A.—3.

The following table illustrates the trend of trade in the Cook Islands from 1925 to date : —

Exports. —The following table shows the quantities of main exports over the last seven years : —

Crop Prospects. —For the coming season the prospects in Rarotonga and in the Group Islands are for a light orange crop. Shipping. Overseas shipping at the Port of Avarua, Rarotonga, for the period under review comprised a total of twenty-eight vessels, as follows : Union Steam Ship Co.'s cargo-vessels, 1 ; Union Steam Ship Co.'s m.v. " Matua," 13 ; American cargo-vessels, 3 ; cruising vessels, 6 ; local schooners, 5. Legislation. The only legislation passed in respect of the Group was the Order in Council dated 30th January, 1939, relating to the departure of persons from the Cook Islands. " Medical. There was an epidemic of influenza in May, and an outbreak of measles assumed epidemic proportions during the months of July and August, waning in September. No other serious outbreaks of sickness occurred. Pratique.—On twenty-three occasions overseas vessels were inspected on arrival and pratique granted, except twice when measles occurred amongst the crew and twice on account of measles ashore. The epidemic of measles dislocated the usual itinerary of the trading schooners and it was necessary to enforce strict precautions lest the disease be carried to uninfected islands. The auxiliary schooner " Tiare Taporo " had, previous to the discovery of measles in Rarotonga, taken the disease to Aitutaki, Penrhyn, and Manihiki. In all, it was necessary to examine these schooners sixteen times. An epidemic, chiefly of rubella, broke out during the first week of July, and all schools, churches, Sunday schools and the picture-theatre were closed and gatherings prohibited. The schools were soon converted into temporary hospitals and quarantine stations. Many Europeans gave their assistance freely in the control of these hospitals, and numerous Maori male orderlies and female nurses (chiefly from the child-welfare organization) were oflering. The ancient organization of Arikis, Mataiapos, and Rangatiras was appealed to, to supply Native foods, fish, and firewood. Stores contributed a great deal in the matter of food, &c., so that when all was working smoothly the call on the Government funds was not strained. Dr. Rose was the sole assistant to the Chief Medical Officer until the arrival of Dr. Dawson, Medical Officer of Health of New Zealand, who remained one month. Though the epidemic was generally of a mild type, there were several cases which ran high temperatures and threatened respiratory complications. No deaths occurred, however, and great credit is due to the close and continuous attention and careful watch maintained night and day by the medical officers, the nursing staff, and voluntary workers. Fortunately, within two months the epidemic abated and restrictions were removed. Staff. —Dr. Rose was appointed Assistant Medical Officer, and commenced duties on the 23rd May, 1938. The Chief Medical Officer was engaged chiefly in Rarotonga, but visited Mangaia and Aitutaki in August, and Mangaia, Mauke, and Atiu in September. He left in September for New Zealand and Fiji to connect with the " Tui Cakau," primarily to collect lepers from Pukapuka, Manihiki, Penrhyn, and Samoa and transport them to Makogai; he returned to New Zealand by R.M.S. " Niagara," and arrived back in Rarotonga on the 19th November,

2

Year Imports. Exports. Total. £ £ £ 1925 .. .. .. 130,609 151,939 282,548 1930 .. .. .. 103,468 109,438 212,906 1931 .. .. .. 69,260 79,945 149,205 1932 .. .. .. 63,585 73,409 136,994 1933 .. .. .. 76,716 73,983 150,699 1934 .. .. .. 61,449 59,307 120,756 1935 .. .. .. 61,676 53,599 115,275 1936 .. .. .. 72,576 67,556 140,132 1937 .. .. .. 86,534 86,333 172,867 1938 .. .. .. 74,789 73,184 147,973

1932. 1933. 1934. 1935. 1936. 1937. 1938. i | i Citrus fruit .. (Cases) 85,593 92,752 78,099 48,268 75,390 69,369 94,852 Bananas .. .. „ 62,390 4-7.494 52,314 22,539 49,431 39,910 45,209 Tomatoes.. .. „ 54,218 17,737 34,545 62,383 38,546 34,390 15,442 Copra .. .. (Tons) 1,294 1,545 963 1,353 689 1,629 908