A.—3.

A letter of thanks was received from Mr. Vernon Reed, Honorary Secretary, Waitangi National Trust expressing appreciation and stating that great care was being taken of the plants, which so far seemed quite happy in their new surroundings. It is interesting to have this link between Rarotonga and done in school gardens in the growing of various crops., and benefit has been derived from the distribution among pupils of crops of green vegetables and of native foodstuffs. vegetables particularly seem to be a decided aid in combating sores and general debility. Citrus culture was given special attention. Seedlings were raised and cared for, and m due course ' n-unils learned budding in a practical way, in many cases with gratifying results. This subject is one of the most important in the curriculum, and with special emphasis will tend to cieate a lasting interest in work on the land, which is the main industry of these islands. Physical Education. The phvsical side of school life has received the attention it deserves. The introduction of a new manual, " Syllabus of Physical Training for Schools-Board of Education, London " will have the effect of unifying work in this direction. Carriage, especially among the girls is excellent, and well-cared-for children are, in general, robust, but systematic exercises can do much towards maintaining good health. Sports.—Games are played in all schools, and the cultivation of/' team spirit " and co-operation is encouraged —football, basketball, rounders, and cricket being the principal games indulged m. Interschool games have been conducted and good games have resulted. For the first time inter-island games were played. In October-November a team from Araura School, Aitutaki, visited Rarotonga and, although the combined Rarotongan side was too strong for them the games with individual schools were well contested and resulted in close scoring. The Aitutak bovs widened their knowledge, and many new experiences would be related by them on their return Talking pictures and community water-supply systems by means of pipes and taps, for example, wer nOVe Mo°st ll schools now have an annual athletic sports day. Competition is very keen, and marked improvement in form has been shown in the various events. Vernon Reed Shield.—This shield, awarded to the school showing the greatest proficiency in English, was again competed for, the winner for 1936 being Avarua School. Pomare Medals-These were again presented to the most outstanding pupil in each school controlled by a European Head Teacher. Qualities of leadership are especially considered m making the awards. Buildings, Very little alteration was made during the year, and the buildings are sufficient for requirements In reconstruction work after the hurricane provision was made for the natural increase 111 schoo population. The buildings have been kept in good repair by the Public Works Department and, wher necessary, new desks and school furniture have been provided. Visits. All schools in the Lower Group were visited by the New Zealand Parliamentary Party—Messrs Robertson Hunter, and Holland, who were accompanied by Mr. S. J. Smith, Secretary foi the Cook Islands. At each school a short programme was given, and the visitors were agreeably surprised at what is being accomplished in education throughout the Group. PUBLIC WORKS. Rarotonga. Roads. —The Main Road has been kept in good repair and widened at Avatiu, St. Joseph's Road, atld Tapere Rmds: These are roads maintained with voluntary labour supplied by the districts concerned. Work of levelling, widening, and metalling has been carried out on eighteen Tapere Roads, and also on the Ara Metua at Arorangi. Bridaes and Culverts.—Avatiu and Ruatonga bridges have been repaired and five new culverts (three at Arorangi, one at Ngatangiia, and one at Ruatonga) built. The following concrete bridges which were damaged during heavy floods in January,. 1937, were repaired : Hotel Bridge, Takuvame Bridge and two Ngatangiia Bridges. A groin was built in the Takuvame Stream, and a new channel made. Water-supply-—All supply systems to the various villages have been maintained in good order. Water is supplied from five different intakes, and is available to every house m the six villages around the Although the circumference of Rarotonga is only twenty-one miles there are thirty-one miles and a half of water mains, and the supply pipes to the various houses are additional. Buildings. —A new ward, with verandas back and front, was added to the hospital, and also a new laundry, with water laid on.

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