COOK ISLANDS. [In continuation of Parliamentary Paper A.-3, 1935.]

Appendix to the Journals of the House of Representatives, 1936 Session I, A-03

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1936. NEW ZEALAND.

COOK ISLANDS. [In continuation of Parliamentary Paper A.-3, 1935.]

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

REPORT OF COOK ISLANDS ADMINISTRATION.

DEATH OF HIS MAJESTY KING GEORGE V. The intense and unswerving loyalty of the people of the Cook Islands and their devotion to the throne of Great Britain is well known, and it was with genuine sorrow that they learned of the death of thei: bel the V sad g newß Spread from Island to Island, even to remote Penrhyn which is 750 miles from Rarotonga, the Polynesian and European inhabitants combined to observe mourning and memorial of A— of His Majesty King Ed™l Till was carried out in due form in all the Islands of the Group, with the fullest expressions of renewed loyalty and devotion to the Throne. FINANCE. For the financial year ended 31st March, 1936, income amounted to £40 556 Is 3d and (including depreciation, £2,195 2s. Bd., and hurricane reparation £3,51t95. Bd.) amoun £40,691 16s. 10d., leaving an excess of expenditure over income of £135 15s. . bringing all Taking into account cash in hand at the beginning of the year (£1,467 3s. 9d.) and b r ng; g receipts (including £1,475 18s. 2d. from Fixed Deposits Accounts) and all payments into account, the financial year ended with cash in hand amounting to £1,468 lis. 3d prWa| - _ for tlle curren t Subsidies from New Zealand Treasury on account of public health and education lor the current year amounted to £11,038 ; and, in addition, a subsidy of £4,529 10s. lOd. was received on acco - .ho». «... «1« total expenditure on pnblie services to which the New Zealand Government is committed, was £15 334 13 s. lid , towards w New Zealand granted £11,038. The local Administration found the baknce of £4 296 13s. lid., also all other expenditure of the Administration of every kind amounting to £.7,690 7s. sd„ a expenditure from local funds of £31,992 Is. 4d. i : i i n

Detailed statements of income and expenditure, and balance-sheet, are printed on pages 23 and 24, Appendix A.

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„ , All other Tn+.nl Public Health. Education. Services. 1 Payments (including capital expendi- 6,548 9 2 8,786 4 9 27,695 7 5 43,030 1 4 Grants received from New Zealand .. 5,000 0 0 6,038 0 0 11,038 0 0 Found by Cook Islands Administration 1,548 9 2 2,748 4 9 j 27,695 7 5 31,992 1 4 * Including capital expenditure. r-v C-K 1

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The balance-sheet takes into account the value (after writing ofl depreciation amounting to £2,195 2s. Bd.) of all administration assets as at 31st March, 1936, and all liabilities, and shows an excess of assets amounting to £72,604 lis. 2d. TRADE. For the year ended 31st December, 1935, the value of exports was £53,599 (£59,307), and of imports £61,676 (£61,449), showing an excess of imports of £8,077. Previous year's corresponding figures in parentheses. Details are printed on pages 25-31, Appendix B. The following table illustrates the trend of trade in the Cook Islands and how it has dropped during the years of depression : — Year. Imports. Exports. Total. 1920 177,991 94,697 272,608 1925 .. .. .. 130,609 151,939 282,548 1930 .. .. .. 103,468 109,438 212,906 1931 .. .. .. 69,260 79,945 149,205 1932 .. .. .. 63,585 73,409 136,994 1933 .. .. .. 76,716 73,983 150,699 1934 .. .. .. 61,449 59,307 120,756 1935 .. .. .. 61,676 53,599 115,275 Copra Trade. —Although the price of copra has recently shown a rising tendency, fluctuation points to an uncertain market. In 1932 and 1933, the Administration assisted producers by reducing the copra-tax to 10s. per ton, and from Ist April, 1934, to date no tax has been imposed. The following figures for the years 1928 to 1935 show how the value of copra trade in the Cook Islands has varied :— Year. Tons Total Value. Year. Tons Total Value. exported. £ exported £ 1928 .. 1,770 33,071 1934 .. 963 4,899 1930 .. 2,143 23,478 1935 .. 1,353 12,882 1932 .. 1,294 12,340 Of the total of 1,353 tons exported in 1935, 995 tons went to the United States, 234 tons to the United Kingdom, and the balance 124 tons to France. Exports. —The following table shows the value of our main exports over the last seven years :

Prices paid for oranges, bananas, and tomatoes last season were again low, and brought an inadequate return to producers for the labour and expense involved in production. There were very heavy plantings of tomatoes in Rarotonga last season, involving considerable expenditure of capital and labour, in an endeavour to compensate to some extent the hurricane losses of oranges and bananas. Although the bulk of the Cook Island tomatoes were shipped to New Zealand during that part of the year when, the mainland could not supply this crop, it was found that the market easily became glutted, and it was not possible to obtain anything like a payable price. Crop Prospects.—For the coming orange season the prospects in Rarotonga are for a rather light crop, as trees have not fully recovered since the hurricane. In the Lower Group Islands prospects are better and there should be almost an average crop. In the cultivation of bananas a considerable amount of labour is involved, and it will probably be another twelve months before normal crops are available. SHIPPING. Overseas shipping at the Port of Avarua, Rarotonga, for the year ended 31st December, 1935, comprised a total of thirty-five vessels, twenty-six being the San Francisco mail steamers, six the Union Steamship Company's cargo vessels, one local schooner, the N.Z.G.S. " Matai," and one cruising ketch " Te Rapunga." ' MEDICAL AND PUBLIC HEALTH. When the Cook Islands were annexed to New Zealand in 1900—in the interests of the Native people —the Native inhabitants were regarded as a dying race. The population (excluding Niue) was estimated to have decreased from 14,000 in 1823 (when the first missionaries came to Rarotonga) to 8,000 in 1900,

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1929. 1930. 1931. 1932. 1933. 1934. 1935. Citrus fruit .. (Cases) 106,187 128,196 82,740 85,593 92,752 78,099 48,268* Bananas .. .. „ 51,026 53,493 55,769 62,390 47,494 52,314 22^539 Tomatoes.. .. „ 51,685 30,363 34,750 54,218 17,737 34,545 62,383 Copra .. .. (Tons) 2,020 2,143 1,546 1,294 1,545 963 1,353 * The large drop in exports for the last year was due to the heavy destruction of crops by the hurricane of February, 1935, over 50 per cent, of oranges and over 60 per cent, of the banana crops being destroyed.

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A heavy infant mortality, tropical diseases, and diseases introduced by Europeans and foreigners took a heavy toll of life. . . , Not only have the ravages of these afflictions been arrested, but modern medical science improved arw&'Acl nf pdn ration the provision of a hospital and of efficient mecLcal and hygienic conditions a t a 't the present time population is now increasing at a rate Sff» ; K SKL the position Of the Coot G»,p («eluding SJ .™ 12&.\ v mS. i, a gun of 60 per oent. ta New Zealand toot over toe Adnnm.trat.on of the Islands. Two thousand of this gam has been m the last ten years. Under the provisions of the Cook Islands Act, 1915, it is the duty of the Administration to provide in the Cook Islands such medical and surgical aid and attendance as may be reasonably required a is reasonably practicable, and gratuitous to the Native population. The more important work carried out in the past ten years has been (a) The removal of lepers to the central leper asylum at Makogai Fiji, for segregation and curative treatment. (One hundred and twenty-two lepers have been transferred to "Fiii and of these over thirty have been cured and returned to their homes.) 'The cost of the erection of hospital accommodation, transportation, maintenance, and treatment are necessarily high, which partly explains the increase m the Cook 11b) The lS maMng ie o?a al tropical diseases and hookworm survey by Dr. S. M. Lambert of the Rockefeller Foundation in 1925. His valuable and interesting report is printed as an Appendix to the Cook Islands Annual Report of 1926. _ Following this survey mass treatment for hookworm was given m all inhabited islands of the Group in the years 1926 to 1928, and systematic treatment has since to) The t tarryhig-out of a soil sanitation scheme in the years 1932 to 1934 the expense of wKwas borne by the New Zealand Government and the Cook Islands Treasury and subsidized by the Rockefeller Foundation. _ _ . Practically every house or place of habitation in Rarotonga, Aitutaki, Mangaia, Atiu Mauke, and Mitiaro has been provided with a fly-proof pit-privy. _ _ The scheme to date has involved the building of over two thousand pnvies. In addition, all schools, maraes, and public places have been provided with sanitary gpread of disease from ground-borne infection has m Th^clrrving ti out e by'Eh!.' Lambert of the Rockefeller Foundation of a tuberculosis survey. S The training of Native students at the Suva Medical School to enable them to qualify as Native medical practitioners. _ _ (Three have already qualified, and are assisting m the medical work oi the Group, and three more are in training.) n rl T1 , (f) The extension of water-supplies m Rarotonga and the Croup Islands. (o The provision of a school dental clinic at Rarotonga. This was opened in 1926. (h) The importation of pedigree Saanem goats as the nucleus of herds m Rarotonga and Lower Group Islands, with the object of increasing and improving the milk-supply. (i) Extensions to the Hospital at Rarotonga, and the provision of an up-to-date outpatients department, including dressing-room, dispensary, laboratory, consulting-room, and dental^ q{ hogpital to prov id e for an additional twelve beds is now under construction.) . , , ~ A new nurses' home, rendered necessary by the recent hurricane, has been built. (j) The provision at the hospital of an X-ray plant. . .. ■ x, ■ (k) The establishment of " au vaine " or women's committees, to assist m improving hygienic conditions, and also child welfare committees, who are given lectures and are coached in the work they carry out. rm.--.. (I) The introduction of gambusia, a small fish that devours the larvffi of the mosquito These were introduced into Rarotonga over eighteen months ago, and have been liberated in many places in Rarotonga and also m the Lower Group Islands. They have multiplied rapidly, and are assisting in bringing the mosquito pest under control. Owing to the financial position it has been impossible for some years to adequately staff the medical services. . . . , An assistant medical officer is to be attached to the administration for a period during the coming yeaī For the whole territory, comprising a land and sea area of some 850,000 square miles, and a population of 12,000, the present staff consists of— One matao^and^ne 1 European nurse at the hospital at Rarotonga—the European nurse also doing district nursing ; Four Native probationers at the hospital ; Three Native medical practitioners who do duty at Rarotonga and throughout the Group , One European nurse at Aitutaki; One European nurse at Mangaia.

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With the small staff which has been available much has been accomplished, but there is still a great deal more to do, and what we can still accomplish depends to a large extent on what funds can be made available for medical work, which to date has cost per head of population in the Cook Islands about one-half of the amount that is spent per head in New Zealand on medical and social services. Leprosy. —This disease has caused the Administration considerable anxiety, especially at the Island of Penrhyn, where leprosy was first introduced from Honolulu many years ago. Since then the disease has spread insidiously and somewhat rapidlv, and the majority of the cases already transferred to Fiji came from Penrhyn, situated 750 miles north of Rarotonga. The Government has approved the building of a segregation hospital at Penrhyn, which is to be placed in charge of one of the Native medical practitioners, and all cases in the Cook Group will immediately upon diagnosis be removed to this establishment for segregation and treatment "pending their removal to Fiji. 1 6 Tuberculosis.—This disease requires serious attention, especially in Rarotonga, where advanced cases are either taken into the General Hospital where there is little opportunity of isolating them from the other patients, or else they remain at their own homes where they are always a source of danger to the other members of the family. The provision of a consumptive sanatorium appears to be the only way to meet the position, and it would be of great benefit as patients in the early stages of the disease could be scientifically treated, as well as isolated. The provision of such an institution has necessarily been delayed on account of lack of funds. The following are extracts from the Annual Report of the Chief Medical Officer (Dr. E. P. Ellison) Rarotonga. Ihe general health has not been good. A shortage of staple foods following the hurricane lowered resistance to disease. The incidence of tuberculosis increased, and chicken-pox was epidemic. There have been four epidemics of influenza, some severe ; an epidemic of summer diarrhoea—altogether the worst year in my experience. Influenza occurred in April (mild), July (mild), September (severe), February, 1936 (severe). Chicken-pox.—Numerous cases. Leprosy.—One case discovered in Avarua in May. Typhoid.—Five cases due to drinking contaminated well-water. Paratyphoid B.—One case. Summer diarrhoea and vomiting of infants occurred in December and January in many parts of the Island, but was fatal to four in Tutakimoa and three in Titikaveka where parents failed to report until cases were either dying or in a state of extreme exhaustion. Trachoma.—One case. Several cases of pterygium. Yaws. —A few tertiary cases only. Disease practically wiped out in Rarotonga. Two primary cases—one from Mauke and one from Mitiaro. Venereal Disease.—Twelve gonorrhoeal cases have come voluntarily for treatment. A venereal disease clinic is always available. Syphilis.—Three cases (not Cook Islanders). The frequent communication between Rarotonga and Tahiti is always a source of danger. Rheumatic Fever.—A few cases only, but rheumatism in one form or another is fairly common. Filariasis.—Prevalent; with periodic fevers leading often to hydroceles and abscesses. Elephantiasis. —Several cases still to be seen. A more intensive anti-mosquito campaign is indicated. Gambusia have greatly reduced the mosquito nuisance in areas where taken. Malaria, measles, diphtheria, scarlet fever, and infantile paralysis are not known. Whooping-cough is said to have occurred in the past. Tuberculosis.—Sixteen cases died from it and many are seriously affected, some senile and many adolescent. Insanity.—Two cases ; one died, the other probably temporary. Skin Infections. —Boils, carbuncles, occurring chiefly during the months of December, January, and February from lack of vegetables. Scabies and seborrhcea are seen frequently. Linchen and Ringworm.—Several cases. Cancer is becoming more noticeable—three Maoris and one European. Of the Maoris two have European blood. It is very rarely that cancer is found in Maori of the full blood. Water-supplies. As practically the whole of the inhabited area of Rarotonga has a reticulated supply, the chief concern is now the water-holes from which some people still draw e.g., Tupapa, where, following an outbreak of typhoid, some of these were closed. Child-welfare.—Another year of praiseworthy voluntary work was completed and the cup awarded to Tukuvaine for the least number of deaths and most consistent work. The usual annual concert was held, followed some days later by Rarotonga's first baby show at Muri. Prizes were awarded for those under one year and those under two years. The movement seems firmly established.

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Au-vaine. —This useful organization continues its periodic tukaka, (inspection) of the villages and plantations. This involves a house-to-house inspection, both inside and outside, with a view to hygienic improvement, and attention is paid to proximity of pigs, wandering horses, &c. Schools. —These have been inspected from time to time for outbreaks of chicken-pox and influenza. It was necessary to close schools on four occasions 011 account of affection amongst the teaching staff. Pratique. —Twenty-nine vessels were inspected, of which three were not granted pratique. The trading schooners were inspected on departure for the outer and northern Groups and on arrival from the latter —in all nine times. Hospital — Totals. In-patients for the year .. .. .. • • ■ • 268 Major operations performed .. .. • • • • 14 Confinements .. .. . • • • • • • • 7 Minor operations performed .. .. . • • • 49 Local anaesthetics .. .. • • • • • • 47 General anaesthetics .. .. • ■ ■ • • • 21 NAB injections .. . • • • • • _ ■ • 8 Antitetanic serum injections (a case of retained afterbirth) .. 8 Out-patients for the year .. .. .. •• •• 17,376 Confinements .. .. .... • • • • 93 Minor operations .. .. • • ■ • • • 429 Local anaesthetics .. .. • • • • • • 161 General anaesthetics .. .. • • • • • • 2 NAB injections .. .. • • • • • • 173 Bicreol injections .. .. • • • • • • 102 Antitetanic serum injections .. .. . • • • 37 Asthma injections .. .. • • • • • • 42 Antityphoid injections (T.A.8.) .. .. . ■ 23 Antigonococcol vaccine injections .. .. .. 12 Venereal disease .. . • • • • • • • 15 Worm treatments .. .. • • • • • • 82 Visits 1 = 572 Aitutaki. Miss Pierard, Resident Nurse, has done splendid work, and her efforts in the interests of public health are commendable. With the help of a N.M.P. during the months from June to September an anti-mosquito and general hygenic campaign was carried out in the endeavour to reduce filariasis, which is reported to be growing worse. The Resident Agent gave much help in this campaign. The nurse has also given close attention to the 400-odd school-children. Mangaia. Nurse McGruther (part-time nurse) has, with the co-operation of her husband (Resident Agent), effected great changes on the Island. The housing has definitedly improved—the type of house, while conserving the best characteristics of old, is built to conform with modern ideas. The health returns prove, too, that the people are in every way improved. The reduced infantile death-rate is remarkable. ' They now begin to receive the benefit of years of preventive medicine and prophylactic injections. The figures available are as follows (six months only) : General attendances—April, 1,233 ; May, 871 ; June, 578 ; July, 1,230 ; August, 1,060 ; September, 1,518 : totals, 6,490. NAB injections, 29 ; bicreol injections 260. Atiu. The general health has been good, due chiefly to its isolation. It has chiefly been under the care of the Resident Agent, though during the months of March and April he was assisted by a N.M.P. Mauke. Health good. Radiograms received regarding cases of tetanus and accidents. This island is attended to chiefly by a Resident Agent, save for brief calls by an N.M.P. en route elsewhere. A progressive people anxious to avail themselves of modern treatment. They propose building themselves a dispensary and cottage hospital. Mitiaro. A N.M.P. visited the Island in May last and reported as follows : NAB injections, 147 ; bicreol injections, 100 ; local anaesthetics, 4 ; minor operations, 4 ; worm treatments, 14 ; confinement, 1 ; visits, 27. Yaws noticed during the visit of the N.Z.G.S. " Matai " has now been eliminated. Palmekston. Palmerston was well when seen in March. No further reports available.

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Manihiki and Rakahanga. General health good in both islands. The Au-Vaine in Rakahanga are a particularly active body and do much good work. The villages of these two islands are exceptionally clean. Penrhyn. Rid of its lepers in February, 1935, the remainder of the people will be able to breathe again more freely. I feel that many more are passing through the incubation period of the disease. The Resident Agent is doing much to clean up the two villages and improve the housing accommodation. Pukapuka. Lack of communication has been a serious drawback to the inhabitants who have to a large extent been forced back to their own staple foods to subsist. The general health is good. A great improvement is to be noticed in the housing and the general appearance of the people. VITAL STATISTICS. The following table shows the births and deaths in each island of the Lower Group for the year ended 31st March, 1936, and of the Northern Group for the year ended 30th September, 1935.

Statistical Return for Year ending 31st March, 1936 (Islands of Lower Group), and for Year ending 30th September, 1935 (Northern Group Islands).

Of the deaths recorded, sixty-one were under the age of one year, as compared with forty-two for the previous year. Attached hereto is a table showing deaths at different ages during the year.

Analysis of Deaths as shown in above Return for Year ending 31st March, 1936 (Islands of Lower Group), and for Year ending 30th September, 1935 (Northern Group Islands).

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Island. Births. Deaths. Marriages. Lower Group — M. if. m. e. Rarotonga .. .. 104 112 56 52 40 Aitutaki .. .. 42 30 22 26 22 Mangaia .. 23 34 9 14 11 Atiu 21 16 15 15 10 Mauke .. .. 9 7 7 7 9 Mitiaro . . .. 6 7 4 1 3 Manihiki .. .. 8 8 10 5 3 Northern Islands — j Rakahanga . . . . 7 8 2 1 1 Penrhyn ..... 2 10 3 2 2 Pukapuka .. 13 8 6 7 8 Totals .. .. 235 240 134 130 109 470 births of Maoris, 258 deaths of Maoris, 212 increase.

. , Under 1 Under 5 Under 10 Under 15 Under 20 Over 20 T , > lsland ' Year. Years. Years. Years. Years. Years. iota1 ' Lower Group— m. f. m. p. m. f. m. p. m. f. m. f. m. f. Rarotonga .. 14 7 7 13 3 1 4 1 30 28 56 52 Aitutaki .. .. 8 6 3 3.. 4 1 1 2 1 8 11 22 26 Mangaia .. .. .. 3 4 2 .... 1 4 9 9 14 Atiu .. .. ..3 5 2 5 1 10 4 15 15 Mauke 4 .. 1 .... 1 2 6 7 7 Mitiaro .. .. .. 1 1.. 1 1 1 4 1 Northern Islands — Manikiki .. .. .. 2 1 2 ... . 1 6 3 10 5 Rakahanga .. 1 2 .. 2 1 Penrhyn .. .. 3 2 3 2 Pukapuka.. .. .. 3.. 1 2 7 6 7 Totals .. .. 38 23 19 22 1 10 2 1 7 3 67 71 134 130 . I i

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MIGRATION. The following return sliows the migration to and from Rarotonga for the period Ist April, 1935, to the 31st March, 1936 : — Arrivals —Europeans : 146 males, 116 females. Natives : 40 males, 39 females. Departures —Europeans : 140 males, 112 females. Natives : 28 males, 33 females. EDUCATION. As the year under review is the twentieth anniversary of the opening of the first Government school in the Cook Islands, it will not be out of place to review some of the principal achievements in educational matters during the past decade. _ * _ Prior to 1915 the only assistance towards education given by the Cook Islands Administration was a small grant to the London Missionary Society to assist in maintaining the Tereora School, which was a boarding-school for both boys and girls. In Rarotonga and throughout the Cook Group the London Missionary Society had from early mission days made itself responsible for educating the Native people, and had established schools in every island of both the Lower Group and the Northern Group. The pupils were taught in the vernacular, principally by Native pastors, and the teaching of English had not been introduced, except to a small extent in islands where a European Missionary was stationed. _ _ . In 1914 the New Zealand Government decided to introduce a system oi education into the Cook Group, and to send European teachers to take over the schools. The London Missionary Society and the Natives agreed to hand over to the Government all school-buildings, and the land they were built on, for educational purposes. The Cook Islands Act, 1915, empowered the Minister of the Cook Islands to establish such public schools in the Cook Islands as he might deem necessary for the education of the Native or other inhabitants thereof. In 1916 regulations were made under the provisions of the Cook Islands Act, 1915, requiring all children between the ages of six and fourteen to attend school. In 1915 the first public school was opened under a European teacher at Arorangi (Rarotonga) with an attendance of 113 pupils. Four boys and three girls knew a few words of English, and the remainder knew no English at all. The importance of elementary agriculture and technical work was recognized from the commencement. . In 1916 a second school was opened at Ngatangiia (Rarotonga) with 194 pupils, and at Avarua (Rarotonga) a third school with an attendance of 236 (roll now 500) was opened early in 1918. A large Native school was then in operation at the Island of Aitutaki, at which 270 pupils (roll now 450) were taught entirely by Native teachers. A small Native school was also opened at Palmerston Island in 1918. The teaching of English, reading, writing, and arithmetic up to the New Zealand requirements of Standard 4-, and a practical training in agriculture, woodwork, &c., was then the aim of the Administration. The cost of education in 1917 was £3,077. Two years later—l9l9—the remaining islands of the Lower Group were being served by schools taught by Natives. A technical school was established in Rarotonga with classes m agriculture, drawing, woodwork, and an advanced class in carpentry. In most of the schools classes were held for simple cookery, hat and basket weaving. Three scholarships for annual competition were granted at St. Stephens School for Maori boys in Auckland, and in addition four advanced pupils were apprenticed to trades in New Zealand. In the year 1922 rules for the management of public schools and a school syllabus were brought into use. The syllabus embraced English, arithmetic, gardening, nature study, handicraft, health, singing, patriotism and citizenship, and moral and physical instruction. There were then (1922) four Government schools in Rarotonga and four in the Lower Group, all under European teachers, with a total attendance of 1,300 pupils. By 1925 the Northern Islands had been brought into the educational scheme through the medium of the London Missionary Society, which was annually subsidized to the extent of £500 for supplying Native teachers to carry on the work in these remote islands. The cost in 1925 had risen to £9,301. By 1928 the roll numbers throughout the Group had reached 2,146 pupils, and the system had reached a fair state of efficiency and completeness as the following extracts from the Annual Reports of the Cook Islands show :— Annual Report 1926, Page 8 : " The need for a comprehensive and co-ordinated policy for the education of Natives in the South Seas Islands has long been recognized, and advantage was taken of the presence in New Zealand during the year of educational experts from Fiji, Samoa, and the Cook Islands to confer with the authorities in New Zealand on this important subject. This conference was held in Wellington in January last, and after full discussion of all relevant matters the following policy was decided upon : — " (1) That instruction should be closely related to the Native environment and tradition. " (2) Nothing should be taught that is not serviceable to the Natives in their present social state, or is not likely to be serviceable in the near future,

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" (3) The system should aim to develop agriculture in its widest sense, and also the manual and domestic arts. " (4) The possibility of broadening and intensifying interest in village life by means of manual training, drawing and design, music and games, should be recognized. " (5) Prominence should be given to the teaching of hygiene. " (6) As far as practicable, instruction should be given in the English language and in the vernacular. " (7) That full and free scope be allowed for the observance of religious exercises. " (8) That, for a limited number selected by each Administration, special provision be made in the Islands for advanced classes that will enable students to proceed to New Zealand and undertake higher and professional courses. " The Conference was unanimous in the opinion that training of Native teachers should be undertaken by the Government." Annual Report, 1927, Page 9 : " Excellent progress has been made in educational matters, as will be seen by a perusal of the attached annual report of the Superintendent of Schools. 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, mentioned in last annual report, and well suited to the educational needs of this community. Agriculture has been made one of the main studies and good progress is shown. Woodwork is also undertaken in all schools. " (2) Classes for instruction of Native teachers have been established. The European staff has been increased and concentrated on this work, with the result that all Native teachers are now receiving regular instruction and training, and already there has been considerable improvement in their academic status. " (3) The most important development during the year was the establishment at the beginning of this year of a training college and normal school, in order to thoroughly train the Native teachers. " This policy is absolutely 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 great benefit, particularly to the outlying islands of the Northern and Southern Groups." Annual Report, 1927, Page 10 : " Taking into consideration the social state of the Natives—their environment, traditions, aims, the outlook for the future, and the other many and complex problems surrounding the development of a scheme of education suitable to their present needs, ability, and future prospects, the Administration is hopeful that at last a scheme which will give sound and satisfactory results of practical use to the community has been evolved." The cost in 1928 was £11,027. A full European staff was operating in Rarotonga and the Lower Group, and a more or less efficient staff of Native teachers had been built up. From this time onward a gradual reduction in expenditure has been effected, firstly because it has been possible with the better training of Native teachers to replace a number of European assistant teachers by Native teachers, and secondly with the changes of the Government of the day and the depression in New Zealand making the finding of the necessary finance more and more difficult, the education services were required, in common with all other departments of the Administration, to bear a proportion of curtailment. The costs over the past few years have been : — From From Consolidated Rarotonga Total For the Year ended Funds. Treasury. £ £ £ 31st March, 1928 .. .. .. .. .. .. 11,027 1931 .. .. .. .. 10,139 252 10,391 1932 .. .. .. .. 7,651 254- 7,905 1933 .. .. .. .. 8,300 251 8,551 1934 .. .. .. .. 6,013 261 6,274 " 1935 .. .. .. 6,280 223 6,503 It is part of the policy to select each year up to three of the most promising scholars in Rarotonga for a three-years course at Te Aute College for Maori Boys and at Hukarere College for the Maori Girls at Napier. Scholarships are given only for the number of youths and girls who can be absorbed into positions in the Cook Islands Administration service on their return. It is believed that this intensive training where they are at all times in an environment where English is spoken; where they rub shoulders with their more enlightened Maori cousins and imbibe some of their ideals and traditions, and their widened outlook beyond the range of their small islands will assist succeeding generations more and more to replace the less senior European officials of the Administration, and in giving opportunities for the people more and more to govern themselves. _ The result has so far been worth while —Native operators are now successfully running wireless stations (in conjunction with school teaching) in the Outer Islands, Native medical practitioners after some years at Te Aute have qualified at the Central Medical School at Suva and are working in the Group ; a matriculated lad is attached to the staff in Rarotonga, and a, number of the Native school-teachers are occupying more or less important positions,

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At the present time 2,816 children are attending the various schools in the Cook Islands. The following remarks of Sir Apirana Ngata, late Minister for the Cook Islands, in regard to education in the Cook Islands are of interest : —■ Cool Islands Annual Re-port, 1932, Pages 1, 2, and 3 : " The policy of New Zealand in the administration of the islands of the Cook Group was from the inception modelled on that of Native Affairs here ; and their system of government, the sanitary regulations, and the method of determining land titles were based on New Zealand's experience of the Maori branch of the Polynesian race. " During the period from 1919-20 onwards there was a great expansion in the public services of the islands, especially in regard to education and health, the development of the island fruit trade, and postal'and wireless facilities. In addition to administrative charges_ and salaries, large capital expenditure was devoted to the construction of schools, hospital buildings, wharves and landing facilities, wireless stations, roads, and the accommodation of officers. " The great distance of these islands from New Zealand, their comparative isolation, and the difficulties of intercommunication among them have necessitated transplanting to them a larger measure of services than would be required in, say, a county or district on the mainland of New Zealand itself. " The cost to the New Zealand Treasury in 1931-32 (apart from the m.v. " Maui Pomare ") was £23 852 for services rendered to 15,200 of its population, or £1 lis. 4-6 d. per head, analysed as follows : — Per Head. £ s. d. "Education .. .. •• •• .. 012 9-3 "Medical and Health .. .. •• ..0 7 9-0 " Other services .. • • ■ - ■ ■ ..010 10 -3 £1 11 4-6 " This compares more than favourably with many administrative areas in New Zealand, whether the services of the General Government or of local bodies are taken into consideration. (Note.—New Zealand's contribution has in the last few years been considerably reduced.) " The total expenditure by the State on education in New Zealand for 1931-32 was £3,409,877, equal to £2 ss. Id. per head of mean population, or nearly four times as much as that in the Cook Group, and on medical and health services 14s. 7d. per head, or nearly twice as much as that in the Cook Group. " Prior to 1915 Native education in the islands was almost entirely in the hands of the missionariesIt is true that the first Government school was established in Niue in 1911 under a European teacher. Rarotonga did not establish such a school until 1915. The cost to the New Zealand Treasury in 1915 was £373 In 1931-32, thirty Government and Mission schools had been established with a roll attendance of 2,887 pupils under fourteen European teachers and fifty-two Native Government teachers and a number of Mission teachers. " The cost to the New Zealand Treasury for the financial year ended 31st March, 1932, was £9 732, or 12s. 9d. per head of population, or £3 7s. 5d.. per head of the number receiving education. This may be compared with costs on the New Zealand mainland for 1930-31 as follows " Cost of 8,133 pupils attending the Native schools (see Year-Book) : £99,101, or £12 3s. Bd. per head Cost of 227,165 pupils attending the primary schools (including Native schools) : £2,636,520, or £11 12s. Id. per head. Total cost of education : £4,101,933, or £2 15s. per head of population. " On these figures the New Zealand taxpayer cannot complain that the white man's burden in these islands is out of all proportion to what he bears in respect of the children of his own race or of that branch of the Polynesian race with which he has been more closely associated in New Zealand. European teachers in the schools of the Group are paid scale salaries as in New Zealand schools, with the necessary addition of tropical allowances. They are assisted by Native teachers, and in respect of the salaries of the latter no charge of extravagance can possibly be made. The average number of pupils per teacher in the Cook Islands schools is forty-four, which is considerably higher than the average number in New Zealand schools. " New Zealand cannot now shirk the most important, the most far-reaching in implication and effect the gravest task that any representative of white civilization can undertake in respect of a Native community. Experts may differ as to the method or standard or degree of education that should be aimed at. Governments may debate the wisdom of a " white collar " education or the safe extent of " English " in the curriculum. For good or for ill, the missionaries and the seamen, the traders and the tourists, and officers of the Government have brought the complicated problems of the' o-reat world to the reefs and atolls and to the beaches and palm-groves of the South Sea Islands and their culture, with all its unrest and stirrings, its trials and tribulations, cannot now be barred 'by any device of man. To deny a sufficient education to the Polynesian tribes in these islands would not be humane ; it would not be manly or sportsmanlike ; it would not be worthy of decent British traditions. The Polynesian must be given a sporting chance to understand the world into which he has been projected and to fill his part therein efficiently ; and civilization has not yet devised any better method than the patient impressing of itself upon the mentality of subject peoples

2—A. 3,

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and the demonstration in manifold experience of what it demands in order that they may attain ease, confidence, and comfort in the new environment it weaves around them." The following are extracts from the Annual Report of the Education Officer (Mr. A. McKenzie) for the year ended 31st March, 1936 :— Schools, Attendances, &c. —There are eighteen schools maintained by the Administration in the Cook Group. The following table shows their distribution and roll numbers : —

The schools marked "* " are subsidized Mission schools. Number of boys on rolls, 1,347 ; number of girls, 1,102. In addition to the above, the Roman Catholics have six schools. Their location and roll numbers are : —

Thus 2,816 children are being educated throughout the Cook Group. The percentage of attendance in some schools was as high as 95, while that for the Group averaged 90. Teaching Staff. —The total teaching staff is seventy-one. There are twelve European teachers and fifty-nine Native. The Europeans are trained and fully qualified. The Natives are all uncertificated teachers. Eleven schools are managed entirely by Native teachers. Three have a European headmaster with Native assistants. Four have a European headmaster and one European assistant, while the rest of the staff is Native. One European assistant is in charge of the European section of the Avarua School. This section is in reality a Grade I School. Native Assistants.—These assistant teachers are bright, willing, and pleasant to work with. Although they have a good deal of natural ability, they lack initiative, due in part to the fact that none has been trained after the manner of a European teacher, and none has had the opportunity of seeing a fully-staffed European school in operation. The time is approaching when it would be an advantage to have a few college-trained Native teachers to form a nucleus in the Native staff. Training Native Teachers.—Native teachers are usually chosen from the brightest boys in a school. European teachers regard the training of Native teachers as one of their most important duties. Since there are no secondary schools here, and since, as shown above, the European staff is a skeleton one, it is difficult to attain a high academic standard. For this reason much of the time is spent in obtaining a grasp in the principles of class-teaching, in organization, and in the technique of teaching. Special attention is given to the drawing out of time-tables, schemes of work, work-books, and to keeping registers and all school records accurately. Demonstration and blackboard lessons are also given, and teachers are expected to put these into practice when they return to their classes. New Syllabus of Instruction.—This was put into practice for the first time during the year, and caused a great deal of interest among the Native teachers. The Syllabus of Instruction for Public Schools in the Cook Islands, issued in 1922, had served its purpose, and was replaced by a new syllabus more in keeping with modern educational views and practice. It has been framed to meet conditions that at present obtain, and, at the same time, is slightly in advance of immediate requirements. In

10

"SSL" j Rarotonga .. .. .. .. .. 4 1,005 Aitutaki .. .. .. .. .. 1 406 Mangaia .. .. .. .. .. 3 302 Atiu .. .. .. .. .. .. 1 189 Manke .. .. .. .. .. 1 68 Pukapuka .. .. .. .. .. 1 161 *Mitiaro .. .. .. .. . . 1 27 *Penrliyn .. . . .. . . .. 2 122 *Maniliiki . . .. .. . . . . 2 88 *Rakahanga .. . . .. .. .. 1 51 *Palmerston .. .. .. .. .. 1 30 18 2,449

Island. Roll. Group. Rarotonga .. .. . . . . 179 Mauke .. .. .. . . 52 Lower Group. Atiu .. . . .. .. . . 44 Lower Group. Mitiaro .. .. . . .. 23 Lower Group. Manihiki .. . . .. . . 25 Northern Group. Rakahanga .. . . . . . . 44 Northern Group. 367

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drawing out the syllabus, the fact that four-fifths of the teaching had to be done by Natives had never to be lost sight of. It has been stated previously that eleven schools are managed entirely by Natives. Because of this and since 80 per cent, of the teaching is done by uncertificated Native teachers, the new syllabus is simple and definite. New Reading-books. —Not only has the Department introduced new regulations and a new Syllabus of Instruction, but also a modern course of physical education and new reading-books, Since these have either been put into practice or used during the year, there has been a general all-round standard of improvement. The Curriculum.—.All subjects in the course of study receive attention, but emphasis is placed on health, tropical agriculture, and English. Health and Dental.—Except for the usual epidemics, there has been no serious sickness among the children, and health, generally speaking, has been satisfactory. Schools were visited by the doctor, the matron, and the dentist. Special cases were treated either at hospital or at the Dental Umic. Vernon Reed Shield.—This is competed for annually, and goes to the school showing the greatest proficiency in English. It was won by the Avarua School this year. Pomare Medals.—These were presented during.the year, and can be won only by the best all-round pupils where there is a European headmaster. Good character and natural leadership are taken into consideration, as well as work in and out of school. Buildings.— This has been a year of major building operations. The hurricane took heavy toll and new buildings have taken the place of those swept away, while all structurally damaged ones have been renovated. On the island of Rarotonga alone, four substantial, open-air-type of schoolrooms have been erected, three being 60 ft. by 20 ft. and one 40 ft. by 20 ft. Grounds. —These are well kept and in most cases ample. Special efforts have beeni made to beautify school-grounds and results have been encouraging. Work of this kind has helped to develop the aesthetic sense of pupils, many of whom took plants and seeds from school to plant m gaidens arounc their homes. REPARATION OE HURRICANE DAMAGE. Last year's Annual Report sets out generally the damage done by the hurricane of February, 1935. During this year a great deal of construction and repair work has been undertaken (see illustrations, A PP 'The X following schedule sets out works which have already been completed, and which involve an expenditure of approximately £6,686 to date : Rarotonga. Roads —Road round island cleared of thousands of tons of rocks, stones debris, and also fallen trees Embankments and approaches to all bridges and culverts right round the island rebuilt. Work on Sea - front at Avarua.-Building new boat-shed. Renewing and repairing leading beacons. Foreshore cleared of rocks, stones, fallen trees, and other debris. Extending reinforced concrete retaining wall on hotel foreshore for 200 ft. Refilling with rocks and stones behind old and new retaining walls—total length 460 ft.—and constructing apron of concrete reinforced with expanding metal behind walls for full length. Constructing reinforced concrete channel on Vaikapuangi stream from hotel bridge to sea. Constructing reinforced concrete retaining sea-wall at Kingsbury s corner--185 ft by 10 ft" Repairs to wall protecting public conveniences from sea Repairs to posts on road along the whole foreshore, wharf to Avatiu, and replacing connecting chains. Replanting hedges, trees, palms, and shrubs on foreshore. _ . Sea-front Road at Avarua and Bridges,—Repairing and widening Main Bridge (reinforced c °ncrete) to width of roadway. Repairing and widening hotel bridge. Repairing approaches to Avatiu bridge , repairing and widening Avatiu bridge with reinforced concrete to full width of roadway. Telephone System— Repairing and renewing telephone lines and re-erecting poles from Arorangi through Avarua to Titikaveka—distance 13 miles. Schools-Arorangi: Grounds cleared of rocks and debris. New classroom, 60 ft. by 20 ft,, built to replace one destroyed. Repairing roofs of Main School and Infants' School and repairing both hml& Ngatangiia : Grounds cleared of rocks and debris. New classroom, 60 ft. by 20 ft. built to replace three Native-built classrooms destroyed. European School: Repairing building. Constructing three casement windows and erecting partitions. Titikaveka : Re-roofing with corrugated iron, and building new sides. Hospital Buildings and Doctor's Residence.—Grounds cleared of at least 1,000 tons of rocks, debris, and fallen trees and remodelled. Old Nurses' Home demolished and a new Nurses Home erected at a cost ofover £1 000. Furniture renovated. New hospital kitchen built. Built on beach a retaining of rock with reinforced concrete foot and concrete facing to protect hospital buildings and doctor's residence. Length of wall 500 ft. Back of wall filled m with rocks and sand, and levelled. New car-shed built. •.••in Wireless Station.-Clearing away rooks, fallen trees, and debris ; remodelling grounds, mlevellg and planting grass and shrubs': Repairing main and outer masts and aerials. Painting all buildings and masts. Erecting fence. Replanting hedges.

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Water-works. — Hew septic tanks and sumps constructed at hospital, Chief Medical Officer's residence, Nurses' Home, and " Ngatipa." All pipes, taps, &c., of houses on sea-front overhauled. Strainers at all intakes of water-supply systems cleared. Drains. —Cleared drains from Tutakimoa and Maraerenga through Experimental Farm to sea. Administration Offices. —Clearing away rocks, stones, and debris; top-dressing with soil, and replanting grass and hedges. Repairing concrete walls. Hotel Rarotonga.—Grounds cleared of rocks, stones, and debris ; top-dressing with soil, and planting grass and hedges. Repairing concrete wall and fences. Customs Residence.—Clearing away rocks, stones, and debris ; top-dressing with soil and replanting hedges. New ceiling for front veranda. Repairing concrete wall. The grass and hedges are growing well, and these three properties have something of their appearance prior to the hurricane. Fruit Department Building.—Reconstructing Fruit Inspection buildings and making new office. . Soldiers Memorial.—Constructing concrete combing round memorial and replanting grass. Residence, Director of Agriculture.—Extending concrete wall, and rebuilding fences. Replanting hedges. Freezer. —Repairs to walls and ceiling of freezing-chambers, and partly insulating. Ice-tank repaired. Buildings repainted throughout.—Hospital, " Ngatipa" residency, Hotel Rarotonga, C.M.O.'s residence, wireless residences (both), Customs officer's residence, Director of Agriculture's residence, Administration offices, Fruit Inspection offices, boat - shed, public conveniences, European school, wireless-station. Work still to be completed.—Boat-slip, hospital out-buildings, freezer (reconstruction of both freezing-chambers and reinsulation), minor repair work. GROUP ISLANDS. Aitutaki.—Repairs to Residency and Nurse's Home ; roads repaired ; repairs to wharf and cargo shed ; repairs to roof of main school, including new iron, reconstruction of two classrooms in wood with iron roofs, and repairs to schoolmaster's residence ; rebuilding four Native-built classrooms completely destroyed and timbers smashed ; school material replaced—desks, blackboards, slates, &c. ; new tanks for Residency, Nurse's Home, and Dispensary. Atiu. —Repairs to school-buildings ; repairs to landing-place and cargo-shed (cement, iron, and timber supplied) ; Residency repainted ; two new tanks. Mauke. —Repairs to landing-place and cargo-shed (cement, iron, and timber supplied). Mangaia.—Vaiteitei packing-shed reconstructed ; repairs to landing-place. Paimerston.—Timber and iron supplied for re-roofing church which is catchment-area for public tanks. PUBLIC WORKS. Roads and Bridges.—The maintenance of roads is always a heavy item, the greatest expense being the continual replacement of the coral and gravel surfaces necessary on account of the frequent heavy rains and the pulverizing effect of heavy traffic. The great increase of motor traffic in recent years has necessitated considerable expenditure in the easing of corners and widening of roads, and the replacing with stronger structures the larger wooden bridges —most of which were built thirty years ago for light wagon traffic and the small bridges with reinforced concrete culverts. During the year the main road has been kept in repair, and in some places widened. The Parekura-Tapere road has been widened for its full length, including the concrete culvert near the tennis-court. Assistance has been given in reconstructing and widening the Ara Metua between the Avatiu Road and Tutakimoa, and it is hoped that next year this road will be opened up right through to Takuvaine, as it will be of considerable convenience to the public. The Administration maintains the main road right round the island, and is responsible for the provision and repair of all bridges and culverts thereon. In regard to the Ara Metua and Tapere roads serving properties almost exclusively occupied by Natives, the policy is to assist the Natives (who pay no road-tax, and are not liable to render any services in connection with roads) to keep these roads in repair by grants of food and supplies, and the provision of bridges and culverts. The Administration similarly assists where drainage work's are necessary. Water-supply.—All supply systems to the various villages have been maintained in good order. Water is supplied from five different intakes, and is available to every house in the main village of Avarua, and in the six villages around the island. Although the circumference of Rarotonga is twenty-one miles, there are thirty-one miles and a half of water-mains, and the supply pipes to the various houses are additional. Government Buildings—Throughout the whole Group Government buildings have been kept in good repair, and many minor improvements made. Desks and cupboards have been made for various schools. Old London Missionary Society's Schoolroom at Arorangi.—ks, this had fallen into disrepair it was demolished by the Public Works Department, and the stone used for new buildings, and the repair and widening of roads.

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AGRICULTURE. During the year tlie Assistant Director of the Horticultural Branch of the New Zealand Agriculture Department, Mr. W. T. Goodwin, was seconded for duty vice the late Director of Agriculture who died as a result of an accident sustained in the hurricane of 1935, and the following are extracts from his annual report : — Citrus. —Most of the citrus trees throughout the island which suffered badly as a result of the hurricane experienced at the latter end of the preceding year are now making fairly good recovery. Although the citrus fruit crop is comparatively light, the new growth of wood gives good promise for a return to more or less normal conditions in future years. The low prices prevailing do not provide any particular incentive for the Native producers to take the interest in their trees that might be expected, but with an improvement in market conditions better results in that direction should be obtained. The pruning and renovation of many of tlie trees on the islands growing under wild conditions in the bush is a question about which one has an open mind. In many instances this work attendant with that of spraying, manuring, and other cultural practices is an almost impracticable proposition. If the Islands are to successfully compete in the commercial fruit trade with other countries, more modern practices of culture and preparation for market will no doubt have to be introduced, and it is my opinion that the present haphazard methods of production will have to be superceded eventually by the laying-out of new plantations to be established in conformity with modern practices. This may be done gradually in order to have plantations coming on to take the place of the trees now becoming decadent and which may be expected to depreciate year by year. Bananas. —The planting of bananas was undertaken to some extent after the hurricane and throughout the year, and many of these plants are now coming into fruit, with the result that the production of bananas in the immediate future may be expected to be maintained at about the normal over the last five or six years. The total export of bananas for the period was 22,539 cases, 22,458 from Rarotonga and 81 from Aitutaki, which represents a considerable reduction on fore-running years, and many be largely attributed to the damage done during the hurricane, which resulted in light shipments during the early part of the year. Tomatoes. —Considerable plantings were made of tomatoes after the hurricane damage as a supplementary crop to replace losses suffered by other crops. Low prices, however, experienced before all the crops had matured, caused many of the planters to neglect their plantations which reduced the crop accordingly. Notwithstanding this, 62,383 boxes of tomatoes were exported, approaching double the quantity shipped the previous season. Coconuts. —Coconut palms generally are thriving well. The export of nuts in the husk and otherwise has amounted to a total of 1,028 packages (mostly sacks) —1,003 from Rarotonga and 25 from Aitutaki. In addition a number of loose nuts were exported through the Parcels Post Branch. Copra-making has not been very extensive throughout the year. The total quantity of copra exported being 1,353 tons from the whole Group, for the period under review. Domestic Crops.— Increased plantings of products for local consumption such as taro, kumaras, yams, melons, &c., were made after the hurricane season, and these served to tide the Native population over a lean export season, which, together with the low price returns, reduced the island income considerably from outside sources. Planting Statistics.—A tabulated list of plantings in the island of Rarotonga for the year, compiled from statistical information obtained at half-yearly periods, is attached hereto. Noxious Weeds. —Due to the general upset of agricultural work in the early part of the year noxious weeds, in some instances, got rather out of hand. Inspections have been duly made and warning notices issued with the result that in most places a general cleaning up is now being made. Rat Menace— The question of dealing with the rat pest on the island has been given special attention and steps are being taken to try the effect of various rat poison baits under controlled conditions with a full realization that safety to human life must be given first consideration as a precautionary measure. Manure Levy.—The levy for the purpose of supplying manure to the Native fruitgrowers _at Rarotonga to benefit their respective crops has been collected on all fruit exported with the exception of three shipments. A distribution of manure purchased by means of this special fund was made earlier in the year and another 57 tons has just come to hand for further distribution. Packing-sheds.—The packing-sheds have been kept in good order, and all fruit grown by Native producers has been passed through these sheds for grading and packing under supervision of the inspectors. As funds allow it is hoped that increased facilities for this work will be made available. Registration of Fruitgrowers. —All fruitgrowers on the Island of Rarotonga have been registered and an up-to-date system of recording the registrations has been installed. Steps are now being taken for a registration of fruitgrowers on the Island of Mauke. Every registered fruitgrower is supplied with a registered number stamp for marking each case of fruit grown by him for export. Organization of Fruit Industry. —The fruitgrowers of Rarotonga have recently organized themselves into a producers' association known as the Rarotonga Growers' Association.

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Marketing of Fruit. —An organized effort to improve marketing conditions and increase the ultimate return to producers has recently been made in the form of a petition by the primary producers to have a Board established, on similar lines to the New Zealand Fruit Export Control Board, to attend to the marketing of fruit directly on growers' account. This petition has been forwaxded for presentation to Parliament. Outer Islands.—During the month of November last 1 had the opportunity of visiting the Islands of Mangaia, Mauke, Atiu, Mitiaro, and Aitutaki. General observations in the brief time at my disposal indicate that considerable improvement could be effected in fruit cultural methods in these islands also. Discussion with the Native producers evidenced considerable dissatisfaction prevailing with respect to prices received for fruit during the past season which ranged from is. 3d. to 3s. per case net to the grower for oranges ex packing-shed. The inspection staff has carried out the work of inspection in a generally satisfactory manner. Where occasion arises inspectors are changed from shed to shed, a system that tends towards widening their individual experience and facilitates a system of uniformity which is not so readily obtainable where individuals are confined to one shed for any lengthy period. The fruit-grading regulations appear to require considerable revision, and it is hoped to make recommendations in that direction at an early opportunity. At the present time there is practically no provision made in the regulations for quality grading. Some trouble has been experienced lately in connection with the condition of fruit on arrival in New Zealand. This trouble appears to be an old standing one, and in my opinion is due very largely to transport conditions and, until facilities for cold storage at some stage of the transportation between packing-shed and market is provided, will always be likely to recur in this trade. Experimental Farm and Nursery. — A portion of Section B has been made available for school-ground purposes upon which new school buildings are being erected. Fortunately for the nursery area there have been few heavy rains during the hot weather, consequently the section has not been flooded seriously this season. Most of the citrus and other trees on the section have recovered well from the hurricane effects, but a number of old avocado pear trees have died. A considerable number of rough lemon, and smaller numbers of sour orange and sweet orange, citrus stocks have been planted out. A few of these are sufficiently advanced and budding has commenced. A very small number of budded lemon and orange trees are ready for distribution. Only very small distributions have been made. " Two Kawau orange trees from New Zealand are making good growth, especially that planted at Ngatipa. The Ngatipa and Tutakimoa sections planted to citrus several years ago are making fair progress, although several replacements have been necessary at Ngatipa. Shelter on the boundaries at Ngatipa is growing, and the bananas between the tree rows for protection will shortly be unnecessary. Better cultivation will then be possible. The Yeimama banana plants recently introduced produce fine bunches, but produce few shoots and consequently the number has not increased appreciably. The three Saanen goats are healthy. About twenty females have been brought in by various owners for service during the past six months. Some of those served previously have produced kids, a proportion of which very strongly resemble the imported parent in appearance, although it is yet too early to know what production of milk will be. Tung oil trees have not grown well. This applies also to a few which were grown by people outside the nursery. Mangosteen, pecan nut, and nutmeg trees have not made very satisfactory progress. Some of the Excelsa coffee trees have made very good growth and are at present carrying a light crop of immature berries. From the comparative growth of individual trees it is obvious that these trees require good drainage and only light shading for part of the day. Trees in such conditions are the ones growing best and carrying crops. Very few of the imported raffia palm seeds have germinated, and it is now found that most of the remaining seeds have rotted in the beds. Those which germinated are making satisfactory progress. Teak seedlings which were planted out are growing well. A further supply of seed will be planted shortly when the land is ready. A considerable number of mango seedlings are ready for inarching. Seeds of the cascara tree, Albizzia Lopatitha (for shelter purposes), and tobacco (six varieties) have germinated and will shortly be ready for transplanting to nursery or permanent rows. A fair supply of ornamental seedlings is available in the half-shade houses. A number of these will be used for the Wireless Station grounds and for replacements on the foreshore, Government grounds, &c. Distributions of various plants from the Farm to local people have not been large in the last six months. Requests for supplies of plants and seeds to go to the Islands of Lower and Northern Groups have been met and supplies forwarded. Grapefruit are maturing on the Farm, but the supply is small and will not be likely to exceed local demand. Planting Statistics, Rarotonga, for Year ending 31st March, 1936. Citrus, 1,118; bananas, 202,355; tomatoes, 1,715,820; taro, 487,362; kumeras, 391,427; yams, 6,772 ; arrowroot, 40,918 ; pineapples, 9,733 ; breadfruit, 48.

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HIGH COURT. Rarotonga. Criminal Jurisdiction.—For the twelve months the Court dealt with 1,144 cases for criminal offences, and breaches of regulations and local Ordinances as follows : — High Court.—Criminal Jurisdiction. Analysis of Cases heard during the Year ended 31st March, 1936. Burglary . . . . .. . . .. . . . . .. 4 Theft . . . . . . .. . . . . . . .. . . 69 Receiving stolen property . . .. .. .. . . .. .. \ Conversion to own use .. .. .. .. . . . . . . 1 Assault . . . . . . .. . . .. . . . . . . II Indecent assault . . .. . . .. .. .. .. .. 3 Carnal knowledge —girl under fifteen years . . . . .. . . . . 1 Adultery (by married persons) . . .. . . . . . . . . 4 Gaming by Natives . . .. . . . . . . .. . . q Perjury . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 Escaping from lawful custody . . .. . . .. . . , . 10 Forgery .. . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . ] False pretences .. .. . . .. . . . . . . . _ 1 Wilful mischief to property .. . . . , .. . . . . 7 Provoking breach of the peace . . .. . . .. . . .. 2 Disorderly conduct in public place .. . . . . .. . . .. 4 Furious driving .. . . .. .. . . . . . . ~ ] Obscene language in public place . . . . . . . . .. .. \ Obstructing the police .. .. . . . . . . . . .. ] Animal trespass .. .. .. .. . . . . . . .. 190 Drunkenness . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. 3 Wilful trespass .. . . . . . . .. . . . . . . ] 4 Manufacturing intoxicating liquor . . . . . . . . , , . _ 32 Attempt to manufacture intoxicating liquor . . . . . . .. . . 1 Consuming intoxicating liquor (Natives) . . .. .. . . , . 599 Giving intoxicating liquor to Natives. . . . . . . . . . . , \ Permitting liquor to be consumed by Natives.. .. . . . . 2 Breaches of local Ordinances and regulations as follows :—■ Cohabiting .. .. . . .. .. . . . . ~ 32 Failing to register dog . . .. .. . . . . .. .. 24 Failing to secure animal .. .. .. .. .. .. 1 Tethering an animal upon public place . . .. .. .. . . 3 Keeping pig in settlement .. . . .. . . . . ~ 14 Loitering at night after 10 p.m. .. .. .. . . . . . . 52 Riding bicycle at night without a light . . . . .. .. , . 23 Driving motor-car in state of intoxication . . . . .. . . 1 Open tea-shop after 10 p.m. .. . . . . . . . . .. 2 Throwing stone .. .. . . . . .. . . . 2 Urinate in public place .. .. .. .. . . . . . . ] Breach of Fruit Regulations .. . . .. .. . . . . 5 Breach of Motor-vehicles Ordinances . . .. . . . . . . 7 Breach of Fishing Regulations . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 Breach of District Improvements Ordinance, 1918 .. . . . . 2 Total .. .. .. .. .. .. .. How dealt with : — Convicted and sentenced to imprisonment .. . . . . . . 62 Convicted and fined . . . . . . .. . . . . . , 878 Convicted and discharged .. .. . . .. , . . . 62 Convicted and ordered to come up for sentence if called upon . . .. 43 Convicted and motor-drivers' license cancelled . . , . . . . . 1 Cases withdrawn . . . . .. . . .. . . . . 58 Cases dismissed .. . . .. . . . . . . . . ] 7 Cases adjourned sine die . . .. . . . . . , . . 11 Cases adjourned to next month .. .. . . . . . , , . 12 Total .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 1,144 The work of the High Court in Group Islands is not incorporated in the above, but is shown in the reports, set out later, relating to the various islands. Civil Jurisdiction, —Twenty-two cases involving debt, damages, divorce, probate, &c., were disposed of.

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Group. During the year the Chief Judge periodically visited all Lower Group Islands and dealt with the more serious cases on the criminal side which were reserved for hearing by him, and also all civil cases and applications for divorce. In Rarotonga and the Lower Group Islands all criminal and civil work is up to date. NATIVE LAND COURT. Two short sittings of the Court were held at Rarotonga during the year, and there were also sittings at Aitutaki, Atiu, and Mauke during visits to these islands by the Chief Judge, when the more important and urgent cases were heard. In all thirty cases were disposed of. Owing to the fact that the Land Court Judge is also the Resident Commissioner and the Chief Judge of the High Court, and has twelve inhabited islands to attend "to, and to visit as often as he can, it is not possible to satisfactorily cope with all the Land Court work, although as much time as possible is devoted to it. During the last five or six years the average number of cases dealt with at Rarotonga has been between fifty and sixty. In addition Courts have been held at Group Islands each year wherever and whenever possible. To have a regular sitting for any length of time at a Group Island is a difficult matter, as the services of the Deputy Registrar and Interpreter, and the Surveyor (who is also Public Works officer) are necessary, which causes dislocation of services to a considerable extent at headquarters in Rarotonga. In the year under review the great amount of extra work falling upon the Resident Commissioner's Department on account of hurricane reconstruction made regular Land Court work impossible, but apart from regular sittings many land disputes have been temporarily settled between the parties by conference at the Court office. In addition considerable time has been spent in clearing up and putting the Land Court records and titles already issued into better order. POST-OFFICE. Group Offices. During the early part of December opportunity was taken by the Postmaster of a rapid schooner trip around the Lower Group (Aitutaki excluded) to inspect the offices, and to instruct the several Postmasters' in the correct procedure of accounting and the preparation of forms, &c. Particular attention was given to money-order and savings-bank work, and to postal work in general. The visitshould benefit the Postmasters concerned, and simplify the duties required of them. Telephone Services. Lines. —The telephone lines to the outer villages, and to the Wireless Station are in good order and condition, and practically free from faults. These lines were reconstructed after the hurricane experienced in February, 1935. Mail Services. A satisfactory service is being maintained by the Royal Mail Steamers, mails arriving on regular days and in good order and condition. Post-office Savings-bank. The summary of transactions in this branch is as follows r Deposits, £15,125 7s. sd. ; withdrawals, £12,894 15s. 4d. ; excess of deposits over withdrawals, £2,230 12s. Id. In view of the exceptional increase in deposits for this financial year, the following comparative table shows the number of transactions and amounts for the years 1928-36 : —

Table of Savings-bank Business transacted in the Rarotonga Postal District for the Year ended 31st March, 1936, with Comparative Figures for the Years 1928-36.

16

„ Amount of Amount of Excess of | Deposits. Withdrawals. Deposits. £ s. d. £ s. d. £ s. d. 1928-29 .. .. 13,235 4 8 11,159 8 0 2,075 16 8 1929-30 .. .. 12,584 10 7 11,49114 8 1,092 15 11 1930-31 .. .. 14,898 4 8 17,923 13 5 3,025 3 4* 1931-32 .. .. 13,932 1 3 14,628 6 1 696 4 10* 1932-33 .. .. 10,925 17 5 11,900 10 9 974 13 4* 1933-34 .. .. 12,458 3 8 11,238 11 6 1,219 12 2 1934-35 .. .. 9,708 10 8 11,277 13 3 1,569 2 7* 1935-36 .. .. 15,125 7 5 12,894 15 4 2,230 12 1 * Excess of withdrawals,

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Accounts. Savings-bank accounts opened during the year, 164 ; savings-bank accounts closed during the year, 89 ; total number of accounts open, 1,416 ; amount at credit to depositors, £26,128 2s. Bd~ Postal Notes. Number of notes issued, 1,590 ; value, £585 13s. ; commission, £14 14s. lOd. Money-orders. Money-orders paid : Number of orders, 277 ; amount, £2,598 17s. 6d. Issued : Number of orders, 812 ; amount, £9,330 Is. 3d. ; commission, £84 7s. sd. Repatriation ot? Old Bank-notes and Silver Coinage. The repatriation of Australian and English silver coinage and trading-bank notes was undertaken by the Post-office, and during the year £1,176 in silver and £5,000 in trading-bank notes was remitted to the New Zealand Post and Telegraph Department. The silver was forwarded in exchange for New Zealand silver currency. Considerable work was involved in effecting the change-over, but it may now be said that the bulk of the old currency has been returned to New Zealand. Cook Islands Postage and Revenue Stamps. Total sales (all sources), £3,167 12s. lOd. This figure shows an increase of £2,508 ss. 3d. over the total sales for the year ended 31st March, 1935. To commemorate the Silver Jubilee of the Accession to the Throne of His late Majesty King George V arrangements were made to suitably overprint three stamp denominations, Id., 2fd., and 6d. These stamps were placed on sale from the 7th May to the 6th August, inclusive. The increase in the total sales for the financial year is attributable to this issue. A further change in Cook Islands stamps was the reprinting, on watermarked paper, of the 2d., 6d., and Is. values, replacing stamps of the same values printed on unwatermarked paper. The latter printing was withdrawn from sale on the 31st March, 1936. WIRELESS. Besides the parent station at Rarotonga, there are substations at Aitutaki, Mangaia, Atiu, and Mauke in the Lower Group and during the year efficient services have been maintained by all stations. At the present time there is no communication by radio with the Northern Group, but the early establishment of stations at Penrhyn, Manihiki, and Pukapuka is under consideration. These islands are respectively 737, 650, and 715 miles from Rarotonga, and the provision of wireless services would be a boon to the residents and also to shipping. The Superintendent of Radio, Rarotonga, made a visit of inspection during the year to the substations at Aitutaki, Atiu, and Mauke, which showed that all apparatus was being kept in good condition. On the 14th January a night letter-telegram service was introduced. This service permits sending cheap-rate telegrams between New Zealand and Group stations and vice versa. During the last two months the service has become popular and it should, in the future, prove an additional source of revenue. A reduction was made in the charges for Christmas and New Year greetings telegrams for the 1935-36 season. Reduction in charges for this class of message did not result in an increase in revenue. One radio transmitting license and fourteen radio receiving licenses were issued during the year Three thousand nine hundred and eighty paid messages totalling 57,097 words were handled for 1935-36 and revenue for the year totalled £872 7s. sd. compared with £942 15s. Id. for the previous year. The decrease in revenue was caused by a poor fruit season following the hurricane in February, 1935. Twenty free Naval messages of 735 words were transmitted or received. Additional free services totalled 14,000 words, including 2,000 words of medical advice to Resident Agents and nurses in the Lower Group. Approximately 40,000 words of free press were transmitted to the four substations, the thrice weekly service keeping residents in close touch with events of local and international interest. Over 420,000 words of free press were received at Radio Rarotonga during the year. Of this total approximately 140,000 words were received from Wellington Radio, and the balance from other stations sending international free press bulletins. Overhaul of the main steel tower, outer masts, and stays at Radio Rarotonga was completed in May. The masts and the aerial systems are in first-class order. Painting of the station buildings and residence was completed in September.

3—A. 3.

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POLICE. The following are extracts from the Annual Report of the Chief Officer of Police for the year just ended :— The strength of the Cook Islands Police Force remains unchanged from the 31st March, 1935. The total strength being one European and forty-three Native members, distributed as under : —

The Chief Officer of Police is the only European Officer. During the year the general conduct of all ranks has been very satisfactory. The number of police cases dealt with in the High Court, at Rarotonga, for the past year were 1,144, compared with 1,472 for the previous year. Of these cases 1,046 convictions resulted, 24 cases were adjourned to the ensuing year, 17 cases were dismissed, and 57 cases were withdrawn. Serious crime increased slightly, there being four cases of burglary, three cases of indecent assault, one case of perjury, and one case of forgery. The number of theft cases for the year were double that of the previous year, being sixty-nine as against thirty-two cases for 1935. There was a marked decrease in the number of cases of consuming intoxicating liquor, there being 599 cases (1936), compared with 754 (1935). The above-mentioned variation in the numbers of cases may be attributed to the aftermath of the hurricane of February, 1935, for this caused considerable hardships on the island ; food and money has been very scarce amongst the Natives since that time. In the more serious crimes involving dishonesty, with one exception, there were mitigating circumstances, which detracted from the criminality of the cases. Motor-vehicle Registration and Licensing. —The annual licensing of motor-vehicles was commenced on the Ist April, 1935, since when ninety-five motor-vehicles have been licensed, five new motorvehicles have been registered, and thirty driver licenses issued. Fees amounting to £230 16s. Bd. were collected this year, compared with £247 12s. for the previous year. Registration of Dogs. —During the year ending on 31st March, 1936, thirty-four dogs were registered and £17 collected in connection therewith, as compared with sixty-six dogs registered and £33 collected during the previous year. Cinematograph Films Censorship. —Eighty-five films were censored during the year, and of this number seven were rejected as being unsuitable for exhibition in the Cook Islands. Gaol. —There are seventeen prisoners in the gaol at the present time serving sentences varying from two months to seven years. Nine prisoners belong to Rarotonga, seven are from Mauke, and one from Mangaia. Five prisoners have been released on parol. All the above-mentioned prisoners are employed, during week-days, on public works. METEOROLOGICAL. The total rainfall at Avarua, Rarotonga, for the year ended 31st March, 1936, was 74-28 in. The heaviest rainfall in twenty-four hours was 3-10 in. on 27th August. The previous heaviest rainfall registered was 9-46 in. on 9th November, 1927. The highest reading of the Fahrenheit thermometer in the shade was 91 degrees on the 9th May, 1935. The lowest was 57 degrees on the 26th July, 1935. The mean of the maximum thermometer was 80-5, and the mean of the minimum thermometer was 69-5 degrees. The lowest reading of the barometer was 29-747 in, on Ist April, 1935, and 28th February, 1936-

18

Inspectors, j Sergeants. Constables. All Ranks. Rarotonga .. .. .. 1 (European) 2 6 9 Aitutaki .. .. .. .. .. 1 6 7 Atiu .. .. .. .. .. 1 3 4 Mitiaro .. .. .. .. .. 1 2 3 Mauke .. .. .. .. .. 1 -3 4 Mangaia .. .. .. .. .. 1 5 6 Penrhyn .. .. .. . . .. . . 3 3 Pukapuka .. .. .. .. .. .. 3 3 Manahiki and Rakahanga .. .. . . . . 5 5 Totals ...... 1 7 36 U

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SOUTHERN COOK GROUP. AITUTAKI. Tlie following are extracts from the Annual Report of the Resident Agent for the year ended 31st March, 1936 :— Health. —The health of the Island has been satisfactory, with the exception of two epidemics of influenza in June and July. Children mostly were affected. The Chief Medical Officer was unable to visit the Island during the year, but a Native medical practitioner assisted the Resident Nurse from June to August. Pulmonary tuberculosis is still prevalent, and the majority of deaths can be attributed to this cause. The Resident Nurse pays special attention to the school-children and makes regular visits to the school where each child is kept under observation and all necessary treatments are given. A weekly inspection is made of each village. The following is a summary of medical work done by the Resident Nurse : — Visits. Out-patients Department .. .. .. ■ ■ • • • • 24,027 Dressings at Out-patients Department and homes .. .. .. 12,631 Special visits to patients at their homes .. .. .. .. 2, 838 Maternity cases attended . . .. . • • • ■ ■ • • 81 Injections of bicreol .. .. •• •• •• 1,947 Injections of N.A.B. .. .. .. • • • • ■ • 306 Minor operations .. .. .. . • • • • • • • 368 Dental: Extractions .. . . • • • • • ■ • ■ 689 Vital Statistics : Births—Males, 42 ; females, 30 : total, 72. Deaths—Males, 22 ; females, 26 : total, 48. Marriages, 22. Trade. —Imports —General, 159J tons ; timber (shooks), 15 tons ; sawn timber, 29| tons : total, 204 tons. Exports—Fruit: 5,533 cases oranges ; copra, 391 tons ; arrowroot, \\ tons. Trade has been poor owing to the destruction of crops by the hurricane, but we were very fortunate in having a late crop of oranges in October, which totalled 5,280 cases. The price paid for the fruit only was 2s. 6d. per case. The prospects for the coming season are bright, and it is estimated that the output will be approximately 20,000 cases. The coconut palms are bearing well, and there should be a good crop, which should be ready for making into copra in September next. Planting of Lands. —All Natives have been busily engaged replanting their lands since the hurricane, and they now have more than sufficient supplies of all foods. School. —The present roll at the Araua School shows 256 boys and 216 girls, a total of 472 pupils. Teachers' Classes are being held regularly, and a great deal of time is being devoted to school method. Steady progress is being maintained, and the results are good. In addition to the ordinary school subjects special attention is being paid to agriculture and sewing. High Court. —On the criminal side 342 cases dealt with as against 298 cases during the previous year. As usual, most of the cases were of a minor nature. Public Works. —Considerable reconstruction and repair work were rendered necessary owing to the enormous damage caused by the hurricane in February, 1935. All Government buildings and properties are once again in good order. All roads have been maintained and kept in good order. A concrete tank has been erected at Yaimaru Spring for the water-supply to the Residency and Nurse's Home. All village wells have been thoroughly cleaned out and the pumps overhauled. The wireless aerial has been overhauled. The three boats have been overhauled, repaired, and painted. Island Council. —There were four meetings of the Island Council held during the year. No new Ordinances were passed. During the visits of the Resident Commissioner the Council were afforded opportunities of bringing forward any matters of importance. Meteorological. —Barometer : Highest for year (calendar), 30-097, August, 1935 ; lowest for year (calendar), 28-719, February, 1935. Temperature : Highest maximum, 90-0, February, 1935 ; lowest minimum, 61-0, June, 1935. Total rainfall for year, 41-76 in. Maximum rainfall in one day, 3-0 in. on 10th February, 1935. MAUKE. The following are extracts from the Annual Report of the Resident Agent, for the year ended 31st March, 1936 : — Health. —The general health of the people has been good.

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The mosquito-eating fish (gambusia) introduced here last year have been liberated in all the fresh-water swamps on the Island and have increased by millions, and have greatly reduced the mosquito pest. Water-supply.—All public tanks on the Island have been cleaned out and whitewashed inside and outside. Six new cement and lime tanks have been built. The people provided the labour and the cement and timber were supplied by the Administration. They will be of great benefit to the people as they will give an extra 23,000 gallons of fresh water. Three private tanks have also been completed. Public Works.—All buildings, fences, &c., have been kept in good repair. About half a mile of new road has been formed inland. Blasting of rock at the two passages has been carried out and the approach at Angataura has been widened. Trade. —Sixty-five tons of copra and 15,494 cases of oranges were exported. Eleven hundred cases of oranges were crushed for juice. Four new packing-sheds have been built, at the landing-place, of Native materials. Domestic Crops.—Considerable crops have been planted and there is no risk of a shortage. Orange Crops.—The indications are for a good orange crop this year, and if steamers call at the proper time about eighteen thousand cases of oranges should be available. MITIARO. Mitiaro, with an area of 2,500 acres, and a population of 230. lies 140 miles north-east of Rarotonga. There are large areas of makatea, or coral rock, and swamps so that the area of cultivable land is not large. The only export is copra, and although the Island grows good oranges, the quantity is not sufficient to warrant calls of the cargo steamer. Until his death at the beginning of 1935 the Island was in charge of Tou Ariki, but it is now administered by the Resident Agent of Mauke, which Island is some twenty-five miles distant. An Island Council has recently been constituted, and that body takes charge of affairs during the absence of the Resident Agent.

NORTHERN COOK GROUP. PENRHYN. The following are extracts from the Report of the Acting Resident Agent for the year ended 31st December, 1935 :— Health.—ln July and August, and again during the latter part of September and October, there were rather severe epidemics of influenza, from which seven deaths resulted, but apart from that health conditions have been satisfactory during the year. On her hurricane relief cruise the N.Z.G.S. " Matai " arrived on the 11th March, and sailed again the next day. Dr. Ellison, Chief Medical Officer, was aboard, and in the short time at his disposal he attended to the medical cases requiring the attention of a doctor. Twenty-one leper patients were embarked for the Makogai Central Leper Asylum. Once again the Island is clear of leper cases, but as more are bound to occur in the future throughout the Cook Group the Administration proposes to erect a segregation camp on one of the motus in the lagoon, where our cases in the Cook Group can be isolated and receive treatment prior to their removal to Fiji. Considerable attention is paid to the cleanliness of the two villages, and regular inspections take place. Every three months each habitation is disinfected with Jeyes fluid. In the village of Te Tautua a number of old and insanitary houses have been demolished. Vital Statistics.—Births—Males, 3 ; females, 13 : total, 16. Deaths—Males, 4 ; females, 7 : total 11. Marriages, 2. Population. —An unofficial census taken in December gives a total population of 452, of which 238 are males and 214 females. Trade and Shipping.—The trade of the Island was as usual maintained by the trading auxiliary schooners " Tiare Taporo " and " Tagua " which made calls at irregular intervals. Exports for the year were —Pearl shell, 12 tons 2 cwt., value, £115 ; copra, 35 tons 8 cwt., value, £121 10s. ; hats, 300, value £150 : total, £392 10s. There was a big drop in the export of copra, as the following table shows : 1932, 173 tons ; 1933, 164 tons ; 1934, 71 tons ; 1935, 35 tons. The cause of the drop was due principally to the abnormal absence of rain, but to some extent also to the very low price being paid. It was as low as |d. per pound (£1 3s. 4d. per ton) in the earlier part of the year, but later rose to Jd. per pound (£2 6s. Bd. per ton). As it takes 5,000 nuts to make a ton of copra, and also a considerable amount of work, it pays the people better to keep the nuts for food.

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The small quantity of mother of pearl shell which has been exported for the past twelve months is due to the fact that the low price of shell in London offers little inducement to trade in this commodity. There is an abundance of mother of pearl shell in the lagoon, and, in order to encourage the industry, the Administration has since 1928 thrown both lagoon reserves open for both machine and naked diving. Nevertheless the amount of shell being exported is negligible on account of the low price offering due to the fact that there is practically no demand in London for the black edged shell produced in Penrhyn and Manihiki. As to pipi pearls this industry has declined for some considerable time on account of the poor prices obtainable in London and on the Continent, as supplies of pearls from other fisheries throughout the world, and also the competition from culture pearls, have decreased the demand for the pipi pearls. Planting of Lands. —During the year the people paid a great deal of attention to the cleaning and planting of their lands. New breadfruit-trees, coconuts, bananas, taro, maniota, and puraka plants were planted. The Island is well planted with coconut-trees and the lagoon abounds with fish, so that the inhabitants have a plentiful food-supply. Public Works.—The stone breastwork above the waterfront at Omaka, which was destroyed by heavy seas, has been rebuilt. The breastwork at the Village of Te Tautua has been put into good repair, and extended. The four 5,000 gallon water-tanks at Omaka and Te Tautua have been kept clean and in good repair. Roads have been kept in good order. The Residency and Government Buildings have been kept in good repair and painted. High Court. —There has been an entire absence of any serious ofEences, and during the year only forty-seven informations for breach of regulations and the local Ordinances were laid, resulting in forty-four convictions, and the infliction of small penalties. Island Council. —Three meetings of the Island Council were held during the year, and matters aSecting the welfare of the Island were discussed and satisfactorily decided upon. Taneo Vaevae was appointed to the Council in place of Hare, an old and respected member who died in 1934. Schools. —At the London Missionary Society's subsidized schools at Omoka and Te Tautua work and attendances throughout the year were satisfactory. Rolls are —Omoka, 67 ; and Te Tautau, 52 : total, 119. Rat Pest. —By means of systematic trapping for the last few years the rat pest has been successfully coped with. General.—Mr. S. J. Smith, Secretary for the Cook Islands, visited the Island in the N.Z.G.S. " Matai " on the 11th and 12th March last. H.M.S. " Dunedin " made a call on 24th July, 1935. PUKAPUKA. The following are extracts from the report of the Resident Agent at Pukapuka. Owing to lack of communication on account of the hurricane season, this report is for the twelve months ended 30t.h September, 1935. Health. —For the year under review health conditions have been quite satisfactory. Mr. S. J. Smith, Secretary for the Cook Islands, accompanied by Dr. Ellison, Chief Medical Officer, paid a short visit in the N.Z.G.S. " Matai " on 15th March, 1935, when en route to Fiji to disembark the Cook Islands lepers. H.M.S. " Dunedin " visited the Island on 25th June, 1935, and H.M.S. " Diomede " on 29th July, 1935, and in each case the Surgeon Commander, in the short time at his disposal, attended to urgent cases. Vital Statistics: Births —males, 13; females, 8; total, 21. Deaths —males, 11; females, 2; total, 13. Marriages, 7. Trade. —Owing to Apia being a port of entry for Pukapuka, and to the fact that the only trading store for some years was owned by Burns, Philp, and Company, there was again this year no direct communication with headquarters at Rarotonga. Now that this store has been closed it is hoped that it may be possible to have Apia cut out as a port of entry, so that trade and communication may be opened up again direct with Rarotonga. The advantages are obvious, and we would also be free from the risk of having the rhinoceros beetle introduced. Trade this year has been maintained by the schooner " Makoa " which made two trips and shipped 78| tons of copra which is a drop on last year's figures due to the low price being paid to the producer High Court.— There were seven sittings at which seventy cases, involving only minor offences, were dealt with, and forty-three convictions recorded. Police. —The Native constables carried out their duties satisfactorily. Puluata, an old member of the Force, died on 30th March, 1935, and Beni, an Island Council Member, appointed to the vacancy. Island Council. — Six meetings were held during the year, when various matters of interest to the Island were discussed. Owing to the resignation of Beni, Tamuta was appointed a member of the Council. School. —The roll at the end of the year was ninety boys and fifty-eight girls. Pupils attended regularly and made satisfactory progress.

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PALMERSTON. This IslandJ(which consists of a number of motns of a total area of about 1,000 acres) lies 270 miles to the north-west of Rarotonga. It is inhabited by about ninety descendants of William Marsters, the elder, who went to Palmerston in 1862 to manage the Island for one Brander, a trader. As Brander did not return Marsters remained on in occupation of the Island, but without a title. At the time Marsters the elder went to Palmerston he was legally married to a Native woman of Penrhyn. He also took his wife's sister with him, and lived with both women. Later he took a third woman from Penrhyn. By these three women there are three separate families, each having a head. William Marsters the elder was granted a lease of Palmerston by the Crown in 1892. He died in 1899. Subsequently a lease was granted in favour of all his issue. The head of the family from the first or legal wife is William Marsters the second, who is still alive. He is an old man of seventy-three, and is the recognized head of the Island. The present lease of the Island is to the three heads of the families in trust for all the descendants of William Marsters the elder. There is practically no inbreeding in spite of the fact that all three families have been brought up together. Marriages are all with people from other Islands, principally Penrhyn, Manihiki, Rakahanga, and Aitutaki. The present inhabitants are strong and healthy. Palmerston is an unfortunate Island so far as hurricanes are concerned. In 1914 there was a hurricane. At the end of March, .1926, the Island was completely devastated. Heavy gales damaged the Island again in February, 1931. The hurricane of February, 1935, again completely wiped out all coconuts and ground crops, and left the inhabitants dependent almost entirely upon fish. The N.Z.G.S. " Matai," which was chartered to make a survey of the Cook Group and carry relief supplies of food, arrived in time to relieve the necessities of the people. The London Missionary Society (subsidized by the Government) maintains a school on the Island. A large concrete tank erected by the Administration provides an adequate water-supply. SUWARROW. This Island, over which British sovereignty was proclaimed on the 22nd April, 1889, contains an estimated area of 600 acres. It was first occupied by Messrs. Lever Bros., who carried on operations in pearl-shell diving and experimented in the planting of gold-lipped shell from Torres Straits, but without success. The hurricane of 1914 completely spoiled the Island so far as pearl-sheel was concerned, and a great deal of damage was also done to coconut plantations on several of the motus. The Island, which is 513 miles north-west of Rarotonga, and which is at present under lease, produces very little copra at the present time. On account of the fact that there is a safe passage through the reef, a portion of the Island was many years ago declared an Admiralty Reserve. The Island is a sanctuary for sea-birds, which are very numerous, and there is also good fishing in the lagoon and round the coast. NASSAU. Nassau lies about forty-five miles south of Pukapuka, and contains an area of a little over 300 acres. It is owned by the Samoa Shipping and Trading Co., Ltd., and is well planted with coconuts. MANIHIKI AND RAKAHANGA. No report is available on account of the death of the Resident Agent, Captain John McCulloch, on 17th January, 1936. MANGAIA AND ATIU. No reports are available, as there have been no mails from these Islands since the hurricane season.

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APPENDICES.

APPENDIX A. COOK ISLANDS ADMINISTRATION (RAROTONGAN TREASURY). Income and Expenditure Account foe the Year ended 31st March, 1936. Iticowi&i ' Local Grants from Total Revenue. N.Z. Government. Income. ■Dr. £ s. d. £ s. d. Or. £ s. d. £ s. d. £ s. d. To Agriculture — By AgricultureExperimental farm 143 11 6 Experimental farm .. 15 2 8 Fruit Inspection Eruit Inspection DepartDepartment .. 1,923 16 4 ment .. .. 1,892 7 2 .. 1,907 9 10 — 2,067 710 Aitutaki Wharf .. .. 90 5 7 .. 90 5 7 Aitutaki salaries .. .. 734 6 1 Ammunition .. .. 81 0 6 .. 81 0 6 Aitutaki Wharf .. .. 47 14 10 Benzine .. .. .. 421 .. 4 21 Ammunition .. .. ■. 62 8 3 Cinema licenses .. .. 10 0 0 . . 10 0 0 Atiu salaries .. .. .. 153 4 9 Court fees and fines .. 343 12 6 .. 343 12 6 Courts .. .. •• 959 18 8 Customs duties .. .. 11,095 7 6 .. 11,095 7 6 Customs and Treasury .. 1,122 2 6 Dog-tax .. .. .. 17 0 0 .. 17 0 0 Education .. .. .. 8,619 911 Education .. .. 165 8 6 6,038 0 0 6,203 8 6 Film-censorship expenses .. 15 19 7 Film censorship fees .. 17 15 0 . . 17 15 0 Freezer .. .. •• 2,211 5 6 Freezer .. .. .. 2,042 19 8 .. 2,04 l 19 8 Furniture (repairs, &c.) .. 44 6 6 Hall licenses .. .. 300 •• « ion a 2 Government Buildings (repairs, Hospital and medical services 129 3 7 5,000 0 0 5,129 3 7 &e.) .. .. •• 504 9 3 Liquor .. .. .. 1,662 19 8 .. 1,662 19 8 Headstones for soldiers' graves .. 78 4 5 Marriage fees .. .. 31 17 0 .. 31 17 0 Hospital and medical £ s. d. Motor fees .. .. 231 16 8 .. -31 16 8 services .. 3,879 17 6 Native Land Court fees .. 46 14 6 .. 4b 14 b Dental Depart- ' Passport fees .. .. 11 0 0 .. 11 0 0 ment .. 123 3 2 Post-office .. .. 1,032 15 0 .. 1,03- lo 0 Lepers, mainten- Printing Department .. 109 8 2 .. 109 8 2 anoe .. 2 080 14 7 Public Works Department .. 4 10 0 .. 4 10 0 Lunatics, main- Rents .. .. .. 252 0 0 .. 252 0 0 tenance .. 203 16 7 Road rates .. .. 108 4 9 .. 108 4 9 6,287 11 10 Shipping fees .. .. 10 0 .. 10 0 Liquor .. .. •• 1,420 9 1 Stamp sales .. .. 3,167 12 10 .. 3,167 12 10 Mangaia salaries .. .. 160 3 8 Stock (Public Works DepartManihiki and Rakahanga salaries 327 13 0 ment) .. .. •• 2 16 3 .. - lb 3 Mauke salaries .. .. 485 8 2 Stamp duties .. .. 11 3 4 .. 11 3 4 Miscellaneous expenses.. .. 556 9 6 Telephones .. .. 145 10 7 .. 140 10 7 Mitiaro salaries . . .. 88 6 8 Trading licenses .. .. 463 10 0 .. 463 10 0 Penrhyn salaries .. .. 230 0 0 Water rates .. .. 577 17 4 .. 577 .17 4 Police ... .. .. 1,295 10 7 Wireless services .. .. 1,192 11 7 .. 1,192 11 7 Post-office .. .. • • 1,433 411 ~ Printing Department .. 108 12 10 Total normal income .. 24.960 12 5 11,038 0 0 35,998 12 5 Prisoners 202 11 4 Hurricane reparation .. 27 18 0 4,529 10 10 4,557 810 Public-works expenses . . 548 17 9 Pukapuka salaries .. .. 28111 0 Total income .. ..24,988 10 5 15,567 10 10 40,556 1 3 Radiograms .. .. • • 124 17 10 - - ~ Resident Commissioner's Depart- Excess of expenditure over income lor the year ending 31st ment 1,980 12 6 March, 1936 135 15 7 Roads, bridges, culverts, and foreshore .. .. • • 614 0 1 Subsidy, destruction of flying foxes and rats .. • • 38 12 0 Superannuation subsidy .. 231 8 9 Telephones .. .. . • 102 5 4 Travelling-expenses .. . 19 19 7 Tracks (maintenance) .. .. 156 9 1 Water expenses .. • • 178 3 7 Wireless services .. .. 1,483 7 4 Total normal expenditure ..34,977 4 6 Hurricane reparation .. .. 3,519 9 8 Depreciation .. .. •• 2,195 2 8 Total expenditure ~ ..£40,691 16 10 £40,691 16 10

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APPENDIX A—continued. COOK ISLANDS ADMINISTRATION (RAROTONGAN TREASURY) —continued. Balance-sheet as at 31st March, 1936. ■ Liabilities. Assets. £ s. d. £ s. d. £ s. d. £ s d Accumulated funds, Ist April, 1933.. 72,740 6 9 Lands .. .. .. .. 9,846 5 6 Excess of expenditure over income Buildings .. .. ..41 585 211 ' for the year ending 31st March, Less depreciation .. . . 1,039 12 7 1936 .. .. .. 135 15 7 40,545 10 4 Accumulated funds, 31st March, 1936 .. 72,604 11 2 Additions .. .. .. 2,242 13 8 Storm Reparation Fund, Ist April, 42 788 4 0 1935 .. .. .. 4,849 3 3 Waterworks, Rarotonga .. .. 6,297 11 2 Interest for year ending 31st March, Less depreciation .. .. 251 18 0 1936 .. 81 14 4 6,045 13 2 Water-tanks, Outer Islands .. 1,377 1 7 Storm Reparation Fund, 31st March, Less depreciation .. .. 34 8 7 1936 .. .. .. .. .. 4,930 17 7 1,342 13 0 Fruit Development Reserve Fund .. .. 2,126 18 6 Telephone system .. .. 635 11 1 Sundry creditors .. .. .. 1,725 911 Less depreciation .. .. 31 15 8 603 15 5 Plant and tools .. .. .. 4,75768 Less depreciation . . .. 356 16 0 4,400 10 8 Additions .. .. .. 90 11 8 4,491 2 4 Office furniture and fittings .. 603 17 1 Less depreciation . . .. 30 3 9 573 13 4 Additions .. .. .. 50 11 0 624 4 4 Furniture, household .. .. 3,680 9 9 Less depreciation .. .. 276 0 9 3,404 9 0 Additions .. .. .. 122 19 3 3,527 8 3 Boats .. .. .. .. 267 5 11 Less depreciation and hurricane loss 92 8 7 174 17 4 Motor-vehicles .. .. .. 886 0 10 Less depreciation .. .. 154 6 4 731 14 6 Stocks on hand .. .. .. .. 3 ; 424 3 4 Sundry debtors .. .. .. .. 4,012 15 5 Fixed deposits .. .. .. .. 2,298 11 0 Interest accrued .. .. .. .. 7 18 10 Cash in hand, Resident Agents .. .. 220 8 5 Cash in bank, Wellington—Administration Account .. .. .. .. 138 6 3 Cash in bank, Wellington—Treasury Account 85 16 II Cash in hand, Rarotonga .. .. .. 1,023 19 8 £81,387 17 2 I £81,387 17 2 Note.—These accounts are subject to audit.

24

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APPENDIX B. COOK ISLANDS ADMINISTRATION. Return of Imports for the Year ended 31st December, 1935.

4—A. 3.

25

Article. | Whence imported. Value. £ £ Agricultural produce .. ■ • • • New Zealand .. .. . ■ 547 United States of America .. 48 Australia .. .. • • 5 600 Animals, live .. .. New Zealand . . .. •• "" ® Apparel .. .. •• •• New Zealand .. .. •• 1,520 United Kingdom .. . . 230 France .. .. ■ • 9 Australia .. .. • • 7 Japan .. .. ■ • 257 United States of America .. 15 Tahiti .. .. • • 2 Fiji 2 2,042 Arms, ammunition, &c. .. .. ■ • New Zealand .. .. .. • • 55 Articles of textile .. .. • • .. New Zealand .. .. .. 200 United Kingdom .. .. 315 Japan .. .. • • 32 United States of America .. 2 549 Bacon and hams .. .. •• •• New Zealand . . .. •• *' Bags and sacks .. .. .. • • New Zealand .. .. .. 516 United States of America .. 445 961 Bamboo .. .. ■ • • • • • Tahiti .. .. • • • • 2 Beer .. .. .. • • • • New Zealand . . .. .. • • 152 Beverages, non-alcoholic .. .. .. New Zealand .. .. . ■ • • 107 Bicycles .. .. .. . • • • New Zealand . . .. . . 948 United States of America .. 49 United Kingdom .. . . 802 Canada .. .. • • 101 Japan .. .. . ■ 17 Australia .. .. • • 1 1,918 Biscuits and bread .. .. . . • • New Zealand .. .. .. 1,291 Australia .. .. , .. 1 1,292 Boots and shoes .. .. ■ ■ ■ • New Zealand .. .. . . 452 United Kingdom .. .. 55 Australia .. .. ■ • 12 Tahiti ... .. • - 1 Hong Kong .. .. •. 2 Japan .. .. • ■ 114 636 Brush ware .. . ■ • ■ • ■ New Zealand .. .. .. 94 United States of America .. 4 United Kingdom .. . • 4 102 Building-materials n.e.i. .. . • ■ • New Zealand .. . . . . 486 United Kingdom Australia .. . ■ • ■ 31 518 Butter . . .. • • • ■ • ■ New Zealand . .. . - .. ■ • 1,276 Carriageware .. .. • • • • New Zealand ... - , . 8 Australia ■ 98 United States of America , . 17 123 Cement .. .. .. . ■ ■ • New Zealand .. . 958 United States of America .. 2 Australia .. . ■ • • 25 985 Cinema goods .. . • • • ■ • New Zealand .. . . • • • 0 oa ] ' . .. . . .. New Zealand .. . ■ • ■ 45 Tahiti . .. • • 1 46

A.—3,

Return of Imports for the Year ended 31st December, 1935 —continued.

26

Article. Whence imported Value. £ £ Confectionery .. ., .. .. New Zealand .. .. .. 481 United Kingdom .. .. 2 United States of America .. 1 France .. .. .. 1 Australia .. ., .. 1 486 Cordage .. .. .. .. .. New Zealand .. .. .. 421 United States of America .. 186 United Kingdom .. .. 52 —— 659 Cotton piece-goods .. .. .. .. New Zealand .. .. .. 421 United Kingdom .. .. 2,160 Australia .. .. .. 16 Japan .. .. .. 44 United States of America .. 154 Canada .. .. .. 1 Switzerland .. .. .. 7 2,803 Drapery n.e.i. .. .. .. New Zealand .. .. .. 801 United Kingdom .. .. 129 India .. .. .. 1 Japan .. .. .. 9 940 Drugs .. ,. .. . . New Zealand .. .. .. 864 United States of America .. 37 France .. .. .. 4 United Kingdom .. .. 20 Australia .. .. .. 5 930 Earthenware .. .. .. New Zealand .. .. .. 410 United Kingdom ,. .. 68 Czecho-Slovakia .. . . 9 France .. .. .. 1 United States of America . . 68 Japan .. .. . . 2 Australia . .. .. 276 Belgium .. .. .. 10 Sweden .. .. .. 12 G-ermany .. ,. .. 5 Canada .. .. .. 3 864 Fancy good .. .. .. New Zealand .. .. .. 377 United States of America .. 21 Australia .. .. .. 8 Japan .. .. 46 India. .. .. .. 20 United Kingdom .. . . 89 France .. .. . . 7 Czecho-Slovakia .. .. 10 Germany .. .. .. 1 579 Fertilizers . . .. .. .. New Zealand .. .. , . 275 United States of America . . 5 280 Fish, preserved , .. .. .. New Zealand .. .. . . 249 Siberia . . .. . . 36 United States of America .. 29 Canada .. .. . . 68 United Kingdom .. .. 6 Japan .. .. . . 2 390 Flour .. .. .. .. .. New Zealand .. .. .. 51 Australia .. .. 3,645 3,696 Furniture.. .. .. .. .. New Zealand .. .. .. .319 United States of America . . 10 Tahiti .. .. .. .. 2 United Kingdom ., . . 33 Australia .. .. .. 27 — 391

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Return of Imports for the Year ended 31st December, 1935—continued.

27

Article. Whence imported. Value. ■ . I . . \ £ £ Hardware .. , . .. .. .. New Zealand .. .. 1,484 United States of America .. 45 United Kingdom .. .. 240 Germany .. .. .. 8 Sweden .. .. .. 1] Japan .. .. .. 9 Australia .. .. .. 15 Norway .. .. .. 15 Canada .. .. .. 22 1,849 Hats and caps .. .. .. .. United Kingdom .. .. 14 United States of America .. 1 New Zealand .. .. .. 2 17 Hosiery .. .. .. .. .. New Zealand .. .. .. 1 Hops .. .. .. .. .. New Zealand .. .. .. .. 70 Instruments, musical .. .. .. New Zealand .. .. .. 173 United Kingdom .. .. 29 United States of America .. 35 Japan .. .. .. 5 Australia .. .. .. 59 Tahiti .. .. .. 1 302 Iron, bar .. .. .. .. .. New Zealand .. .. .. 136 Australia .. .. .. 15 151 Iron, galvanized .. .. .. .. New Zealand .. .. .. 723 United Kingdom .. .. 60 Australia .. .. .. 28 United States of America .. j 4 815 Iron pipes .. .. .. .. New Zealand .. .. . . .. 139 Iron, wire .. .. .. .. .. New Zealand .. .. .. 109 United States of America .. 18 Australia .. .. .. 12 United Kingdom .. .. 28 167 Jewellery .. .. .. .. .. United States of America' .. 7 Czecho-Slovakia .. .. 9 New Zealand .. .. .. 17 Germany .. .. .. 5 United Kingdom .. .. 1 39 Leatherware .. .. .. .. New Zealand .. .. .. .. 36 Machinery, sewing .. .. .. .. New Zealand .. .. .. 28 * United Kingdom .. .. 14 Australia .. .. .. 2 United States of America .. 9 — 53 Machinery n.e.i. .. .. .. .. New Zealand .. .. .. 212 United Kingdom .. .. 5 United States of America .. 81 298 Machinery, electric .. .. .. .. New Zealand . . .. .. 673 United States of America .. 280 United Kingdom .. .. 50 Australia .. .. .. 57 1,060 Matches .. .. .. .. .. United Kingdom .. .. 359 New Zealand .. .. .. 122 481 Meat, preserved .. .. .. .. New Zealand .. .. .. 5,710 United States of America .. 3 5,713 Meat, salted .. .. .. .. New Zealand .. .. .. .. 157 Meat, frozen .. .. .. .. New Zealand .. .. .. .. 679 Milk, preserved .. .. .. New Zealand .. .. .. 424 United States of America .. 2 ——• 426

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Return of Imports for the Year ended 31st December, 1935 —continued.

28

Article. Whence imported. Value. £ £ Nails .. ,. .. ,. .. New Zealand .. .. 469 Australia .. .. . . 2.1 490 Oil, kerosene, &c. .. .. .. .. New Zealand .. .. . . 97 United States of America. . . 1,304 Russia .. .. . . 12 Dutch East Indies .. . . 34 1,447 Oil n.e.i. . . . . . . .. .. New Zealand .. .. 246 United States of America . 247 United Kingdom . . . 147 Australia .. .. .. 1 j 641 Paints .. .. .. .. .. New Zealand .. .. . . 724 United States of America . . 105 United Kingdom .. . . 310 Australia .. .. . . 2 1,141 Paper, wrapping .. .. .. .. New Zealand .. .. . . 675 Prance .. .. . . 12 Australia .. !. .. 35 722 Perfumery .. .. ., .. New Zealand .. . . . . 9 United Kingdom .. .. 39 Tahiti .. .. .. 2 Japan .. .. .. 1 51 Photographic goods .. .. ., New Zealand .. .. . . 18 United States of America . 9 i — 27 Plants and seeds .. .. .. .. New Zealand .. .. . , 1 68 United States of America .. 3 Australia .. .. .. 102 173 Provisions n.e.i. .. .. .. .. New Zealand .. .. .. 2,029 United States of America ., 80 Australia . . .. . . 142 United Kingdom .. .. 43 Switzerland .. .. .. 1 2,295 Rice .. .. .. .. .. New Zealand .. .. .. 98 Australia .. .. .. 783 Burma .. .. .. 18 899 Saddlery .. .. .. .. .. New Zealand .. .. . . 92 United States of America . .. 8 100 Silk .. .. .. .. .. New Zealand .. .. .. 320 Japan .. .. .. 532 Australia .. .. .. 14 United Kingdom .. .. 38 France .. .. .. 1 905 Soap .. .. .. .. .. New Zealand .. .. 1,244United Kingdom . . .. 2 Tahiti .. .. .. 4 1,250 Spirits — Whisky .. .. .. .. .. United Kingdom .. .. 37 Brandy .. .. .. .. .. France .. .. ,. 17 Gin .. .. .. .. .. United Kingdom . . .. 23 Rum .. .. .. .. .. Australia . . .. .. 69 France .. .. .. 109 British West Indies .. .. 27 282 Spirits, methylated .. . . .. New Zealand .. .. .. .. 39

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Return of Imports for the Year ended 31st December, 1935 —continued.

29

Article. Whence imported. Value. £ e Stationery .. .. . • • • New Zealand .. .. .. 668 United States of America .. 20 United Kingdom .. .. 51 Australia .. .. .. 1 Japan .. .. .. 1 74] Sugar .. .. .. .. •• New Zealand .. .. .. .. 2,340 Tea, coffee, and cocoa .. .. ■ • New Zealand .. .. .. 453 India .. .. .. 19 Australia .. .. .. 2 Java .. .. .. 16 490 Timber, sawn .. .. .. • • New Zealand .. .. .. 789 United States of America .. 245 Australia .. .. .. 2 1,036 Timber, shooks .. .. .. • • New Zealand .. .. 6,103 United States of America .. 140 6,243 Tobacco .. .. .. .. •• New Zealand .. ..J 2,113 United States of America .. 486 Australia .. .. .. 31 Tahiti .. .. .. 4 United Kingdom .. .. 82 2,716 Toilet preparations .. .. .. .. ; New Zealand .. . . .. 83 United Kingdom .. .. 55 Singapore .. .. .. 1 Tahiti .. .. .. 5 United States of America .. 1 145 Tools .. .. .. .. • • I New Zealand .. . . .. 284 United States of America .. 41 United Kingdom .. 172 Germany .. .. .. 13 Australia .. .. .. 63 573 Wine — Port .. .. .. .. • • Australia .. .. .. 78 White .. .. .. .. .. Spain .. .. .. 14 Tahiti .. .. .. 17 France .. .. .. 20 Claret .. .. .. .. .. France .. .. .. 20 Australia .. .. .. 19 168 Woodenware .. .. .. . • New Zealand .. .. .. 162 United States of America .. 52 Australia .. .. .. 37 251 Miscellaneous .. .. .. .. New Zealand .. .. .. 172 United States of America .. 19 United Kingdom .. .. 32 223 Total .. .. £61,676

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30

Summary. £ £ New Zealand . . .. .43,566 Dutch East Indies .. .. . . 34 United Kingdom .. .. .. 5,759 Russia .. .. .. .. 12 United States of America .. .. 4,468 Hong Kong .. .. . , 2 Australia . . . . . . . . 6,057 Singapore.. .. .. 1 Japan .. .. . . 1,071 Tahiti .. .. .. 41 Canada .. .. . . .. 195 Belgium .. .. ~ . . 10 India .. .. .. .. 40 Fiji . .. .. 2 France .. .. .. .. 201 Norway .. . . 15 Czecho-Slovakia . . . . .. 28 Switzerland .. . . . . 8 Siberia .. .. .. 36 British West Indies 27 Sweden .. . . . . . 23 Java .. .. .. . . 16 Burma . . .. . . , . 18 Spain .. .. .. .. 14 Total .. .. . . £61,676 Germany .. .. .. . ■ 32 ==

Return of Exports for the Year ended 31st December, 1935.

Article. Exported to Quantity. Value. £ Oranges .. .. .. New Zealand .. .. 48,268 cases .. 19,947 Bananas .. .. .. New Zealand .. .. 22,539 cases .. 8,130 Tomatoes .. .. .. New Zealand .. .. 62,311 boxes .. 10,673 Tahiti .. .. .. 72 boxes .. 14 62,383 boxes .. 10,687 Lemons .. .. .. New Zealand . .. 117 boxes .. 75 Mandarines .. . . .. 1 New Zealand . .. 397 boxes . . 106 Grapefruit .. .. . . New Zealand .. .. 30 cases .. 10 I _ Mangoes .. .. . . New Zealand . . . . 10 cases . 3 — Avocado pears .. .. 1 New Zealand .. .. 2 cases . . 1 Kumeras .. .. New Zealand . . .. 120 sacks . . 32 Taro .. .. .. New Zealand .. .. 5 packages 2 Pineapples .. .. .. New Zealand . . .. 13 cases .. 3 Mixed fruit .. .. New Zealand .. .. 32 cases . . 8 Dried bananas .. .. New Zealand . . . . 2 cases . . 6 Orange-juice .. .. .. New Zealand .. 927 cases .. ! 1,116 Coconuts .. .. .. New Zealand .. 1,047 sacks .. 315 United States of America . . 356 packages 46 1,403 packages 361 Coconuts husks .. .. New Zealand .. 14 bags .. 2 Coffee beans .. .. .. New Zealand . . .. 3 cwt. . . 15 Tons cwt. qrs. lb. Arrowroot .. .. .. New Zealand . . . . 1 3 2 9 38

A.—3.

Return of Exports for the Year ended 31st December, 1935—continued.

Group Cargo Tonnages. Total Group cargo tonnage inward : 3,730 tons (by measurement). Total Group cargo tonnage outward : 5,771 tons (by measurement) ; 1,355 tons (by weight, copra). Summary. £ New Zealand .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 40,482 United Kingdom .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 1,813 United States of America .. .. .. .. .. ..10,079 Tahiti .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 14 France .. .. .. .. .. .. •.. .. 1,21] Total .. .. .. .. .. .. £53,599

Approximate Cost of Paper.—Preparation, not given; printing (560 copies, including illustrations) £45.

By Authority : G. H. Loney, Government Printer, Wellington—l 936,

Price Is.]

31

Article. j Exported to Quantity. Value. I I £ Pearl .. .. United Kingdom.. .. .. 175 Tons cwt. qrs. lb. Copra . . United States of America .. 995 4 0 0 10,033 United Kingdom . . 234 0 0 0 1,638 France .. .. .. 124 1 0 0 1,211 1,353 5 0 0 12,882 Total .. .. .. £53,599 1 ===^4==^=^

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HURRICANE DAMAGE, FEBRUARY, 1935—AND RESTORATION, FEBRUARY, 1936.

Scene near Government Buildings after the Recent Hurricane.

The same as restored.

The Main Road in front of Hotel Rarotonga after the Recent Hurricane.

The same as restored.

5 —A. 3.

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The Fumigator and Fruit Inspector's Office after the Recent Hurricane.

The same as restored.

A View of Main Road passing in front of Government Buildings showing the "Ngamaru" Concrete Bridge destroyed.

The same as restored.

A.—3.

Scene in front of Resident Commissioner's Office after the Recent Hurricane.

A General Main-road View in front of the Hotel Rarotonga after the Recent Hurricane.

The same as restored.

The same as restored.

The Government Buildings, Avarua.

A Main-road Scene, Avarua, just West of Government Buildings.

View showing Part of Government Building and Treasurer's Residence.

View showing New Concrete Channel being made (Vaikapuangai Creek).

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