A.—3.

SOUTHERN COOK GROUP. AITUTAKI. Tlie following are extracts from the Annual Report of the Resident Agent for the year ended 31st March, 1936 :— Health. —The health of the Island has been satisfactory, with the exception of two epidemics of influenza in June and July. Children mostly were affected. The Chief Medical Officer was unable to visit the Island during the year, but a Native medical practitioner assisted the Resident Nurse from June to August. Pulmonary tuberculosis is still prevalent, and the majority of deaths can be attributed to this cause. The Resident Nurse pays special attention to the school-children and makes regular visits to the school where each child is kept under observation and all necessary treatments are given. A weekly inspection is made of each village. The following is a summary of medical work done by the Resident Nurse : — Visits. Out-patients Department .. .. .. ■ ■ • • • • 24,027 Dressings at Out-patients Department and homes .. .. .. 12,631 Special visits to patients at their homes .. .. .. .. 2, 838 Maternity cases attended . . .. . • • • ■ ■ • • 81 Injections of bicreol .. .. •• •• •• 1,947 Injections of N.A.B. .. .. .. • • • • ■ • 306 Minor operations .. .. .. . • • • • • • • 368 Dental: Extractions .. . . • • • • • ■ • ■ 689 Vital Statistics : Births—Males, 42 ; females, 30 : total, 72. Deaths—Males, 22 ; females, 26 : total, 48. Marriages, 22. Trade. —Imports —General, 159J tons ; timber (shooks), 15 tons ; sawn timber, 29| tons : total, 204 tons. Exports—Fruit: 5,533 cases oranges ; copra, 391 tons ; arrowroot, \\ tons. Trade has been poor owing to the destruction of crops by the hurricane, but we were very fortunate in having a late crop of oranges in October, which totalled 5,280 cases. The price paid for the fruit only was 2s. 6d. per case. The prospects for the coming season are bright, and it is estimated that the output will be approximately 20,000 cases. The coconut palms are bearing well, and there should be a good crop, which should be ready for making into copra in September next. Planting of Lands. —All Natives have been busily engaged replanting their lands since the hurricane, and they now have more than sufficient supplies of all foods. School. —The present roll at the Araua School shows 256 boys and 216 girls, a total of 472 pupils. Teachers' Classes are being held regularly, and a great deal of time is being devoted to school method. Steady progress is being maintained, and the results are good. In addition to the ordinary school subjects special attention is being paid to agriculture and sewing. High Court. —On the criminal side 342 cases dealt with as against 298 cases during the previous year. As usual, most of the cases were of a minor nature. Public Works. —Considerable reconstruction and repair work were rendered necessary owing to the enormous damage caused by the hurricane in February, 1935. All Government buildings and properties are once again in good order. All roads have been maintained and kept in good order. A concrete tank has been erected at Yaimaru Spring for the water-supply to the Residency and Nurse's Home. All village wells have been thoroughly cleaned out and the pumps overhauled. The wireless aerial has been overhauled. The three boats have been overhauled, repaired, and painted. Island Council. —There were four meetings of the Island Council held during the year. No new Ordinances were passed. During the visits of the Resident Commissioner the Council were afforded opportunities of bringing forward any matters of importance. Meteorological. —Barometer : Highest for year (calendar), 30-097, August, 1935 ; lowest for year (calendar), 28-719, February, 1935. Temperature : Highest maximum, 90-0, February, 1935 ; lowest minimum, 61-0, June, 1935. Total rainfall for year, 41-76 in. Maximum rainfall in one day, 3-0 in. on 10th February, 1935. MAUKE. The following are extracts from the Annual Report of the Resident Agent, for the year ended 31st March, 1936 : — Health. —The general health of the people has been good.

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