A.—6.

1936. NEW ZEALAND.

NIUE ISLAND ADMINISTRATION.

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

REPORT ON THE NIUE ISLAND ADMINISTRATION, 1935-36.

Finance. By observing the utmost economy during the period of financial stringency in New Zealand, it has been possible for this Administration to do without the usual grant of £3,500 from the New Zealand Treasury this financial year. This is the first year in the history of Niue that no subsidy has been granted. Furthermore, no subsidy is being asked for in respect of the financial year ending 31st March, 1937, the intention being to make good any deficiency from Reserve Fund. The anticipated deficit of £4,627 has proved to be only £2,111. Receipts for the year, not taking into account amounts collected on behalf of the " Maui Pomare," amounted to £15,409, which is £4,328 in excess of the estimated revenue of £11,081. Payments for the year, not taking into account amounts paid on behalf of the " Maui Pomare," amounted to £17,520, which is £1,812 in excess of the estimate of £15,708. Of this amount, £1,400 was capital expenditure, and was added to the value of the assets. After taking into account stocks, capital expenditure, sundry creditors, debtors, &c., the Income and Expenditure Account, which gives the true position for the year, shows an excess of expenditure over income of £1,456. Trade. Imports for the calendar year 1935 totalled £15,288, and exports £12,076. In 1934 imports were valued at £13,372 and exports at £12,341. Copra.—ln the early part of this year the price offered was £4 per ton, and this low price deterred many from making copra. Later in the year the price rose considerably, and this increase, assisted by an extensive weeding of all coconut plantations, resulted in increased production. Local merchants are now paying £8 per ton, this price comparing more than favourably with those paid in other islands. The quantity shipped this year was 316 tons, valued at £2,031 • the exports during the previous year amounted to 125 tons, valued at £961. Bananas. —The number of cases exported for the year 1935 was 22,714, a decrease of 5,679 on the exports of the previous year. This was due to severe blows, and resulted in a reduced cash return of £1,386. For the year 1936 the quota for Niue has been increased by 480 cases per month, which is much appreciated by shippers. Even now, however, it is not possible to issue an average of one case per shipper each month. Kumeras. —This year has furnished a record in the quantity shipped—a total of 40| tons, valued at £360. Last year 13| tons, valued at £273, were despatched. Hats. —The number exported amounted to 1,769 dozen, with a value of £756. For the previous year the figures were 920 dozen and £492. Some years ago this trade was an important factor, in 1908 7,182 dozen hats being exported, the return amounting to £4,618. Owing to the competition from foreign countries, there appears little likelihood of this industry ever assuming its former proportions. Fungus.—The exports amounted to 7,593 Ib., valued at £77, compared with 5,1371b., valued at £81, during the previous twelve months. In the year 1927 exports reached 49,951 lb., with a value of £2,319. There is now little demand for fungus. Baskets. —Mainly owing to foreign competition, this industry is declining despite strenuous efforts to revive it. In 1935 162 dozen baskets, valued at £78, were exported. In 1934 the figures were dozen and £130 respectively. I—A. 6.