A.—3.

General.—The Natives of Atiu are a naturally happy and contented people. The Island Council meet frequently, and members are of great assistance and enthusiastically support any movement for the betterment of the Island. They have the full confidence of the people they represent. Maxjke. The control by the Government of orange exports was very well received by the people and a new spirit of hojiefulness of better prospects ahead is very evident. The fruit crops are heavy for the coming year. The quickened interest of the people lias manifested itself in the formation of new roads, a heavy task owing to the difficult nature of much of the country traversed and the lack of suitable tools and equipment. In this work the people turned oat in a community effort under their Ariki, even women and children assisting. The site and foundation for the new central packing-slied have been prepared, and involved the packing of 1,350 cubic yards of coral rock, much of it being carried by the people over long distances. When completed the shed will greatly facilitate the handling of fruit shipments. Planting of domestic crops has been satisfactory. Births, 29 ; deaths, 7 ; marriages, 6. Mangaia. Owing to the improved prospect through the Government control of the handling and export of oranges, the year has been marked by an enthusiastic response among the people which has been unknown in the past. Plantations have been cleared up, new areas planted, and inland roads planned and proceeded with. Despite the light crop of oranges, trade was decidedly better than in former years, as cash payment to growers has given them a greater spending-power. Exports.—Oranges, 11,545 cases; tomatoes, 455 cases; coffee, 15,184 lb. ; copra, 47£ tons. Shipping.—There were three calls of m.v. " Matua, " during the year and eleven by a Rarotongan schooner. Medical. —The health of the people on the whole has been good. With the exception of brief visits of the Chief Medical Officer, the work has been undertaken by the District Nurse assisted for a brief period by a Native medical practitioner. General medical treatment, 11,253 cases. Births, 65 ; deaths, 13 ; and marriages, 6. Education. —For the first time for ten years a School Inspector visited Mangaia. A visit was also made by the Education Officer from Rarotonga. The work of both was exceedingly helpful and was much appreciated. General. —Existing roads have been maintained and buildings kept in repair. A beautiful war memorial was completed, the base and plinth being of the crystalline stone of the Island hewn by strenuous labour from deep caves and all done by community effort. In the lack of modern tools, many ancient and primitive tools were brought into use, and the work, apart from its beauty, is a. great tribute to the Island community. Mitiaro. This is a small island adjacent to Mauke. Although it produces oranges of excellent quality its output is too small to warrant a call by the New Zealand steamer. The income of the people depends almost solely on copra, and with the depressed market there is practically no cash circulating on the Island. The Island is visited periodically by sailing-boat by the Resident Agent, Mauke, and as frequently as possible by the Resident Commissioner and officials. The Island is kept in good order by the Island Council; the village has a clean and tidy appearance and the health of the people generally is good. NORTHERN COOK ISLANDS. Penbhyn. Visits were paid during the year by the Resident Commissioner and the Chief Medical Officer. H.M.S. " Achilles " also visited the Island for a brief period on 3rd July. Suitable entertainment was provided by the people, who appreciate the visits very greatly and perform ancient dances and songs for such occasions. Shipping and Trade. —-Seven calls were made by schooner. One hundred and thirty-five tons of copra were shipped, the value of which as paid to growers being £710 17s. sd. Value of pearly shell exported approximated £600. A fair amount of pearl-shell exported was of very good quality. The pearl-shell industry has declined owing partly to the low prices of pearls in the various markets and partly to the fact that the valuable pearls found in years past are now seldom obtained. Imports were valued at £2,925. Health. —With a Native medical practitioner now stationed permanently on the Island much better attention can be given to the health of the people than formerly. On the whole the health of the people has been good, with minor epidemics of influenza, &c., which usually follow the visit of an overseas vessel. The erection of the Te Sauma leper concentration hospital was a considerable undertaking. It consists of a main accommodation building, water-tank, caretaker's house, cook and boat houses, twelve houses of native material for the patients, latrines, and water-supplies, bathhouses, two wharves, and a fish-pond trap. The patients are visited regularly by the Resident Agent and the. Native medical practitioner. They are cheerful and happy, and their available fish-supplies are supplemented by the Administration. Access to the station is by sailing-boat only at present,. but much time will be saved when an Administration power-boat now under construction is completed. Courts.—Two hundred and four cases were dealt with, most of them being minor offences. Radio. —A radio station was installed, and service commenced on 23rd June. This linking-up with the outside world is a great boon to the Island. Meteorological. —On the 4th August a serious gale with heavy seas damaged the waterfront and endangered the Residency and landing. Considerable restoration will be necessary. Public Works. —Buildings, roads, and tanks have been attended to. The Te Sauma leper hospital was completed. A new wireless station, office, and residence for the operator were erected.

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