A.—3

REPORT OF REGISTRAR OF BIRTHS, ETC. Sir,— The following are the vital statistics for the year ended the 31st December, 1916 :—

The above figures have been obtained mainly from the registers of the London Missionary and other societies ; but, as registration with these societies is not compulsory, it is very doubtful whether the figures are at all complete. Owing to the delay in the supply of registers, &c, the Administration could not take over the registration until the Ist April, 1917. The new system, however, is now working in all. the islands except Pukapuka,, with which island there has been no communication for some months. The Resident Commissioner, Rarotonga. P. Mitchell, Registrar.

15

Island and Village. Births. Deaths. Marriage*. Rarotonga Aitutaki Mangaia Penrhyn Manihiki (six months) Rakahanga (six months) Atiu Pukapuka, Mauke, and Mitiaro (no returns). 127 69 43 3 8 5 29 113 50 41 4 50 15 5 2 13 8 22 2 (i Totals 284 251 80