COOK ISLANDS

Appendix to the Journals of the House of Representatives, 1947 Session I, A-03

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1947 NEW ZEALAND

COOK ISLANDS

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

MEMORANDUM

• Wellington, 22nd July, 1947. I submit the report of the administration of the Government of the Cook Islands, including Niue, for the year ended 31st March, 1947. In respect of the islands other than Niue, the enactment during the year of legislation providing for the establishment of a Legislative Council of the Cook Islands was a fact of outstanding importance to the people of the Cook Islands. In respect of Niue, the year was marked by a record in trade turnover, total imports and exports being nearly 50 per cent, greater than in the preceding year. P. Fraser, Minister of Island Territories.

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I.—INTRODUCTORY The Cook Islands were proclaimed a British Protectorate in 1888.' On the 11th June, 1901, under the provisions of the Colonial Boundaries Act, 1895, the Group was annexed to the British Empire and proclaimed part of New Zealand. Niue Island, which is situated at S. 19 degrees, W. 169 degrees 48 minutes, has an I' area of 100 square miles. This island has been administered separately from the remainder of the Cook Group since 1903, and a report on the year's activities is included in the latter portion of this report. Excluding Niue, there are fifteen islands in the Cook Group ; these have a total land area of a little under 100 square miles and are scattered over approximately 850,000 square miles of ocean. The Group is bounded on the west and east by the 167 th and 156 th meridians of west longitude respectively, and on the north and south by the Bth and 23rd parallels of south latitude. Penrhyn Island, the most northerly of the Group, lies 9 degrees south of the Equator, while Mangaia, the most southerly island, is just north of the Tropic of Capricorn. The Cook Islands, other than Niue, are divided naturally into the Southern, or Lower, Group and the Northern Group. In the Lower Group, Rarotonga, Aitutaki, Atiu, Mitiaro, Mauke, and Mangaia are elevated, fertile islands, and these produce oranges and other citrus fruit. Copra is the main product of Manuae and Takutea in the Lower Group and of the islands of the Northern Group —Penrhyn, Manihiki, Rakahanga, Pukapuka, Nassau, Suwarrow, and Palmerston —which are all low-lying atolls. The whole of the Group lies within the hurricane zone, and a number of destructive . storms have been experienced ; the most serious of these in recent years occurred in February, 1935, in March, 1943, amd in January, 1946. The hurricane season extends from December to March, both months inclusive, and it is at this time of the I year that there is always the possibility of severe storhis. No serious storms were experienced during the hurricane season just past. The hurricane season is also the rainy season, and during these months the climate is hot and humid. For the remainder of the year the climate in the Lower Group islands is mild and equable. The average temperature in Rarotonga during the last thirty-six years was 74-6 degrees Fahrenheit, and the average annual rainfall during the same period was 83-6 in. Rarotonga, the seat of the Cook Islands Administration, is 1,633 nautical miles from Auckland. The island is well watered by creeks and streams, and all villages are supplied with water by means of a reticulation system. All the outer islands, however, suffer from a lack of streams and wells, and water is provided at all of them from public tanks. The number of tanks is being steadily increased. On 31st March, 1947, the Native population totalled 14,570, and, with 4,328 in I'lNiue, th'e Native population of the Cook Islands was 18,898. The European population of the Cook Islands was 251, and of Niue 25, giving a grand total of 19,174. 11. GENERAL ADMINISTRATION (The following report does not include Niue ; see page 17) Laws governing the whole of the Cook Islands are made by Act of the Parliament of New Zealand, or by Orders in Council and regulations issued thereunder. Ordinances, restricted in their application to the islands where they are made, are passed by local Island Councils, of which there are ten. These local Ordinances require the assent of the Resident Commissioner, or they may be reserved for the signification of the Governor-General's pleasure. The Resident Commissioner in Rarotonga and the Resident Agents in the outlying islands are the Presidents of the respective Island Councils ; the Resident Commissioner is an ex officio member of all Island Councils, and the Resident Agent of each island is

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an ex officio member of the Council of that island. Membership of all the Councils has been altered by the Cook Islands Councils Regulations 1946, which provide for a greater measure of popular representation on all Island Councils. The Councils now consist partly of ex officio members (officials and the arikis or leading chiefs) and partly of elected members. General elections were held in all islands in March, and all Natives, being British subjects of or over the age of eighteen years and being ordinarily resident within the constituency, were entitled to vote in the election of the member for their constituency. There are now no nominated members on any Island ■Council. The Cook Islands Amendment Act, 1946, contains provisions establishing for the Cook Islands (other than Niue) a Legislative Council to be called the Legislative Council of the Cook Islands. This Legislative Council is to consist of: — (a) Ten unofficial members who are members of Island Councils (other than that of Niue) to be elected by Island Councils. (b) Official members comprising the Resident Commissioner of Rarotonga and ten other members of the Cook Islands Public Service. The Resident Commissioner will be the President of the Legislative Council and he will have a casting but not a deliberative vote. The enactments of the Legislative •Council will be known as Ordinances of the Cook Islands. These Ordinances require the assent of the Resident Commissioner, and may be disallowed either wholly or in part by the Governor-General within one year after the assent of the Resident ■Commissioner has been given. A "Wages Tribunal, presided over by Mr. J. A. Gilmour, S.M., and consisting of three employers' representatives and three workers' representatives, sat in Rarotonga in June, 1946. The Tribunal recommended substantial increases in wages, for all classes of workers ; these were approved by the Right Honourable the Minister and put into effect by the agreement of all parties. The following legislative measures have been enacted since the last report In New Zealand — United Nations Act, 1946, section 4. Finance Act, 1946, section 32. Cook Islands Amendment Act, 1946. The Cook Islands Council Regulations 1946 (Serial number 1946/180). The Cook Islands Sea Carriage of Goods Order 1946 (Serial number 1946/194). In the Cook Islands— • Nil. South Pacific Health Service The Cook Islands have been brought within the scope of the South Pacific Board of Health, which was established in September, 1946, by agreement between the Government of New Zealand, the Government of Fiji, and the Western Pacific High Commission. The functions of the Board, the headquarters of which are in Suva, are to assist and advise the participating Administrations on all health matters affecting the territories under their control.* South Pacific Commission The Resident Commissioner attended a conference held at Canberra in January and February, 1947, to consider the establishment of a South Seas Regional Commission. This was convened by the Governments of Australia and of New Zealand, and, in addition to these, the Governments of France, the Netherlands, the United Kingdom, and the United States were represented.

* The agreement for the establishment of the South Pacific Health Service has been printed as parliamentary paper A-l, 1947.

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The Conference prepared an agreement* establishing a South Pacific Commission, the functions of. which are, broadly speaking, to give advice and assistance to the Governments concerned on measures designed to the economic and social rights and welfare of the inhabitants of the territories within its scope. Visits In May, 1946 an official visit to Rarotonga was paid by Mr. A. G. Osborne, M.P., i Parliamentary Under-Secretary to the Eight Honourable the Prime Minister, who was [ accompanied by the Secretary of Island Territories, Mr. C. G. R. McKay. The Resident ' Agents and representatives of .the Island Councils of the Lower Group islands were present in Rarotonga for discussions with Mr. Osborne. Visits to the Group were also paid by Dr. J. C. R. Buchanan, Inspector-General, p South-Pacific Health Service, Suva; Dr. F. S. Maclean, Director, Division of Public Hygiene, New Zealand Health Department ; Dr. C. A. Taylor, Director, Division of Tuberculosis, New Zealand Health Department; Mr. W. Parsonage, Officer for Islands Education, Wellington ; and Sir Leonard Isitt, Chairman of Directors, National Airways ■ Corporation. Mr. D. W. Amos, of the Fiji Health Department, also visited Rarotonga . in connection with anti-mosquito measures. H.M.N.Z.S. " Arbutus " visited all inhabited islands of the Group except Palmerston in October, 1946 ; the Commander and his ship's company were given an enthusiastic and loyal welcome by the people of all the islands. The Resident Commissioner visited Palmerston, Suwarrow, Manihiki, Pukapuka, and Nassau by schooner in July and August, 1946. In October he travelled through the Group in H.M.N.Z.S. " Arbutus," and also visited Makatea, where Cook Islanders, are engaged in the phosphate industry. 111. POSTAL AND RADIO These Departments function in close liaison with the New Zealand Post and Telegraph Department, and their senior technical officers are seconded from that Department. Cook Islands Native telegraphists are in charge of all outer islands radio sub-stations, and are also employed in the Rarotonga Radio Station. In the outer islands the Resident Agents are the Postmasters of their respective islands. Financial and executive responsibility for the Postal and Radio Departments rests with the Cook Islands , Administration. In November, 1946, a money-order and savings-bank office was opened at Manihiki. The operation of a second trading schooner within the Group has greatly improved the mail-service to and from the outer islands. Particulars of business dealt with are set out below : —WA-i- * . s ■ :_J ! ! !

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1942-43. 1943-44. 1944-45. 1945-46. 1946-47. Money-orders issued £59,016 £106,883 £86,230 £98,483 £99,012 Money-orders paid £8,003 £27,210 £23,024 £13,640 £32,800 Post Office Savings-bank deposits .. £18,892 £40,689 £44,949 £45,929 £60,778 Post Office Savings-bank withdrawals £14,060 £23,629 £26,470 £38,150 £57,105 Number of depositors as at 31st March 2,487 3,173 3,676 4,145 4,489 Amount held to their credit £39,083 £57,333 £77,408 £87,020 £92,714 Number of Native depositors 2,361 3,037 3,553 4,026 4,352 Amount held to their credit £23,105 £39,929 £44,780 £60,670 £59,368 Number of radio messages handled 6,778 7,895 9,170 12,125 14,309 * Printed as parliamentary paper A-5, 1947.

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IV. PUBLIC FINANCE A comparative statement of revenue and expenditure since 1941-42 is shown hereunder :

lii addition to the subsidies shown, direct grants from New Zealand provided £48,992 in 1944-45 for an airfield at Rarotonga, and £23,375 in the three years 1944—47 for a tuberculosis sanatorium. War pensions, £425, and scholarships, £939, were provided by direct grants from New Zealand during 1946-47. The following table gives details of revenue and expenditure each financial year for the past twenty years, together with expenditure on education, public health, and public works '

Y. TRADE During the calendar year 1946 imports were valued at £195,596 and exports £108,262, a total trade figure of £303,858. Citrus and banana shipments were adversely affected by a severe storm in January, 1946, but the quantity of tomatoes exported was almost double that of the previous'year.

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— Revenue. Expenditure. Deficit. Subsidy from New Zealand. Final Surplus or Deficit. £ £ £ £ £ 1941-42 .. 25,395 46,951 21,556 24,000 ■4* 2,444 1942^3 29,748 47,857 19,109 19,000 + 891 1943-44 40,818 59,798 18,980 27,000 + 8,020 1944-45 40,228 71,247 31,019 27,000 - 4,019 1945-^46 48,133 86,123 37,990 43,669 + .' 5,679 1946-47 60,701 109,018 48,317 28,258 - 20,059

Subsidies and Local Amount spent on Year. Grants from New Zealand Expenditure. Revenue. Education. Health. Public Works. £ £ £ £ £ £ 1926-27 ». 17,466 18,104 35,303 9,252 8,504 7,028 1927-28 16,544 18,998 34,488 8,793 7,995 4,310 1928-29 17,857 20,313 37,994 9,631 8,724 3,814 1929-30 16,919 19,107 34,739 8,613 7,331 4,368 1930-31 17,483 22,888 37,852 9,499 4,6584,905 1931-32 17,464 25,430 40,582 7,730 5,534 5,217 1932-33 13,850 27,458 40,896 7,891 8,482 2,724 1933-34 11,013 25,518 38,744 8,800 8,155 2,742 1934-35 11,343 26,468 41,430 8,115 8,965 2,163 1935-86 15,568 24,989 40,692 8,786 6,548 2,093 1936-37 13,816 30,268 42,713 9,318 9,179 3,307 1937-38 11,000 45,599* 47,207 9,046 8,326 3,827 1938-39 22,112 27,967 58,016 9,306 12,380 5,995 1939-40 24,000 .24,943 53,204 . 8,993 10,069 4,937 1940-41 , 24,000 26,889 48,345 9,332 10,940 3,709 1941-42 24,000 25,395 46,951 9,513 10,795 4,975 3 1942-43 19,000 29,748 47,857 8,989 10,370 2,967 1943-44 27,000 40,818 59,798 9,846 10,116 5,504 1944-45f 80,201 40,228 67,770 10,707 16,202 10,153 1945-46J .. 43,669 48,133 86,123 15,035 24,535 8,230 1946-47§ 32,722 60,701 109,018 19,924 25,295 21,320 * Sale of new stamp issue accounted for increase of £16,705 over 1936-37 stamp sales. t £27,603 general services subsidy, £3,606 part cost of tuberculosis sanatorium, £48,992 airport at Rarotonga; total, £80,201. 1 £27,000 general services subsidy, £16,66J ) part cost tuberculosis sanatorium. § £28,258 general services subsidy, £3,100 part cost tuberculosis sanatorium, £1,364 war pensions and scholarships.

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Principal statistics for the last five calendar years are given below

Cook Islands other than Niue

Quantities and Values of Principal Exports

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194:2. 1943. 1944. 1945. 1946. Imports i Values £ £ £ £ £ New Zealand 54,767 91,598 124,161 123,245 157,870 Australia 3,821 3,186 7,008 3,713 5,652 United-Kingdom 3,815 3,043 17,768 11,693 18,504 Canada 166 58 622 135 1,191 United States of America 4,353 7,403 4,541 2,876 8,037 Other 1,867 1,917 1,130 2,408 4,342 Totals 68,789 107,205 155,230 144,070 195,596 Exports Values * New Zealand 50,745 66,092 115,768 100,629 93,817 Australia 122 52 1,290 1,172 1,254 United Kingdom 25 5 Canada .. 18,063* "40 United States of America 4,176 2,868 2*883 12,565 Other 373 6,025 6,879| 1,557 586 Totals 69,303 76,345 126,83p 106,246 108,262 * Copra, f Hawaii, £3,472.

— 1942; 1943. 1944. Cases. £ Cases. £ Cases. £ Citrus fruit 52,763 26,905 45,352 25,925 45,220 26,152 Bananas 9,419 Boxes. 4,313 4,825 Boxes. 2,232 2,298 Boxes. 1,154 Tomatoes 12,966 8,429 23,481 22,188 37,751 35,978 Handicrafts, grassware, 1,400 10,651 41,756 beads, &c. Tons. Tons. Tons. Copra f .. 1,093 19,385 520 10,411 747 15,269 Gallons. Gallons. Gallons. Orange-juice 20,214 3,891 4,294 1,482 4,365 1,634 Tons. Pearl shell 69 3,113 Manufactured goods .. Tons. Tons. 422 Arrowroot 103 2,469 12 579 1945. 1946. Cases. £ • Cases. £ Citrus fruit 74,334 45,411 24,833 19,246 Bananas 3,136 Boxes. 1,574 54 Boxes. 27 Tomatoes 35,375 27,320 69,550 47,274 Handicrafts, grassware, 10,881 4,060 beads, &c Tons. Tons. Copra 563 12,936 617 16,107 Gallons. Gallons. Orange-juice 2,728 978 Tons. Tons. Pearl shell 14 711 48 12,140 Manufactured goods .. 1,049 3,058 Tons. Arrowroot 32 1,636 81 4,388

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VI. MEDICAL AND PUBLIC HEALTH The staff of this Department consists of two European Medical Officers, seven Native medical practitioners, a Hospital Matron, three European Sisters, 26 Native nurses, a European Dental Officer, and two Native Dental Nurses. Six Native Inspectors are also employed on mosquito-control. In accordance with the provisions of the Cook Islands Act, 1915, all Cook Islanders receive free medical and surgical treatment in their villages, in the hospital, and in the sanatorium. Native patients in the hospital and the sanatorium and all school-children receive free dental treatment. The following summary shows the amount expended on health services during the past five, years: — f " , .

Hospital statistics for the same period are tabulated hereunder : —-

The Dental Department has treated patients as follows : —-

General health throughout the Group has been good. The outbreaks of poliomyelitis in Rarotonga, cerebro-spinal fever in Atiu, and trachoma in Atiu, Mauke, and Mitiaro mentioned in the last report died down early in the year under review. In June and July, 1946, influenza became epidemic in Rarotonga, and there were also some cases of chicken-pox and meningitis. A second wave of influenza occurred in August and a third wave in October, but neither of these was as severe as the first wave. In February and March, 1947, there was an epidemic of Bornholm disease or epidemic pleurodynia ; the number of cases is not known, but it was widespread, and, fortunately, there was no mortality. The Director, Division of Public Hygiene, New Zealand Department of Health, inspected Rarotonga and all other islands of the Lower Group in September, Tuberculosis continues to be the main medical problem. The new sanatorium is in full operation and provides valuable training for Native nurses in the proper methods of handling tuberculosis cases. Patients themselves are taught how to live in their

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'— 1942-43. 1943-44. . 1944-45. 1945-46. 1946-47. Amount expended Population Amount per head '£10,370 14,079 14s. 9d. £10,116 14,150 14s. 4d. £16,202 14,506 £1 2s. 4d. £24,535 15,005 £1 12s-. 8d. £25,295 14,821 £1 14s. 2d.

7 ~r~ ' '' 1942-43. 1943-44. 1944-45.' 1945-46. 1946-47. In-patients 405 570 446 469 ] 638 - Out-patients 12,541 8,574 8,603 6,895 9,029 Visits 1,915 1,382 1,374 1,145 . 2,016 Injections, all types 438 360 577 453 348 Ansesthetics— General 64 42 52 30 99 Local .. 340 152 336 377 53 Operations — Major 9 9 101 26 43 Minor 464 254 467 440 109 Confinements 24 30 63 43 29 Artificial pneumothorax 16 12 X-rays 173 "31 39 77 248 Dental extractions 89 63 91 95 32

— 1942-43. 1943-44. 1944-45. 1945-46. 1946-47. Extractions Fillings Cleaning, &c. 953 935 157 1,130 1,964 37 1,533 1,382 38 1,713 915 239 828 489 1,622

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own. villages after discharge without danger to themselves or to their families. In September, 1946, the Director, Division of Tuberculosis, New Zealand Department of Health, visited Rarotonga and gave valuable advice both on preventive measures and on the treatment of this scourge. A beginning has been made in Rarotonga to estimate the gross incidence of tuberculosis by means of the Mantoux test, and search is being made for early cases among the contacts of the known cases. Filariasis is prevalent in Rarotonga, Aitutaki, and Pukapuka. In September, 1946, Mr. D. W. Amos, of the Fiji Health Department, arrived in Rarotonga accompanied by a Fijian Native Inspector, and stayed three months" to make a mosquito survey and to train six local men in anti-mosquito measures. Each of these trainees is now in charge of a district in Rarotonga, and it is hoped that later it will be possible for some of them to visit the outer islands and inaugurate mosquito-control measures there. A Native youth has been brought to Rarotonga from Pukapuka for training as a dresser and in mosquito-control work. On the completion of his training he will return to Pukapuka 'to take charge of health work there until a resident Native medical practitioner can be spared for that island. The Medical Department periodically inspects all villages and water-supplies and intakes. Regular inspections of the schools by a Native medical practitioner and the District Nurse are carried out. The District Nurse is in charge of child-welfare work, and changes have been made in the form of village control with a view to increasing the local interest in this work. All islands of the Group have been visited by a European Medical Officer during the year. All school-children in Rarotonga have received regular dental treatment,. but, owing to i the time-lapse between the departure of one Dental Officer and the arrival of his successor, it has not yet been possible to continue the work in the outer islands. One Cook Islands student graduated from the Central Medical School, Suva, at the end of 1946 ; this addition to the staff will enable a Native medical practitioner to be located at Mauke. Dr. Farquhar Matheson arrived in Rarotonga in July, 1946, on appoiutment as Chief Medical Officer. The distribution of medical and nursing staff throughout the Group is as follows : Rarotonga— Two European medical officers. Three Native medical practitioners (one to go.to Mauke later in the year). One Matron. One Sister in Charge (sanatorium). Two European Sisters. Twenty Native Nurses (Hospital and Sanatorium). Aitutaki — One Native medical practitioner. One Native nurse. One Native assistant nurse. Atiu — One Native nurse. One Native trainee. ' Mauke— One Native nurse. .' ' Mangaia— One Native medical practitioner. One Native nurse. Penrhyn— One Native medical practitioner. Manihiki —- One Native medical practitioner.

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VII. POPULATION Detailed figures of the estimated population as at the 31st March, 1947, are given in the table below

Infant-mortality Deaths (Cook Islanders) at Different Ages, Year ended 31st March, 1947

The following table shows the infant-mortality rate :

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Island. Males. Females. Totals. Europeans. Natives. Europeans. Natives. | Rarotonga Mangaia Mauke Mitiaro Atiu Aitutaki .. Palmerston Suwarrow Pukapuka Manihiki .. Rakahanga Penrhyn Manuae Totals 112 6 7 1 3 12 5 5 1 2,988 955 446 140 679 1,256 ~ 33 3 337 215 171 357 18 81 1 3 2 7 1 4 2,642 939 430 120 584 ' 1,183 31 330 231 151 321 10 5,823 1,901 886' 261 1,268 2,458 673 455 322 679 28 '152 7,598 99 6,972 14,821 7,750 , 7,071

. "v J Number of Deaths. Percentage of Total Deaths. Under 1 week 1 week to 1 month 1 month to 3 months 3 months to 6 months 6 months to 12 months 1 year to 2 years 2 years to 3 years 3 years to 4 years 4 years to 5 years 5 years to 10 years Over 10 years r—I - GO-6-89^ 3-73 | 2-87 23-27 4-89 i 4 • 89-j 6-03 1-44 1-44 1-15 2-01 64-66 Totals .. ' ' ■> : : 348 100-00

, . / Year. Total Number of Deaths under One Year. Total Number of Births. Death-rate per 1,000 Births. 1938-39 . 58 ' 536 108-22 1939-40 50 504 99-2 1940-41 40 541 73-92 1941-42 74 553 123-27 1942-43 78 599 130-18 1943-44 68 525 129-45 1944-45 .-. 63 564 111-7 1945-46 65 567 114-59 1946-47 81 574 141-1

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.• .. M VIII. EDUCATION The work of this Department is in charge of an Education officer, seconded from New Zealand, assisted by 8 European teachers, also from New Zealand, and by 127 local teachers and trainees. There are twenty-four schools in the Group ; of these, eleven are Administration, seven are London Missionary Society, and six are Roman Catholic Mission schools. The Administration-assists education in the Northern Group by subsidizing the local Mission schools. The following table shows the schools in the Cook Islands, together with the numbers of pupils attending each during the past five yearg :

(b) London Missionary Society Schools

(c) Roman Catholic Mission Schools

The number of schools is the same as in previous years, but the school population increased by 179 over the total for 1945. Attendances have been regular and satisfactory throughout the year. Mr. A. McKenzie has been appointed, Education Officer in succession to Mr. R. Walker, who resigned early in 1946. A new European Head Teacher has 1 commenced duty at the Ngatangiia School, Rarotonga, and a new European Head Teacher and an Infant-mistress have been appointed to Mangaia.

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Roll Numbers. Island. School. 1942. 1943. 1944. 1945. 1946. {a) Government Schools Rarotonga Avarua (including European 9 QQ\ 390 415 432 437 502 tidioiS ) Arorangi Ngatangiia 258 273 280 281 269 225 209 216 205 230 Titikaveka .. • 187. 196 ■188 190 199 Aitutaki Araura 465 512 562 593 604 Atiu Atiu 220 216 204 198 221 Mangaia Oneroa 22 i 223 218 238 270 Ivirua 109 105 106 138 146 Tamarua 68 71 68 77 79 Mauke Mauke .. 157 161 172 189 177 Pukapuka Pukapuka 168 166 143 118 127. -Totals .. 2,468 2,547 2,589 2,664 2,824

Mitiaro Mitiaro 63 40 38 64 22 ManiMki Tukao 26 18 22 18 19 Tauhunu 65 54 52 44 45 Rakahanga Rakahanga 61 64 64 64 114 Penrhyn Omoka 75 89 . 89 122 115 Tetautua , 66 69 18 . 45 36 Palmerston Palmerston 34 34 21 17 20 Totals .. 390 368 304 374 371

Karotonera St. Joseph's Convent 153 162 169 165 165Atiu Atiu Catholic 52 61 58 59 71 Mauke Mauke Catholic 43 46 43 37 41 Manihiki .. Tukao Catholic '20 22 20 20 22 Tauhunu Catholic 16 9 8 8 8 Rakahanga Rakahanga Catholic 33 19 8 8 12 Totals .. 317 319 306 297 319 Grand totals 3,175 3,234 3,199 3,335 3,514

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The Officer for Islands Education, Wellington, paid a brief visit to Rarotonga in June, 1946. During the year the Education Officer visited the schools at Aitutaki (twice) and at Atiu and Mauke. Four pupils were sent to New Zealand in 1946.t0 take up scholarships made available by the Government, but one returned for health reasons. Another four pupils were granted scholarships in New Zealand in Januray, 1947. Two Native teachers were sent to New Zealand in January, 1947, for a four months 7 observation course in Native schools. Five film-strip projectors, one movie-sound film-projector, and a considerable quantity of other educational material and apparatus have been received from a special grant provided by the New Zealand Government. Social studies have been added to the school curriculum, and instruction in the Cook Islands Maori language is now given for one hour per week. Three text-books in the Native language are in use, and as more are produced the weekly period of instruction wilL be increased. A scheme for the provision of free milk for the children in the Rarotonga schools has been approved and will be extended as soon as possible to the outer islands schools. A site for a proposed training-school at Tereora, Rarotonga, has been obtained, and work on the preparation of plans for the buildings has been commenced. All school buildings throughout the Group have been maintained in good order and repair, and minor additions and improvements have been made. At Avarua School, Rarotonga, four new Native-style class-rooms have been erected and other class-rooms in the Rarotonga schools have been rethatched. IX. JUDICIAL ORGANIZATION The Cook Islands Act, 1915, prescribes the judiciary for the Group. The Cook Islands Amendment Act, 1946, establishes a Native Appellate Court of the Cook Islands ; this will enable appeals from the decisions of the Native Land Court and rehearings of earlier cases to be heard in the Cook Islands instead of in New Zealand. There are a Judge and two Commissioners of the High Court in Rarotonga, while the Resident Agents of the outer islands are also Commissioners of the High Court. The Native Land Court comprises a senior Judge (who is also the Judge of the High Court) and another Judge, but no Commissioners at present. The Judges of the Native Land Court of the Cook Islands, and Judges of the Native Land Court of New Zealand, are the Judges of the Native Appellate Court of the Cook Islands. High Court actions during the past five years are summarized hereunder :

Native Land Court proceedings during the same period were as follows :

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. — 1942-43. 1943-44. 1944-45. 1945-46. 1946-47. Civil judgments : Rarotonga Divorces granted: Whole Group Criminal convictions : Rarotonga 34 10 1,197 50 26 1,360 60 . 15 1,401 35 13 1,195 51 20 > 1,179

i "" I ■ j'i. 1942-43. 1943-44. 1944-45. 1945-46. ' 1946-47. Applications heard 153 165 124 169 123' Orders made 158 161 115 159 99 Applications outstanding— Rarotonga 389 389 401 454 502 Other islands 685 702 738 838 858

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X. POLICE Details of police establishment as at the 31st March, 1947, are as follows : —|

The conduct of the Force has been good, and there are no special problems. Statistics appear under the preceding heading IX, and are contained in the separate reports on outer islands in the following pages. XI. SHIPPING AND COMMUNICATIONS The N.Z.G.M.V. " Maui Pomare " continues to be the mainstay of the shipping service between New Zealand and the Cook Islands. In 1946, owing to the damage done to crops by the storm in January, the vessel was able to cope with all citrus fruit available for shipment. The Government also arranged for special calls at Rarotonga by trans-Pacific ships to uplift cargoes of tomatoes, copra, and arrowroot beyond the capacity of the " Maui Pomare." The " Maui Pomare " was withdrawn in January, 1947, for her annual survey and overhaul, and was to return to the service in April. The " Maui Pomare " proved invaluable during the war years when there was no other vessel available for the Cook Islands service, but a faster and more modern ship, with greater carrying-capacity and ability to maintain a more frequent service, is now required. The provision of adequate shipping facilities is undoubtedly the most serious problem confronting the Group at the present time, but this is complicated by the seasonal nature of the trade. During the orange season large quantities of fruit are available for shipment, but for the remainder of the year payable cargoes of other fruit and of produce are not offering. Air Service - A fortnightly air service between New Zealand and Rarotonga is maintained regularly and has effected a great improvement in communications, particularly during the first quarter of the year, when the " Maui Pomare "is laid up for refit. The service has also proved of great value in-cases of emergency and of medical necessity. The air service between Aitutaki and Rarotonga has become very popular with the Cook Islanders and is always well patronized. Indeed, special flights have been required to cope with the number of passengers desiring to travel between the two islands. The service is also being increasingly used by passengers to and from New Zealand. Passengers proceed by Sunderland flying-boat from Auckland to -Fiji, and thence by Dakota planes via Tonga, Western Samoa, Tutuila, and Aitutaki to Rarotonga, the air journey from New Zealand taking -three days. The same route is followed on the return journey, but the trip takes five days, as there is a break of two days in Fiji awaiting the connection with the flying-boat.

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SS ; — Chief Officer. Senior Sergeant. Sergeants. Constables. Total. Barotonga 1 1 1 8 11 Aitutaki 1 6 7 Mangaia .. .. 1 -5 Atiu 1 5 6 'Mauke 1 3 4 Mitiaro 1 2 3 Manihiki .. 3 3 Rakahanga 1 2 3 Pextrkyn .. ©lakapuka 3 3 3 3 Ten islands 1 2 6 40 49

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XII. METEOROLOGICAL

This year the Group escaped serious storms, and the weather during the " hurricane season " was unusually calm. Two warnings of storms which might possibly visit the Cook Islands were received, but the storms, fortunately, took a different course.. XIII. AGRICULTURE Progress towards the re-establishment of the citrus industry continues to be maintained. Eighty-four plots have been established under the orange replanting scheme ; the majority of these plots are of ninety trees planted in one and a half acres of land, a few are smaller owing to the smaller area available. One plot is ready for planting, and applications for twenty-nine other plots have been finalized. On the whole, the plots are doing exceptionally well and the young trees are well advanced for the length of time they have been planted. During the year 8,700 budded orange-trees were distributed; in addition, there are 730 young budded trees now ready for distribution, and a further 1,500 plants are ready for budding now and will be available for distribution in November, 1947. There, are also 20,000 seedlings which have been recently transplanted, and 40,000 seedlings yet to be transplanted. The citrus-replanting scheme has been extended to Aitutaki, and some 2,100 budded orange-trees have been planted out in plots. The citrus nursery at Aitutaki has been -restocked with seedlings sent from Rarotonga, and a further distribution of budded orange-trees will be made during 1947. The establishment of the full number of one hundred plots will be completed as soon as the young trees are available. It is hoped that it will be possible to establish citrus seedling nurseries in Atiu and Mauke during 1947. Citrus shipments from the Whole Group have been small during 1946 owing to the damage sustained during the severe storm experienced in January. Prospects for 1947 after a calm " hurricane season " are however*, much better. Tomatoes were extensively planted to make up for the loss of the citrus crop, and a record total of 78,761 boxes was shipped. The few remaining banana plantations were partially wiped out by the storm in January, 1946, and until shipping prospects improve there is little hope of interesting growers in re-establishing this industry. The Administration has established nurseries for the propagation of banana-shoots so that when it is possible to. revive the industry shoots will be available for the replanting scheme. ■ In Aitutaki, arrowroot has been extensively cultivated, and 81 tons have been processed and exported. Mangaia shipped 708 cases of pineapples to New Zealand. The extension of these industries may well assist in providing cargo during the lean period between orange seasons. Copra-production has increased, and Penrhyn and Aitutaki have recommenced the export of this commodity. The outer islands rely to a much greater extent on native food crops than Rarotonga does, but greater interest has been evinced in these crops during the year in Rarotonga, with the result that there has been no shortage of native vegetable foods.

13

1942. 1943. 1944. 1945. 1946. Total rainfall (inches) 76-99 79-59 • 64-76 90-02. 84-2 Number of rainy days 131 112 116 233 207 Highest for any day (inches) .. 3-79 4-76 ' 2-85 . 4-63 3-6 Date 5 Oct. 14 Oct. 22 Feb. -11 Aug. 10 Mar. Highest temperature (p.) 89-5 ' 88 87 88-5 90-2 Date 31 Mar. 27 Feb. 9 Mar. 15 Mar. 19 Jan. Lowest temperature (p.) 61 56 57 58-5 58-0 Date 9 Sept. 1 Sept. 12" Aug. 8 June 10 July. Mean of maximum thermometer (F.) Mean of minimum thermometer 81-3 81-4 80 80-9 81 71-2 70-4 69 ■70-3 69-3 (p.)

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LOWER GROUP ISLANDS Rarotonga

Administration offices, school buildings, and residences have been maintained in good order; minor additions and improvements have also been made. The main road round the island has been kept in good order, and subsidiary roads have also been repaired and maintained. The bulldozer and grader from the air strip have materially assisted in road repairs, and the formation and surface of the roads have been greatly improved by their use. Two large bridges have been replaced, and other smaller bridges have been rebuilt ■or replaced by culverts. The air strip has been maintained in good order, and improvements to the buildings have been effected.

Aitutaki

On the whole, the health of the people has been good, but there were epidemics of influenza, running in waves from June to November, and of meningitis in July and August. Gastro-enteritis was widespread during the whole of the year. A Native medical practitioner has been stationed at Aitutaki throughout the year, and the Medical Officers of the United States Army unit gave valuable assistance until the force was finally evacuated early in September. The school roll now totals 604 pupils. One new Native-style class-room has been erected during the year, and other school buildings have been maintained in good order and condition. Only one shipment, of 1,000 cases, of oranges was made during the year, and it does not appear likely that there will be any fruit for export during the 1947 season. The citrus nursery is in a flourishing condition ; some 2,100 budded orange-trees have already been planted out, and it is anticipated that sufficient trees to complete the first 100 plots, each of 35 trees, will be available from the nursery by December, 1947. During 1946 81 tons of arrowroot and 185 tons of copra were exported. The Administration buildings have been maintained in good repair, and the roads have been kept in order. On Ist September, 1946, the United States Army unit was evacuated from Aitutaki, and control of the air base passed to the Aerodromes Branch, New Zealand Public Works Department. Officers from that Department assisted by local Native labour now maintain the air strip.

14

1942-43. 1943-44. j 1-944-45. 1945-46. | 1946-47. Shipping calls during'the year 9 8 13 13 12 Cases of oranges exported .. 18,107 6,000 9,706 14,561 4,790 Boxes of tomatoes exported .. 12,966 23,460 37,7*51 35,096 78,761 Cases , of bananas exported .. 9,419 4,825 2,298 3,136 54 High/Court cases dealt with .. 1,231 1,410 1,461 1,230 1 1,270

1942-43. 1943-44. 1944-45. 1945-46. 1946—47. Shipping calls during year* .. Cases of oranges exported High. Court cases dealt with .. 21 . 5,770 334 13 571 12 8,997 358 19 12,684 320 21 1,000 366 1 * Shipping calls shown under these headings include both overseas vessels and inter-island schooners.

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Atiu

The health of the people has been good ; the outbreaks of cerebro-spinal meningitis and trachoma subsided early in the year, and since then there have been the usual midyear epidemics of influenza andgastro-enteritis. Administration buildings and school buildings have been kept in good condition, and further improvements have been effected at the main landing at Tauganui. The orange crop suffered severe damage in the storm of January, 1946, and only two shipments were made during the year. Prospects are brighter for 1947. Native food plantations also suffered, but the Island Council was instrumental in encouraging and supervising replantings. Work will be commenced in 1947 on the establishment of a citrus nursery for the propagation of orange seedlings for distribution.

Mauke

The epidemic of, trachoma died out early in the year, and otherwise the health of the people is reported as being good. The Women's Committees continue to be active in the cleaning and tidying of settlements and of the houses and surroundings ; the Resident Agent and Island Council also regularly inspect the villages and houses. The orange crop suffered severe damage during the storm in January', 1946, and only one Small shipment of 1,502 cases was made during the year. Native food crops also suffered severe damage in the same storm, but under the direction of the Island Council the whole male population has been fully employed in restoring the plantations, with very good results. Administration and school buildings are in good condition and have been painted inside and out during the year. Water-tanks are in good order, and one new lime-tank has been erected at the radio station. A motor-garage has also been built. Roads have been repaired and improved. Mr. S. N. Abley assumed duty as Resident Agent at Mauke in August, 1946. Unfortunately, he became seriously ill in February and was brought to Rarotonga from whence he was taken by air to hospital at Suva, where he died. Since his departure the island has been administered by the Island Council, with the Native wireless operator as Clerk in Charge.

Mitiaro

The epidemic of trachoma terminated early in the year, and since then the health of the people has been good. Crops suffered minor damage during the storm in January, 1946 ; native food plantations have been restored, but there were not sufficient oranges left "to warrant transportation to Raro tonga for juicing.

15

— . 1942-43. 1943-44. 1944-45. 1945-46. 1946-47. Shipping calls during year Cases of oranges exported High Court cases dealt with .. 8 11,176 465 8 8,841 533 12 11,801 448 12 12,916 528 11 3,979 442

— 1942-43. 1943-44. 1944-45. 1945-46. 1946-47. Shipping calls during year ,.. 8 11 10 11 11 Oases of oranges exported 9,196 10,101 9,097 6,530 1,502 High Court cases dealt with .. 85 141 80 65 102

— 1942-43. 1943-44. 1944-45. • 1945-46. 1946-47. Shipping calls during year High Court cases dealt with .. 5 5 53 6 4 5

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Mangaia

The general health of the population has been good ; influenza was epidemic during the middle of the year. The Child Welfare Association is now firmly established, and the present - attendance at the clinic is 204. Administration and school buildings have been maintained in good order and condition. Roads have been kept in repair, but the arrival of plant and equipment from New Zealand is awaited so that major improvements on the roads may be commenced. It was thought'that the storm in January, 1946, had caused little damage in Mangaia, but the reduced number of cases of oranges exported is evidence that damage was greater than was at first anticipated. During the year 1,220 boxes' of tomatoes and 708 cases of pineapples were exported, while over 30,000 new pineapple-plants have been set out.

NORTHERN GROUP ISLANDS Penrhyn

The general health of the people has been good. Administration buildings and roads have been kept in good repair, and a considerable number of improvements and additions have been made during the year. The United States Army unit evacuated from Penrhyn in September, 1946, and the people are rapidly returning to their normal mode of living. The production of copra has recommenced, and the islands are being cleaned up systematically. Fortythree tons of copra have been shipped, and 35 tons were awaiting shipment at the end of the year. Shipments of mother-of-pearl shell for the year amount to 37 tons, and there, were approximately 20 tons awaiting shipment at the close of the year.

Manihiki

The general health of the people has been good ; influenza was epidemic during September and October. The / Native medical practitioner has carried out weekly inspections of the and has encouraged the people to keep their houses and their , surroundings clean. In addition to the copra shipped during the year, some 55 tons were awaiting shipment at the close of the: year. During the year 63 tons of mother-of-pearl shell were also exported. A few hats have been exported, but other articles of Native handicrafts are not being made. The high wages being paid to divers and the high price for pearlshell have made the production of Native handicrafts unattractive to the people.

16

'• |t-— ". j 1942-43. 1943-44. 1944-45. 1945-46. 1946-4£. Shipping calls during year .. Cases of oranges exported High Court cases dealt with .. . 6 5,551 649 4 19,917 371 6 3,707 572 10 22,630 667 13 11,018 517

1942-43. 1943-44. 1944-45. 1945-46. 1946-47. Shipping call's during year 3 4 3 3 6 High dealt with .. . 160 137 58 101 142

— 1942-43. , 1943-44. 1944r-45. 1945-46. 1946-47. Shipping calls during year 9 5 4 4 13 Tons of copra exported 78J 184 144| 143J 93 High Court cases dealt with .. 85 132 48 49 133

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Rakahanga

The health of the people has beeir good ; the Native medical practitioner from Manihiki visited Rakahanga twice during the year and gave treatment where necessary. He also made general inspections of the village, as well as house-to-house inspections. The local Health Committee has inspected the houses at regular intervals. In addition to the copra shipped during the year, there were 120 tons awaiting shipment at the end of the year. A brisk trade has been done in Native hats, and it is estimated that approximately 2,000 hats were exported during the year.

Pukapuka

The general health of the people has been good, but there appears to be a high incidence of filariasis in this island. A Native youth has been brought to Rarotonga for training as a dresser, and he is also being instructed in mosquito-control measures ; it is anticipated that he will return to Pukapuka towards the end of 1947. In addition to the copra exported, there were 73 tons awaiting shipment on the 31st March, 1947. Palmerston The health of the small population has been good ; medical advice has been given by 'radio, and medical officers have visited the island twice during the year. There have been three shipping calls during the year, and 20 tons of copra, some native timber, and Native handicrafts have been exported to Rarotonga. NIUE Niue Island is "situated apart from the other islands of the Cook Group, being somewhat west of the centre of the irregular triangle formed by Samoa, Tonga, and the lower Cook Islands. Niue became a part of New Zealand at the time when, under the provisions of the Colonial Boundaries Act, 1895, the boundaries of New Zealand were extended in June, 1901, to include the Cook Islands. Niue has a separate Administration in charge of a Resident Commissioner, who is responsible directly to the Minister of Island Territories. Niue has an area of 100 square miles, nowhere exceeding an elevation of 200 ft., and is without natural fresh water. A road thirty-seven miles long encircles the island, and other roads total approximately thirty miles. The island consists of upheaved coral rock, and is not very fertile owing to lack of soil. The climate is mild and equable ; the mean annual temperature during the last thirty-four years was 76-79 degrees Fahrenheit, and the average annual rainfall for the same period 79-13 in. The population on 31st March, 1947, was 4,303 Natives and 25 Europeans, a total of 4,328. 2—A 3

17

— 1942-43. 1943-44. 1944-45. 1945-46. 1946-47. Shipping calls during year 8 5 4 410 Tons of copra exported 36 164| m 74 163 High Court cases dealt with .. 147 57 39 9

1 1942-43. 1943-44. 1944-45. 1945-46. 1946-47. Shipping calls during year 2 4 1 1 ' 2 Tons of copra exported 3 70 60 80 High Court cases dealt with .. 27 3 33

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General Administration Laws are made by Act of the New Zealand Parliament, or regulations issued thereunder, or by Ordinance passed by the local Island Council. This body meets periodically under the presidency of the Resident Commissioner, and consists of thirteen members appointed by the Governor-General and representing all villages on the Island. The usual quarterly meetings of the Island Council were held during the year. No local ordinances were passed. The following legislative measures with application to Niue were enacted in New Zealand since the last report:— United Nations Act, 1946, Section 4. Finance Act, 1946, Section 32. Cook Islands Amendment Act, 1946. The Cook Islands Sea Carriage of Goods Order 1946 (Serial number 1946/194). Visit H.M.N.Z.S. " Arbutus " visited Niue on 14th to 16th November, 1946. A suitable programme of entertainment for the officers and men was carried out. Postal and Radio A summary of transactions in these branches is as follows :

Niue is a branch office of the Auckland Post-office Savings-bank, where the accounts are kept, but not segregated. Hence the figures given above relate only to local transactions in Niue, and it is not possible to give an accurate indication of the total transactions for the year. Technical assistance in the running and maintenance of radio equipment is given by the New Zealand Post and Telegraph Department. Approval was given towards the end of 1946 for the installation of a single-wire telephone system to connect the thirteen villages of Niue. The Native population supplied free all telephone-poles required, all labour necessary to complete the installation, and also agreed to the removal of coconut and other trees where necessary without compensation. The services of a technician were made available by the New Zealand Post and Telegraph Department, and work was commenced in January, 1947. Public Finance Exclusive of subsidy from the New Zealand Treasury, income for the year was £28,726. Expenditure totalled £32,387. Subsidy received was £5,000, leaving a net surplus of £1,339. Depreciation and other writings-off totalling £1,627 are included in the expenditure. A comparative statement of revenue and expenditure for the last five years is as pilows '

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7 — 1942-43. I 1943-44. 1944-45. | 1945-46. 1946-47. 1 Money-orders issued £8,766 £5,799 £1,932 £7,177 £9,531 Money-orders paid £681 £1,675 £2,082 £3,781 £4,894 Post Office Savings-bank deposits .. £4,044 £3,969 £3,097 £8,709 £4,501 Post Office Savings-bank withdrawals £196 £263 £696 £1,359 £972 Number of radio messages handled.. 1,048 1,515 1,755 2,001 2,346

Year. Revenue. Expenditure. Deficit. Subsidy^ Final Surplus or Deficit. £ £ £ £ £ 1942-43 11,252 16,397 5,145 10,000 +" 4,855 1943-44 10,342 ' 18,187 7,845 10,000 + 2,155 1944-45 12,096 18,900 6,804 10,000 + 3,196 1945-46 14,590 25,123 10,533 7,755 - 2,778 1946-47 28,726 32,387 3,661 5,000 +' 1,339

A—B

The main items of revenue for the year were stamp sales, £20,190; Customs import duties, £2,182 ; and income-tax, £1,581. The large amount of revenue received from stamp sales is mainly due to the philatelic demand for island stamps. Trade A record level was reached for both imports and exports in 1946. Contributing factors were increases in the price of copra, greater exports of plaited ware, and increased expenditure by the Administration. Comparative statistics for the last five calendar years are as follows :

Quantities and Values of Principal Exports

The large increase in total imports is notable, as is also the greatly increased value of imports from the United Kingdom. The latter consisted almost exclusively of cotton piece-goods of all kinds. The U.S.A. supplied some twist tobacco, and India some copra-sacks during the year. Copra. —Although there has been no increase in the average, annual production of this item, successive increases in the f.o.b. price have more than doubled the Island's income from this source in the past five years.

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Country of Origin. 1942. 1943. 1944. 1945. 1946. Imports Values £ £ £ £ £ New Zealand 23,544 29,881 25,140 23,620 37,984 Australia 584 223 871 251 643 United Kingdom 235 115 2,453 2,935 6,503 United States of America 1,995 1,692 181 10 730 Western Samoa 140 1,106 116 21 Other ... 86 303 40 796* Totals 26,444 32,070 30,054 26,972 46,677 Exports Values New Zealand 18,644 29,908 21,909 27,674 29,721 Australia 828 298 1,307 1,662 6,142 Western Samoa 1,249 527 Other 1,620 "35 132 10 Totals 22,341 30,733 23,251 29,468 35,873 * Includes India, £585.

Item. 1942. 1943. 1944. Copra Bananas Kumaras Native plaited ware .. Tons. £ 338 4,091 Cases. 9,847 4,207 Tons. 474 6,509 7,434 Tons. £ 422 8,543 Cases. 15,473 8,049 Tons. 113 1,363 12,692 Tons. £ 617 13,274 Cases. 1,200 626 8,977 Item. 1945. 1 1946. Copra Bananas Kumaras Native plaited ware . . Tons. £ 415 9,986 Cases. 7,662 4,141 Tons. 10 141 14,683 Tons. £ 352 10,179 Cases. 9,346 5,335 Tons. 20 292 19,652

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Native Plaited Ware. —Although there were shipping difficulties during the year, the value of Native plaited ware exported shows a substantial increase over the 1945 figure, which was the previous record. Most of the increase is due to the large quantities exported to Australia. Medical, Dental, and Public Health The staff at 31st March, 1947, consisted of one European Medical Officer, one Native medical practitioner (on loan from Western Samoa), one European Matron, one European nurse, five Native nurses, including two on loan from Western Samoa, and two Niuean Dental Officers. In addition, there were two Native dispensary assistants and one Native dental clinic assistant. All medical and dental treatment, including hospitalization, is provided free of charge to Natives. The following is a comparative table showing the amounts expended on health services over the last five financial years :

A summary of the wqrk performed at the hospital and during the weekly and other visits to villages is set out below :

20

— 1942-43. 1943-44. 1944-45. 1945-46. 1946-47. Amount expended Population Amount per head of population £3,755 4,434 16s. lid. £3,900 4,242 18s. 5d. £3,656 4,200 17s. 5d. £5,305 4,271 £1 4s. 9d. £8,211 4,328 £1 17s. lid.

— 1942. 1943. 1944. 1945. 1946. (1) Infectious diseases— (a) Tuberculosis 30 28 11 26 13 , (b) Gonorrhoea 45 107 21 44 171 (c) Yaws 939 863 713 1,038 1,173 (d) Pneumonia 7 178 25 29 41 broncho-pneumonia (e) Conjunctivitis 128 156 17 104 148 (/) Ringworm 133 418 37 146 55 (g) Varicella 7 16 1 25 5 (h) Typhoid 27 33 15 13 12 (i) Leprosy . . 2 2 1 1 2 -(j) Infectious jaundice 78 112 49 (k) Puerperal fever .. 3 2 (1) Intestinal parasites 150 155 (to) Scabies 166 163 (2) Endemic-diseases — (a) Filariasis Very prevalent Very prevalent 207 181 120 (b) Myositis tropica . . 3 10 6 6 60 (3) Hospital and dispensary— Admissions for year . . 118 116 76 71 139 Average number of days .123-39 32-5 28 11-29 10 in hospital per patient Daily average bed state 39-88 9-95 8-13 4-55 6 District out-patients . . 21,422 29,062 29,811 j. 23,024 21,839 Dispensary out-patients 2,365 1,802 2,984 Special visits 1,661 4,421 2,124 2,205 1,891 Operations 10 Ml 75 369 137 Dental extractions 136 134 130 221 950 Injections, N.A.B., 3,869 10,159 844 4,301 6,828 T.A.B., &c. Confinements 15 18 23 20 63 Anaesthetics— General 8 10 2 21 Local 120 220 149 315 134

A—3

In March., 1947, there was an outbreak of broncho-pneumonia, of which there were 335 cases with eight deaths, in a period of just over three weeks. By isolation of villages as they became infected the epidemic was kept under control, and concluded on 30th March. Routine inspection of villages for public-health purposes was carried out by the _ police in conjunction with the Chief Medical Officer. During the past few years there has been, as a result of the frequent inspections, a noticeable improvement in general village cleanliness and hygiene. There has been considerable expenditure during the year on new medical equipment, and as a result the hospital is now fairly well equipped to deal with the requirements of the Island. Education The Administration maintains three schools, which are under the control of a European Education Officer. Some 46 Niuean teachers and assistants are employed. In addition, the London Missionary Society maintains schools in the villages in which there are no Administration schools. A subsidy of £5OO per annum is paid to the Society. Roll numbers of Administration and Mission schools at 31st December, 1946, and the previous four years were as follows :

The proposal to replace the Mission schools with four new Administration schools is being proceeded with, and the first two of these schools are expected to be erected during 1947. Two Niuean boys who were being educated in New Zealand at the expense of the Administration have now proceeded to the Central Medical School in Suva, for training as Native medical practitioners. Under the general scheme for scholarships for the Island Territories two Niuean boys proceeded to New Zealand early in 1947. "Judicial Organization The Resident Commissioner of Niue is also Judge of the High Court and Judge of the Native Land Court. Another officer is Commissioner of the Native Land Court. Following is a summary of proceedings for the years 1942-46

High Court

Offences for which convictions were recorded during the year were mainly of a minor nature. There were two convictions on charges of causing grievous bodily harm. No sittings of the Native Land Court were held during the year.

21

— 1942. 1943. 1944. 1945. 1946. Administration schools 740 778 686 679 667 London Missionary Society 370 388 427 506 521 schools Totals 1,110 1,166 1,113 1,185 1,118

— 1942. 1943. 1944. 1945. 1946. Criminal convictions 593 539 566 629 400 Civil judgments 6 1 3 Nil 1 Divorces granted 9 12 7 8 14

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Police The police establishment at 31st March, 1947, was as follows : 1 European police officer in charge, 1 Native sergeant, and 12 Native constables., There is a constable for each village of the Island, with two constables in Alofi, the main village, which falls naturally into sections. The Native constables undertake a number of duties outside ordinary police work, and, generally speaking, act as liaison officers between the Administration and the people. Following the appointment of a trained police officer the general standard of efficiency is now showing marked improvement. Periodical instruction in all phases of police work is being given. Population The estimated population at 31st March, 1947, was as follows :

A summary of births and deaths during the calendar year 1946 is as under Births .. .. .. .. .. .. 165 Deaths .. .. .. .. .. 80 Births per 1,000 of population .. . . . . 37-97 Deaths per 1,000 of population .. .. .. 18-41 Infant mortality per 1,000 births .. .. .. 84-8 The excess of births over deaths is notable when compared with more recent years. The infant-mortality rate also shows decided improvement. Public Works This Department is in charge of a part-Niuean. During most of the year, however, supervisory assistance has been given by one of the senior administrative officers. New works dealt with have bepn the final completion of the dental clinic building and the laying-down of the foundation for the x-ray block. The usual maintenance of buildings has been carried out. Special attention has been given to the Residency and main Office building and two of the other residences. Repairs to village water-supplies have been carried out, and catchment areas in several cases have been completely rebuilt. Work on the roads has been proceeded with throughout the year, but has been mainly confined to widening and straightening in the Makefu and Lakepa districts. This work was temporarily suspended for part of the year owing to the use of vehicles and labour on the installation of the telephone system. All boats have been maintained in good repair, but the oldest boat has now reached the stage where it requires replacement. Transport For the greater part of the year this Department was in charge of a part-Muean. A European mechanic was appointed and took up duties in January, 1947. Difficulties in the adequate maintenance of the motor-vehicles and other engines are still being experienced on account of delays in receiving spare parts and also alack of essential workshop facilities. This latter is being gradually remedied. In addition to twelve motor-vehicles, the Transport Department is responsible for the maintenance of the launch-engine, the Diesel engines at the wireless station, and the engine which is stationed at the hospital to supply lights and power for the x-ray plant.

22

— Males. Females. Total. Europeans 18 7 25 Natives 2,082 2,221 4,303 Total 2,100 2,228 4,328

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Meteorological

Rainfall for 1946 was greater than normal, and as it was spread over the whole year there were no periods of serious drought. A severe storm, with winds of hurricane force and very heavy seas, was experienced on 27th December, 1946. Fortunately the storm was of a reasonably short duration, approximately twelve hours. Lowest barometer reading was 29-224 in. Some damage was done to buildings, particularly on the northern side of the island. Bananas and coconut trees were extensively damaged, but other food crops were not greatly affected. The system of issuing hurricane warnings from the Meteorological Office in Fiji, which had recently been put into operation, proved its value, as it gave information regarding the probable path and intensity of the storm and enabled all possible precautions to be taken before it reached Niue. Shipping There were thirteen shipping calls during the year ended 31st December, 1946, including ten calls by regular cargo and passenger vessels. Except for the period February to April, a regular and frequent shipping service was maintained by the N.Z.G-.M.V. " Maui Pomare " and the Union Steam Ship Co.'s M.Y. " Matua." Exclusive of parcel-mail, inward cargo handled at the port of Alofi totalled 901 tons and outward cargo 965 tons. Also 3,560 bags of parcel-mail, containing Native plaited ware, were shipped. The average cargo handled on each call showed a considerable increase over the previous year; 89 passengers disembarked and 105 embarked.

By Authority: E, V. Paul, Government Printer, Wellington. —1947.

Price 9d. ]

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— 1942. 1943. 1944. 1945. 1946. Total rainfall (inches) 71-35 64-79 71-55 80-80 93-94 Number of rainy days 149 146 158 210 206 Highest for any day (inches).. 6-15 2-94 5-15 3-60 4-50 Date 20th Sept. 20th Oct. 29th Jan. 23rd Apr. 15th Dec. Highest temperature (p.) 92-0 94.0 90-0 92-0 90-8 Date .. 26th'Jan. 11, 12, 14, 15, 13, 17, 19, 25, 22nd Mar. 28th Mar 25 Feb. ; 3 28 Mar. Nov. Lowest temperature (p.) 60-0 58-0 58-5 57-0 60-2 Date 10th Oct. 17th July 28th Aug. 6th June. 27th June. Mean of maximum thermometer 83-1 84-5 82-4 82-27 82-28 (»■) Mean of minimum thermometer 70-3 69-77 69-3 70-3 70-16 (*.)