COOK ISLANDS. [In continuation of Parliamentary Paper A.-3, 1937.]

Appendix to the Journals of the House of Representatives, 1938 Session I, A-03

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1938. NEW ZEALAND.

COOK ISLANDS. [In continuation of Parliamentary Paper A.-3, 1937.]

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

REPORT OF THE COOK ISLANDS ADMINISTRATION.

Accession to the Throne of His Majesty King George VI and Queen Elizabeth. The accession to the Throne of Their Majesties was suitably celebrated in every Island of the Group, and messages of loyalty were forwarded from the various Island Councils, Arikis, and people. Resident Commissioner-ship. During the year under review, Judge EL F. Ayson, Resident Commissioner and Chief Judge of the High Court, returned to New Zealand after nearly twenty-two years' service as Judge of the Native Land Court and fifteen years as Resident Commissioner and Chief Judge of both the High and Native Land Courts. During the period of his administration many important advances were made in the public services of the territory, and his departure from Rarotonga was accompanied by a demonstration as a mark of the esteem in which he was held by both European and Maori of the Cook Islands. Mr. S. J. Smith, Secretary, Cook Islands Department, Wellington, was appointed on 16th June, 1937, as Resident Commissioner and Acting Chief Judge of the High Court as successor to Judge Ayson. General. Some of the more difficult problems of administration are summarized herein. The Cook Islands contain a population of 12,844 souls —12,593 Natives and 251 Europeans. They are settled on relatively small Islands scattered over a considerable expanse of ocean, stretching from Penrhyn (9 degrees South) to Mangaia (22 degrees South). The Group is divided naturally into two portions, the Southern Group of Rarotonga (headquarters), Mangaia, Mauke, Atiu, Aitutaki, and Mitiaro ; and Palmerston, Suwarrow, Rakahanga, Manihiki, Pukapuka, Nassau, and Penrhyn in the north. The distance between Rarotanga and Penrhyn is 737 miles. Sea communication with the Northern Islands is by two local (trader-owned) schooners and is necessarily irregular, and for at least four months each year (during the hurricane season) there is no sea communication whatever, which presents difficulties to the Resident Commissioner and officials in carrying out their duties in the wide-flung territory. The Southern Group Islands are visited more frequently by the schooners, and also between April and October by the Union Steam Ship Co.'s vessel " Matua " for the purpose of shipping oranges to the New Zealand markets. The Northern Islands are merely coral atolls and the people exist principally on coconuts and fish. Despite this they are a healthy community, increasing rapidly in numbers. In past years they have supplemented their food-supplies by the sale of copra, and, in Penrhyn and Manihiki, of pearls and pearl shell; but, both these commodities now being a glut on the world's markets, the

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people are noticing the shortage of ready money. Many of their houses, built in flourishing times of wood and iron, are falling into disrepair, and the art of housebuilding in native material has largely been lost. They have periodical visitations of destructive hurricanes, consequently the homes of the people are disappointingly poor. Endeavours are being made to revive the art of housebuilding and improve the conditions under which the people live. Exceptions to the above are Manihiki and Rakahanga, where many fine houses constructed of native material are still in evidence. For some years the whole of the medical work of the Group has been undertaken by one Medical Officer (Dr. E. P. Ellison, Chief Medical Officer) with at times an Assistant Medical Officer, and assisted by the few Native medical practitioners, it has, up to the present, been possible to train at the Central Medical School, Suva. It has been impossible for Dr. Ellison to spend more than a short period in many of the Group Islands, and the health and sanitation of the people have suffered as a consequence. Leprosy has manifested itself as very prevalent in the north, particularly in Penrhyn. It requires much attention to prevent its spreading throughout the Group and -considerable expenditure in time and money before it is eventually stamped out. The Northern Islands are practically non-revenue producing and constitute a difficult problem for financing the various administrative activities to which they are entitled. The same conditions apply largely to the Southern Group Islands with the exception that they benefit from a considerable export of oranges. One of the most crying needs at present is the augmentation of water-supplies, those at present existing being somewhat inadequate on all Islands of the Group with the exception of Rarotonga. Owing to the decline of the fruit trade during past years, the people have become neglectful of their plantations which provide exportable products (principally bananas and oranges) ; but it is pleasing to report that with the introduction of Government control of the export and ordered sale in New Zealand of these classes of fruit a new spirit of enterprise and endeavour is very noticeable in all the Islands of the Lower Group, which must reflect in improved conditions of living for the people generally. The limited public revenue renders the financing of all Administration services a very real difficulty. By Act of Parliament the Administration is required to supply free medical attention and hospital accommodation for all Maoris ; the same Act makes school attendance compulsory. These services are both heavily subsidized by the New Zealand Treasury, without which assistance it would be impossible to carry them out. The provision of suitable teachers for the many schools of the various Islands is a difficult and costly task, and, although the aim of the Administration is to replace as far as possible European teachers with Native trained teachers, the process is necessarily a slow one and heavy expenditure will be necessary for some years to come. The Native people are naturally of a happy, carefree disposition, and crime of a serious nature is practically unknown. They are, however, in a state of transition from the ancient custom of blindly following the Arikis and chiefs to a more independent and individual spirit which manifests itself to an increasing extent from year to year. As European influence has grown, the power and authority of the Ariki have gradually waned. This is more apparent in Rarotonga, where civilization impinges more closely and presents difficulties of administration that are constantly present. Owing to the depressed financial condition during the past decade the Land Court work of the Group has fallen into heavy arrears. This constitutes one of the greatest problems of administration to-day. The land of the Maoris is their all, and their land rights are jealously guarded. The present indefiniteness of title causes much concern to the interested parties and retards permanent planting and agriculture generally to an unbelievable degree. It is urgently necessary to press on continuously and systematically with the arrears of the Native Land Court work in all Islands of the Group. The infrequency of the shipping service between the Cook Islands and New Zealand —a fourweekly service only—is a severe handicap to trade. The service during the orange-export season is divided between five Islands, but in a four-weekly period the one vessel can call generally at three only. Consequently some Islands receive only a two-monthly call. The loss of oranges on this account runs into many thousands of cases per annum. Even the monthly call is responsible for the loss of much fruit which has ripened in the interim and which cannot be exported. The infrequency of shipping also deters growers from attempting to export quick-growing crops such as beans, &c., for which there is, during certain seasons of the year, a ready market in New Zealand. Until better facilities for handling the fruit trade are provided, the industry —the life-blood of these Islands —cannot be properly developed, and financial assistance from New Zealand will be necessary to subsidize the administration activities of the Cook Group. Trade. For the year ended 31st December, 1937, the value of exports was £86,333 (£67,556 for 1936) and imports £86,534 (£72,576 for 1936), showing an excess of imports over exports of £201. Full details are shown in Appendix B, page 17. This is a substantial increase in total trade figures since the low figures that marked the depressed condition of 1934—a total increase over that year of £52,111. Copra Trade. —A total of 1,629 tons of copra was exported, of which a quantity valued at £27,351 was exported to the United States of America and the remainder, valued at £986, to the United Kingdom,

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Despite the low prices paid for this commodity, the export is the largest for some years past. A further recent reduction in price, however, will no doubt reflect seriously on the coming year's exports, growers preferring to use the copra for domestic purposes to offering it for sale at the extremely low prices offering. Exports.—The following table shows the quantities of main exports over the last seven years : —

Shipping. Overseas shipping at the Port of Avarua, Rarotonga, for the period under review comprised a total of twenty-six vessels, as follows : Union Steam Ship Co.'s cargo-vessels, 5 ; Union Steam Ship Co.'s m.v. " Matua," 12 ; American cargo-vessels, 1 ; cruising vessels, 5 ; local schooners, 3. Finance. For the financial year ended 31st March, 1938, income amounted to £56,598 12s. 4d., and expenditure to £47,207 ss. 9d., showing a surplus of income over expenditure of £9,391 6s. 7d. Subsidies from the New Zealand Treasury on account of medical, hospital, and educational services amounted to £11,000, this amount being included in the above figures. Assets, including cash in hand, as at 31st March, amounted to £121,841 os. 9d. This includes an amount of £30,000 made available by loan from the New Zealand Treasury as working-capital for the handling and exporting of oranges and bananas under Government control, and is shown in the balance-sheet as a loan to the Fruit Control Department. Detailed statements of income and expenditure and balance-sheet are printed on pages 15, and 16, Appendix A. Fruit-control Finance.—Government control of the handling, exporting, and marketing of all oranges from the Cook Islands came into operation from Ist May, 1937, under the authority of the Cook Islands Fruit Control Regulations 1937. The year's operations (as at 31st March, 1938) resulted in a surplus of £461 lis. 10d., in addition to which there is a Reserve Fund of £252 12s. 3d. and an amount standing to the credit of a Growers' Debt Redemption Fund of £936 Bs. The balance-sheet shows assets valued at £34,793 Is. 3d. Details of accounts and balance-sheet are printed on page 16, Appendix A. Medical. Hospital — In-patients .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 287 Out-patients .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 18,937 Treatment — (a) Injections — (1) Antitetanic serum .. .. .. .. .. 89 (2) Adrenalin (asthma) .. .. .. .. .. 15 (3) Colloidal calcium .. .. .. .. .. 76 (4) Gonococcol vaccine .. .. .. .. .. 90 (5) Novaisenobinzol .. .. .. .. .. 607 (6) Antityphoid bacillus .. .. .. .. .. 1,470 (7) Staphylococci vaccine .. .. .. .. 14 (b) Anaesthetics — (1) General .. .. .. .. .. .. 33 (2) Local .. .. .. .. .. .. 190 (c) Operations — (1) Major .. .. .. .. .. .. 15 (2) Minor .. .. .. .. .. .. 358 (d) Confinements .. .. .. .. .. .. 89 (e) Intestinal-worm treatment .. .. .. .. .. 236 (/) Anti-nasal examinations .. .. .. .. .. 61 (g) X-ray .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 22 (h) Visits .. .. .. .. .. .. 1,390

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-— 1931. 1932. 1933. 1934. 1935. 1936. 1937. Citrus fruit .. (Cases) 82,740 85,593 92,752 78,099 48,268* 75,390 69,369 Bananas .. .. „ 55,769 62,390 47.494 52,314 22,539* 49,431 39,910 Tomatoes.. .. „ 34,750 54,218 17,737 34,545 62,383 38,546 34,390 Copra .. .. (Tons) 1,546 1,294 1,545 963 1,353 689 1,629 * Reduced exports due to the effect of hurricane.

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Child Welfare. —The child-welfare campaign continues as a very valuable complement to the medical work. The medical services and all members of the community are highly indebted to the voluntary work done by the Child Welfare Clubs. Medical officers have been saved a great deal of visiting, confinements have been supervised, illness among children has been promptly reported, and the assistance given in ante-natal work has been invaluable. Attendances at monthly lectures have been good, and papers written by members have shown satisfactory absorption of educational work. The organization watches the general welfare of all children up to five years of age when they pass to the schools. School-children of all schools are regularly inspected by the Medical Officer and the District Nurse. The Dental Officer attends to the teeth of all children. Thus the combined medical, nursing, dental, teaching, and child-welfare services watch over the welfare of children up to schoolleaving age. In the words of the Chief Medical Officer, " Under such a system we have no great anxiety over the rising generation, which now comprises nearly 50 per cent, of the population." Au Vaine Committee. —The District Nursing Sister attached to the hospital staff regularly makes house-to-house visits in all districts. In this work she is generally assisted by a women's organization known as the "Au Vaine." Their activities deal mainly with cleanliness of houses, beautifying surroundings, inspection of sanitation, water-supplies, &c. The Au Vaine also do valuable work in assisting the people to maintain their food-plant supplies, &c. An annual " tutaka " (inspection) of all homes and plantations is made by the Resident Commissioner and officials, accompanied through each district by the members of the Au Vaine, in which they join with much enthusiasm and enjoyment. The work of all these people, child welfare and Au Vaine, is considered of the greatest value to the community. Medical and Public Health.—The medical and hospital services of the Government have been carried out by a staff of a Chief Medical Officer, Assistant Medical Officer (part-time), Matron, Nursing Sister, two Native medical practitioners (part-time, three), two island nurses (European), and a trained Native staff. The numerical smallness of the medical staff renders it impossible to exercise proper supervision of the 5,000 population in Rarotonga and 7,000 scattered in the various Islands of the Group. The Outer Islands are, however, visited as often as circumstances permit. One District Nurse is stationed at Aitutaki and one at Mangaia. With the exception of visits of the European Medical Officer and the Native medical practitioner from Rarotonga, most Islands are without medical or nursing services. To overcome the difficulty as far as practicable the policy of providing additional Native medical practitioners is being hastened, with the object of stationing a Native medical practitioner in every Island of the Group. Leprosy. —During the year a leper concentration hospital was erected on the island of Te Sauma (Penrhyn), where all the lepers from the Group Islands are to be concentrated as they are identified, awaiting transport to the Central Leper Station at Makogai, Fiji. Despite the efforts taken in past years, this disease has a strong hold, particularly at Penrhyn Island, and every endeavour is being made to eradicate it. The Te Sauma station is equipped with a permanent administration building, wharves, water-supply, and Native-built houses for the patients. A Native medical practitioner is stationed permanently at Penrhyn and has the whole population under regular medical surveillance. The transport of patients from other Islands of the Group to Te Sauma presents difficulties, but this is being undertaken whenever possible.

Vital Statistics. Statistical Return for Year ended 31st March, 1938 (Islands of Lower Group and Northern Group Islands)

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Births. Deaths. Marriages. Island. i European. Maori. European. Maori. p gan Maori. I M. F. M. F. M. F. M. F. Rarotonga .. .. 4 .. 126 105 1 1 41 48 .. 65 Aitutaki .. .. . • • ■ 57 35 .. .. 9 12 .. 21 Manaaia .. .... .. 31 34 .. .. 3 10 .. 6 Atiu .. .. 26 26 .. .. 10 24 .. 9 Mauke .. .... .. 14 15 .. .. 3 4 .. 6 Mitiaro .. .. .. •• 4 3 .. .. 4 Manihiki .. .... 1 4 9 .. .. 7 8 .. 2 Rakahanga .. .... .. 6 7 .. .. 4 1 .. 1 Penrhyn .. .... .. 14 15 .. .. 3 5 Pukapuka . . .... .. 18 15 .. .. 7 5 .. 8 Totals ..4 1 300 264 1 1 91 S 122

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Analysis of Deaths as shown in the above Return for the Year ended 31st March, 1938.

Migration. Migration to and from Rarotonga during year ended 31st March, 1938, was as follows :—

Meteorological. The total rainfall at Avarua, Rarotonga, for the year ended 31st December, 1937, was 73-75 in. The heaviest rainfall in twenty-four hours was 7-12 in. The highest reading of the Fahrenheit thermometer in the shade was 88 degrees, on the 17th February, 1937 ; the lowest 57-5 degrees, on the 21st September, 1937. The mean of the maximum thermometer was 80-13 degrees and the mean of the minimum thermometer 70-15 degrees. The lowest corrected reading of the barometer was 29-642, on the 25th February, 1937. Education. There are twenty-four schools in the Cook Islands, eleven of which are directly under the control of the Administration. Seven are London Missionary Society subsidized schools, and six are conducted by the Roman Catholic Mission. The following table shows the schools, roll numbers, and staffing : —

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T , j Under 1 Under 5 Under 10 Under 15 Under 20 Over 20 m , , Year. Years. Years. Years. Years. Years. J-otal, . M. F. M. F. M. F. M. F. M. F. M. F. M. F. Rarotonga .. .. 11 5 2 4 1 2 1 4 3 4 24 30 42 49 Aitutaki .. .. .. 3 1 2 3.. .. 1.. .. .. 3 8 9 12 Mangaia .. .. .... 3 1 1 2 6 3 10 Atiu .. .. .... 5 ...... 2 1 1 2 3 7 13 10 24 Mauke .. .. .. 2 2.. 1 1 1 3 4 Mitiaro .. .. .. 1 3 .. 4 Manihiki .. .. .. 2 3.. 1 3 2 4 7 8 Rakahanga .. .. .. 3 1 1 4 1 Penrhyn .. .. .. .. 1 1 1 1.. .. 2 2 3 5 Pukapuka (no analysis) 7 5 Totals .. .. 22 20 5 10 4 4- 3 6 6 8 45 65 92 118

Arrivals. Departures. Males. Females. Males. j Females. I Europeans .. .. .. 61 49 58 | 60 Natives ...... 13 19 13 21 Total ...... 74 68 71 81

Island. School. Staff. (a) Government Schools. Rarotonga .. .. Avarua .. . . 413 15 Arorangi . . . . 218 8 Ngatangiia .. . . 179 6 Titikaveka .. .. 165 5 Aitutaki .. .. Araura .. .. 449 13 Atiu .. .. Atiu .. .. 239 8 Mangaia .. .. Oneroa .. .. 201 7 I virus, .. .. 105 3 Tamarua .. . . 71 2 Mauke .. .. Mauke .. .. 97 2 Pukapuka .. .. Pukapuka .. .. 164 7

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For the first time since the Administration took over the schools from the London Missionary Society in 1915 it has been found possible to put into operation the policy of replacing European Head Teachers by Native Head Teachers. The work of the Education Officer and the Organizing Infantmistress together with that of European Head Teachers should enable the Administration to extend the number of schools in charge of Native Head Teachers so that ultimately all the primary schools of the Cook Islands will have Native staffs with a minimum number of European Organizing Teachers. During the past year the Native teachers, although handicapped by their own educational limitations, have continued to do good work, and every effort is being made to improve their standard by means of afternoon classes in methods of teaching and in academic subjects, and by refresher courses at intervals. A week was devoted to an instructional course which was attended by thirty-one teachers from Rarotonga, and the good results of this course are now showing in the schools concerned. The Senior Inspector of Native Schools for New Zealand conducted a two days' refresher course in methods of teaching, particular stress being laid on modern developments. Refresher courses varying in length from a week to ten days were held for teachers of Grades 1, 2, 3, and 4. A week has been devoted by the Native teachers, working in their own schools under European supervision, to the making of infant-room apparatus. These refresher courses, held at regular intervals, have effected immediate improvements in the methods used by Native teachers. Buildings and Equipment. —Additional class-rooms to meet increased roll numbers have been erected at Titikaveka School and at Araura School, Aitutaki. Araura School has also a handworkroom built by the people of Aitutaki, while the Arorangi children and teachers have built a handworkroom for themselves. All the above structures are Native built. While school buildings on Rarotonga can be classed as of an excellent type well suited to conditions, it is to be regretted that the same cannot be said of those in the Outer Islands of the Group, and the education of these children cannot be carried on satisfactorily under existing conditions. In all schools excepting two the seating-accommodation has been entirely unsuited to modern infantroom practice, but improvements in this direction can be accomplished from time to time only as funds permit. Progress and Health Cards. —A system of progress cards for pupils has been introduced in all schools in the Lower Group. These cards will give a short history of the child's school life. Provision is made for the recording of periodical health examinations conducted by the Medical Officer. Medical and Health. —There was a serious outbreak of typhoid fever, and all school-children of Rarotonga were innoculated and the threatened epidemic passed over. The Chief Medical Officer conducted a health examination of school-children in Rarotonga. The very important " follow-up " work after health examination —the treatment of conditions found —has been conducted regularly, and the schools and the Health Department are co-operating very successfully in this work. A pleasing innovation this year has been the substitution of swimming for physical drill during the hotter months. The Dental Officer has continued his work and dental treatment has been given regularly. Coronation Celebrations. —Coronation Day, 12th May, at Rarotonga was made a children's day. The parade numbered 1,300. This was followed by a drill and marching display by the combined schools. The success of this display was a splendid example of team-work. Pupils and teachers are to be commended for the work they did in preparation, and the co-operation of all made the display an outstanding event.

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Mand. ! School. I j 8taff ' | _l I (b) London Missionary Society Schools. Mitiaro . . . . Mitiaro . . . . 41 1 Palmerston . . . . Palmerston .. .. 29 1 Penryhn . . . . Omoka . . . . 73 2 Tetautua . . .. 61 1 Manihiki .. . . Tauhunu . . . . 67 1 Tukao .. .. 22 1 Rakahanga .. . . Rakahanga .. . . 48 1 (c) Roman Catholic Mission Schools. Rarotonga . . . . . . 161 6 Atiu .... .. 49 2 Mauke .... .. 65 1 Mitiaro .... . . 26 1 Manihiki .... .. 27 3 Rakahanga .... .. 44 2 Total .. .. .. 3,014 99

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Inspection of Schools.—For a period of five weeks in August-September, Mr. D. G. Ball, M.A., LL.B., Senior Inspector of Native Schools, New Zealand, was in the Cook Islands on a visit of inspection. Mr. Ball outlined a number of helpful suggestions that would be for the betterment of the system, the most important being — (1) The appointment of an Education Officer whose duties would be solely to direct and to supervise education in the Cook Islands, and would not include the Headmastership of Avarua School as formerly. (2) The appointment of an experienced infant-mistress to organize the work in the lower grades and to conduct refresher courses at regular intervals. (3) The establishment of a post-primary school which would carry on the work of the present schools and which would serve as a training-school for teachers and for cadets required in the various branches of the Administration. Numbers (1) and (2) have already been given efiect to, and number (3) has been approved, and plans and details for the establishment of a school of that type are under way. Mr. Ball's sympathetic understanding and advice were greatly appreciated. His visit was of infinite value and an inspiration to European and Native teachers alike in their work of education in the Cook Islands. Agriculture . Citrus.—Considerable improvement is noticeable in the Native orange-trees growing on the Island of B,arotonga, principally due to the pruning operations and thinning-out of worn trees which were undertaken last year. The Native growers entered into this work with enthusiasm, the system adopted being to encourage community efforts on the part of the people by organizing them into " tapere " or district gangs under the direction of a foreman in charge of each gang. Some thirty-three gangs were in operation, ranging from ten to twenty or more men in each gang, distributed all around the Island in practically every " tapere." The men worked together, assisting each other by pruning the trees on their respective holdings in turn. The first pruning and general renovation was commenced on the 13th July and continued intermittently by various gangs until the end of September. The gangs provided themselves with meat and rice, obtained through the medium of their district fruit-shed funds. Altogether about 520 men were engaged on this work at various times, the total approximate expenditure on food being £140. The total number of trees treated was 30,060, some 6,305 trees being removed entirely on account of being worthless due to diseased condition or detrimental on account of their very close proximity to other better trees, and some 23,755 trees pruned by removing all dead and diseased wood from the trees, with a limited amount of thinning so as to avoid any unnecessary reduction of the orange crop for this season. All cuts made were treated by painting with coal-tar. Continuous supervision was exercised over each gang by the Assistant Fruit Inspector in each district, and a general supervision was given by the Director of Agriculture and the Field Officer. With the object of establishing citrus plantations on modern lines at Barotonga, a nursery for raising young trees has been established at Takuvaine in which some 23,000 young trees have been raised and are now planted out in nursery rows preparatory to budding with selected varieties of oranges this year. The total export of citrus fruits from the whole Group for the period under review was 69,115 cases. Of this quantity, 11,958 cases of oranges and 392 cases of other citrus fruits were exported from Barotonga and 56,765 cases of oranges from the Outer Islands. During the year the new system of Government control of shipping and marketing oranges came into operation. The change-over was carried through successfully, and resulted in satisfactory cash prices being returned direct to bona fide growers. Unfortunately, some of the shipments arrived in New Zealand in not the best condition. This is only to be expected until such time as a proper processing plant is installed whereby the oranges can be processed and treated after harvesting at the proper stage of maturity for exporting overseas, a practice that has proved to be essential in all citrusexporting countries throughout the world. There is no logical reason for supposing that the Cook Islands oranges, grown under semi-tropical conditions are any less susceptible to the development of fungus troubles than those grown in more arid countries. Bananas. Blanting of bananas, while in the total lower than the previous year, has increased during the latter part of the period under review. Encouragement was given in this direction, also, by organizing growers into gangs to assist each other in planting on similar lines to those brought into operation for the pruning of the orange-trees, working under supervision of the District Inspectors and providing themselves with food from the fruit-shed funds. The prospect of better and more consistent returns under the expected Government control was one of the principal factors in the encouragement of setting out new plantations. The total export of bananas for the period was 37,360 cases, all from Barotonga, being considerably lower than the export of the previous year. Tomatoes. The tomato crop was normal. Increased plantings were made, but owing to growers not giving their plantations the necessary attention, particularly in the nature of spraying to prevent disease attacks, the best returns were not obtained. The total export of tomatoes for the year was 53,883 boxes. 7

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Coconuts. —Coconut plantations remain normal. The export of coconuts, mainly husked, amounted to a total of 1,381 sacks for the year. Copra-prices have fluctuated somewhat throughout the year and very little copra has been made at Rarotonga. The total quantity of copra exported from the whole Group during the twelve months ended 31st March, 1938, amounted to 823 tons, practically all from the Outer Islands. Domestic Crops. —The planting of products for local consumption such as taro, kumeras, melons, &c., has been normal and sufficient for requirements. Noxious Weeds. —Noxious weeds are still in evidence on uncultivated areas. Rat Pest. —A supply of Red Squill powder was obtained. Some of the poison has been distributed to the Island of Mauke, and good results have been achieved. Manure Levy.—The levy of 3d. per box on oranges and bananas and 2d. per box on tomatoes exported has been collected on shipments throughout the year. Some 60 tons of fertilizer have been procured through this source of finance and distributed amongst growers during the course of the year. Registration of Fruitgrowers.—The registration of fruitgrowers at Rarotonga has been kept up to date, and registration has now been completed at Aitutaki, Atiu, Mauke, and Mangaia. Fruit-sheds. —The fruit-packing sheds at Rarotonga have been kept in good order and utilized to their capacity with fruit in season. The necessity of a central packing-house, properly equipped with up-to-date appliances for treating and processing fruit prior to being packed for export, is still paramount, and little improvement can be expected in the out-turn of crops, which are the sole means of revenue to the population, until something of this nature is established whereby the fruit crops could be harvested in their due season at proper stages of maturity (instead of once a month, as at present, to suit steamer calls) and held under suitable storage conditions pending shipment. Export of Fruit. —During the twelve months under review the exports to New Zealand for the whole Group have amounted to a grand total of 161,949 packages —Rarotonga, 105,184 ; and other Islands, 56,765 —a decrease of nearly 5,000 packages on last year's figures. Experimental Farm Area. —The small area of bearing citrus trees is being persevered with. The work of establishing the new nursery at Takuvaine and raising of young seedlings has occupied the main portion of the foreman's time towards the latter part of the year. The Saanan goats remain healthy and the strain is becoming noticeable around the Island, although the interbreeding with various mixed strains of females does not tend to develop a pure strain. A rotary hoe has been procured and is doing useful work. Demonstration Plots. —Demonstration plots of bananas, approximately 1 acre in extent, have been established at Avatiu and Tupapa. These are planted on modern lines and kept under cultivation, and, with the application of artificial fertilizers, are intended to demonstrate the proper methods to be employed in banana-production. A 5-acre plot of cocoa has been sown with seed obtained from Samoa. The germination of the seed was poor, and a fresh lot of seed has now come to hand, which will be used for replacing misses. A number of cover crops are under trial, including different varieties of cow-peas. Crotalaria spectabilis appears to show the most promise to date as a green-manure crop. Recently a quantity of dadup cuttings has been procured from Samoa and planted out. A good strike has been obtained. Outer Islands. —During the year the Islands of Aitutaki, Aitu, Mitiaro, Mauke, and Mangaia have been visited and advice tendered on many aspects of the fruit industry. This has been favourably received. Fruit-packing sheds which are in course of construction at Aitutaki, Atiu, and Mauke should greatly facilitate the preparation of f ruit for export. Police. The strength of the Cook Islands police remains unchanged from the Ist April, 1937, to 31st March, 1938, the total strength being forty-four members. The Chief Officer of Police is the only European officer. During the year the general conduct of all ranks has been satisfactory. The number of police cases dealt with in the High Court at Rarotonga for the past year were 1,236, compared with 1,130 for the previous year. Fines amounting to £883 were imposed and £143 15s. 6d. collected during the year, as against £825 13s. imposed and £215 ss. collected during the previous year. The police have exerted themselves in an endeavour to collect fines, but it would appear that the majority of the offenders prefer to work out their fines. Motor-vehicle Registration and Licensing. - Income derived therefrom, £225 6s. 2d. Registration of Dogs.—lncome derived therefrom, £40. Cinematograph-film Censorship.-—During the year 112 films were censored, two being rejected as being unsuitable for exhibition in the Cook Islands. Gaol. —There are twelve prisoners in gaol at the present time serving sentences from two weeks to seven years ; eight prisoners belong to Rarotonga,, two to Mauke, and one each to Aitutaki and Atiu.

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Coukts. Native Land Court.—The sitting of the Native Land Court commenced on the 22nd March, 1937, was continued into the year under review, and was finally adjourned on the 17th June. During the period Ist April to 17th June, 242 applications were disposed of in the following manner : — Ordered. Dismissed. For Succession . . .. .. .. .. .. 170 13 For Investigation of title . . . . .. . . 1 1 For Amendment of title .. . . .. .. 6 20 For Partition .. .. . . .. .. 2 3 For Injunction .. .. .. .. .. .... 1 For Adoption .. .. .. .. .. 8 6 For Confirmation . . .. . . .. . . 3 1 For Tribal title . . .. .. . . .. 4- 1 For Atinga .. . . .. .. . . .. .... 2 194 48 In addition to the above, a number of orders were made in the ordinary course of the Court's activities and a number of applications were partly dealt with and adjourned for further evidence. A complete check of all the registers of the Croup has now been made, and the following is a summary of applications pending : —

The above figure —1,237 —discloses the urgent necessity for the appointment of a Native Land Court Judge to deal with matters before, the Court. The filing of Native Land Court orders has been completed as far as possible —the system being the same as that used in the Native Land Court in New Zealand —but there are still some hundreds of orders to be prepared. This work is now in hand and good progress is being made. Criminal Jurisdiction. —During the year a total of 1,236 cases were dealt with on the criminal side, and an analysis of the offences follows :— Burglary .. . . .. .. .. .. .. .. 3 Theft .. . . .. . . .. .. . . .. 55 Receiving stolen property .. .. .. .. . . . . 3 Causing actual bodily harm .. .. .. .. .. .. 6 Assault .. .. . • ■ • • • • • • • 15 Carnal knowledge —girl under fifteen years . . .. .. • 1 Abduction . . . . .. .. .. .. . . .. 1 Adultery (by married persons) .. .. .. .. . . .. 8 False pretences .. .. . • . • • • ■ • ■ • 4 Wilful mischief to property .. .. .. .. .. .. 4 Provoking breach of the peace .. .. . . . . .. . . 4 Furious driving . . .. .. .. .. .. . . 1 Animal trespass .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 145 Drunkenness .. .. .. . • ■ • • • • • • • 2 Wilful trespass .. .. . • • • • • • • • • 7 Contempt of Court . . .. .. . • . • . ■ . • 5 Escaping from lawful custody . . . . .. . . .. .. 15 Disorderly conduct in public place . . .. . . .. . . 1 Affrays .. .. .. • • • • • • • • • • 2 Manufacturing intoxicating liquor .. .. .. .. 22 Consuming intoxicating liquor .. .. .. .. .. 798 Giving intoxicating liquor to Native .. . . . . . . .. 1 Driving motor-truck in state of intoxication .. .. .. .. 1 Using threatening behaviour .. .. .. .. .. .. 4

2—A. 3.

9

& 'o . © aj <8 _ ° 2 • S W C) 03 !2 K ; « ° S3 S .2 2 a • £ h I I* I! I I II ! ! I i i , SB I |h | I Sq I f | a 1 $ eJ ® H C2 O m W < ft PhmO go W S H H Rarotonga . . 21 5 59 8 103 8 12 209 .. 10 23 1 459 Aitutaki .. ..264 1 11 .. 16 .. 10 59 4 8 .. .. 373 Mangaia .. .. 6 .. .. .. .. .. 2 .. .. 18 .. .. 26 Atiu .. ..59 2 .. .. 1 .. .. 6 .. 5 .. .. 73 Mauke .. .. 7 .. 9 .. 13 1 107 .. 2 1 .. 140 Mitiaro .. .. 13 . . .. .. .. .. 1 .. . . 1 15 Manihiki .. .. 28 1 .. .. 7 .. ... 36 Rakahanga .. 40 .. 3 .. .. .. I 9 .. 4 .. .. 57 Penrhyn .. .. 34 . . 1 .. . . .. 1 .. .. 5 .... 41 Pukapuka .. 11 .. . • .. 3 .. .. 3 .. . . 17 483 8 83 8 133 8 32 390 4 63 24 1 1,237 I

A.—3.

Breaches of Local Ordinances and Regulations as follows : — Cohabiting .. .. .. .. .. .. 26 Failing to register dog . . . . .. .. .. 26 Keeping pig in settlement .. .. .. .. .. .. 7 Riding bicycle at night without light .. . . .. 33 Negligently driving a motor-truck upon a public place . . .. 2 Driving a motor-truck without license .. .. .. .. 1 Loitering after 10 p.m. in public place .. .. . . 13 Tethering an animal upon a public place .. .. .. .. 3 Shooting indigenous birds .. .. . . . . . . . . 5 Breach of Fruit Regulations . . .. . . . . . . 5 Breach of Immigration Regulations .. . . .. . . . . 1 Breach of Post and Telegraph Act, 1928 .. . . . . .. 1 Breach of probation .. . . .. . . . . . . 1 Breach of section 4, Rarotonga Ordinance, 1932, No. 22 .. .. 4 1,236 How dealt with : — Convicted and sentenced to imprisonment .. .. .. 48 •Convicted and fined .. .. . . .. .. .. 1,083 Convicted and discharged .. .. .. .. .. 53 Convicted and ordered to come up for sentence if called upon .. . . 18 Convicted and sentence deferred .. .. .. .. .. 2 Convicted and term amended .. .. .. .. .. 1 Convicted and bound over to keep peace .. .. .. .. 1 Cases withdrawn .. .. .. .. .. .. 14 Cases dismissed .. . . . . .. .. .. ..11 Cases adjourned to next month .. .. .. .. .. 5 Civil Jurisdiction : — Actions for debt involving the sum of £4,116 ss. sd. .. .. ..30 Actions for damages involving the sum of £65 14s. 2d. .. .. .. 5 Actions for divorce .. .. .. .. .. . . 10 Application for affiliation and maintenance .. . . .. .. 1 Application for rehearing .. .. . . .. . . . . 1 Application for injunction .. .. .. .. . . . . 3 Application for maintenance .. .. .. . . .. .. 4 Application to serve summons outside Cook Islands . . . . . . 1 Application for a new trustee in an estate .. .. .. .. 1 Application for letters of administration .. . . . . . . .. 1 Application for exemption from provisions of section 519 . . .. . . 1 58 Since the departure of Judge H. F. Ayson, Mr. S. Savage, Commissioner of the High Court, has heard most of the cases brought before the High Court, and those cases which are outside a Commissioner's jurisdiction have been heard by Mr. S. J. Smith, Acting Chief Judge. Legislation. The only legislation passed in respect of the Group during the year was the Order in Council dated 9th February, 1938, relating to Pearl Shell Fisheries (Penrhyn). Public Works Department. Much renovation work on Government buildings, roads, bridges, grounds, telephones, &c., rendered necessary by the postponement of such work during the late years of financial depression, was carried out, as well as Group Island work where necessary. The Engineering Branch has now its fleet of transport in good condition, and has exercised supervision over power-engines, including freezer, wireless station, and X-ray equipment. Both Public Works and Engineering Branch, however, are hampered by cramped accommodation. Post Office. All offices in the Group have remained open throughout the year and the usual services have been maintained. Telephone Services. —The earth-working system in operation here, though unsuited for this part of the world owing to climatic conditions, has given good service throughout the year. Mail-service.—The monthly mail-service carried out by the m.v. " Matua " between New Zealand, Fiji, Western Samoa, Tonga, and Rarotonga during the year has been satisfactory. Post Office Savings-bank,—Deposits (ordinary), £18,668 15s, 6d. ; withdrawals (ordinary), £20,031.

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The excess of withdrawals over deposits, amounting to £1,362 4s. 6d., is due to an excess in the amount of outward transfers. Savings-bank accounts opened during the year .. .. .. ~ 201 Savings-bank accounts closed during the year .. .. . . .. 85 Total number of accounts open '.. .. .. .. .. 1,657 £ s. d. Amount at credit of depositors .. .. .. .. 28,198 12 8 Value of postal notes issued .. .. .. .. .. 608 13 9 Amount of money-orders issued .. .. .. .. 20,814 8 4 Amount of money-orders paid .. .. . . . . 4,376 18 9 Radio messages forwarded— Number .. .. .. . . .. .. .. 2,821 £ s. d. Value .. .. .. .. .. .. 1,401 2 7 Radio messages received: Number .. .. .. .. .. 2,775 £ s. d. Postage and revenue stamps : Total sales .. .. .. 22,277 4 3 The latter figure shows a substantial increase of £16,704 19s. Id. over the sales for the year ended 31st March, 1937, which was considered a record year. The increase in revenue was chiefly due to the fact that New Zealand stamps, " Coronation " issue overprinted " Cook Islands," in denominations of Id., 2fd., and 6d. were placed on sale from June to December, and also to the withdrawal from sale of the " King George V " issue of Is., 25., and 3s. early this year. Wikeless. Since the erection and operation of the first wireless station in the Cook Islands (RarotongaRadio, in 1918) eight stations have been erected, in the following order —In the Lower Group : Aitutaki and Mangaia, 1924 ; Atiu, 1925 ; Mauke, 1929 ; while in the Northern Group, Manihiki and Penrhyn were in operation in 1937 and Pukapuka early this year. There are now only two inhabited islands in the Group without wireless communication, these being Mitiaro and Palmerston. Rarotonga is the parent station and maintains direct daily schedules with all stations which are at distances varying from 100 miles to 750 miles away. With the exception of Rarotonga with two Europeans on the staff, and Manihiki where the Resident Agent acts as wireless operator, all stations are operated by Polynesians. The operators are also employed in other activities, such as teaching in the schools and assisting the Resident Agents in various ways. When Rarotonga-Radio was opened in 1918, communication with New Zealand was via ApiaRadio and transmitting through Apia was at the rate of Is. 6d. per word. In 1930 a 1,500 watt high-frequency transmitter was installed at Rarotonga, thus permitting direct communication with New Zealand and a reduction in rates to Is. a word to New Zealand. In 1931 low-power battery-operated valve transmitters were installed at Aitutaki and Mangaia and the spark transmitters withdrawn from use. The change-over resulted in considerable saving in running-expenses and permitted the operators to take up other duties in addition to wireless. A medium-frequency valve transmitter was installed at Rarotonga-Radio early in 1931. A highfrequency directional array (semi-beam) was erected in November. Splendid signal reports have been received and there has been no difficulty in disposing of traffic on daylight schedules. A special code rate came into force in 1929. Charges on code telegrams were reduced to 7Jd. per word in 1935. Besides providing direct communication with the mainland, charges were reduced 60 per cent, on this class of message within a short period. An N.L.T. service was introduced in 1936 and this class of message has proved popular. Notwithstanding the reductions in rates, revenue during the last few years has continued to increase until the record level of approximately £1,380 was reached this financial year. Revenue for all Lower Group stations has also increased. Direct communication is now maintained with Wellington-Radio, Apia, Suva, Papeete, and all Cook Islands sub-stations. All other Pacific stations can be worked direct, if necessary, in an emergency. Rarotonga signals have been reported from San Francisco in the north to Sydney in the south on the international wave-length of 600 metres. Valve transmitters now used at all sub-stations in the Lower Group are of the low-power battery-operated type, while those in use at Penrhyn and Pukapuka are of 5 watts battery-driven, the batteries being charged by windchargers. Manihiki is of higher power, the batteries being charged by a small petrol-engine. A medical advice service which has proved of great assistance is available for use at any time by nurses and Resident Agents in the Group. This service has been made full use of in the past five years. A free press service from New Zealand and foreign stations is maintained. At present, six cadets, who are employed in other branches of the Administration service, are being trained in wireless. All consti uction-work, maintenance, and rigging is, as far as possible, carried out by the station staff. During the year 1937 an efficient service has been maintained by all stations under the control of the Administration. Twenty radio-receiving licenses were issued. Number of paid messages handled, 5,503; revenue, £1,380 195.; total revenue for station, £1,476 13s. 2d.; other messages, 4,849; weather reports, 2,174 ;: service telegrams, 16,043; naval, 969 ; press (words), 445,990. ;

LOWER COOK ISLANDS. " '' .Aitutaki., . During the year the Government intention to control the handling and export of oranges was announced and received the unanimous approval of growers. The orange crop was an abnormally large one, being estimated at 40,000 cases. Unfortunately, owing to the serious lack of shipping only 17,500 cases were exported.

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Trade generally has improved, chiefly owing to the fact that cash is now paid by the Government to growers for their fruit instead of the Native people being required to take out the value largely in trade from the local stores. Unfortunately, following last year's heavy crop of oranges there is every indication of a light export of fruit during the coming season. Heavy rains experienced in January and February have reduced activities in copra production, and the low price being paid for this commodity being a poor return to the producer. Shipping.—Twenty-three shipping calls were made at Aitutaki: H.M.S. " Wellington," 1 ; yacht "Viator," 1; m.v. " Matua," 3; s.s. "Limerick," 1; schooner " Tagua," 6; schooner " Tiare Taporo," 11. Imports and Exports.—lmports : General, 134-J- tons ; timber-shooks, 295f tons ; timber (sawn), 512 sawn feet. Exports : General 12|- tons ; copra 208J tons ; fruit, 17,152 cases. High Court and Native Land Court. —Criminal cases for the year totalled 318. None was of a serious nature. Civil work was negligible. Native Land Court, nil. Postal and Wireless Telegraph. —Number of wireless messages handled, 674; revenue derived therefrom, £285. Total postal business, £1,471. Meteorological.—With the exception of a heavy gale experienced on the 12th and 13th January, the hurricane season passed without any serious incident. During January and February 9-4 in. of rain fell in twelve days and 25-56 in. in twenty days respectively. The exceptionally heavy rain caused damage to roads and held up all Island work for some time. Public Worl-s.—Owing to financial stringency only repair-work of an urgent nature has been carried out. Government property, roads, drains, wells, wharf, and boat have been maintained in good order. Sites were prepared for the erection of a fruit-case and a central packing-shed adjacent to the wharf. Education. —The school roll stood in March at 516. The average attendance exceeds 95 per cent, over the year. Two additional open-air class-rooms were erected by the people. The Headmaster and his assistants have done excellent work throughout the year and the children are showing a ready response. Medical and Health. —Apart from two visits paid by the Chief Medical Officer, the medical-work of the Island has been carried out by the District Nurse, who has worked exceedingly hard throughout the year. Schools have been visited and all children inspected once a month. Cases attended .. .. .. .. .. •• ..34,715 (a) Out-patients and dressings .. .. .. .. .. 1,605 (b) Children examinations .. .. .. .. .. 3,950 (c) Injections .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 979 (id) Anaesthetics .. .. .. .. ■ ■ .. 42 (e) Operations .. .. .. .. .. ■. 47 (/) Dental examinations .. .. .. .. .. 562 (g) Nasal clinics .. .. .. .. .. .. 295 (h) Maternity cases .. .. .. .. .. .. 75 (i) Births .. .. .. ■ • • • • ■ • • 92 Child welfare is enthusiastically carried on, and a branch of the Junior Red Cross has been established. Seven positive cases of leprosy were transferred to the Te Sauma leper concentration hospital at Penrhyn. Planting. —Planting has been steadily carried out, and the Native people have more than sufficient native foods for their sustenance. Atiu. Owing to Government control of fruit the year proved the best Atiu has ever experienced. A total of 17,735 cases of oranges was exported, and prices were far in excess of any previous season. Prospects for the coming year are bright, with heavy crops well forward awaiting suitable shipping. The people , enthusiastically support fruit-control, and are assiduously making new roads to open up orange-bearing areas and alternative loading-points in the event of bad weather. Approximately 80| tons of copra were shipped. The price received by growers was Id. per pound for approximately 25, per cent, of this output, but this dropped to |d. per pound and later to fd. per pound. At these low prices growers have no inducement to ship, but prefer to make use of the coconuts for domestic purposes. Health. —The Island has neither Medical Officer nor District Nurse, but, fortunately, with the exception of a slight epidemic of typhoid and a rare case of pneumonia, the health of the people has on the whole been good. The gambusia fish (mosquito-eating) are reducing the numbers of mosquitoes. Villages have been inspected every fortnight, and the people are encouraged to improve their housingconditions and beautify their homes by planting flowers, hedges, and shrubs, and are responding well. Vital statistics : Births, 52 ; deaths, 34 ; marriages, 9. Wireless. —An efficient service is maintained twice dialy, press news being received thrice weekly. In time of serious sickness this service is an especial boon, enabling medical advice to be obtained from the Chief Medical Officer, Rarotonga. Public Works. 4- Over severl miles of new roads were completed and a new Courthouse erected. A site for a central packing-shed was completed and access road formed. A new road was completed to an alternative landing at Konakonako, All existing roads have been maintained. Planting.—Atafle foodstuffs have been planted for the Native population, including taro, tarotarog,, yarns, kumera, arrowroot, and bananas, a total of 64,370 plants. High Only one serious offence occurred. Minor offences are diminishing in number" with more prosperous.:times, assisted by the influence of the " Au Vaine," which patrols the Island. Education.- —Since the departure of the European Headmaster the school has been placed in charge of a Native acting as Headmaster.

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General.—The Natives of Atiu are a naturally happy and contented people. The Island Council meet frequently, and members are of great assistance and enthusiastically support any movement for the betterment of the Island. They have the full confidence of the people they represent. Maxjke. The control by the Government of orange exports was very well received by the people and a new spirit of hojiefulness of better prospects ahead is very evident. The fruit crops are heavy for the coming year. The quickened interest of the people lias manifested itself in the formation of new roads, a heavy task owing to the difficult nature of much of the country traversed and the lack of suitable tools and equipment. In this work the people turned oat in a community effort under their Ariki, even women and children assisting. The site and foundation for the new central packing-slied have been prepared, and involved the packing of 1,350 cubic yards of coral rock, much of it being carried by the people over long distances. When completed the shed will greatly facilitate the handling of fruit shipments. Planting of domestic crops has been satisfactory. Births, 29 ; deaths, 7 ; marriages, 6. Mangaia. Owing to the improved prospect through the Government control of the handling and export of oranges, the year has been marked by an enthusiastic response among the people which has been unknown in the past. Plantations have been cleared up, new areas planted, and inland roads planned and proceeded with. Despite the light crop of oranges, trade was decidedly better than in former years, as cash payment to growers has given them a greater spending-power. Exports.—Oranges, 11,545 cases; tomatoes, 455 cases; coffee, 15,184 lb. ; copra, 47£ tons. Shipping.—There were three calls of m.v. " Matua, " during the year and eleven by a Rarotongan schooner. Medical. —The health of the people on the whole has been good. With the exception of brief visits of the Chief Medical Officer, the work has been undertaken by the District Nurse assisted for a brief period by a Native medical practitioner. General medical treatment, 11,253 cases. Births, 65 ; deaths, 13 ; and marriages, 6. Education. —For the first time for ten years a School Inspector visited Mangaia. A visit was also made by the Education Officer from Rarotonga. The work of both was exceedingly helpful and was much appreciated. General. —Existing roads have been maintained and buildings kept in repair. A beautiful war memorial was completed, the base and plinth being of the crystalline stone of the Island hewn by strenuous labour from deep caves and all done by community effort. In the lack of modern tools, many ancient and primitive tools were brought into use, and the work, apart from its beauty, is a. great tribute to the Island community. Mitiaro. This is a small island adjacent to Mauke. Although it produces oranges of excellent quality its output is too small to warrant a call by the New Zealand steamer. The income of the people depends almost solely on copra, and with the depressed market there is practically no cash circulating on the Island. The Island is visited periodically by sailing-boat by the Resident Agent, Mauke, and as frequently as possible by the Resident Commissioner and officials. The Island is kept in good order by the Island Council; the village has a clean and tidy appearance and the health of the people generally is good. NORTHERN COOK ISLANDS. Penbhyn. Visits were paid during the year by the Resident Commissioner and the Chief Medical Officer. H.M.S. " Achilles " also visited the Island for a brief period on 3rd July. Suitable entertainment was provided by the people, who appreciate the visits very greatly and perform ancient dances and songs for such occasions. Shipping and Trade. —-Seven calls were made by schooner. One hundred and thirty-five tons of copra were shipped, the value of which as paid to growers being £710 17s. sd. Value of pearly shell exported approximated £600. A fair amount of pearl-shell exported was of very good quality. The pearl-shell industry has declined owing partly to the low prices of pearls in the various markets and partly to the fact that the valuable pearls found in years past are now seldom obtained. Imports were valued at £2,925. Health. —With a Native medical practitioner now stationed permanently on the Island much better attention can be given to the health of the people than formerly. On the whole the health of the people has been good, with minor epidemics of influenza, &c., which usually follow the visit of an overseas vessel. The erection of the Te Sauma leper concentration hospital was a considerable undertaking. It consists of a main accommodation building, water-tank, caretaker's house, cook and boat houses, twelve houses of native material for the patients, latrines, and water-supplies, bathhouses, two wharves, and a fish-pond trap. The patients are visited regularly by the Resident Agent and the. Native medical practitioner. They are cheerful and happy, and their available fish-supplies are supplemented by the Administration. Access to the station is by sailing-boat only at present,. but much time will be saved when an Administration power-boat now under construction is completed. Courts.—Two hundred and four cases were dealt with, most of them being minor offences. Radio. —A radio station was installed, and service commenced on 23rd June. This linking-up with the outside world is a great boon to the Island. Meteorological. —On the 4th August a serious gale with heavy seas damaged the waterfront and endangered the Residency and landing. Considerable restoration will be necessary. Public Works. —Buildings, roads, and tanks have been attended to. The Te Sauma leper hospital was completed. A new wireless station, office, and residence for the operator were erected.

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Manihiki. Visits were paid during the year by the Resident Commissioner and the Chief Medical Officer and by H.M.S. " Achilles." The periodical visit of officials from Rarotonga do much good and create an incentive to the people to improve their conditions. No rain fell from April to September and the drought conditions seriously reduced the copra output. The effect will be very seriously felt by the people, who have become accustomed in past years to supplementing their meagre food-supplies by purchasing additional supplies from the local stores. Copra exports were reduced to 287 tons. The price paid was £2 Bs. 6d. a ton, which requires the growing, gathering, and making into copra of some 5,000 nuts. Shipping and Trade. —The Island was visited by schooner periodically. Value of imports, £2,086. Two and a half tons of pearl-shell were exported. Owing to poor markets for this commodity, diving-machines have not operated, the work being done by skin-diving. Planting.—An endeavour is being made to cultivate bananas, kumera, taro, and arrowroot. Plants have been supplied by the Agriculture Department, Rarotonga. The coral sand of these Northern Islands, however, renders difficult the successful introduction of many plants which flourish in the Lower Group Islands. Land-title disputes are very common and retard the planting of lands. There is considerable work for the Native Land Court to undertake. Public Works. —All public buildings, water-tanks, and roads were kept in good order. Amongst many of the works done largely by community effort are the following :— (a) Leper-houses built on an islet in the lagoon and the land cleared. (b) Resident Agent's house and Courthouse painted and repaired. (c) Tanks renovated. (.d) All roads covered with clean sand. (e) Every house in the village of Tauhunu whitewashed. (/) Permanent holes dug in swamps to preserve gambusia during periods of drought. (g) Public latrines built. (h) Village cleared of coconut stumps. (i) A number of houses reroofed. High Court. —One hundred and fifty-two cases were dealt with, none being of a serious nature. SuW ARROW. An uninhabited island, part being leased to a trading firm. No visit was possible during the year. Rakahanga. During the year much appreciated visits were paid by the Resident Commissioner, and the Chief Medical Officer, and also by TI.M.S. " Achilles." There was no hurricane experienced during the year, but the island suffered from a six months' drought, no rain falling from March to September, resulting in a shortage of water and a set-back to the coconut-trees. The normal copra crop has been reduced by one-half, and with the price at £2 6s. Bd. per ton the year will be for the people of Rakahanga one of hardship and poverty. Copra shipment, 175| tons. During the visit of the Chief Medical Officer four males were pronounced positive lepers and were isolated on an outlying islet to await transport to Te Sauma, Penrhyn. They are visited twice weekly, and all possible care and attention is bestowed upon them. Shipping and Trade.—Visits were made by two Rarotonga trader-owned schooners. Value of imports, £1,214. Plantings. —Good attention is being paid to the planting of lands. Supplies of food-plants have been forwarded from the Department of Agriculture, Rarotonga. Land Titles.—The absence of any extensive Land Court for a number of years is the cause of many land-title disputes, and this seriously retards planting. Public Works. —All public buildings, water-tanks, and roads have been maintained in good order. The people at their own expense erected a fine modem schoolroom of permanent construction which does them great credit. They also erected other public buildings without expense to the Administration, showing a splendid community spirit. High Court. —Fifty-three cases were dealt with, none of a serious nature. Pukapuka. During the year direct communication between Rarotonga and Pukapuka was re-established. The only connection for nine years previously was through Apia, Samoa, which was the port of entry. The absence of the Resident Agent on long furlough precludes the inclusion herein of the year's report. A radio-telegraph station has been erected during the year and thus the most remote island of the Group has been linked up with the outside world. Palmerston. No official visit to Palmerston has been possible during the year under review. One schooner call only has been made. The opportunity was taken of repatriating a number of the people to their lands in Northern Islands where they have a better opportunity of livelihood. The island is slowly recovering from the disastrous hurricane of 1935, but the people are not finding it easy to exist with the available food-supplies. Nassau. The island is under lease to private enterprise, only a labour gang residing there. No visit has been possible for a number of years.

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APPENDICES.

APPENDIX A. COOK ISLANDS ADMINISTRATION. Income and Expenditure Account foe the Year ended 31st March, 1938. Expenditure. Income. Dr. Cr. Agriculture— £ s. d. £ s. d. Agriculture— £ s. d. £ s. d. Experimental farm .. .. 69 8 2 Experimental farm .. .. 27 5 4 Fruit Inspection Department ..2,167 1 10 Fruit Inspection Department .. 1,628 2 8 Fruit development .. .. 1,440 11 7 1 655 8 0 3,677 1 7 Aitutaki Wharf .. .. .. .. '175 5 2 Aitutaki salaries .. .. .. .. 798 19 6 Ammunition.. .. .. .. .. 71 7 9 Aitutaki Wharf .. .. .. .. 149 9 7 Benzine .. .. .. .. .. 7 17 8 Ammunition.. .. .. .. .. 54 19 11 Cinema licenses .. .. .. .. 10 0 0 Atiu salaries .. .. .. .. 225 11 8 Copra export duty .. .. .. .. 994 3 I Courts .. .. .. .. .. 1,535 5 4 Court fees and fines .. .. .. .. 285 17 4 Customs and Treasury .. .. .. 1,124 5 6 Customs duties .. .. .. .. 10,543 7 0 Education .. .. .. .. .. 9,046 1 0 Dog-tax .. .. .. .. .. 40 0 0 Freezer .. .. .. .. .. 1,988 15 1 Education .. .. .. .. .. 326 5 0 Furniture, repairs, &c. .. .. .. 141 2 4 Freezer .. .. .. .. .. 2,072 15 10 Government Buildings .. .. .. 1,181 111 Hall licenses.. .. .. .. .. 5 0 0 Headstones for soldiers' graves.. .... 10 2 0 £ s. d. £ s. d. Hospital and medical services .. .. 158 8 8 Hospital and medical services .. 5,509 7 3 Lunatics .. .. .. .. 82 12 1 Dental Department .. .. 266 15 1 241 0 9 Lepers (maintenance) .. .. 2,298 9 8 Liquor .. .. .. .. .. 1,608 8 4 Lunatics (maintenance) .. .. 251 0 II Marriage fees .. .. .. ... 47 19 0 8,325 12 11 Motor fees .. .. .. .. .. 225 2 0 Liquor .. .. .. .. .. 1,418 10 3 Native Land Court fees .. .. .. 49 19 0 Mangaia salaries .. .. .. .. 160 6 8 Passport fees .. .. .. .. 1 15 0 Manihiki and Rakahanga salaries .. .. 384 10 0 Post-office .. .. .. .. .. 1,309 11 3 MaUke salaries . .. .. .. .. 594 14 6 Printing Department .. .. .. .. 142 6 5 Miscellaneous expenses .. .. .. 547 19 5 Rents .. .. .. .. .. 273 0 0 Mitiaro salaries .. .. .. .. 59 10 0 Road rates .. .. .. .. .. 105 8 6 Penhryn salaries .. .. .. .. 330 0 0 Shipping fees .. .. .. .. 2 8 0 Police Department .. .. .. .. 1,189 16 1 Stamp duties .. .. .. .. 7 0 0 Post-office .. .. .. .. .. 2,015 9 9 Stamp sales .. .. .. .. .. 22,277 4 3 Printing Department .. .. . . .. 136 8 1 Stock (Public Works) .. .. .. 25 0 8 Prisoners'maintenance .. .. .. 193 3 0 Telephones .. . . .. . . .. 163 18 9 Public-works expenses .. .. .. 623 3 11 Trading licenses .. .. .. .. 486 5 0 Pukapuka salaries .. .. .. .. 345 0 0 Water rates .. .. .. .. .. 400 0 0 Radiograms.. .. .. .. .. 245 10 3 Wireless services .. .. .. .. 2,014 18 7 Resident Commissioner's Department .. .. 3,276 4 2 Roads, bridges, culverts, and foreshore .. .. 1,261 8 9 45,568 12 4 Stamps, cost of production, &c. .. .. 298 210 Grants in aid — £ s. d. Superannuation subsidy .. .. .. 297 12 5 Education .. .. .. 5,000 0 0 Subsidy, destruction of flying-foxes and rats .. 82 3 11 Hospital .. .. .. 6,000 0 0 Telephones .. .. .. .. .. 230 13 7 Palmerston transport .. .. 30 0 0 Travelling-expenses .. .. .. .. 281 17 1 11,030 0 0 Trucks (maintenance).. .. .. .. 266 6 4 Water expenses .. .. .. .. 205 19 1 Wireless services .. .. .. .. 2,170 15 1 44,872 13 6 Depreciation .. .. ... .. 2,334 12 3 47,207 5 9 Excess of income over expenditure for the year ended 31st March, 1938 .. .. .. 9,391 6 7 £56,598 12 4 £56,598 12 4

15

A,—3,

APPENDIX A—continued. COOK ISLANDS ADMINISTRATION —continued. Balance-sheet as at 31st March, 1938. Liabilities. Assets. £ s. d. £ s. d. £ s. d. £ s. d. Lands .. .. .. .. 9,913 5 0 Accumulated funds, Ist April, 1937 73,975 15 11 Buildings .. .. .. 44,014 15 2 Add— Additions .. .. .. 2,59914 8 Fruit Development £ s. d. Reserve Fund 46,614 9 10 transferred .. 2,126 18 6 Less depreciation .. .. 1,106 11 1 Storm Reparation 45,507 18 9 Fund transferred.. 3,952 3 1 Waterworks, Rarotonga .. .. 5,803 16 8 6,079 1 7 Less depreciation .. .. 232 3 I 5,571 13 7 80,054 17 6 Water-tanks, Outer Islands .. 1,401 10 8 Excess of income over expenditure Additions .. .. .. 22 6 0 for the year ended 31st March, 1938 .. 9,391 6 7 1.423 16 8 Accumulated funds as at 31st March, • Less depreciation .. .. 35 6 4 1938.. .. .. .. 89,446 4 1 1,388 10 4 Storm Reparation Fund as at Ist Telephone system .. .. 573 11 9 April, 1937 .. .. 4,975 5 4 Less depreciation .. .. 28 13 7 Interestforyearended3lstMarch, — 544 18 2 1938 .. .. .. 23 0 6 Plant and tools .. .. .. 4,445 13 0 Additions .. .. .. 930 18 4 4,998 5 10 Less transferred to accumulated 1 5,376 li 4 funds .. .. .. 3,95231 Less depreciation .. .. 362 9 2 Storm Reparation Fund, Ist April, — — 5,014 22 1938.. .. .. .. 1,046 2 9 Office furniture and fittings .. 680 9 10 Fruit Development Reserve Fund, Additions .. .. .. 75 17 3 Ist April, 1937 .. .. 2,126 18 6 Less transferred to accumulated 756 7 1 funds .. .. .. 2,126 18 6 Less depreciation .. .. 35 2 0 — .. 721 5 1 New Zealand Government loan .. .. 30,000 0 0 Furniture (household) .. .. 3,427 210 Sundry creditors .. .. .. 1,348 13 11 Additions .. .. .. 141 811 3,568 11 9 Less depreciation .. .. 270 10 9 3,298 1 0 Boats .. .. .. 521 5 2 Additions .. .. 228 18 4 753 3 6 Less depreciation .. .. 47 15 7 705 7 11 Motor-vehicles .. .. .. 838 8 7 Additions .. .. . . 769 12 1 1,608 0 8 Less depreciation .. .. 216 0 8 1,392 0 0 Stocks on hand .. .. .. . . 3,098 18 5 Fruit Control Department loan from New Zelaand 30,000 0 0 Fruit Control Department advances (local Treasury) 2,289 19 10 Sundry debtors .. .. .. .. 4,312 0 2 Fixed deposits .. .. .. .. 1,045 10 1 Interest accrued .. .. .. .. 0 12 8 Cash in hand, Resident Agents.. .. .. 451 5 4 Cash in bank, Wellington, Administration Account 4,955 12 4 Cash in bank, Wellington, Treasury Account .. 245 6 6 Cash in hand, Rarotonga .. .. .. 1,384 13 5 £121,841 0 9 £121,841 0 9 Note. —These accounts are subject to audit.

16

A.—3.

APPENDIX B. COOK ISLANDS ADMINISTRATION. Return of Imports for the Year ended 31st December, 1937.

3 —A. 3.

17

Article. Whence imported. Value. £ £ Agriculture produce . . .. . . New Zealand .. . . .. 678 United States of America .. 9 Tahiti .. .. . . 2 Canada .. . . .. 3 Australia . . .. .. 5 697 Apparel .. .. .. . . New Zealand . . .. .. 2,135 United Kingdom . . . . 140 Japan .. . . .. 548 Hong Kong .. .. .. 44 Australia .. .. . . 29 United States of America .. 19 France .. .. .. 9 Fiji 17 Belgium .. .. .. 4 2,945 Articles of textile . . . . . . New Zealand .. .. .. 587 United Kingdom .. . . 409 Australia . . .. .. 17 Japan .. .. . . 146 India . . .. .. 16 China .. .. .. 1 1,176 Bacons and hams . . . .. .. New Zealand .. .. .. .. 292 Bags and sacks . . .. . • • • New Zealand .. . . .. 374 India .. .. . . 72 United States of America . . 409 855 Biscuits .. .. .. .. New Zealand .. .. .. 1,257 Australia .. .. .. 3 Fiji .. .. .. .. 57 1,317 Boots and shoes . . .. .. .. New Zealand .. .. .. 459 Australia .. .. .. 55 Japan .. .. .. 138 United States of America .. 1 Hong Kong .. .. .. 44 United Kingdom .. .. 29 Tahiti .. .. .. 2 728 Building material n.e.i. . . . . .. New Zealand .. .. .. 318 Australia .. .. .. 80 Hong Kong .. .. .. 1 399 Butter .. .. •• •• New Zealand .. .. .. .. 1,698 Cement .. . . • • ■ • • • New Zealand .. .. . . . . 248 Cinema goods . . . . • ■ • • New Zealand .. .. . . .. 395 Confectionery . . . . . . • • New Zealand . . .. . . .. 778 Cordage .. . • • • • • • • New Zealand . . . . . . 428 United Kingdom . . .. 57 United States of America .. 75 Hong Kong .. . . . . 1 561 Cotton piece-goods .. .. • ■ . ■ New Zealand .. .. 1,228 United Kingdom . . . . 3,057 i Japan .. .. .. 542 : Hong Kong .. .. .. 5 ! Australia .. .. . . j 7 ■ United States of America .. I 351 India .. .. .. I 17 : | 5,207

A.—3.

Return of Imports for the Year ended 31st December, 1937—continued.

18

Article. Whence imported. Value. £ £ Drapery . . .. .. .. . . New Zealand .. .. .. 1,468 Australia . . .. . . 4 United Kingdom .. . . 350 United States of America .. 5 France .. .. . . ! 2 1,829 Drugs .. .. .. .. .. New Zealand .. .. 1,025 United States of America . . 8 United Kingdom .. . . 7 Australia . . .. .. 48 Canada .. .. . . 4 China .. .. .. 2 France .. .. . . 2 1,096 Earthenware, glassware, and lampware. .. New Zealand .. .. . . 993 Australia .. .. .. 303 United Kingdom .. .. 125 Canada .. .. . . 1 Japan .. .. . . 22 United States of America . . 77 Sweden .. .. . . 17 Czecho-Slovakia .. . . 10 Germany .. .. . . 16 Fiji .. .. .. . . 5 1,569 Fancy goods .. .. .. . . Japan .. .. .. 80 Australia .. .. . . 24 United Kingdom .. .. 84 New Zealand .. .. .. 464 Czecho-Slovakia .. .. 5 United States of America .. 11 India .. .. .. 40 Fiji 2 710 Fertilizer .. . . . . .. .. New Zealand .. .. . . .. 463 Fish, preserved . . . . .. .. New Zealand .. . . .. 332 United Kingdom .. . . 43 Australia .. .. . . 13 Japan .. .. .. 84 United States of America . . 41 Canada .. .. .. 367 Siberia .. .. .. 4 884 Flour .. . . .. .. .. New Zealand .. .. .. 13 Australia . . .. .. 6,432 6,445 Furniture . . . . .. .. .. New Zealand .. .. .. 279 United States of America .. 14 United Kingdom .. .. 78 Poland . . . . .. 19 Germany . . .. .. 11 Fiji . . . . . . . . 35 u n 436 Hardware .. .. .. New Zealand .. .. .. 1,904 United Kingdom .. .. 293 Australia . . .. .. 20 Japan . . . . . . 26 United States of America .. 75 Germany .. .. .. 3 Norway .. ., . . 4 Belgium .. .. ,. 5 i 2,330

A.—3.

Return of Imports for the Year ended 31st December, 1937 —continued.

4—A. 3.

19

Article. Whence imported. Value. £ £ Iron, galvanized . . .. . . New Zealand .. .. .. 614 United Kingdom .. . . 360 974 Machinery n.e.i. .. . . . . . . New Zealand .. . . . . 459 United States of America . . 41 Australia . . .. . . 7 United Kingdom . . . . 1 508 Machinery, electric .. . . . . New Zealand .. .. . . 209 Australia .. .. . , 60 United Kingdom . . . . 58 United States of America . - 272 Hong Kong .. .. . 11 Japan .. . . . . 1 611 Matches .. .. . . . . . . New Zealand . . . . . . 233 United Kingdom . . . . 621 854 Meat, preserved .. .. .. .. New Zealand .. .. .. 8,194 Australia .. .. . , 274 United States of America . . 1 8,469 Meat, salted .. . . .. .. New Zealand .. .. . . .. 307 Meat, frozen .. . . . . . . New Zealand . . .. . . .. 681 Milk, preserved .. .. . . New Zealand . . .. . . 543 United States of America . . 3 Australia . . . . . . 2 548 Motor vehicles and bicycles .. . . . . New Zealand .. . . 1,238 United States of America . . 50 United Kingdom .. .. 1,349 Australia .. . . . , 298 2,935 Nails . . .. . . .. New Zealand . . 627 United Kingdom .. . . 18 Australia .. .. . . 9 Canada . . .. . . 27 681 Oil, kerosene, &c. .. .. .. ... New Zealand .. .. .. 118 United States of America . . 1,629 Dutch East Indies .. . . 14 United Kingdom . . . 5 1,766 Oil n.e.i. . . .. . . . . . . New Zealand .. . . . . 269 United Kingdom . . . . 112 United States of America . . 240 Germany . . . . .. 23 644 Paints .. . . .. .. .. New Zealand .. .. , . 594 United Kingdom . . . . 397 United States of America . . 53 1,044 Paper, wrapping . . . . .. .. New Zealand .. .. . . 344 Australia . . .. . . 35 United Kingdom .. . . 3 United States of America . . 67 449 Provisions n.e.i. .. .. .. .. New Zealand .. .. . , 2,283 Australia .. . . . . 229 United Kingdom . . . . 46 United States of America . . 70 2,628 Rice .. . . . . .. .. New Zealand .. . . , . 98 Australia .. . . . . 700 Burma .. .. . . 55 I 853

A.—3.

Return of Imports for the Year ended 31st December, 1937 —continued.

20

Article. Whence imported. Value. ; I ■ I £ £ Silk .. .. .. .. .. New Zealand .. .. .. 1,110 United Kingdom . . . . 97 Japan . . . . . . 772 Hong Kong .. .. .. 1 Australia .. .. .. 15 1,995 Soap .. .. .. .. .. New Zealand .. .. .. 1,756 Tahiti .. .. .. 2 United Kingdom . . . . 10 Fiji .. ... .. 6 United States of America . . 1 1,775 Stationery. . .. .. . . .. New Zealand .. .. .. 1,049 United States of America .. 9 United Kingdom , . . . 61 Australia .. . . . . 6 Japan . . . . . . 3 1,128 Sugar ,. .. . . . . .. New Zealand . . . . .. .. 2,998 Tea, coffee, and cocoa .. . . . . New Zealand .. . . .. 353 China .. . . . . 2 Java .. . . . . 8 363 Timber, sawn .. .. . . New Zealand . . .. . . 608 United States of America . . 217 Canada .. .. . . 193 Australia .. .. .. 8 1,026 Timber, shoots .. .. .. .. New Zealand .. .. .. .. 12,503 Tobacco .. .. .. .. .. New Zealand .. .. 3,483 United States of America . . 406 Australia .. .. . . 7 United Kingdom .. .. 1 South Africa .. . . . . 4 3,901 Toilet preparations .. .. .. New Zealand .. . . .. 237 Hong Kong . . .. .. 31 Australia .. . . . , 15 Japan .. .. .. 2 United Kingdom . . .. 60 United States of America .. 1 346 Tools .. .. .. . . .. New Zealand . . . . .. 255 United Kingdom .. .. 144 United States of America .. 74 Australia . . .. .. 91 Canada . . .. .. 25 Japan . . .. .. 4 Germany .. .. .. 9 602 Woodenware . . .. .. .. Australia .. . . .. 54 New Zealand .. .. . . 252 Hong Kong .. .. .. 33 United States of America .. 9 Spain .. .. .. 2 350 Miscellaneous .. .. .. .. New Zealand .. .. 1,332 Australia . . .. . . 377 United Kingdom .. . . 213 United States of America .. 84 British West Indies .. .. 172 France .. .. .. 137 Other .. .. .. 222 2,537 j Total .. .. £86,534 i - -

A. —3.

Summary. £ £ New Zealand . . . . .. 60,563 British West Indies . . . . 172 Australia.. .. .. .. 9,227 France .. .. .. .. 150 United Kingdom .. .. .. 8,228 India .. .. .. .. 145 United States of America .. .. 4,322 Fiji .. .. .. .. 129 Japan .. .. .. .. 2,368 Other .. .. .. .. 435 Canada .. .. .. .. 620 Hong Kong.. .. .. .. 175 Total .. .. .. £86,534

Return of Exports for the Year ended 31st December, 1937.

Approximate Cost of Payer.—Preparation, not given ; printing (610 copies), £30.

By Authority : E. V. Paxil, Government Printer, Wellington.— 1938.

Price 9d.]

21

Article. Exported to Quantity. Value. £ Oranges .. .. .. New Zealand . . .. 68,837 cases .. I 33.004 Bananas .. .. .. New Zealand .. .. 39,910 cases .. 13,549 Tomatoes .. . . . . New Zealand . . . . 34,390 boxes .. j 9,680 Lemons .. .. . . New Zealand . . . . 119 cases j 74. Mandarines .. .. . . New Zealand .. . . 310 cases ! 182 Grapefruit .. . . .. New Zealand . . .. 102 cases .. 55 Mangoes .. .. .. New Zealand . . .. 6 cases .. 2 Avocado pears .. .. New Zealand .. .. 3 cases .. 1 Pineapples .. .. . . New Zealand . . .. 60 cases .. 28 Beans .. . . . . New Zealand . . .. 12 boxes . . 5 Mixed fruits .. .. . . New Zealand . . .. 31 cases j 9 l____ K u moras .. . . .. New Zealand . . .. 71 packages 22 Taro .. .. .. New Zealand .. .. 7 packages 2 Coconuts .. .. .. New Zealand .. .. 1,639 sacks .. 614 Coconut husks .. . . New Zealand . . .. 28 sacks .. 10 Ginger, dry .. .. . . New Zealand . . .. 4 packages j 2 ~ Orange juice and peel . . .. New Zealand . .. 881 packages 711 Coffee-beans .. .. .. New Zealand .. .. 10 cwt. .. 46 Tons. cwt. qrs. lb. Copra .. .. .. United States .. .. 1,539 5 2 27 27,351 United Kingdom .. 89 11 0 0 '986 Total •• •• •• £86,333 Summary. £ New Zealand .. .. . . . , .. _ 57 ggg United States of America .. . . . . . . 27 '351 United Kingdom .. .. .. .. , . ' ggg Total •• •• •• •• •• .. 86,333