advantage to the Group if a separate small hospital could be erected for the accommodation of these cases. This is a matter which should receive attention at the earliest opportunity. The removal of affected cases from their own homes would be of value in tending to check the spread of infection to other members of the families of the patients." Dental Clinic. In the past our Dental Officers have been dental bursars who have completed their course in dentistry and are under bond to serve the New Zealand Division of Dental Hygiene for four years. As no dental bursar is available, and we are unable to pay the full salary of a Dental Officer, it has been decided that for the present the clinic will be carried on by the dental nurse in the same way as school dental clinics are conducted in New Zealand. Miss Hilda Savage, of Rarotonga, having completed her course of training at the Dental Clinic in Wellington and qualified as a dental nurse, has been given charge of school dental work. The difficulties of coping with dental work are very great because of the isolation of the various islands, and the cost that would be involved in supplying a staff of trained Dental Officers, and the present policy is to gradually extend the staff of dental nurses, selected from suitable young Maori women and trained in New Zealand, until sufficient have been appointed to cope with the work of the Group. When another suitable trainee is available she will be sent to New Zealand to qualify. The Dental Clinic, being a branch of the local Health Department, comes under the supervision of the Chief Medical Officer, Rarotonga.

April. May. June. July. Aug. Sept. Oct. Nov. j Dec. Jan. j Feb. j Mar. Total*. Alimentary system— Constipation .. .. .. .. 2 j . .... .. 2 Helminthiasis .. .. I 1 .. ! .. . • 1 Gastro-enteritis .. 1 i 1 .. 2 Gastro-intestinal toxsemia .. .. .. .. . . .. .. | .. j 1 .. . .. j 1 Parotitis .. .. .. .. 1 .. .. .. .. j .. .... ...... 1 Tabes mesenteriea .. .. .. .. 1 .. .. .. I . ..!.... 1 Circulatory system— j J Haemorrhage .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. ..... 1 .. .. . . .. 1 Valvular heart-disease .. .. .. .. 1 .. ,. .. .. .. . . . . . . .. 1 Genito-urinary system— Abortion .. .. .. 2 3 .. .. 3 .. .. 1 .. 1 10 Cystitis .. .. 1 i • • ! i ■ ' • * Dysuria .. .. 1 .. .. , .. j .. • • ■ • * Hydrocele .. .. .. 1 .. I .. 1 1 .. ' .. .. 2 Post-partum debility .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 1 .. 1 .. .. .. | 2 Puerperal sepsis .. .. .. j .. .. j I 1 1 Retention of urine .. 1 1 Salpingitis .. .. 1 .. .. .. .. I ! .. 1 Stricture .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .... II.. .. .. ..II 2 Venereal disease .. .. .. .. .. .. .. ! .. .. 1 .. .. .. j 1 Nervous systemEpilepsy .. .. I .. | '2 2 Respiratory system — Bronchitis .. .. .. 1 .. .. 1 .. 1 .. .. ; 1 4 Haemoptysis .. .. 1 1 2 Pleurisy .. .. .. 1 1 .. 1 2 .... 5 Pneumonia .. .. I .. 1 .. 1!.. 3 Phthisis .. .. .. .. 1 1 ,, | 1 3 Skin and subcutaneous tissues—• Bums .. .. .. 1 1 Sting from poison fish .. 1 .. 1 .. 2 Ulcers .. .. .. 1 I 1 .. 1 Supporting structures— Abscess .. .. ..4 132 1 111. .2 2 5 23 Fracture .. .. 1 1 Hernia.. .. .. 1 .. 1 .. .. 1 ..j.. 3 Injuries (wounds) .. ..3 ..1 2 1 3 1 3 3 3 4 | 1 25 Necrosis of jaw .. .. 1 1 Special-sense organs — Iritis .. .. .. |1 1 Infectious diseases— ( Yaws .. .. .. .. 1 1 2 Tumours— Dental cyst .. .. .. .. .. 1 .. .. .. 1 Hematoma .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 1 .. .. .. .. .. : 1 Lipoma .. .. .. .. 1 1 •• 2 Other causes .. .. 2 2 .. 1 3 19 I Totals .. .. ..Ill 10 13 6 8 7 8 13 I 8 11 12 I 17 I 124 _ | !

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The'jDental Officer's report on the work carried on in Mangaia from December, 1927, to May, 1928, showed that 360 children, being the total number on the school rolls, received all the dental treatment they required. It was found that the teeth of the Mangaian people were excellent in comparison with Rarotonga, due probably to their greater reliance on native foods. In Rarotonga, work at the main school at Avarua has been almost completed, and at the present time treatment is being given simultaneously to the pupils of the Takitumu, Arorangi, Titikaveka, and Catholic Mission schools. Returns for the year show that the number of patients totalled 1,485, and the attendances were 3,175. The following operations were performed : Fillings, 2,264 ; extractions 638 ; cleaning and scaling, 890 ; miscellaneous, 1,053 : making a total of 4,845. Education. Good progress is being made in educational matters, and the policy set out in the 1927 annual report is being adhered to. Acting on medical advice, the late Superintendent of Schools was compelled to relinquish his position. During the past two years the more important work undertaken was : — (1) The construction of new courses of study for the pupils, in keeping with the conclusions arrived at by the conference of educational experts from New Zealand, Fiji, Samoa, and Cook Islands, held in Wellington in January, 1926 (see annual report for 1926). (2) Classes for the instruction of Native teachers were established, and the European staff of teachers increased and concentrated on this work, with the result that all Native teachers are now receiving regular instruction and training. The work carried out in this direction has already considerably improved the academic status of the Native teachers in all schools. (3) The establishment in 1927 of a training college and normal school for Native teachers. The policy of thoroughly training Native teachers is sound, and when developed will give a regular supply of good reliable teachers capable of taking up work in any part of the Group, 'this will be of particular benefit to the outlying islands of the Northern and Southern Groups. It has been the' aim of the Administration to evolve a sound scheme of education of practical use, and suited to the needs, ability, and future prospects of our Native community. While it is not the aim of the Administration to educate the Cook-Islanders above their ordinary station in life, opportunities are being given to those of outstanding ability and character to be trained for positions in the islands, such as teachers, nurses, dental nurses, wireless operators, clerks in Administration offices and stores, store assistants, &c. Two of our promising young Maoris have been sent to the Suva Medical School to train as Native medical practitioners, and encouraging reports have been received in regard to their ability and work. New class-rooms were erected at Avarua, Titikaveka, Atiu, and Aitutaki during the year. School attendances increased by 103, the number of pupils on the rolls of the Southern Group schools being now 1,659, whilst there are 368 pupils in the subsidized Mission schools in the Northern Group. In addition, 182 pupils are receiving instruction at the Catholic mission school at Rarotonga. Parents are keen, often at a considerable sacrifice, to send their children to a Maori college in New Zealand. As the standard of ordinary education given in our schools goes only to about the Fourth Standard of a New Zealand primary school, it usually takes pupils sent to New Zealand at least two years to reach the proficiency stage. This year at the Avarua School a special class is being formed of the brightest pupils from each of the schools in both the Northern and Southern Groups. This will give them an opportunity to reach proficiency standard without undue burden on the parents, and the most promising pupils can then be drafted into the Training College for Teachers, or into training for suitable occupations, whilst no doubt a few will go on to New Zealand equipped to take up a secondary course. It is also proposed this year to go into the question of reviving the scholarship system by which, up to 1925, scholarships were granted each year to a few of the best pupils. As only a small number would find suitable employment available for them on their return from New Zealand, scholarships would have to be limited to, say, two boys and one girl each year. With the work now being carried on at the Avarua Normal School and Training College for Teachers it is hoped that in the near future it may be possible to reduce the staff of European teachers, and thus to lessen the heavy grants for educational purposes which New Zealand has been good enough to make to us in the past. During last year Mr. A. F. Scherer, headmaster of the Avarua Normal School, carried on most efficiently the Superintendent's work, and his report is attached : — " Eighteen schools are now under the control of the local Administration. Eleven of these are in the Lower Group of the islands of Rarotonga, Aitutaki, Atiu, Mitiaro, Mauke, and Mangaia, the remainder being in the more remote islands of the Northern Group. " Staffing. —At the end of the year the staff in the Southern Group consisted of eighteen European teachers and thirty-seven Native teachers ; in the Northern Group were nine Native teachers. From the standpoint of staffing, the year has been an unusual one, and no supervisory or inspection visits were made to the outer islands, owing to the absence of the Superintendent, and no visiting Inspector from New Zealand because of lack of communication with islands at suitable periods.

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" Attendance. —The average returns of attendance for the quarters fully available show that there were 2,027 children on the roll. The following shows the numbers for the past five years : — Year. Lower Group. Northern Group. Total. 1924 .. .. .. .. .. 1,361 367 1,728 1925 .. .. .. .. .. 1,484 370 1,854 1926 .. .. .. .. .. 1,507 380 1,887 1927 .. .. .. .. .. 1,521 403 1,924 1928 .. .. .. .. .. 1,659 368 2,027 " This total for 1928 includes sixteen European children who formed a class of the Avarua School. " At the Catholic Mission school, Rarotonga, there are 182 children in attendance. " Student Teachers.—The policy of training students for future positions has been maintained at the Avarua Normal School. Several students are in their third year of training, and thus will take up teaching positions next year. Many students are from outer islands, where they have not had the advantage of the advice, help, and teaching of European teachers. " Number of students at beginning of year, 11 ; number at end of year, 5 ; dismissed as unsatisfactory, 2 ; to Fiji for medical work, 1 ; placed in positions in outer islands, 3. From the Ist April, 1929, there will be eight students in training. " Native Teachers' Classes. —In the islands of the Lower Group the European headmasters throughout the year conducted classes for the Native teachers in reading, English composition, spelling, nature-study, &c. These classes are held apart from the ordinary school hours. " All the Native teachers were given an examination at the end of the year. Owing to the circumstance of communication, all of these have not been received from the outer islands, but papers already marked show an astounding range in the ability and understanding of the above-mentioned common branches of learning. " The Director of Agriculture conducted and supervised classes in practical and theoretical agriculture for all Native teachers and older pupils one afternoon per week at Avarua School. " Examinations. —An examination of all the pupils in Class 8 in the schools of the Lower Group was held in December. Of the sixty-one pupils, over 50 per cent, were credited as having attained a satisfactory standard in their school subjects. "It is intended that an able senior pupil from each school in the Lower and Northern Group should be selected to attend the Avarua Normal School. This selected group will be given additional and wider training in all the subjects beyond the present course of study as outlined to Class 8, and more in line with the work finally required in the New Zealand primary-school syllabus for S. 5 and S. 6. " From Avarua School, one European and one Native pupil gained proficiency certificates, and two Native pupils gained competency certificates. " Agriculture, Woodwork, Weaving. —As with the Rarotongan schools, the headmasters of Aitutaki, Atiu, and Mangaia, report the continuance of woodwork classes of a practical nature, including the repair of school buildings and furnishings, the making of forms, gates, cupboards, &c. Basketweaving and mat-weaving classes have been continued according to the circumstance of supply of necessary native materials. Practical agriculture and nature-study finds due recognition in the timetables of all schools. Aitutaki reports very extensive additions and improvements to playing-areas and agricultural plots. In all schools staffed by European or Native lady assistants sewing and fancy work is taught. " Buildings and Equipment.—New buildings were erected during the year at Avarua, Titikaveka, Atiu, and Aitutaki. In the latter two cases much of the work was done by community effort and voluntary labour. Desks for certain schools, woodwork tools, and agriculture tools were supplied as needed, and requisite supplies of general school material have been distributed for the year. " Reading-material. —During the year four issues of the local school journal, Te Tuatua Apii, were published and distributed to all schools. At the end of the year arrangements were made for the distribution of additional supplementary reading-material to all schools. " Vernon Reed Shield. —This shield, presented for the promotion of good English in the Rarotongan schools, was this year won by Ngatangiia School. " Pomare Medals. —These medals, a recognition of outstanding progress, good attainment, and leadership, were again awarded in the schools under control of European head teachers. " Athletics. —Games such as cricket, football, and basket-ball are fostered in all schools of the Lower Group. In so far as is possible, inter-school games are arranged. The Rarotongan schools held a combined sports meeting in August, embracing all forms of athletic events. Each school had previously held an individual meeting, and the winners met on this combined day, with the honours going to Titikaveka School. " Dental Treatment.—Treatment of the pupils of the Rarotongan schools was continued by the Dental Officer in charge and the nurse throughout the year. " Medical Treatment. —In conjunction with the course of study in health, practical treatment and demonstrations are given as occasion demands, requisite supplies and dressings being furnished by the hospital." Public Works. The following report of the Officer in Charge, Public Works, covers activities in regard to roads and bridges, public buildings, telephone system, &c. In regard to roads it is hoped to arrange to procure the services of a Public Works Engineer from New Zealand in order to go thoroughly into our road problems, advise as to the construction and repair of both roads and bridges, the metals to be used, the provision of a suitable crushing plant and roller, to lay down a scheme of work, and the estimated cost.

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Heavy tropical rains can in a very .short time do a great deal of damage to roads the surface of which is not sealed. With the increasing motor is notjfar distant when we shall have to consider the laying-down of permanent tar-sealed roads on the main*section round the island, a distance of 21 miles. The present water-supply systems, laid on to every village, are giving good service to the community, but extensions in the districts of Avarua and Arorangi are desirable when funds are available. In the former district many houses are springing up along the Ara Metua (old road) between Avatiu and Black Rock, and an extension in this direction would be costly, as a new main from the Avatiu Valley would have to be laid down. Part of the extensions required at Arorangi have been approved, and the work will very shortly be put in hand. The main source of supply for the settlement of Avarua is in the Takuvaine Valley, where the erection of filter-beds is very desirable, but, as reports show that the cost would be in the vicinity of £2,500, this is a work that must wait for better times. The electric-lighting scheme, which was prepared two years ago, is being held in abeyance until such time as we can reasonably ask New Zealand for financial help for this project. The following are extracts from the report above referred to : — " Rarotonga. " Main Roads.—With the increasing number of motor cars and trucks, the work of maintaining the roads is becoming a heavy task. The plant and prison gang, augmented by paid labour, are employed practically full time. Two new gravel-pits have been opened up in creek-beds at Titikaveka, thus saving considerable cost in transport of gravel, and also expediting the work. A new motor-truck is required to enable the tramway to work at full capacity. " District or Tapere Roads.—The work of cleaning and maintaining the tapere roads has received attention by the Natives, and the Administration buildings, bridges, and culverts where required. The valley road at Avatiu has been formed for a further length of about 20 chains. The next length will require the building of a bridge and two reinforced culverts, and it is hoped to have this work put in hand at an early date. " Bridges.—New reinforced-concrete culverts have replaced two wooden bridges at Titikaveka, and one at Ngatangiia. The entrance to the culvert draining the Titikaveka recreation-ground has been protected with concrete retaining walls 30 ft. by 8 ft. Four smaller reinforced-culverts were built at the packing-shed, Ngatangiia (two), and at At.upa and Kaikaveka tapere roads. The wooden bridges have required considerable repair work to piles, stringers, and decking. " Government Buildings. —A three-roomed annex was built at the Hotel Earotonga. Repairs and minor improvements to the Government buildings and residences have been attended to where necessary. " Telephone. — The telephone system has been further extended from the wireless station to Arorangi, and from Ngatangiia to Titikaveka, a total of six miles. All villages are now connected with Avarua by telephone. The system has now been erected throughout with approved material supplied by the Post and Telegraph Department, Wellington. The hardwood posts were imported from Sydney. " Schools. —A new class-room 60 ft. by 20 ft., built with concrete foundations and roofed with Poilite, was erected at the Avarua School. Another class-room, formerly roofed with kikau, has been roofed with Poilite and hooded. The Native-built class-room adjoining the main class-room at Titikaveka has been replaced by a permanent building, 30 ft. by 20 ft., of the same material as used in the construction of the class-rooms at Avarua. This style of building is much cheaper than the former expensive structures, and is well ventilated and cool. The Acting Superintendent of Schools has commented very favourably on the suitability of these buildings for educational purposes in Rarotonga. " Administration Grounds. —Further effort has been made to improve the foreshore, creek-banks, and Government grounds. " Drains. —The main drains from the Experimental Nursery to the sea, and at Parekura, have been kept clean and in working order. " Outer Islands. " AitutaTci. —The village-wells have been kept in excellent working-order by the Resident Agent. Repairs to the concrete tanks, spouting, and feed-pipes from roof catchments have also received attention. " The wharf is now completed, and is a credit to the Resident Agent, who supervised the work. Stone had to be blasted and conveyed a considerable distance in punts specially built for the purpose. The whole structure has been faced with concrete, and the rails fixed on hardwood sleepers solidly embedded in concrete. An improvement has also been effected by removing the tram - lines from the centre of the lower cargo-shed and running the lines the full length of both sides of the cargo - sheds, thus facilitating the work of loading fruit to the trucks for wharf transport and loading to the boats. This also necessitated a further filling of rock faced with concrete to improve and extend the tramway to the sheds. The cargo-sheds have been hooded, and thus protected from the weather. " Additional galvanized tanks were forwarded and erected at the school buildings. " Mitiaro. —Material for building a 5,000-gallon reinforced-concrete tank was forwarded to Mitiaro. Mr. Williams called at this island when en route to Mangaia and instructed the Resident Agent regarding foundations and construction. " Mauke.—Material for the erection of wireless-masts is on hand, and will be forwarded to Mauke at first opportunity. It is hoped to have a station erected and in working-order at an early date. " Atiu. —Material was forwarded for the erection of new masts for the wireless-station, consisting of 4 in. to 2 in. galvanized piping, flexible steel wire for stays, anchor-chains, turnbuckles, &c. Mr. Williams visited the island and gave the necessary instructions regarding the erection of the masts, which was carried out by the Resident Agent.

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" Mangaia.—The work of blasting the reef passage at the Atuakoro landing is proceeding under the direction of the Resident Agent. The necessary levels for the proposed new road from the landing at Oneroa over the high Makatea inland have been taken. This road, if constructed, will considerably lessen the labour of conveying fruit and copra to the landing, as at present it has all to be carried down steep rough steps. It will also considerably lessen the distance to this landing for the Ivirua people. Material is also on order for the erection of a new cargo-shed at the Oneroa landing." Agriculture and Fruit Industry. Our main industries—viz., copra and fruit export —are in a somewhat uncertain position. Copraprices have been low for some years and are still dropping, whilst fruit-prices have for some time been increasingly unsatisfactory. With the competition arising from Fiji, California, Australia, and now Samoa, there is, without some measure of preference and protection, very little to encourage our growers to persevere with bananas and oranges. Seven district packing - sheds have now been erected by the Native growers, and have been equipped with grading-machines, engines, weighing-machines, tables, and bins, and everything is in readiness for the coming fruit season. In addition, a machine for brushing oranges, with elevator attachment, has been installed in one of the packing-sheds for experimental purposes. Last year the services of three additional Inspectors from the Department of Agriculture, New Zealand, were obtained to assist in the work of inspection and supervision of the packing-sheds during the orange season, and similar arrangements have also been made this season. A committee of seven influential Natives, with an Ariki or member of the Island Council as Chairman, were elected for each packing-shed in order to supervise the erection and to assist in the management. Packers are at present being trained by the Fruit Inspection Department, so that when the orange season commences each shed will have the services of skilled packers. The scheme of having one large packingshed in each district, under the supervision of an Inspector assisted by the Shed Committee, and having a staff of trained packers, should make a marked improvement in the quality and pack of fruit for export. During the year reports from New Zealand showed a considerable improvement in the grade, pack, and quality of our fruit, but, notwithstanding the amount of work and care taken with the orange crop, prices obtained in New Zealand were very disappointing. There are prospects of a heavy crop of tomatoes for the coming season, and also an improvement in regard to bananas and pineapples. Food crops continue to be very heavily planted, as will be seen by the attached returns. In view of the position of our main industries, we have been anxious to establish some suitable secondary industry or industries, which will be profitable to our people. For experimental purposes we obtained from New Zealand seeds of cigar, pipe, and cigarette tobaccos, and these have been propagated. Results to date are shown in the attached report under the heading of " Experimental Nursery." The Cook Islands Trading Co. last year carried out extensive experiments in regard to the preservation of orange-juice, and it is hoped that this season will see the commencement of a new industry which, if successful, will absorb a considerable part of the surplus orange crop which heretofore has been practically wasted owing to the lack of shipping. The following are extracts from the Report of the Director of Agriculture : — " Fruit Industry —Crops. " Planting Operations. —For the purpose of compiling records of planting, as well as attending to the eradication of weeds, and also to give instruction to growers when required, each Inspector was allotted a district. " The following report on planting operations has been compiled from their notes : — " Statistics of plantings on Rarotonga, Cook Islands, for the year ended 1928 : Total planted — Bananas, 164,861 ; tomatoes, 795,170; taro, 213,860 ; arrowroot, 16,870 ; kumaras, 94,630; sugarcane, 1,510 ; pines, 9,645 ; oranges, 24 ; yams, 5,860 ; vanilla, 265 ; mandarins, 42 ; grapefruit, 70 ; coconuts, 1,813 ; passion-fruit, 150. " Next year planting of breadfruit will be noted. " Oranges. —The crop will be a comparatively light one in Rarotonga, consequently there will be a large proportion of oversized and rough fruit. Reports from Aitutaki, Atiu, Mauke, and Mangaia indicate good to heavy crops in those islands. " Bananas. —Excellent plots of bananas are noticeable. " Tomatoes. —This crop receives considerable attention. If growers planted smaller plots and gave more attention to culture it is probable that they would be better off financially. New varieties, stated to be rust and wilt proof, were distributed to growers, but with the exception of Norton the reports received were unsatisfactory. Further varieties are to be distributed and tested this year. The Cawthron Institute, New Zealand, kindly raised plants from seed of the local Halfcaste tomato and have supplied seed. It is thought the plants will have more vitality if secured from plants grown in a cooler climate. This will be tried out and the experiment will prove of interest. " Domestic Crops. —Both the dry-land and swamp taro have been extensively planted. Kumaraplanting is an important feature, and excellent plots are noticeable, the plants being vigorous and well cared for. The Hawaiian Red is the most popular variety. Planting operations have received considerable attention by the Au Vaine, or Women's Committees, in the different settlements, and much excellent work has been accomplished with their assistance and supervision.

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" Packing-sheds and Fruit-inspection. Rarotonga. —The scheme of district packing-sheds (seven) instituted last year has so far worked smoothly, the Native growers co-operating with the Fruit Department in making the task of centralizing the work of packing and inspection a success. All sheds have been fitted with engines, graders, weighing-machines, bins, and tables, and the telephone has been installed. Besides attending to the inspection of fruit, the Administration will this year supervise the grading and packing of oranges for export, thus ensuring a standard grade and pack. The Copra Regulations are being enforced, and buyers are co-operating with the Department. " Aitutaki.—Two of the buying firms at this island have installed engines and graders, and have also made packing-tables to handle their output. The consignments last year were well packed and the appearance of the fruit was good. Aitutaki is fortunate in having an orange which is a good carrier. A colony of the Chalcid Wasp parasite of the Mytilaspis and Lecanium scale was taken from Rarotonga and liberated in Aitutaki to cope with an outbreak of scale there. " Atiu. —Mr. Bouchier, Fruit Inspector, spent some weeks at Atiu, giving demonstrations in orange-packing, and much improvement was noticeable in the consignments. With only three or four visits from the Auckland steamer the tendency is to try and handle too much fruit in the limited time at disposal for picking and packing ; consequently the handling and packing is not given sufficient attention, and loose packing and inferior fruit is evident. " Mauke.—The same remarks as stated for Atiu apply to Mauke —if anything, to a greater extent. Mauke has not the population to handle a large shipment in the limited time, and, moreover, this period cannot be extended by picking the crop earlier, as the island oranges are not good keepers. " Mangaia. —As stated in previous reports, the Mangaian oranges, bananas, and tomatoes are of excellent quality, and worthy of more notice by buyers. No doubt the arrival of consignments in bad condition during past seasons has prejudiced New Zealand buyers. Last season a marked improvement was noticeable, and if the handling and packing is carried out in the approved manner I see no reason why Mangaian fruit should not become the best in the Group. " Experimental Nursery. " All sections of the nursery have been kept in a good state of tilth by continual ploughing, harrowing, and cultivation, and the citrus and other ornamental trees have been frequently handcultivated. " Pruning has been carried out on all the citrus-trees, and many of the young trees have been sprayed for scale insects. " Cow-peas were sown between rows in the sections. The yield of seed was particularly good, and over 6001b. have been distributed to growers. Part of the crop has been ploughed under to act as a green manure. " Over two hundred mango seedlings have been grafted with scions from approved varieties — namely, Tahitian No. 1, Haden, and Indian Tomato Mango—and these are being distributed free to planters. " Experiments have been carried out in tobacco-cultivation. Three varieties of seed were obtained from New Zealand, and sown in a prepared seed-bed. The varieties were Adcock and Warne (cigarette and pipe tobaccos), and Havana (cigar tobacco). Two months after sowing the seed the young seedlings were planted out on land that had been well cultivated and manured. Constant attention was given to the plants, and part of the crop was reaped two months after planting out. From an experimental point of view, and also taking into consideration the question of expense, the drying and curing were carried out most economically. The plants were cut off near the base, and the drying and curing were carried out in one of the existing nursery sheds. The method employed is known as the air-curing process, but on several occasions during heavy rain fires had to be used to prevent the leaf from going mouldy. A consignment of cared leaf of the three varieties has been forwarded to New Zealand for a report on the quality, value, and commercial prospects. " A number of rough lemon seedlings have been budded to approved varieties of citrus, and many of the young trees have been permanently planted out on the nursery. " Varieties of tomato-seed —namely, Norton and Marglobe—were imported from America. These were specially selected for their wilt- and rust-resistant qualities. Over four hundred packets were distributed to growers, and reports seem to favour Norton. Seeds of these varieties have been saved, and will be tested out again this year. " Good crops of Hickory King maize and Kaffir corn have been grown, and the seed freely distributed to all the islands of the Lower Group, also to local planters. " Samples of ginger and tumeric grown on the nursery were sent to New Zealand for report, but the cost of preparing the spices does not appear to warrant the growing on a commercial scale, owing to New Zealand obtaining supplies from China. " The West African oil-palms (Elaiis guineenis) are now firmly established on the nursery. They were planted out permanently over four years ago, but have not made the same amount of growth as the ordinary coconut would have made in that time. " In the schoolboys' section, in which young citrus-trees are now growing, fifty seedling cocoatrees have been planted between the citrus. This has been done solely for experimental purposes. " Balsa-wood seed (Ochroma lagopus) was received from Tahiti, and, after germinating on the nursery, young seedlings were distributed to the islands of the Lower Group. Seedlings planted on the nursery have already attained a height of 3 ft.

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" The following plants, seeds, &c., were received during the year : Flacourtia inermis (lovi-lovi), Sideroxylon dulcificum, Garcinia xanthochymus (rata-goraka), Psidium guyava, Anona nuricata (sour-sop), Carica papaya (pawpaw), Vanguria edulis (voa-vanga). These were received from Peradeniya, Ceylon. Ivory-nuts were received from Samoa, and Sarawak pines from Tahiti. Dr. Wilder, of Hawaii, contributed varieties of palm-seeds, Macadamia nuts, and pandanus-plants, also Avocado and passion-fruit seeds. " The following plants, &c., were sent to the islands of the Northern Group : Manihot cuttings, breadfruit, flamboyant, Malabar chestnut, Avocado-pear seedlings, fountain-trees, jak-fruit, Cochingoraka, Brazilian cherry, pawpaw-plants, Indian laburnum, sea-grape, mango seedlings, pineapple suckers, cocoa seedlings, bamboo, hibiscus cuttings. " Summary of plant distribution for the year : 40 sea-grape (Coecolobis uvifera), hibiscus cuttings (unlimited), 40 orange seedlings, 20 cashew-nuts (Anacardium occidentale), 50 Indian laburnum, 35 mangoes (selected), 20 Malabar chestnut, 12,000 kumara cuttings, 12 pimento, 50 avocado-pear seedlings, 80 Cocus plumosa palms, 60 Poinciana regia, 40 Spathodea or fountain-trees, 12 Cochin-goraka, 14 travellers' palms, 35 Brazilian cherry, 500 manihot cuttings, 1601b. maize, 451b. Kaffir corn, 600 lb. cow-peas, 25 balsa-wood trees (also seed), dracena, croton and escallonia cuttings, 250 bamboo (also roots). " Noxious Weeds. " During the year notices were served in connection with the eradication of noxious weeds as follows: Elephant's foot, 77; Australian burr, 9; Lantana camera, 13; Pitati mama, 16. Ten persons appeared in the High Court in connection therewith. The Fruit Inspectors, on loan from New Zealand, greatly assisted, in the work of inspection during their stay on the island. " Australian Burr. —Very little of this weed is now growing on the island. . " Lantana camera. —Large areas of this weed have been grubbed out, the land ploughed, and crops planted. " Pitati mama.—There are now only fourteen known areas on which this weed is growing. Several large areas have been completely eradicated through constant attention to ploughing and grubbing out. Having a strong root-system, Pitati mama is a difficult weed to eradicate. " Elephant's foot. —This weed has spread very rapidly in certain districts of the island, and much time and money have already been expended to eradicate it. All the areas on which this weed is known to be growing have been visited and notices served to the owners of the land. " As an experiment cow-peas, as a cover-crop, have been sown on land where elephant's foot and Pitati mama are growing." High Court. Criminal Jurisdiction.—ln Earotonga the total number of cases of criminal offences, breaches of regulations, and for breaches of local Ordinances was 1,139, as follows : Manufacturing intoxicating liquor, 24 ; consuming intoxicating liquor, 692 ; unlawfully in possession intoxicating liquor, 1 ; drunkenness, 10 ; giving intoxicating liquor to a Native, 2 ; assault, 9 ; indecent assault, 5 ; causing actual bodily harm, 1 ; attempt to carnally know, I ; rape, 4 ; attempt to commit rape, 4 ; adultery, 10; cohabiting, 22 ; theft, 38 ; trespass and theft, 4 ; breaking and entering, 3 ; breaking, entering, and theft, 12 ; wilful trespass, 6 ; breach of local Ordinances (loitering at night after 10 p.m.), 9 ; using threatening behaviour, 2 ; committing an indecent act in a public place, 1 ; committing a nuisance in a public place, 19 ; using insulting language, 2 ; using indecent language, 1 ; having in his possession a firearm, 1 ; discharging a firearm in the village, .1 ; contempt of Court 4 ; escaping from lawful custody, 11 ; refusing to work on road, 3 ; damaging Government property, 3 ; riding bicycle at night without a light, 16 ; breach of Earotonga Ordinances, 3 ; breach of Eegulations and Offences Ordinances, 8 ; breach of Fruit Eegulations, 12 ; breach of Noxious Weeds Eegulations, 10 ; breach of section 20, Badio Eegulations, 1 ; breach of Water Ordinances, 9 ; keeping pig within settlement, 15 ; animal trespassing, 59 ; tethering an animal upon a public place, 2 ; failing to register dog, 68 ; gambling, 24 ; keeping a gaming-house, 3 ; driving a motor-vehicle under seventeen years, 2 ; driving a motor-vehicle at night without a light, 1 ; driving a motor-vehicle without a number, 1 : Total, 1,139. These cases were dealt with as follows : 938 convicted and fined ; 74 convicted and discharged ; 50 convicted and sentenced to imprisonment; 10 cases adjourned sine die ; 17 cases dismissed ; 15 cases withdrawn ; 6 cases dog to be destroyed ; 3 cases adjourned to next month ; 1 case contempt of Court; 25 convicted and ordered to come up for sentence if called upon. Civil Jurisdiction. —During the year the following civil cases were dealt with at Earotonga : 30 actions for debt, which involved the sum of £637 15s. lid. ; 11 actions for damages, which involved the sum of £87 17s. 6d. ; 4 actions on judgment summons ; 6 applications for divorce ; 3 actions for possession ; 3 affiliation cases ; 1 application under section 117 of Cook Islands Act, 1915, for appointment as guardian of-a minor ; 7 applications for grant of letters of administration in deceased persons' estates ; 1 application for probate of will; 1 application to assess and award the compensation payable for land taken for public purposes. Native Land Court. The Eegistrar's report shows that during the year the Chief Judge, accompanied by the Eegistrar, paid four visits to the islands of the Lower Group (Mangaia, Aitutaki, Mauke, Atiu, and Mitiaro), when short sittings of the Court were held and various matters pertaining to Land Court work were dealt with. Short sittings were also held in Earotonga to deal with urgent cases. Owing to the duties of the Eesident Commissioner and Chief Judge of both High Court and Native Land Court being combined, it is impossible to cope with arrears of Land Court work, although as much time as possible is devoted to it.

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During tie coming year, in addition to sittings in Rarotonga and the Lower Group islands, the Court proposes to make a special visit to Rakahanga and Manihiki, in the Northern Group, in order to deal with urgent cases. Postal Department. During the year extensions of the telephone system were completed from the wireless-station to the Village of Arorangi, and from the Village of Ngatangiia to the Village of Titikaveka. These two sections involved six miles of new construction work. All villages on the island are now connected by telephone. The following are extracts from the report of the Postmaster at Rarotonga :— " Savings-bank.—For the year under review deposits amounted to £13,235 4s. Bd., and with drawals to £11,159 Bs.; 201 accounts were opened, and 48 closed, against 188 opened and 36 closed last year. Interest accrued to depositors amounted to £803 6s. 9d., and interest accrued to this Administration from investment in New Zealand to £1,067 Bs. 3d., leaving a balance in favour of the Administration of £264 Is. 6d., an increase of £25 ss. Id. over the previous year. On the 31st March 975 accounts remain open, with a credit to depositors of £22,544 10s. 9d., of which £22,457 is invested in New Zealand. " Money-orders.—ln this branch of the service a considerable decrease is shown compared with the previous year, no doubt greatly due to the shortness of the fruit season. 1,272 orders were issued, representing £79 Bs. 6d. for commission, and £17,552 os. 3d., value of orders issued. 428 were paid, to the value of £10,082 7s. 4d., compared with the previous year, of 1,400 issued; commission, £91 18s. ; value of orders issued, £20,473 13s. lOd. ; and 582 paid to the value of £14,487 Is. " Stamps.—The new and' 4d. pictorial stamps and the 3s. New Zealand overprinted " Rarotonga " have had the effect of largely increasing our stamp-sales for the year. " Telephones.—The service continues to give satisfaction. Lines have now been completed and telephones installed in the houses of village constables at Arorangi, Muri, and Titikaveka, thus connecting up all villages with telephones for public use. " Radios. —£l,l69 2s. 3d. was received during the year for forward radio messages, an increase of £45 12s. 9d. over the previous year. The above amount includes all forward charges. " Mails. —A satisfactory service continues to be maintained with all offices in the district." Wireless. During the year an efficient service has been maintained at the main station at Rarotonga, and also at the sub-stations on the Islands of Aitutaki, Atiu, and Mangaia. Plans have been completed for a new radio station at the Island of Mauke, and the necessary transmitting and receiving sets have been procured. As soon as communication with that island is established, after the hurricane season, a new station will be erected there, and this will be in workingorder before the commencement of the fruit season. This station will be operated by one of our Natives who was educated at St. Stephen's College and afterwards trained in wireless work in Wellington and Rarotonga. A small radio station is to be erected at the Island of Penrhyn when funds will permit. As this island is situated 740 miles north of Rarotonga, such a station would be a great convenience to the Administration, shippers, and the public generally. This year an application will be 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 Rarotonga to get direct communication with New Zealand and other distant stations. Attached is the annual report of the Superintendent of the Rarotonga Wireless Station : — " During the year an efficient wireless service has been maintained by the radio-stations in the Cook Group with all other radio-stations concerned. The outer-island stations, Atiu, Aitutaki, and Mangaia, the two latter being operated by Natives, are giving satisfactory service and a good standard is being maintained. Within the next few weeks a small wireless plant will be erected at Mauke. This station will also be operated by a Native, who is at present undergoing training at RadioRarotonga. " At Atiu, it was found necessary to replace the wooden aerial masts, which were showing signs of decay, with iron ones. " In June a complete replatal of the main storage battery at Radio-Rarotonga was satisfactorily carried out. This has reduced the necessary charging of the battery to approximately half that which was formerly required, resulting in a big saving of fuel. To further stabilize the main steel tower, four steel supporting-stays were erected in August. The steel tower and the outer wooden masts were also thoroughly overhauled. " The transmitter at Rarotonga is a standard ship's installation and of comparatively low power for a parent station. While it has provided an efficient service on current routes, the need for direct communication between the Cook Islands and New Zealand has become apparent. The installation of a suitable short-wave valve transmitter would enable Rarotonga to establish direct communication with New Zealand, and would also bring this station in line with other main Pacific-island stations If this could be accomplished it would then be possible to reduce the present high rate of Is. 6d. per word to Is. per word. This would mean an increase in radio traffic of at least twenty per cent. " The liberal broadcast of free press news from Radio-Wellington has enabled us, as in former years, to keep the inhabitants of these islands well informed regarding current events. " Four radio receiving licenses were granted during the year and one applicant's license was cancelled for a breach of the Cook Island's Amateur Radio Regulations,"

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Police Department. As usual, there has been an almost entire absence of serious crime during the past year. The following are extracts from the report of the Inspector of Police on the Department and police activities for the year : — " The strength of the Rarotonga Police Force is the same as last year —viz., one Inspector (European), and one senior sergeant, one sergeant, and eight constables (all Natives) : total, eleven. " The whole of the Rarotonga Police Force can speak and write English, which is a great advantage to the European Inspector of Police. " Senior Sergeant Ngatikao, who has been in the Rarotonga Police Force for the past sixteen years, has been fully trained in police work and Court procedure, and, should necessity arise, is quite capable of temporarily taking cha.rge of the Police Force here, and also prosecuting in the Court. Sergeant Teariki has also been in the Police Force for sixteen years, and the two sergeants have proved themselves loyal officers of the Administration. " A sitting of the High Court is held weekly in Avarua, when all police are usually present to give evidence and prove service of summons. After the sitting of each High Court all police are lectured on matters concerning police duties and procedure. " I am pleased to be able to report that during the past year all members of the Police Force have behaved well, and in many cases have shown skill and ability in the discharge of their various duties. " In the outer islands of the Cook Group the Resident Agent on each island is in charge of the local police. The number of Native police stationed on each island is as follows : Mauke, one sergeant and three constables ; Aitutaki, one sergeant and five constables ; Atiu, four constables ; Mangaia, one sergeant and six constables ; Mitiaro, three constables ; Penrhyn, four constables ; and Manihiki, five constables. " On account of the scattered nature of the Cook Islands, and the time it would take to go round and inspect all the police, this has not been found practicable. During my term of office here, covering nearly six years, no serious crime needing my personal investigation has been reported, and the Resident Agents, together with their own Native police, have been able to preserve law and order successfully. " For the year ending 1928 fifty cases of manufacturing intoxicating liquor were dealt with in the High Court. This year only twenty-four cases have been dealt with —a reduction of twenty-six convictions for manufacturing. The list of cases for consuming intoxicating liquor in 1928 was 682, and for this year 692—an increase of ten cases. For drunkenness, in 1928 there were nineteen convictions, and for this year only ten convictions were recorded —a reduction of nine cases. No cases of selling liquor, smuggling liquor, illegally landing liquor, and illegally importing liquor were detected for the last year. It will be seen from these figures that a slight improvement has taken place, mainly in the charges of manufacturing intoxicating liquor and drunkenness, both of which show a decrease. " As Rarotonga is a prohibition island, mail-steamers keep their bars closed during the stay in port, and we have practically no trouble from this source. " During the past year two lunatics (Natives) were sent to New Zealand for committal to an asylum. " Usually all persons sentenced to imprisonment serve their sentences in the Rarotonga Gaol, and only in special cases are prisoners transferred to New Zealand. All prisoners, both in gaol and on parole, parade at the Public Works Office daily at 7 a.m., and work till 4 p.m. Mondays to Fridays, and till 12 noon on Saturdays. " Serious crime during the past year has been rare, but there have been forty-two convictions for theft. These were mainly of a petty nature. Two young prisoners, on account of their criminal tendencies, have been transferred to a New Zealand gaol. " New Motor and Traffic Regulations are urgently required, as motor traffic on this island is increasing by leaps and bounds. Every month the mail-steamers bring a further batch of new motor cars and trucks. " Since the Ist January 289 dogs have been registered, and over a hundred stray dogs have been destroyed by the police. " Since the Ist April, 1928, 260 picture-films have been censored for exhibition within the Cook Islands. A better class of picture-film is now being imported into Rarotonga. Films of educational value, topical gazettes of events in different parts of the world, and films of a comedy class are suitable for screening here. " During the past year there have been fifty-one sittings of the High Court, and the total fines inflicted in Criminal cases was £1,039 19s. 6d. Of this amount the sum of £879 Is. 6d. has been collected by the police. The sum of £156 3s. was worked out on public works by Natives who were unable to pay their fines, leaving fines unpaid on the 31st March only £4 155." Printing Department. Owing to the death in June of Pure Pokia, who was one of our scholarship lads, work in this Department was carried on by another Native, under the supervision of Mr. S. Savage. The value of printing plant, bulk paper, and printed forms in stock for the different Departments at 31st March was £543 16s. 3d.

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Meteorological. The following table shows the temperature in the shade for the year ending 31st March, 1929, and also the rainfall during that period : —

The total rainfall at Avarua (Rarotonga) for the twelve months ended 31st March, 1929, was 82-17 in., the highest fall recorded for twenty-four hours being 4-00 in., on the 2nd April, 1928. The highest reading of the Fahrenheit thermometer in the shade at 9 a.m. was 89°, on the 23rd September ; and the lowest was 55°, on the 28th June. For the twelve-months period the mean of the maximum was 81-7°, and the mean of the minimum 68-I°. Daily observations are taken of weather conditions (including barometer, thermometer, wind, clouds, rain, &c.), and a monthly return is forwarded to the Director of the Meteorological Office at Wellington. Full weather reports are sent daily by radio to Apia for the purposes of the scheme of weather reports and storm warnings in the South Pacific Ocean. Research Work. Ethnology. —Under the auspices of the Bernice P. Bishop Museum of Honolulu, Dr. P. H. Buck, the noted New Zealand scientist, who was appointed Anthropologist to the Museum, is at present in the Cook Group continuing the research work in ethnology and anthropology which he commenced in 1926. As the Group offers a wide field for the investigation of the arts, crafts, social organization, customs, history, traditions, language, and physical characteristics of the Maori inhabitants, Dr. Buck proposes to work in both the Lower and Northern Groups until the end of 1929, or later if necessary. Owing to the close affinity of the peoples of the Cook Group and New Zealand, it is fortunate that the work is being carried out by a New-Zealander with expert Maori experience. When the results of Dr. Buck's research are published they should form a valuable addition to New Zealand's knowledge of her island possessions, and provide the scientific detail from this locality that is necessary to the study of the Polynesian people as a whole. Furthermore, it is fortunate that scientific work that concerns us so vitally is being done without expense to the Administration or the New Zealand Government. Botany. —Dr. Gerritt P. Wilder, who is also attached to the Bishop Museum, is at present engaged on botanical research work in Rarotonga and the Group islands. Already in Rarotonga he has discovered fifty species of trees, flowering-shrubs, and plants not recorded in Cheeseman's " Flora of Rarotonga," published over twenty-five years ago. No doubt, however, the majority of these are exotic, and have been introduced since the late Mr. Cheeseman conducted his researches in Rarotonga. The results of Dr. Wilder's researches in the Cook Islands will be published. Zoology.—The Royal Danish research ship " Dana " paid a three-days' visit to Rarotonga last October, and investigations were made regarding fish and eels. The yacht " Illyria," collecting for the Chicago Field Museum of Natural History made a call in March, 1929, for the purpose of studying bird life. Owing to bad weather a landing could not be made at Rarotonga, and the vessel was advised that whilst en route to Fiji our marine birds could be procured at the Island of Suwarrow. Group Islands. Visits made by the Resident Commissioner during last year, and reports from the Resident Agents of these Islands, showed a satisfactory position. There has been no communication with the Northern Group since the close of the year under review. The first schooner to go north after the hurricane season will not leave Rarotonga until about the end of May.

M ,, Mean ' Mean Highest Lowest S „ . , , Maximum. | Minimum. Maximum. Minimum. I am a ' I ! I ° ° ° Inches. April .. .. .. .. 83-5 | 69-3 864 66-5 10-50 May .. .. .. .. 80-6 66-9 83-8 62-0 3-88 June .. .. .. .. : 77-3 62-5 80-0 55-0 ! 147 July .. .. .. .. 754 63-7 80-0 58-0 i 5-81 August .. .. .. 78-0 64-7 82-0 59-0 I 2-66 September .. .. .. 79-5 65-7 89-0 60-0 ; 6-26 October .. .. .. 81-9 65-3 87-0 60-0 1 7-05 November .. .. .. 84-8 67-9 89-0 59-0 [ 3-57 December .. .. .. 85-1 71-2 88-0 64-0 2-60 January . . . . . . 84-2 72-1 88-0 66-0 17-04 February .. . . .. 85-8 74-8 88-0 70-0 9-09 March .. . . . . .. 84-7 73-1 87-0 66-0 12-24 Means and totals .. 81-7 ' 68-1 . . .. 82-17 I I

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PUKAPUKA. The following is a report from the newly appointed Resident Agent at Pukapuka Shipping. During the two years ended 31st March, 1929, thirteen vessels visited Pukapuka—the schooner " Tiare Taporo," from Papeete (twice); the schooner " Tamarina," from Samoa (five times); N.Z.G.S. " Hinemoa " (once) ; H.M.S. " Laburnum " and " Dunedin " (once each) ; and the schooner " Choiseul," from Samoa (three times). The following is a return of exports and imports for the two years ended 31st March, 1929 : — Exports.—l 6/9/27—717 —71 tons copra; 5/1/28 —21 tons; 23/7/28 —42 tons; 7/2/29 —26 tons; 5/3/29 —20 tons : Total, 180 tons copra. Imports. —25/1/28 —£825 ; 15/7/28 —£653 ; 12/11/28—£392 : Total, £1,870. In addition to the above exports, 50 tons of copra was awaiting shipment at the end of the year. Future Prospects. In an endeavour to procure more copra for export, the number of coconuts for umukais (feasts) has been limited by order of the Resident Agent and Island Council. The old custom of all the people removing, together with their pigs and fowls, to the Motus for the entire copra season has been prohibited, and permission granted for a limited stay only. This has resulted in a larger output of copra, and is undoubtedly for the benefit of the Native people. These Motus, which were planted to the order of a previous Resident Agent, are now bearing. It is estimated that Pukapuka will be capable of producing 120 tons of copra next year. When all the young trees come into bearing, this quantity will be greatly increased. Planting. During last year a special inspection was made of Motu Ko and Motu Kotawa. On the former was a large area on the southern side still unplanted and covered with pandanas. During April, 1928, this area was cleared and planted by the men of Ngake with 1,800 nuts, and this year a further 4,000 nuts have been planted, which will approximately cover the whole area. Some of the trees on this island are planted too closely, and are being thinned out to permit of full bearing of the remainder. Motu Kotawa is almost entirely planted. Five hundred trees were planted here during the year in the Native fashion, but there is need here also of thinning-out. Public Works. Roads on the island have been maintained by the people. In December, 1928, the road across the taro swamp leading to the Government lands was improved by the people, who were specially called out for this purpose. It was widened and covered with white sand, and has since been maintained by the prisoners in working out their fines. Health. The health of the people in general has been very satisfactory throughout the past year. An influenza epidemic, unhappily introduced from Samoa, caused the loss of five lives. Yaws, which are a common disease on the island, have been reduced by means of injection with bicreol, applied by the wife of the Resident Agent under instructions from the Chief Medical Officer, who visited the island in 1928. Fifty-eight persons were injected during December and January. Ringworm (here called " lava ") is also common, and injection for same has been very beneficial. Post Office. The following shows the amount of correspondence posted and delivered during the year : Posted —497 letters, 11 registered, 18 packets, 31 parcels ; Delivered —470 letters, 13 registered, 30 packets, 56 newspapers, 22 parcels. General. The island has been free from hurricanes during the year. All houses and premises have been kept clean. The Women's Committee, headed by the wife of the Resident Agent, is doing good work in this connection. During the months of January and March a general cleaning-up was made. A special tutaka was made of the cookhouses, which were found to be surprisingly clean and tidy, with white gravel covering the floors and immediate surroundings, and shelves arranged for pans, &c. Further special tutakas of all premises are to be made during the year. To encourage this good work, prizes for the cleanest premises have been donated by the Resident Agent and his wife. Good work has also been done by the people in building pandanas-root walls and concreting the floors of the Courthouse. The building has also been reroofed with new iron, and painted and repainted to prevent rust. A veranda has also been added, and a kitchen built. The Resident Commissioner (Judge Ayson) presented the people with six bags of rice as a mark of the Government's appreciation of their good work. The people have also made a lime-kiln by means of which a concrete veranda has been built on to the Residency. Education. The scheme of work being carried out was laid down by the Superintendent of Schools during his visit in 1927. One hundred and fifty-six children are on the roll. Chart reading, action reading, and blackboard reading, and reading from class-books 2-5 is progressing. The children are also picking up a little English. Maori is taught by Pastor Kare, of the London Missionary School, to ensure all Natives being able to read and write their own language. Arithmetic, sufficient to enable them to work out the value of their copra, is also taught. Physical drill is practised, the senior boys conducting classes, and drilling in mass being taken by the Resident Agent.

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REPORT OF THE NIUE ISLAND ADMINISTRATION. Finance. The financial year commenced with a credit balance of £1,494 15s. sd. Revenue for the year amounted to £6,916 16s. lid., the main items being — Aid to revenue, £456; Customs duties, £1,709 is. 9d. ; copra export duty, £791 13s. ; fruit-cases, £1,020 lis. 3d. ; and stamp sales, £965 10s. 2d. Expenditure amounted to £5,406 4s. 6d., leaving a credit balance at the 31st March, 1929, of £3,005 17s. lOd. There are several accounts outstanding, which will reduce the balance to approximately £1,700. The position may be considered satisfactory. The principal drop in revenue was in Customs duties, which was chiefly due to traders here being overstocked from the previous year. The estimated revenue for the coming year is £4,830, and the expenditure £5,450. Details of revenue and expenditure for the year ended 31st March, 1929, are set out in the schedules attached hereto. Statement of Revenue and Expenditure for the Year ended 31st March, 1929. Revenue. £ s. d. Expenditure. £ s. d. Balance brought forward, Ist April, 1928 1,494 15 5 Benzine Acconnt, debit .. .. 144 13 2 Aid to revenue .. .. .. 456 0 0 Dog-tax Account, debit .. .. 10 12 6 Ammunition Account .. .. .. 98118 Education — Benzine Account, credit .. .. 301 19 3 Government schools.. .. .. 181 17 5 Bond storage.. .. .. .. 12 6 London Missionary Society subsidy, debit 250 0 0 Copra export duty .. .. .. 791 13 0 Fruit-case Account, debit .. .. 240 15 4 Customs duties .. .. .. 1,709 1 9 Fruit Export Account, debit .. .. 100 8 3 Dog-tax .. .. .. .. 43 15 0 Fruit-inspection fees, debit .. .. 24 111 Education —London Missionary Society Interpreters .. .. .. .. 169 0 6 subsidy, credit .. .. .. 500 0 0 Jetty, boats, and Bond sheds .. .. 322 13 10 Fruit-case Account, credit .. .. 1,020 11 3 Landing and Shipping Account, debit .. 317 6 Fruit Export Account, credit .. .. 168 4 2 Leper Account .. .. .. 47 16 0 Fruit-inspection fees, credit .. .. 16 10 3 Liquor Account, debit .. .. .. 31 18 4 High Court —Fees and fines .. .. 92 13 6 Medical Service Account, debit .. .. 1,330 17 6 Jetty Account, credit .. .. .. II 7 7 Miscellaneous Services Account .. .. 184 19 6 Landing and Shipping Account, credit .. 276 7 9 Niue Island Council .. .. .. 80 9 6 Licenses .. .. .. .. 162 10 0 Office equipment, fittings, repairs, buildLiquor Account, credit.. .. .. 25 19 0 ings, &c. .. .. .. .. 327 18 9 Miscellaneous Service Account, credit .. 94 11 10 Police .. .. .. .. 418 0 5 Native Land Court —Fees and fines .. 3 0 0 Printing and stationery .. .. 64 4 7 Public Works —Stock and material, credit 101 13 II Prisoners .. .. .. .. 156 810 Residency-—Buildings, furniture, &c. .. 112 6 Public Works — Registration and permit fees .. .. 20 14 0 Foreman .. .. .. .. 252 16 7 Stamp sales .. .. .. .. 965 10 2 Buildings and repairs .. .. 33 14 7 Superannuation Account, credit .. .. 26 5 0 Stock and material, debit .. .. 46 19 6 Transport Account, credit .. .. 27 2 10 Tools .. .. .. .. 7 13 2 Rent, officers' quarters.. .. .. 33 0 0 Reservoirs, village .. .. .. 7 4 1 Residency, repairs, buildings, &c. .. 5 12 7 Roads " .. .. .. 155 12 6 Superannuation Account, debit .. .. 17 17 5 Transport Account, debit .. .. 499 0 9 Wireless Account, debit .. .. 201 7 10 Ammunition Account, debit .. .. 54 11 8 5,406 4 6 Balance, 31st March, 1929 — Cash in hand .. .. .. 2,812 17 11 Bank of New Zealand .. .. 192 9 11 3,005 17 10 £8,411 12 4 £8,411 12 4 Shipping. Twenty vessels visited Niue during the year. It was found necessary to withhold pratique on one occasion. The N.Z.G.S. " Hinemoa " made three trips, and on the 24th May the " Maui Pomare " took up her running, making six trips from New Zealand to Apia via Niue. The s.s. " Hauraki " called twice ; the s.s. " Waihemo," " Voco," " Petricola," and Mission ship " John Williams " once each, which made it possible to despatch additional mails. It is not, of course, possible to despatch Niue cargo by these vessels. The H.M.S. " Laburnum " paid her annual visit on the 12th August, staying only the one day.

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Schedule showing Tonnage of Cargoes carried by the N.Z.G.S. "Hinemoa" and "Maui Pomare" to and from Niue for the Calendar Year, 1928.

SUMMARY. Inwards, 588 i tons ; outwards, 1,594§ tons : Total, 2,183J tons. Trade. Imports for the year 1928 totalled £18,637, as against £14,006 for 1927. Exports amounted to £20,938, as against £14,350 for 1927. Of this amount £16,347 went to New Zealand, the balance (£4,591) to Western Samoa, Fiji, American Samoa, and Hawaii. The main items were —Bananas, 13,942 cases and 97 bunches ; basketware, 3,182J dozen ; copra, 633 tons ; fungus, 21,890 lb. ; and hats 121 -j dozen. For details of imports and exports for the year ended 31st December, 1928, see Appendix B, page 44.

IMPOBTS. r E ' i ~ i Date of Arrival. i General Cargo. Timber. | Total Tonnage. I I " Hinemoa"— Tons. Superficial Feet. 9/2/28 .. .. .. .. 71 1,938 75 19/3/28 .. .. .. .. 38f 760 40J 17/4/28 .. .. .. . . 63§ 352 64§ " Maui Pomare " — 7/7/28 .. .. .. 1291 200 130 7/8/28 .. .. .. 109f 80 110 7/9/28 .. .. . .. 39f 486 40| 22/10/28 .. .. .. . . 44f 56 1 44i 24/11/28 .. .. .. .. 71\ 2,799 83J Totals .. .. .. 574J 1 6,671 5881 ■ | I EXPORTS. Date of Departure. Copra. j Fruit. Fungus. j T ™*g e I •■II I ! I " Hinemoa " — Tons cwt. qr. . Cases. | lb. Tons. Sacks. 10/2/28 .. .. .. .. 20 15 2 1,757 5,851 3| .. 143f 20/3/28.. .. .. .. 23 9 3 1,756, 3,165 3| .. 143 18/4/28 .. .. .. .. 26 12 1 1,708 3,013 | ... 1521 " Maui Pomare " — 24/5/28.. .. .. 69 9 0 2,616 2,436 .. .. 230 7/7/28 .. .. .. .. 63 14 3 1,698 1,610 3 .. 180 6/8/28 .. .. .. .. 128 18 3 638 856 f .. 178| 12/9/28 .. .. .. .. 43 9 3 .. 2,526 f .. 1 45J 22/10/28 .. .. .. .. 164 13 1 .. 1,456 .. .. 166 27/10/28 .. 1,818 .. | 1371 24/11/28 .. .. .. 92 5 3 .. 977 .. 93J 1/12/28 .. 1,951 .. 2| 18 125 Totals .. .. .. 633 8 3 13,942 21,890 15 18 l,594f

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Return of Imports and Exports for the Twenty-six Years, 1903 to 1928, inclusive.

Copra. —The export of copra, our main product, shows a big improvement on that of the previous three years, and is once again back to normal output. The palms have now fully recovered from the very severe setback they received during the drought conditions of 1925 and 1926. Fruit.—During the year eight shipments, totalling 13,942 cases and 97 bunches of bananas, were made. The first two shipments made in the " Hinemoa " —i.e., February and March —were carried direct to the Auckland markets, and arrived in a ripe condition to a glutted market. The prices realized on these shipments were disastrous, and showed to the Natives a dead loss per case of 6s. on the first and 4s. on the second. The Natives were considerably disheartened by these severe losses. However, subsequent shipments by the " Maui Pomare " have proved more profitable, and the average net returns for same have been between ss. and 6s. per case. The industry is steadily improving, and during the coming year we should be able, if space permits, to export 3,500 to 4,000 cases each trip of the " Maui Pomare." Cotton. —A further attempt to again reintroduce the cotton industry on Niue has been made, but the result has not been very encouraging. A sample of the lint obtained is being sent to the British Cotton-growers' Association, Manchester, for report thereon. Fungus.—2l,B9o lb. were exported. The market has greatly been affected by the unsettled state of affairs in China. There is very little prospect of it improving in the near future. Basketware.—There is still a good demand for this class of goods in New Zealand, and at present the demand exceeds the supply. 3,1821 dozen were exported during the year. Hats. —This industry is practically dead, owing to the importations of large quantities of same from Italy. 121J dozen were exported during the year. High Court and Native Land Court. Criminal cases for 1928 totalled 245, as against 207 in 1927. As usual, the majority of these were offences against morality, and there was very little that could be called serious crime.. Pees and fines collected amounted to £92 13s. 6d. Civil work was negligible in quantity, there being only 14 actions. In the Native Land Court, the only work before the Court was one. application for adoption order, four applications for annulment of adoptions, and one application for confirmation of alienation of land, orders being granted in all cases. Niue Island Council. Four meetings of the Niue Island Council were held during the year, one in each quarter. No new Ordinances were passed. The term of office of the old Council having expired, an election of new members took place on the 12th and 14th December. There have been but very few complaints from the Natives and certainly none of a serious nature. It is very evident that the Niueans appreciate the assistance they have received from the New Zealand Government from time to time, particularly as to the steamer service and towards providing additional motor-lorries to assist in the carriage of fruit from the back villages, where most of the fruit is grown,

i i Total Year. Imports. , Exports, i Total Value. Year. Imports, j Exports. Value ! I | | | i £ ' £ £ £ £ £ 1903 .. 8,001 1 7,862 15,863 1916 .. 9,512 3,379 12,891 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 8,724 15,431 1919 .. 21,733 35,977 57,710 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 12,203 22,250 1922 .. 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 i 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 1928 .. 18,637 20,938 39,575 I I

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Vital Statistics. During the year there were 117 births and 111 deaths, all Natives. Most of the deaths occurred in those of sixty years and over. The following table shows the births, deaths, and marriages for the past nine years : —

The natural increase for the above period was 164. Migration: Ninety-eight persons, including nineteen Europeans, arrived, and 128 persons, including twenty-one Europeans departed. The total population of the island at 31st December, 1928, was : Europeans and Natives —Males, 1,760 ; females, 1,987 : total, 3,747. Births for the vear show an increase of twenty-four and deaths twenty-nine over those shown for 1927.

Return of Vital and Migration Statistics for the Year ended 31st December, 1928.

26

Vital Statistics. During the year there were 117 births and 111 deaths, all Natives. Most of the deaths occurred in those of sixty years and over. The following table shows the births, deaths, and marriages for the past nine years : — Births. Deaths. Marriages. Year. European. : Native. European. Native. j ! Total. j Total. European. Native. Total. M. | E. j M. F. M. I P. M. F. I I 1920 .. .... 45 47 92 .. j .. 47 57 104 .. 45 45 1921 ..... 1 56 46 103 .. I .. 56 41 97 .. 46 46 1922 .. i 1 1 49 48 99 40 42 82 .. 47 47 1923 .. 1 2 56 47 106 .. j .. 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 1928 65 52 117 .... 55 56 111 .. 35 35 Totals .. 3 4 492 445 944 I .. .. 360 420 780 2 385 387 ' ■ | I The natural increase for the above period was 164. Migration: Ninety-eight persons, including nineteen Europeans, arrived, and 128 persons, including twenty-one Europeans departed. The total population of the island at 31st December, 1928, was : Europeans and Natives —Males, 1,760 ; females, 1,987 : total, 3,747. Births for the vear show an increase of twenty-four and deaths twenty-nine over those shown for 1927. Return of Vital and Migration Statistics for the Year ended 31st December, 1928. . . i at i.* Persons other than Aboriginal Natives. Aboriginal Natives . Males. Females. Males. Females. Births .. .. .. .. 65 52 .. .. 117 Deaths .. .. .. .. 55 56 .. .. Ill Arrivals .. .. .. 47 32 10 9 98 Departures .. .. .. .. 73 34 11 10 128 Marriages performed : London Missionary Society, 29 ; Resident Commissioner, 5 ; Registrar, 1 : total, 35.

Vital Statistics. During the year there were 117 births and 111 deaths, all Natives. Most of the deaths occurred in those of sixty years and over. The following table shows the births, deaths, and marriages for the past nine years : — Births. Deaths. Marriages. Year. European. : Native. European. Native. j ! Total. j Total. European. Native. Total. M. | E. j M. F. M. I P. M. F. I I 1920 .. .... 45 47 92 .. j .. 47 57 104 .. 45 45 1921 ..... 1 56 46 103 .. I .. 56 41 97 .. 46 46 1922 .. i 1 1 49 48 99 40 42 82 .. 47 47 1923 .. 1 2 56 47 106 .. j .. 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 1928 65 52 117 .... 55 56 111 .. 35 35 Totals .. 3 4 492 445 944 I .. .. 360 420 780 2 385 387 ' ■ | I The natural increase for the above period was 164. Migration: Ninety-eight persons, including nineteen Europeans, arrived, and 128 persons, including twenty-one Europeans departed. The total population of the island at 31st December, 1928, was : Europeans and Natives—Males, 1,760 ; females, 1,987 : total, 3,747. Births for the vear show an increase of twenty-four and deaths twenty-nine over those shown for 1927. Return of Vital and Migration Statistics for the Year ended 31st December, 1928. . . i at i.* Persons other than Aboriginal Natives. Aboriginal Natives . Males. Females. Males. Females. Births .. .. .. .. 65 52 .. .. 117 Deaths .. .. .. .. 55 56 .. .. Ill Arrivals .. .. .. 47 32 10 9 98 Departures .. .. .. .. 73 34 11 10 128 Marriages performed : London Missionary Society, 29 ; Resident Commissioner, 5 ; Registrar, 1 : total, 35.

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5—A. 3,

Deaths in various Villages at various Ages.

I I I i I p , 1 Year 5 Years 10 Years 15 Years 20 Years 25 Years 30 Years 35 Years 40 Years 45 Years 50 Years 55 Years v I , JJ- er and i and and and and and and and and and and and , ears I Totals. ear * under 5. under 10. i under 15. under 20. under 25. under 30. under 35. under 40. under 45. under 50. under 55. under 60. an over * "g - 1 I i | H ! (I- I I • ■ I 1 M. F. M. j F. M. F. M. F. M. F. M. j F. M. F. M. j F. M. F. M. F. M. F. M. F. M. F. M. | F. M. F. £ l| | j . _ Alofi .. .. .. 2 2 j .. 1 5 6 7 9 16 Makefu .. .. .. .. 1 1 2 1 3 4 Tuapa .. .. .. 1 2 2 1 2 1 1 2 1.. 1.. .. 2 2 9 9 18 Hikutavake .. 1 2 3 2 4 6 Mutalau .. .. .. 3 1 1 1 .. .. 1 6 2 11 4 15 Lakepa .. .. 1 2 4 3 4 7 Liku .. .. .. 1 1 2 2 2 4 Hakupu .. .. .. 2 1 1 1 1 1 .. .. 1 4 4 9 7 16 Fatiau .. .. .. .. 1 1 1 Avatele .. .. .. 1 1 .. 1 1 3 8 5 10 15 Tamakautoga .. .. 1 1 .. 1 1 4 1 6 3 9 Totals .. ..11 5 2 j 2 1.. 4 2 1 3.. 1 1 1 3 2 2.. 1 3 11 1.. .. 29 34 55 56 111 | j |

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Medical and Public Health. The general health condition of the island has been good during the year, the only sickness of an epidemic nature being an outbreak of influenza during the months of July and August. The epidemic was of a fairly severe nature, and was in many cases complicated with attacks of bronchitis. Three hundred and fifteen cases were treated, but there is no doubt but that there were a great many more sufferers who received their drugs from the local supplies left specially for this purpose in the various villages and thus did not come under notice. The epidemic claimed twenty-six deaths, mostly amongst the aged. Dr. K. H. Dean, M.8., from New Zealand, replaced Dr. E. F. Boyd in November last, and has already gained the confidence of these people. During the year Miss T. Butler replaced Miss de Ridder as Matron of the Hospital. We are extremely fortunate in again obtaining the latter's services. The following figures show the volume of work carried out during the year : — European in-patients .. .. .. .. . . . . 1 Native in-patients (including twelve infants under one year) .. .. 141 Average duration of stay was 13 days. Patients treated at dispensary and out-patient department .. .. 2,937 Out-patients, dressings .. .. .. .. .. 5,434 Patients treated in their villages .. . . .. .. 1,498 Patients treated for gonorrhoea .. .. .. .. .. 45 Injections given (bicreol, 84 ; novarsenobillon, 20) .. .. .. 104 Yaws, cases treated .. .. .. .. .. . . . . 22 Operations — Major .. .. .. .. .. . . .. .. 1 Minor . . .. .. .. .. .. . . . . 15 Dental fillings .. .. .. .. .. . . .. 40 Dental extractions .. .. .. .. .. .. 90 The report of the Medical Officer, which deals in detail with the work of the year, together with returns showing classified admissions to hospital and all cases treated during the period, is attached hereto : — " Medical. —The work of the staff throughout the year has been highly satisfactory. An increase in the Native nursing staff has been found necessary. " Epidemics. —During the month of June there was an outbreak of severe colds with pulmonary complications. There were several cases of pneumonia. The Natives are extremely careless in changing from heavy European clothes to the Native dress when they return from church or village. The younger ones are inclined to remain in their wet clothes, with obvious results. When a cold snap comes along the medical staff is besieged for medicine and attention for the more or less grave chest complaints that invariably ensue. One makes a rule of advising the Natives on these matters at every opportunity, but it is felt that the school-children offer the best prospects. It is intended at an early date to print some pamphlets in the Native tongue on the more pressing health problems of Niue, and have instruction given on these matters by the educational staff. During July there was an epidemic of influenza. Pulmonary complications were marked. The majority of the people on the island contracted the infection more or less severely ; there were twenty-six deaths. " Dental Clinic. —The Dental Clinic had up to his transfer been continued by Dr. Boyd, and much good work has been done. The time that can be given by the Medical Officer to purely dental work is necessarily limited. A dental nurse is an urgent necessity. Since the Natives have taken to the European methods of living and eating, dental caries has become widely prevalent. Many of the older Natives are rapidly becoming edentulous. The provision of artificial sets, either free or on a sliding scale of fees according to income, will have to be seriously considered in the near future. It must be emphasized that dental fillings are only makeshifts at best. The education of school-children in benefits of mastication, suitable food, and the thorough cleansing of the mouth after meals is badly needed, and doubtless would have beneficial results. " The work for the year is as follows : Fillings, 40 ; extractions, 90 ; plaster impression, 1,

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' Notifiable Diseases.—The following notifiable diseases were reported : — Tuberculosis — Pulmonary . . .. . . .. . . .. 26 Abdominal .. .. .. .. . . . . .. 3 Meningitis .. . . .. . . . . . . 1 Gonorrhoea .. . . . . . . .. .. 4.5 Influenza .. . . .. . . .. .. . . 315 Pneumonia .. . . .. .. . . .. . . .. 3 Broncho-pneumonia .. .. . . . . .. . . . . 7 Chicken-pox .. . . . . .. .. .. . . . . 4 Leprosy .. .. . . .. . . . . . . . . 1 Total . . .. . . . . . . . . 405 " Influenza headed the list of notifiable diseases. Niue suffered along with Australia and New Zealand in this respect. The death-rate was fairly high. The Native habit when feverish of lying with scanty clothing in the most draughty part of the hut is undoubtedly a potent factor in causing the mortality to be so high. Some of the Natives have had difficulty in throwing of! residual nasal and bronchitic symptoms. Although the Niuean nose is capacious, chronic rhinitis and sinusitis is not uncommon. Another unfortunate feature has been the lighting-up of apparently arrested cases of pulmonary T.B. " Broncho-pneumonia is, as elsewhere, not uncommon among the aged and the young. We are meeting with less opposition now in taking the children and babies off to hospital and treating- them for long periods there. Some of the mothers appear all too ready to avoid the inconvenience of breast feeding, and lightly change over to Glaxo and other less nutritious foods. At every opportunity we educate the mothers in the elementary principles of baby-feeding and child welfare. In some cases the lessons are appreciated and assimilated. " As regards the health problems of the island and its future welfare, from a medical point of view there are five major health problems to be faced and solved. In order of importance I would place them as follows : (1) T.B. (pulmonary chiefly), (2) filariasis, (3) gonorrhoea and sterility, (4) infant welfare, (5) dental caries. During the next twelve months I hope to make a thorough medical survey of the whole island and thereby obtain the required statistics and information concerning the prevalence and severity of the above, and to institute campaigns to effectively deal with these problems, so vital to the community of Niue." Classified List of all Cases treated during the Year 1928. Alimentary system — Circulatory and glandular systems— Stomatitis .. .. .. 6 Aneemia .. .. . . . . 10 Glossitis .. .. ■ ■ 1 Cardiac debility .. .. . . 50 Thrush .. .. • • .. 2 Senile heart .. .. .. 3 Tonsillitis .. • • .. 3 Angina pectoris .. .. 1 Gastritis .. .. .. 23 Lymphangitis .. .. 1 Dyspepsia .. . • .. 60 Tubercular glands .. .. 3 Abdominal colic ...... 10 — 68 Intestinal parasites .. 17 Teething . • • • .. 1 Jaundice.. .. ..3 Nervous systemConstipation .. •. .. 58 Lumbago .. . . . . 20 Neoplasm —(Esophagus .. .. 1 Urititis .. .. . . . . 12 Diarrhoea .. ■ • .. 4 Sciatica .. .. .. 4 Tubercular peritonitis .. .. 3 Senile insanity .. . . 1 Enteritis.. .. ■ • . . 10 Idiopathic convulsions . . . . 1 Peptic ulcer .. • • • • 2 Locomotor ataxia.. . . . . 1 Pyorrhoea .. .. .. 4 Herpes zoster .. .. 1 208 Meningitis T.B. . . .. 1 Neurasthenia .. . . 1 Respiratory system — — 42 Common colds .. . • • ■ 112 Bronchitis .. • • .. 70 Pleurisy .. .. • • • • 21 FeversAsthma .. ■ • •• 6 P.U.O. .. .. .. 50 Lobar pneumonia .. 3 Chicken-pox .. .. 4 Broncho-pneumonia .. . • 7 Leprosy .. . . .. 1 Pulmonary T.B. .. .. .. 22 Influenza .. . . .. 315 241 370

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Genito urinary—• General and supporting— Hematuria .. .. .. 2 Fractures .. .. .. 1 Orchitis .. .. .. 2 Synovitis .. .. . . 1 Gonorrhoea .. .. 45 Fibrositis .. .. 70 Pyelitis .. .. .. 6 Bursitis .. .. .. 2 Systitis .. .. .. 6 Pott's disease .. .. 3 Renal calculus .. .. .. 2 Chronic osteomyelitis .. .. 1 Pregrancy kidney .. .. 2 Injuries, minor .. .. 76 — 65 Umbilical ulceration .. .. 3 Umbilical hernia .. .. .. 2 Contracted muscle .. .. 1 T.B. arthritis .. .. .. 1 Diseases of women— Foreign body—Foot .. .. 1 Dysmenorrhoea .. .. .. 70 Fish-bite .. .. 2 Amenorrhcea .. .. 8 Poisoning .. .. 3 Menorrhagia .. .. .. 6 Malnutrition .. .. .. 1 Ovarian neuralgia .. .. 14 Debility .. .. .. 4 Ovarian cyst .. .. .. 6 Prematurity .. .. .. 1 Chronic mastis .. .. .. 1 Cellulitis .. .. . ■ 8 Cystic adenoma—Breast .. .. 1 Dermatitis .. .. • • 1 Hyperemesis .. .. 6 Phimosis .. .. 10 Abortion.. .. .. 3 Pediculosis .. .. 4 Threatened abortion .. .. 1 Abscess— Vaginitis.. .. .. ..2 Eyelid .. .. 1 Confinements .. .. .. 35 Buttock .. . . • • 1 Post-partum pains .. .. 35 Popliteal .. .. • ■ 1 Cervicitis .. .. .. 22 199 Salpingitis .. .. 6 Carcinoma—Body (uterus) .. .. 1 Special tropical — Fibroid uterus .. .. 3 Yaws .. .. • • .. 22 220 Filarial abcesses .. .. 30 Filarial fever .. .. .. 12 Elephantiasis .. .. ■ • 8 — 72 Ear, nose, and throat — Otitismedia .. .. .. 10 Skin conditions — Wax in ear .. .. .. 14 Ringworm .. .. .. 40 Furunculosis ear .. .. .. 8 Boils .. .. • • • ■ 251 Foreign body—Ear .. .. 1 Scabies .. .. .. .. 25 Nasal polypus .. .. .. 2 Prickly heat .. .. .. 8 Conjunctivitis .. .. ..50 Impetigo.. .. .. ..12 Blepharitis .. .. ..40 Urticaria.. .. .. ..4 125 340 SUMMARY. Alimentary system .. .. .. .. .. 208 Respiratory system .. .. .. .. .. 241 Circulatory and glandular .. .. .. .. 68 Genito-urinary .. .. .. .. .. 65 Disease of women .. .. .. .. .. 178 Skin-diseases .. .. .. .. .. 340 Nervous diseases .. .. .. .. .. 42 Ear, nose, and throat .. .. .. .. 125 Special tropical .. .. .. .. . • 72 Fevers .. .. .. .. • • • • 370 General and supporting .. .. .. .. 201 Total .. .. .. 1,910

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Classified List of Admissions to Hospital by Months for Year 1928.

31

Condition. j Jan. j Feb. jMarch. April, j May. June. July. Aug. Sept. Oct. Nov. Dec. Total. Alimentary— Peptic ulcer .. I 1 Tongue-tie .. .. .. .. .. 1 .. .. .. .. .. •. 1 Gastritis .. .. .. 1 .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 1 2 Jaundice .. .. 1 1 2 Stomatitis .. .. .. .. .. I .. .. .. .. .. . • 1 T.B.—Abdomen .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 1 .. .. .. .. 1 2 Colic .. .. .. .. 1 1 .. 2 - 11 Respiratory— T.B. —Pulmonary .. .. 1 1 T.B. —Pleurisy .. .. 1 .. 1 Fibroid lung .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 1 I 2 Bronchitis .. .. .. .. .. 1 1 2 Congested lung .. .. .. .. .. .. 1 1 Broncho-pneumonia .. .. .. .. .. 1 .. .. 1 I 3 Pneumonia .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 2 .. .. 2 - 12 Circulatory— Angina pectoris .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. . • 1 . • 1 Skin— Ulceration .. .. .. .. .. . • .. •. 1 .. •. .. • • • • 2 3 Boils and carbuncles.. .. .. .. .. .. .. •. •. •. .. •. • • 2 2 Impetigo .. .. .. .. .. •• •• •• •• •• I .. 1 •• 2 4 Paronychia.. .. .. .. .. •. .. .. . • .. • • . • • • • • 1 1 Cellulitis .. .. .. 1 1 1 I 1 2 7 Dermatitis .. .. 1 .. 2 3 ; - 20 General — Acute rheumatism .. .. .. .. 1 •. .. .. •. • • •. • • •. 1 2 Umbilical hernia .. .. .. .. .. 1 . . .. .. .. .. . • . • • • 1 Debility .. .. 1 1 2 Prematurity .. 1 1 Malnutrition .. I 1 1 3 Infectious — Chicken-pox .. .. .. •. • • • • • • • • • • • • 1 | Leprosy .. .. 1 1 Glandular — T.B. glands—Neck .. 1 1 .. 2 Nervous system — Idiopathic convulsions .. .. .. .. • • .. .. 1 Neuritis .. .. 1 1 Meningitis, T.B. .. • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • 1 • • • • • • • • 1 Herpes zoster .. •. 1 1 Neurasthenia .. .. •. • • • • • • • • • • • • • • 1 • • • • • • 1 5 Special Senses — Foreign body—Foot.. .. . • • • 1 • • • • • • • • • • • • I Acute otitis-media .. .. .. 2 2 Blepharitis .. .. • • • • • • • • 1 Acute furunculosis —Ear .. .. .. .. .. 1 .. .. •. .. • • • • • ■ I Acute conjunctivitis .. .. 1 1 •• 2 .. 1 5 Abscess —Eyelid .. .. 1 • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • 1 Tropical Diseases — Filarial fever .. • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • 1 Filarial abscess .. 1 1 2 Genito-urinary — Gonorrhoea.. .. •• 4 4 11 .. 4 2 3 .. .. .. .. 4 32 Ovarian cyst .. •• 1 •• 1 •• •• •• •• •• •• •• •• •• 2 Confinements .. ..2 1 2 1 3 2 5 2 ..2 ..1 21 Phimosis .. .. •• 1 •• •• •• •• 1 •• •• 2 Mastitis .. .. 1 1 Tumour —Uterus .. .. •• 1 1 2 Cervicitis .. .. • • 1 1 Ulcerated scrotum .. .. 1 Endomitritis .. 1 Menorrhagia .. 1 1 Urethritis .. .. 1 1 Hypermesis .. .. • • • • • • • • • • • • 1 • • • • 1 — 66 Totals .. .. 15 11 22 11 12 10 10 7 2 4 6 31 .. 141 [____

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Postal.

The following figures show the postal business transacted during the year, the total volume of business amounting to £9,579 19s. Bd., as against £10,311 4s. B|d. for 1927-28. £ s. d. Money-orders issued .. .. .. .. .. .. 3,799 1 5 Money-orders paid .. .. .. .. .. .. 2,462 15 0 Savings-bank deposits .. .. .. .. .. 1,405 1 0 Savings-bank withdrawals .. .. . . .. . . 259 15 11 New Zealand postal notes issued .. .. .. . . 112 5 5 New Zealand postal notes paid .. .. .. .. 16157 British postal orders paid. .. .. .. .. .. 268 Miscellaneous payments .. .. .. .. . . 955 2 6 Stamp sales .. .. . . .. .. .. .. 551 12 6 Trade-charge money-orders . . .. .. . . .. 15 3 8 Total .. .. .. .. .. .. £9,579 19 8

Return of Postal Business transacted during the Five Years 1924 to 1929, inclusive.

High Court. Return of Criminal Cases for the Year ended 31st December, 1928.

Return of Civil Cases. Judgment. Dismissed. Total. Debt and damages .. . • • • 1 .. 1 Divorce —Decree absolute .. .. .. 13 .. 13 Totals .. .. .. 14 .. 14

1924-25. 1925-26. 1926 -27. 1927-28. 1928-29. £ sell £ s d £ s d £ s d £ sd Money-orders issued .. .. 1,132 16 Ol 1,523 6 8 1,894 10 0 2,768 18 5 I 3,799 1 5 Money-orders paid .. .. 966 16 3 , 836 4 10 312 13 11 3,420 8 9 2,462 15 0 Savings-bank deposits .. .. 1,632 14 0 I 2,643 15 0 1,006 14 0 2,139 17 0 1,405 1 0 Savings-bank withdrawals .. j 300 11 3 | 222 17 13 112 16 11 574 7 3 259 15 11 New Zealand postal notes issued .. 48 15 8 I 62 10 3 111 10 0 112 18 9 112 5 5 New Zealand postal notes paid .. 1 5 9 11 10 11 6 12 4 8 18 11 16 .15 7 British postal orders paid .. 210 516 3 914 1 2 5 268 Miscellaneous payments .. .. 911 8 1 909 5 01 837 18 10 879 10 8|, 955 2 6 Stamp sales .. .. .. 252 2 9 424 16 0~ 405 10 0 405 2 6 ' 551 12 6 Trade-charge money-orders .. .. .. .. .. 15 3 8 Totals .. .. .. 5,248 10 9 6,640 2 10| 4,697 7 4 10,311 4 9,579 19 8

Male. Female. Offence. j : 1 Total. Convicted. Acquitted. Convicted, i Acquitted. _ _ J I i I Cook Islands Act: — Adultery .. • • • • 33 1 29 j 63 Disorderly conduct .. . • 17 .. 49 .. 66 Assault .. .. • • • • 15 1 14 | .. 30 Theft .. 5 1 9 1 16 Defamatory libel .. .. • ■ 5 .. 6 .. 11 Indecency .. ■■ •• 6 .. 3 .. 9 Burglary .. • • ■ • 4 • • • • • • 4 Mischief .. • ■ • • • • 3 j .. 1 ., 4 Wandering animals . - • • 2 j .. .. 2 Carnal knowledge .. .. .. 2 .. .. 2 Trespass .. .. • • • • 1 1 • • 1 Under Regulations : — ! Infectious diseases .. .. 2 .. .... 2 Under Ordinances: — Suppression of immorality .. .. 9 .. 14 .. 23 Failure to cultivate land .. .. 5 .. 2 .. - 7 Public health .. ■■ •• 2 .. 2 .. 4 Regulation of traffic .. .. 1 •. . • .. 1 Totals 111 3 | 130 | 1 245

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Native Land Court. Applications for adoptions —Orders granted .. .. .. 1 Applications for annulment of adoptions —Orders granted .. . , 4 Applications for confirmation of alienation of land —Order granted .. .. 1 Totals .. .. .. . , . . , . 6 Meteorological. Summarized, the readings for 1928 are as follows : Barometer : mean for year, 30-04. Thermometer : Highest, 96, in January ; lowest, 57, in August; mean maximum, 87-66 ; mean minimum, 63-83. Rainfall, 61-83 in. Rain fell on 154 days. Maximum rainfall on any one day, 5-15 in., on 9th July, 1928. A severe and quite unexpected gale of hurricane force struck the island on the night of Friday, the 18th January. For a few days prior to this blow the barometer had been dropping gradually, but, the indications were that it was a drop for rain, as the wind had been light and easterly, and, since the Apia Observatory issued no warnings of a cyclonic disturbance approaching, no particular notice was taken of the drop. Our first warning came from the " Maui Pomare " at midday on the 18th January, when Captain McDonald advised us that he had been driven out of Apia owing to a cyclone and that the vessel was hove-to. Even then there were no indications here that such a storm would come this way, as the weather conditions at that time were very good, except for the fact that it was raining steadily, with light easterly wind. At 1 p.m. the barometer showed a sudden drop, but the wind remained blowing steadily from the east right up until 4.30 p.m., when it suddenly died away. The sunset, which was reflected through an overcast sky, was first a dull amber colour, and later a dull leaden, with a very angry appearance. About 6 p.m. the wind freshened and became very fickle and squally, varying in direction from E.S.E. to E., and then suddenly to N.E. The cargo-boats, which had been launched in readiness for working the " Maui Pomare " when she arrived, were hauled up in case of accidents, which was fortunate, for at 7.30 p.m. the wind increased in intensity and was blowing a full gale at 9 p.m. from the N.W., with a very heavy and high sea rolling in and breaking right over the wharf. The peak of the gale was reached between 11 p.m. and midnight. The barometrical readings were as follows : 18th January —9 a.m., 29-63 ; 3.30 p.m., 29-549 ; 6.30 p.m., 29-537 ; 10 p.m., 29-519 ; midnight, 29-489. 19th January—2 a.m., 29-499 : 4 a.m., 29-529 ; and 9 a.m., 29-634. A great deal of damage was done to both coconut-palms and banana-plants. The " Maui Pomare " arrived off Niue at 10-30 a.m. on Sunday, the 20th January, but owing to the very high sea running it was impossible for her to come up to the anchorage. The wind was blowing hard from the W.N.W., which made it dangerous for her to come anywhere near the coast on the west side. She then proceeded to the other side of the island and sheltered there for four days. The wind was still blowing strong from the N.W., and mountainous seas were running, making it absolutely impossible to work the vessel, and on the 23rd, as there were no signs of the weather abating, she proceeded on her voyage to New Zealand. It was well she did so, as the weather did not abate until Sunday, the 27th January. There were 2,250 cases of fruit ready for shipment, and it was extremely hard on the shippers that they lost such a valuable cargo. lam pleased to report that they took it in the right spirit, and their only concern seemed to be for the safety of the vessel.

Meteorological Return for the Year ended 31st December, 1928.

Maximum temperature, 96° F., in January. Minimum temperature, 57° F., in August. Maximum rainfall any one day, 5-15 in., on 9th July. Average monthly rainfall, 5-15 in. Average number of days with rain, 12-83.

Temperature. J Number of Maximum Month. ' Barometer. r — R -° i. Days Rain on any . I hi- • ! am a ' I with Rain. one Day. Maximum. Minimum. J I I I L I Deg. Fah. Deg. Fah. j Inches. Inches. January .. .. 29-87 ! 96 70 ; 10-00 13 4-30 February .. .. 30-03 91 69 4-91 15 1-28 March ' .. .. 29-99 91 71 7-17 19 3-93 April I 30-06 88 67 2-61 12 1-49 May .. .. 30-07 87 64 3-43 20 2-21 June .. ..I 30-06 83 59 0-82 6 0-47 July .. .. 1 30-06 84 58 7-69 15 5-15 August .. .. 30-13 84 57 4-67 14 1-82 September . . .. j 30-12 86 60 2-41 7 1-12 October .. .. 30-05 87 63 i 5-69 9 2-17 November . . .. 30-00 85 65 I 7-26 13 2-43 December .. .. 29-97 90 63 I 5-17 11 2-03 . Totals .. 360-42 | 1,052 i 766 ! 61-83 154 Means .. ' 30-04 87-66 j 63-83 i 5-15 i 12-83 5-15

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Meteorological Records.

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

Considerable trouble during the year has been experienced with the engine and magneto, and it is hoped to remedy this early in the coming year. Radio press news has been issued free twice weekly to all Europeans throughout the year. Public Works. Roads.—General maintenance work has been carried out on all roads by prison labour. The roads from Alofi Central to Tufukia and Vailolo have been re-formed and top-dressed with ma/cajiala. A large number of overhanging trees were felled ; these have been cut up for firewood at the hospital. Government Buildings. —Hospital: The rebuilding of the outbuildings at the hospital have been completed, by the erection of new bath and store rooms at both the male and female quarters. Concrete reservoirs, with a capacity of 1,500 gallons each, have been erected to supply the bathrooms. Medical Officer's Residence.—A new cookhouse has been erected on the same level and adjoining the residence, and a new range fitted. The old cookhouse has been converted into a laundry, and a concrete Hudson boiler and copper fitted. Bathroom and reservoir : A new bathroom has been erected on the west side, also a concrete reservoir with a capacity of 1,500 gallons. Furniture and paintwork : All furniture has been renovated, and paintwork painted, both inside and out. Government Offices : An extension to the main office has been made by the erection of a new oifi.ee, 15 ft. by 15 ft., for the Commissioner. Structural alterations have been made by pulling down the dividing wall between the Treasurer's and Resident Commissioner's old office, thus enlarging the Treasury and post-office by some 180 square feet. This was badly needed owing to the large increase in parcel-post work. Quarrying. —The prison gang were employed in quarrying rock for the foundations and building-up of the floors of the new office, also for the verandas of the main office. Motor Transport. —The two cars and four lorries have been taken down, thoroughly overhauled, repaired, and repainted, and are now in good running order. Boats.—Two new surf-boats have been purchased during the year. These were specially designed for the class of work required of them, and have a carrying-capacity of 4 tons each. The two old boats, which were second-hand when acquired by the Administration, were beyond repair, and have been condemned. Boat-channel. —Further improvements to the boat-channel have been made by blasting away a portion of the reef on the south side.

Temperature. Barometer. ; ! Rainfall. I Da y s . witl » Maximum Rain , Rain. on any one Day. Maximum. 1 Minimum. I I 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 54 0-08 1 0-06 (Mar., 1911) (July, 1911) J (July, 1915) (June, 1915) (July, 1911) (June, 1915)

Inwards. | Outwards. L Gross I Receipts. | Messages. Words. Messages. Words. ! - _ _ _ _ £ 8. d. First quarter .. .. .. .. 53 392 57 469 35 12 8| Second quarter .. .. .. 114 1,107 81 920 64 7 7" Third quarter.. .. .. .. 106 1,119 82 938 69 9 3 Fourth quarter .. .. .. 94 1,015 112 1,110 70 11 6 Totals .. .. .. 367 3,633 332 3,437 240 1 OJ

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Education. We continue to make good progress in educational matters, carrying out the scheme mentioned in the last annual report. During the absence on furlough of the headmaster the schools have been conducted by the senior assistants. lam pleased to report that the work in both schools has proceeded both smoothly and satisfactorily. The following are the attendance figures of both schools for the past year : —

The report of the Headmaster is attached hereto. London Missionary Society Subsidized Schools. —The Government subsidy for the year was paid to the local missionary. The local missionary left Niue in September last and no European missionary having yet been appointed in his place, the affairs of the London Missionary Society are in the hands of the senior Native pastor. lam pleased to report he is taking great interest in this branch of his work. The following are the attendance figures of the ten Mission schools for the past year —

Average attendance for the year, 425-4. The following are extracts from the annual report of the headmaster : — " Organization and Staff. —This year the two schools have been brought under the charge of one headmaster. The method of training probationer teachers instituted at Hakupu last year has been introduced at Tufukia. The Native handicraft and sewing mistresses employed from the village for one or two days each week have been replaced by senior and ex pupils with sufficient experience in these subjects. In addition to teaching their special subjects, they put in full time at school, receiving valuable training under the senior teachers. If after a sufficient period of time they prove to be unsuitable for future employment as teachers they are replaced by others. They will form a nucleus from which future vacancies will be filled. " The classification of the Native teachers has been put on a better and more definite footing, and arrangements have been made for all teachers to receive tuition and instruction in all school subjects and school method. All teachers are to be examined, and certificates awarded to those successful. During the past three months classes have been held at Tufukia every Friday, and the teachers from both schools have attended regularly. These classes will be continued next year until all teachers are certificated. " The work of the staff generally is satisfactory. " Instruction. —Despite the break caused by the influenza epidemic, the work of the schools has made good progress. The children, almost without exception, are keen, hardworking, and intelligent. " The special features of the work this year has been to improve (a) teaching in the vernacular, (b) teaching of handicraft and sewing. " There is little incentive for the children to speak English outside the school, as the whole work of the island is carried on in the Native tongue. Until there is a bigger demand for spoken English much of the time previously spent in teaching it can be put to better use. The first three years (Primers 1-3) are now almost wholly devoted to the Native language, while the change to English begins during the fourth year, and increases as the child proceeds through the school. Provision is made in all classes for the continuation of instruction in the vernacular, at least one day a week being devoted to it in the senior classes. The books of Niue phonics and reading-matter compiled at Hakupu School have been revised and brought into use at Tufukia. The results of this change has been very encouraging, while at Hakupu, where this arrangement has been longer in use, the children's knowledge of their own language has made very rapid strides. The greatest need at present is for more suitable reading-matter in the Native language, and it is hoped that next year will see an adequate increase in the supply.

6—A. 3.

Tufukia. Hakupu. Males. Females. Total. i Males, i Females. Total. I I | ' III Number on roll, 1st January, 1928 .. 78 79 157 i 40 24 64 Number on roll, 31st December, 1928 .. 90 79 169 i 38 24 62 I | Average weekly number on roll .. 86-13 83-77 169-9 40-07 24-94 65-01 Average attendance .. .. .. 76-94 77-59 154-53 35-55 23-01 58-56

Number on Rolls. Males. | Females. ! Total. Attendance First quarter .. .. 251 220 471 445-9 Second quarter .. .. 254 223 477 446-4 Third quarter .. .. 245 221 466 377-0 Fourth quarter .. .. 251 222 473 432-3 . ■■ - ' I '

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36

" The change from the village teachers for handicraft to full-term probationers has resulted in a great advance in the quality of the work, especially at Tufukia, where basket-making is not a village occupation as it is at Hakupu. The girls employed are maintaining better discipline and showing greater interest in their work than the casual instructress, and are better able to correlate the work in drawing with the making of baskets. " The sewing teachers are directly under the charge of the wife of the headmaster, who closely supervises the work at both Tufukia and Hakupu. Progress is necessarily slow if it is to be thoroughly done, but good work is being done, and next year should find a good advance in the elements of needlework. " Agriculture.—Owing to the scarcity of soil on Niue in general and at Tufukia in particular, this is a most difficult subject to obtain useful results. At Hakupu a small section of land has been planted with different varieties of bananas, while another section has been devoted to growing cotton. Both crops are showing up well, and, as the children are keeping records, much useful information should be gained. "At Tufukia little can be done except with a view to improving the environment. A section of land has been made available for the use of the school at some little distance from the school. This is being cleared with a view to growing bananas, taro, and fa. The latter for use at the school for basket-making and other Native handicraft. This land should be ready for planting next year. " The general school subjects are all progressing well. Regular progressive lessons on health and hygiene have been given, and next year it is intended, with the co-operation of the medical Officer, to give special lessons to the staff on this most important branch of school work. " During the year books on English, arithmetic, reading, and spelling have been written specially to meet local requirements, and with their assistance there should be no difficulty in carrying on the work continuously while I am away. " The past three year's work on Niue has been full of interest and instruction for myself as well as the children. With the knowledge gained it is intended to draft out a new syllabus of instruction suitable for our special needs. More consideration will be given to handicraft and teaching in the vernacular, as being of more practical value than aiming at any advanced standard of English and arithmetic. " The assistance given and consideration shown by the Resident Commissioner to the school and staff in past years has been again extended to us and is fully appreciated by all."

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APPENDICES.

APPENDIX A. Cook Islands Administration. Return of Imports to Rarotonga for the Year ended 31st December, 1928.

Article. Whence imported. Value. _ . — £ £ Agricultural produce .. .. New Zealand .. .. 973 United States of America .. 78 Tahiti .. .. .. 91 I 1,142 Animals, live — Fowls .. .. .. .. ■. New Zealand .. .. 5 Dog ». .. .. .. .. ,, •. • • ! 4 9 Apparel .. .. .. .. .. New Zealand .. .. 1,427 United Kingdom .. .. 953 United States of America .. 224 France .. .. .. 93 Tahiti .. .. .. 77 Germany .. .. .. 30 Japan .. .. .. 15 Australia .. .. .. 2 Belgium .. .. .. 103 Western Samoa .. .. 33 Czechoslovakia .. .. 2 Switzerland .. .. .. 12 2,971 Arms, ammunition, &c. .. .. .. New Zealand .. .. 237 United Kingdom .. .. 2 239 Articles of textile not being apparel, &c. .. New Zealand .. .. 803 United States of America .. 164 United Kingdom .. .. 890 Japan .. .. .. 163 Tahiti .. .. .. 6 Germany .. .. .. 19 France .. .. .. 13 Holland .. .. .. 3 Western Samoa .. .. 22 Belgium .. .. .. 22 ■ 2,105 Bacon and hams .. .. .. .. New Zealand .. .. 339 United States of America .. 1 340 Bags and sacks .. .. .. .. New Zealand .. .. 609 India .. .. .. i 645 United States of America .. 584 1,838 Bamboo .. .. . • • • • • Tahiti .. .. .. .. 124 Beer .. .. • • • • • • New Zealand .. .. .. 181 Beverages, non-alcoholic .. .. .. „ .. .. 63 Tahiti .. .. .. 15 Australia .. .. .. 4 82 Bicycles and motors .. .. ..New Zealand .. .. 1,560 United States of America .. 379 United Kingdom .. .. 452 Germany .. .. .. 3 Holland .. .. .. 15 Canada .. .. .. 870 3,279 Biscuits .. .. .. .. •• New Zealand .. .. 5,533 Australia .. .. .. 7 Fiji .. .. .. 42 5,582 Boots and shoes .. .. .. .. New Zealand .. .. 422 United Kingdom .. .. 229 United States of America .. 303 Tahiti .. .. .. 2 Canada .. .. .. 549 1,505

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38

Return of Imports to Rarotonga for the Year ended 31st December, 1928 —continued.

Article. Whence imported. Value. £ £ Brush ware .. .. .. New Zealand .. .. 84 United States of America .. 7 United Kingdom .. .. 10 France.. .. .. .. 1 102 Building-materials .. .. .. New Zealand .. .. 496 United States of America .. 31 527 Butter and cheese .. .. .. .. New Zealand .. .. 2,542 United Kingdom .. .. 4 2,546 Carriageware .. .. .. New Zealand .. .. 12 United States of America .. 288 ' 300 Cement .. .. .. .. .. New Zealand .. .. .. 407 Cinema goods .. .. .. .. „ .. .. 641 Tahiti .. .. .. 32 Australia .. .. .. 1 674 Coal .. .. .. .. .. New Zealand .. .. .. 34 Confectionery .. .. .. .. ,, .. .: 600 United States of America .. 5 Tahiti .. .. .. 3 608 Cordage .. .. .. .. .. New Zealand .. .. 752 United States of America .. 237 Tahiti .. .. .. 4 993 Cotton piece-goods .. .. .. New Zealand .. .. 1,168 United States of America .. 1,392 United Kingdom .. .. 6,279 India .. .. .. 23 Fiji .. .. . . .. 3 France .. .. .. 21 Japan .. ,. .. 4 Czecho-Slovakia .. .. 30 Australia .. .. .. 1 Austria .. .. .. 36 8,957 Drapery .. .. .. .. .. New Zealand .. .. 3,662 United States of America .. 35 United Kingdom .. .. 365 Germany .. .. .. 207 Switzerland .. .. .. 147 France .. .. .. 5 Belgium .. .. .. 7 Austria .. .. .. 136 Czecho-Slovakia .. .. 1 Australia .. .. .. 2 4,567 Drugs .. .. .. .. .. New Zealand .. .. 687 United States of America .. 89 United Kingdom .. .. 49 Australia .. .. .. 18 843 Earthenware, glassware, and lampware .. New Zealand .. .. 364 United States of America .. 255 United Kingdom .. .. 108 Australia .. .. .. 11 France .. .. .. 25 Tahiti .. .. .. 15 Germany .. .. .. 46 Holland .. .. .. 3 Japan .. .. .. 4

A.—3

Return of Imports to Rarotonga for the Year ended 31st December, 1928—continued.

39

Article. Whence imported. Value. £ £ Earthenware, glassware, and lampware—continued. Western Samoa .. .. 17 Czech o-Slovakia .. .. 10 Belgium .. .. .. 2 ■ — 860 Fancy goods .. .. .. .. New Zealand . . .. 387 United States of America .. 304 United Kingdom .. .. 72 Australia .. .. .. 8 France .. .. .. 99 Germany .. .. .. 36 Norway .. .. .. 12 Belgium .. .. .. 1 Italy .. .. .. 5 Austria .. .. .. 8 Czecho-Slovakia .. .. 6 Japan .. .. .. 7 Tahiti 41 India .. .. .. 32 1,018 Fertilizer .. .. .. .. .. New Zealand .. .. .. 147 Fish, preserved .. .. .. .. ,, . ■ ■ • 470 United States of America .. 207 United Kingdom .. .. 55 Canada .. .. .. 449 Norway .. .. .. 51 1,232 Flour .. .. .. .. .. New Zealand .. .. 1,714 United States of America .. 309 Australia .. .. 3,989 6,012 Furniture .. .. .. .. ..New Zealand .. .. 763 United States of America .. 45 United Kingdom .. .. 124 Australia .. .. .. 59 Tahiti .. .. .. 1 Poland .. .. .. 21 1,013 Hardware .. .. .. .. New Zealand .. .. 2,084 United States of America .. 397 United Kingdom .. .. 520 Australia .. .. .. 32 Germany .. .. .. 58 France .. .. .. 47 Western Samoa .. .. 6 3,144 Hats and caps .. .. .. .. New Zealand .. .. 20 United States of America .. 36 United Kingdom .. .. 6 Tahiti .. .. . • 3 Italy .. .. .. 2 Switzerland .. .. .. 5 72 Hosiery .. .. .. .. .. New Zealand .. .. 8 United Kingdom .. .. 28 United States of America .. 131 167 Hops .. .. .. .. .. New Zealand .. .. 59 United Kingdom .. .. 4 63 Instruments, musical .. .. .. New Zealand .. .. 61 United Kingdom .. .. 15 United States of America .. 494 Germany .. .. . • 46 Western Samoa .. .. 66 682 Iron, bar .. .. .. .. .. New Zealand .. . ■ 128 United States of America .. 1 129

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Return of Imports to Rarotonga for the Year ended 31st December, 1928 —continued.

Article. Whence imported. Value. £ £ Iron, galvanized .. .. .. .. New Zealand . . .. 926 United Kingdom .. .. 292 1,218 Iron, pipes .. .. .. .. New Zealand . . .. .. 151 Iron, wire .. .. .. .. ,, .. .. 181 United States of America .. 26 United Kingdom .. .. 13 — 220 Jewellery .. .. .. .. .. New Zealand .. .. 93 United States of America .. 4 United Kingdom .. .. 75 Germany .. .. .. 49 Switzerland .. .. .. 42 Czecho-Slovakia .. .. 23 France .. .. .. 5 Austria .. .. .. 1 292 Leatherware .. .. .. New Zealand .. .. 58 United Kingdom .. .. 1 United States of America .. 15 74 Machinery, sewing .. .. .. .. New Zealand .. .. 35 United States of America .. 124 United Kingdom .. .. 33 192 Machinery n.e.i. .. .. .. . • New Zealand . . .. 607 United States of America .. 263 Tahiti .. .. .. 2 Australia . . .. .. 166 France .. .. .. 2 United Kingdom .. .. 47 1,087 Machinery, electric .. .. .. New Zealand .. .. 16 17 United States of America .. 501 Switzerland .. .. .. 1 Germany .. .. .. 13 j —— 682 Matches .. .. .. • • • • New Zealand .. .. ! 537 United Kingdom .. .. 1 271 Sweden .. .. .. j 10 j 818 Meat, preserved .. .. .. ..New Zealand .. .. 12,596 United States of America .. 1 12,597 Meat, salt .. .. . • • • New Zealand .. .. .. 736 Meat, frozen .. .. .. . • „ .. .... 1,284 Milk, preserved .. .. .. . • ,, .. . • 798 United States of America .. 53 United Kingdom .. .. 1 Australia .. .. .. 3 • 855 Mails .. .. .. .. .. New Zealand .. .. 823 United States of America .. 93 United Kingdom .. .. 26 j Tahiti .. .. .. 1 Australia .. .. . - j 4 i 947 OilKerosene, &c. .. .. .. .. New Zealand .. .. I 1,106 United States of America .. I 1,881 2,987 N.e.i. .. .. .. .. .. New Zealand .. .. 201 United States of America .. 599 United Kingdom .. .. 58 Tahiti .. .. .. 6 France .. .. .. 4 Australia .. .. .. 1 869

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41

Return of Imports to Rarotonga for the Year ended 31st December, 1928 —continued.

Article. Whence imported. Value. £ £ Paints n.e.i. .. .. .. .. j New Zealand .. .. 428 United States of America .. 211 United Kingdom .. .. 150 — i 789 Paper, wrapping .. .. .. New Zealand .. .. 963 United States of America .. 163 Australia .. .. .. 18 France .. .. .. 16 Canada .. .. .. 100 Tahiti .. .. .. ' 44 Sweden .. .. i 36 | 1,340 Perfumery .. .. .. .. New Zealand .. .. 24 United Kingdom .. .. 43 France .. .. .. 51 Tahiti .. .. .. 35 153 Photographic goods .. .. New Zealand .. .. 12 United States of America .. 88 United Kingdom .. .. 1 9 France .. .. .. I 10 | 119 Plants and seeds .. .. .. .. New Zealand .. .. 55 United States of America .. 1 United Kingdom .. .. 1 7 ! 63 Provisions n.e.i. .. .. .. .. New Zealand .. .. 2,771 United States of America .. 531 United Kingdom .. .. 131 Australia .. .. .. 21 Holland .. .. .. 3 — 3,457 Rice .. .. .. .. .. New Zealand .. .. 249 Australia .. .. .. 524 India .. .. .. 450 China .. .. .. 50 —— 1,273 Saddlery .. .. .. .. .. New Zealand .. .. 26 United States of America .. 138 164 Silk .. .. .. ... .. New Zealand .. .. 287 United States of America .. 81 United Kingdom .. .. j 141 Japan .. .. .. 282 France .. .. .. 16 807 Soap .. .. .. .. .. New Zealand .. .. 1,563 United States of America .. J 14 1,577 Spirits—Whisky .. .. .. .. . • New Zealand I 34 Tahiti .. .. .. 29 Brandy .. .. .. .. .. ,, .. .. .. | 24 Gin .. .. .. . ■ • ■ New Zealand .. .. j 10 Rum .. .. .. • • • • Tahiti .. .. .. 125 222 Spirits, methylated.. .. .. .. New Zealand .. .. .. 26 Stationery .. .. ■ ■ • • ,, • • • • 856 United States of America .. 60 United Kingdom .. .. 357 Belgium .. .. . . 1 Australia .. .. . . 11 Western Samoa .. .. j 66 France .. .. .. 3 i 1,354

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Return of Imports to Rarotonga for the Year ended 31st December, 1928 —continued.

Return of Imports into the Port of Avarua for the Year ended, 31st December, 1928. SUMMARY. £ £ New Zealand .. .. ..81,511 Czecho-Slovakia .. .. .. 72 United Kingdom .. .. 12,502 Belgium .. .. .. 136 United States of America .. 11,872 Norway .. .. .. 63 Australia .. .. .. 5,022 China .. .. .. .. 50 Canada .. .. .. 1,968 Holland.. .. .. .. 48 India .. .. .. .. 1,181 Sweden .. .. .. .. 48 Tahiti .. .. .. .. 1,044 Fiji .. .. .. .. 45 Germany .. .. .. 531 Poland .. .. .. .. 21 Japan .. .. .. .. 475 Italy .. .. .. .. 7 Prance .. .. .. .. 441 South Africa .. .. .. 4 Western Samoa .. .. .. 210 Switzerland .. .. .. 207 £117,639 Austria .. .. .. 181 ' — —

Article. Whence imported. | Value, I ' £ £ Sugar .. .. .. .. .. New Zealand ,. .. .. 5,349 Tea, coffee, and cocoa .. .. .. . ... .. 384 United Kingdom .. .. 26 ! India .. .. .. 31 441 Timber, sawn .. .. .. .. New Zealand .. . , 685 United States of America . . 640 Australia .. . . . . 99 1,424 Timber, shooks .. .. .. .. New Zealand ... 14,155 Tobacco .. .. .. .. .. „ .. .. 3,011 United States of America .. I 90 United Kingdom .. ... 145 Tahiti .. .. .. 47 South Africa .. .. .. 4 Holland 24 Australia .. .. .. 2 3,323 Toilet preparations .. .. .. New Zealand .. .. 62 United States of America .. 77 United Kingdom .. .. 9 Prance .. .. .. 16 Tahiti .. .. .. 4 168 Tools .. .. .. .. .. New Zealand .. . . 142 United States of America .. 318 United Kingdom .. .. 118 Germany .. .. .. 16 Sweden .. .. .. 2 Australia .. .. .. 27 623 Wine— Port .. .. .. .. .. Tahiti .. .. .. 10 White .. .. .. .. .. ,, .. .. .. 75 Claret .. .. .. .. .. „ .. .. .. 139 224 Woodenware .. .. .. .. New Zealand .. .. 196 Australia .. .. .. 10 United States of America .. 65 Tahiti .. .. .. 19 290 Miscellaneous .. .. .. New Zealand .. .. 478 United States of America .. 99 United Kingdom . . . . 124 Tahiti .. .. . . 94 Australia .. .. .. 2 797 Total .. .. £117,641

A.—3

Return of Exports from the Port of Avarua for the Year ended 31st December, 1928.

SUMMARY. £ New Zealand .. .. .. .. .. 96,470 United States of America .. .. .. .. 25,667 United Kingdom .. .. .. .. 9,244 Western Samoa .. .. .. .. .. 1,548 Tahiti .. .. .. .. .. .. 122 £133,051

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43

Article. Exported to I Quantity. Value. Cases. £ Oranges .. .. .. New Zealand .. .. 141,317 57,637 Bananas .. .. .. „ .. .. 47,410 19,690 Tomatoes .. .. .. ,, .. .. 51,929 i 17,640 Tahiti .. .. .. 26 9 51,955 17,649 Mandarins .. .. .. New Zealand .. .. 837 317 Tahiti .. .. .. 8 2 845 319 Lemons .. .. .. New Zealand .. .. Ill 42 Grapefruit .. .. .. ,, .. .. 42 32 Mangoes .. .. .. „ .. .. 2 1 Avocado pears .. .. „ .. .. 2 1 Kumaras .. .. .. ,, .. .. 65 15 Tahiti .. .. .. 2 1 67 16 Taro .. .. .. New Zealand .... 18 5 Tahiti .. .. .. 21 6 39 11 Cucumbers .. .. .. New Zealand .... 3 1 Packages. Fruit-juice .. .. .. „ .. .. 61 100 Sacks. Coconuts .. .. .. „ ■ • • • 1,344 604 Gunnies. United States of America .. 804 202 Packages. —— 2,148 806 Tona cwt. qr. lb. Copra .. .. .. United States of America .. 1,369 1 2 8 25,465 United Kingdom .. .. 308 0 3 13 5,869 Western Samoa .. .. 81 18 0 0 1,548 New Zealand .. .. 10 10 0 0 189 1,769 10 1 21 33,071 Coffee-beans.. .. .. „ • • • ✓ 2 4 1 26 188 Candle-nuts .. .. .. ,, • ■ • ■ 1 13 0 0 8 Beef, frozen.. .. .. Tahiti .. .. .. 1 4 2 16 104 Pearl-shell .. .. . • United Kingdom .. .. 19 17 0 20 724 Pearls .. .. „ ■■ ■■ 2,650 Sponges .. .. .. „ ■ ■ • • • • 1 £133,051

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Return of Imports and Exports, Port of Avarua, for the Fourteen Years 1915 to 1928, inclusive.

APPENDIX B. Niue Island Administration. Return of Imports into the Port of Alofi for the Year ended 31st December, 1928.

Year. | Imports. Exports. jTotal Value. Year. Imports. Exports. .Total Value. I l__ . _ I £ £ £ £ £ £ 1915 .. .. 65,590 63,057 128,647 1922 .. .. 116,726 125,802 242,528 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 .. .. 130,609 151,939 282,548 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 69,301 182,275 1928.. .. 117,639 133,051 250,690

Article. , Whence imported. Value. . __ _ . £ £ Agricultural produce .. .. New Zealand .. .. .. 44 Ale and stout .. .. .. .. „ .. .... 89 Apparel .. .. .. .. .. „ .. .. 633 Western Samoa .. .. 21 United Kingdom .. .. 288 Tonga .. .. .. 6 Japan .. .. .. 37 United States of America .. 78 American Samoa .. .. 3 Canada .. .. .. 23 1,089 Arms, ammunition, &c. .. .. .. New Zealand .. .. .. 220 Bacon and ham .. .. .. .. ,, .. .... 6 Bags and sacks .. .. .. .. „ .. .. 727 Western Samoa .. .. 92 Australia .. .. .. 56 875 Beverages, non-alcoholic .. .. .. New Zealand .. .. .. 18 Bicycles and parts .. .. .. „ .. .. .. 464 United Kingdom .. .. 59 523 Biscuits .. .. ,. .. .. New Zealand .. .. 656 Western Samoa .. .. 2 658 Blue .. .. .. .. .. New Zealand .. .. .. 19 Boats .. .. .. .. .. „ .. .... 209 Boots and shoes .. .. .. .. „ .. .. 255 United Kingdom .. .. 28 • 283 Brushware .. .. .. .. New Zealand .. .. .. 13 Butter and cheese .. .. .. .. | „ .. .. .. 147 Carriages and parts .. .. .. ,, .. .... 4 Cement, &c. .. .. .. .. „ .. .... 194 Confectionery .. .. .. .. ,, .. .. 81 United States of America .. 2 83 Cordage and twine .. .. .. New Zealand .. .. 26 United Kingdom .. .. 30 Australia .. .. .. 8 — 64 Cotton piece-goods .. .. .. New Zealand .. .. 714 United Kingdom .. .. 1,590 Western Samoa .. .. 19 —— 2,323 Cotton, sewing .. .. .. .. New Zealand .. .. 23 United Kingdom .. . . 71 94

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Return of Imports into the Port of Alofi for the Year ended 31st December, 1928—continued.

Article. Whence imported. Value. £ £ Crockery, &c. .. .. .. .. New Zealand .. .. 7 United Kingdom .. .. 9 16 Cutlery .. .. .. .. .. New Zealand .. .. 24 United Kingdom .. .. 2 Australia .. .. .. 19 45 Drapery .. .. .. .. .. New Zealand .. .. 108 United Kingdom .. .. 77 Western Samoa .. .. 1 Japan .. .. .. 15 201 Drugs .. .. .. .. .. New Zealand .. .. .. 400 Fancy goods .. .. .. .. „ .. .. 210 United Kingdom .. . . 96 Tonga .. .. .. 1 United States of America .. 1 308 Fish, preserved .. .. ... .. New Zealand .. .. 361 Canada .. .. .. 50 United States of America .. 30 441 Fish-hooks .. .. .. .. New Zealand .. .. J 11 Australia .. .. .. I 27 38 Flour .. .. .. .. .. New Zealand .. .. 102 Australia .. .. .. 155 257 Fruit— Dried .. .. .. .. .. New Zealand .. .. .. 11 Fresh .. .. .. .. . • ,, • • •• 42 Canada .. .. .. 7 49 Preserved .. .. .. New Zealand .. .. 37 Canada .. .. .. 2 39 Furniture, &c. .. .. .. .. New Zealand .. .. 41 Australia .. .. .. 10 United Kingdom .. .. 44 95 Glass, sheet .. .. .. ■ ■ New Zealand .. .. .. 3 Hardware .. .. .. • ■ ,, • • • • 285 United Kingdom .. .. 55 Australia .. .. .. 8 348 Hats and caps .. .. .. • • New Zealand .. .. 33 United Kingdom .. .. 1 — 34 Hosiery .. .. . • • ■ • • New Zealand .. .. 33 United Kingdom .. .. 5 38 Instruments, musical .. .. New Zealand .. .. 304 United Kingdom .. .. 15 319 Iron — Roofing .. . • • • • • New Zealand .. .. .. 346 Pipes .. .. . • • • • • ,, • • .... 11 Tanks .. .. • • • • • ■ jj • • • • • • 98 Wire .. .. • • • • • • » • • .... 19 Jam .. .. • • • • • • >> • • .... 30 Lace .. .. • • ■ • • • United Kingdom .. .. 23 New Zealand .. .. 7 — 30 Lamps, &c. .. • • • • • • ,> ■ ■ .... 48 Machinery — Printing ■ .. • • • • • • » • • .... 4 Radio .. .. •• • •• » •• .... -83 Machines, sewing .. .. • • • • „ _ • • ■ • 16 Australia .. .. .. 22 United Kingdom .. .. 5 43

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46

Return of Imports into the Port of Alofi for the Year ended 31st December, 1928 —continued.

Article. Whence imported. Value. £ £ Matches .. .. .. .. .. New Zealand .. .. .. 302 Meats — Preserved .. .. .. .. ,, .. .. 1,486 Western Samoa .. .. 9 1,495 Salted .. .. .. .. .. New Zealand .. .. .. 66 Milk, preserved .. .. .. .. ,, .. .... 195 Motor-cars and parts .. .. .. „ .. .... 642 Nails .. .. .. .. . - „ .. .. 60 Western Samoa .. .. 10 70 Oils— Kerosene, &c. .. .. .. .. New Zealand .. .. 609 Western Samoa .. .. 15 624 N.e.i. .. .. .. .". .. New Zealand .. .. .. 58 Paints and varnisli .. .. .. „ .. .... 56 Paper — Printing .. .. .. .. ,, .. .... 11 Wrapping .. .. .. .. ,, .. .... 17 Perfumery n.e.i. .. .. .. .. ,, .. .... 81 Photographic materials .. .. .. „ .. .... 1 Pipes, tobacco .. .. .. .. „ .. .. 17 Australia .. .. .. 1 — 18 Poultry, live .. .. .. .. Western Samoa .. .. | .. 2 Provisions n.e.i. .. .. .. .. New Zealand .. .. 204 Western Samoa .. .. 2 206 Rails, railway .. .. .. New Zealand .. .. .. 50 Rice .. .. .. • • • • „ ■ ■ .... 139 Rugs .. .. .. ■. • • ,, • • • • 118 United Kingdom .. .. 8 Western Samoa .. .. 3 -—— 129 Saddlery and harness .. .. .. New Zealand .. .. .. 11 Soap .. .. ■ • • • • • ,, • • • • 300 United Kingdom .. .. 3 303 Silk .. .. • • • • • • New Zealand .. .. 129 United Kingdom .. .. 8 137 Specie .. .. . ■ ■ • • • New Zealand .. .. 200 Western Samoa .. .. 300 -— 500 Spirits — Brandy .. ■ . . • • • • • New Zealand .. .. .. 45 Gin .. . • • • • • • • ,, •. .... 3 Whisky .. .. .. .. .. „ .. .... 28 Stationery .. .. .. .. ,, .. .. 322 United Kingdom .. .. 2 Australia .. .. .. 62 386 Sugar .. .. .. • ■ . • New Zealand .. .. .. 173 Tea, coSee, &c. .. .. .. .. „ .. .... 59 Timber — Sawn .. .. .. .. .. ,, .. .. 191 Australia .. .. .. 13 204 Shooks .. .. .. .. .. New Zealand .. .. .. 1,189 Tobacco, &c. .. .. .. .. „ .. .. 267 Australia .. .. .. 666 -—— 933 Tools .. .. .. .. .. New Zealand .. .. 35 United Kingdom .. .. 7 United States of America .. 7 49

A.—3

Return of Imports into the Port of Alofi for the Year ended 31st December, 1928 —continued.

Summary. £ New Zealand .. .. .. .. .. 14,403 Western Samoa .. .. .. .. .. 476 United Kingdom .. .. .. .. .. 2,476 Australia .. . .. .. .. 1,027 Canada .. .. .. .. .. .. 82 United States of America .. .. .. .. 118 American Samoa .. .. .. .. . 3 Japan .. .. .. .. .. .. 52 £18,637

Return of Exports from the Port of Alofi for the Year ended 31st December, 1928.

47

I Article. , Whence imported. Value. £ £ Toilet preparations .. .. New Zealand .. .. 25 United Kingdom .. .. 2 27 Trunks .. .. .. .. .. New Zealand .. .. .. 9 Umbrellas . . .. .. .. ,, .. .. 38 United Kingdom .. .. 21 ■ 59 Vegetables— Fresh .. .. .. .. .. New Zealand .. .. .. 46 Preserved .. .. .. .. „ .. .. .. j .. 5 Total .. .. £18.637

Article. . Exported to Quantity. Value. lb. ! £ Arrowroot .. .. .. Western Samoa .. .. 360 6 Apparel . . .. .. New Zealand .. .. .. 15 Cases. Bananas .. .. .. „ .. .. 13,933 6,227 Bunches. 97 27 6,254 Dozen. Baskets .. .. .. „ .. .. 3,092| j 2,292 American Samoa .. .. 10 7 Hawaii .. .. .. 80 66 3,1821 2,365 lb. Brushware .. .. .. New Zealand .. .. 190 2 Sacks. Coconuts .. .. .. „ .. .. 20 7 Tons. Copra .. .. .. „ .. .. 370 7,027 Western Samoa ..251| 4,418 621-f 11,445 Fancy goods n.e.i. .. .. New Zealand .. .. .. 5 American Samoa .. .. .. 4 Fiji .. .. .. .. 3 Hawaii .. .. .. .. 2 Western Samoa .. .. .. 14 28

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Return of Exports from the Port of Alofi for the Year ended 31st December, 1928 —continued.

SUMMARY. £ New Zealand .. .. .. .. • • 16,347 Western Samoa .. .. .. .. .. 4,489 Fiji . 9 American Samoa .. .. .. .. 13 Hawaii .. . . .. .. .. 80 £20,938

Article. Exported to Quantity. Value. Dozen. £ Fans .. .. .. New Zealand .... 10 3 Fiji .. .. .. 7 6 Hawaii .. .. .. 3| 3 201 12 lb. Fungus .. .. .. New Zealand .. .. 18,369 483 Western Samoa .. .. 2,311 42 20,680 525 Dozen. Hats .. .. .. New Zealand .. .. 121J 75 Number. Instruments, musical Piano .. ,, .. .. 1 160 Mats — Dozen. Table .. .. .. „ .. .. 45 13 Hawaii .. .. .. 24 9 Western Samoa .... 4 1 American Samoa .. .. 5 2 78 25 Floor .. .. .. New Zealand Poultry, live .. .. Western Samoa .. .. .. 2 Taro and yam .. .. New Zealand .. .. . . 3 Western Samoa .. .. .. 6 9 Lamps, &c. .. .. .. New Zealand .. .. .. 6 Tools .. .... „ .. .. .. 2 Total .... .. .. £20,938

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APPENDIX C. Extras to M.V. " Matji Pomare " Contract. £ s. d. Bronze in lieu of iron propellers.. .. .. .. .. 7500 Electric starter, main engines .. . . .. .. .. 175 0 0 Accommodation ladder .. . . .. .. .. 30 0 0 Transfer of chart-room and wheel-house to navigating-bridge .. 325 0 0 Provision of smoking-room complete .. .. .. .. 385 0 0 Extra chairs, tables, and settees .. .. .. .. 63 0 0 Pitch-pine in lieu of larch for boats .. .. .. .. 18 0 0 Oil-separator . . .. .. .. .. .. 75 0 0 Hold-bulkhead (for dividing insulated hold) .. .. .. 293 0 0 One each spare port and starboard propellers .. .. .. \ q q One spare tail-shaft to suit either port or starboard engine .. ..J Hold platform, pillars, cleats, and additional insulation to enable 'tween decks to be provided if required at any time for carriage of bananas in bunches .. .. .. .. .. .. 243 0 0 Air-starter for generator-engines .. .. .. .. 60 0 0 Provision of additional saloon accommodation for officials and limited number of passengers .. .. .. .. .. 514 0 0 Readjustment of crew accommodation to fulfil requirements, as to |§ space, of Board of Trade and Marine Department .. .. 325 0 0 Additional spare parts, tools, &c. .. .. .. .. 1,858 10 0 £4,869 10 0

Approximate Cost of Paper.—Preparation, not given; printing (600 copies), £64.

Authority : W. A. G. Skinner, Government Printer, Wellington.—l 929.

Price Is. 3cZ.]