A.—3

The Island of Atiu Las been equipped with a modern receiver, and an amateur transmitter is now on order, with the object of linking up this island in the radio-telegraphic chain at an early date. The number of words bandied by the main radio station at Rarotonga has increased enormously during the past year, largely on account of the opening of the Outer Island stations, and the liberal Press service rendered on their behalf, as well as locally. The transmitter at Rarotonga is a standard ship's installation, and of relatively low power for a parent station—and the island's only telegraphic communication. "While it has proved an efficient service on current routes, the need for direct wireless communication between the Cook Islands and the mainland of New Zealand is apparent, and inquiries have been instigated with a view to modernizing the transmitter referred to with a valve attachment. Considering the geographical position of the Islands, the rate per word to the United States of America appears to be unduly heavy, and action is being taken with a view to reducing it. During the current year it is proposed to install a low-power radiophone set at the Rarotonga Station, and to broadcast such items as press for the benefit of amateurs in the Lower Group. Cook Islands Public Service. By section 16 of the Appropriation Act, 1924 (N.Z.), the benefits of the Public Service Superannuation Fund were extended to officials permanently employed in the Cook Islands Public Service, and provision made that every complete continuous year of service shall be computed as a year and a half. Fruit-packing. Regulations made by Order in Council, and to come into force on the Ist April, 1925, provided for the packing of oranges and bananas intended for export in duly registered packing-sheds. Oranges and bananas intended for export are to be picked or cut only on dates specified in that behalf by a Fruit Inspector. Oranges must be stored in registered packing-sheds not later than a time fixed by the Inspector, and packing shall not commence before a fixed date. The regulations make it an offence to pick, cart, carry, load, or in any way handle any fruit intended for export, in any manner which is calculated to injure or bruise such fruit. It is hoped that the regulations will ensure a considerable improvement in the quality and condition of fruit to be exported to New Zealand. Agriculture. The experimental farm is being maintained in good condition. In order to bring growers into closer touch with the work of the Agricultural Department it is proposed to ask them and others interested to form an agricultural committee to co-operate with the Department regarding experimental work and field demonstrations. Reference to the school agricultural classes, which are doing valuable work, will be found under the heading of " Education." Rarotonga Fruit Company. The year ending 31st December, 1924, was a most successful one, during which the membership increased from 397 to 522. During the year 11,816 cases of bananas and 2,744 cases of oranges were shipped, as against 7,301 cases of bananas and 3,035 cases of oranges for 1923, thus showing an increase of 4,224 cases. The net proceeds of sale amounted to the very satisfactory sum of £6,116 18s. 9d. The membership is still increasing, and the prospects of the company are very promising indeed. Meteorological. The total rainfall at Avarua, for the year ended 31st March, 1925, was 90-83 in., the highest recorded for twenty-four hours being 3-94 in., on the 20th May, 1924. The highest reading of the Fahrenheit thermometer in the shade was 91-s°, on the sth March, 1925, and the lowest was 59-o°, on the, 14th September, 1924. The naean of the maximum was 80-2°, and the mean of minimum was 70T°.

2—A. 3,

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