A.—3.

Reports on our bananas from New Zealand show that the quality of the fruit and the packing have greatly improved, which is most encouraging. Mr. Newton, Produce Inspector of Samoa, spent the month of January in Rarotonga in an advisory capacity. Mr. Newton went fully into all branches of the banana industry and gave valuable advice, which is being followed as far as possible. Tomatoes.—On account of the extremely poor shipping facilities, most of the growers decided not to plant tomatoes. The quantity planted was therefore disappointing, and only 15,442 cases were exported, in comparison with 34,390 cSses exported during 1937. Prices realized were quite satisfactory. Coconuts. —Coconut plantations remain unchanged, with little or no copra being manufactured. No new plantings are being made. Domestic Crops. —The planting of domestic crops, which supply the Natives with the larger portion of their food-supply, appears to be on the increase and sufficient for requirements. Noxious Weeds. —As little eradication work has been undertaken for nearly four years, active steps in this direction will be taken in the coming year. Fruit-sheds. —Little or no repairs have been necessary to the seven district packing-sheds. 1 hese have been kept clean, and whitewashed when necessary. Fruit-packing sheds have been built at Aitutaki, Atiu, and Mauke, at a cost of approximately £1,200 each . This cost does not include a considerable amount of free labour which was given by the Islanders concerned. A shed for storing cases was also built at Atiu, at the cost of approximately £150. In furtherance of the fruit-control scheme, transport facilities at Aitutaki, Atiu, and Mangaia were improved by the purchase of new motor-trucks. Boating facilities were also improved at the Island of Mauke. At Rarotonga it may be found necessary to have a central packing-shed to be used in conjunction with present district packing-sheds, as citrus fruit should be treated with ethylene gas, debuttoned, and otherwise processed. Experimental Nursery. —The work on the experimental nursery has been kept down to a minimum, as it is considered to be unsuitable on account of its susceptibility to floods. The fruit trees growing there are receiving every care and attention. Outer Islands. —In November the Islands of the Lower Group were visited by the Acting Director of Agriculture, and demonstrations were given in pruning and matters of interest were discussed with growers. During the coming year more attention will be given to these Islands if circumstances permit. Fruit Control— This was the first year of fruit control and many difficulties had to be contended with. On the whole, however, Government control of fruit worked more or less smoothly, although several shipments of fruit arrived in New Zealand in bad condition, and there were also losses owing to shipments being left behind through weather conditions. Staff. —Mr. W. T. Goodwin, who held the position of Director of Agriculture for nearly three years, returned to New Zealand by " Matua," which sailed in May. Mr. M. B. Baker was promoted to fill his position in an acting capacity combined with his present position of Field Officer. High Court. Criminal Jurisdiction. —During the year under review a total of 1,251 criminal cases was dealt with in the manner shown in the following analysis : —■ Burglary . . . . ... • • • • ■ • • • • • 1 Indecent assault .. .. • • • • • • ■ • ■ ■ i Assault . . . . • • ■ • ■ ■ ■ • ■ • ■ ■ 20 Attempted rape Adultery (by married persons) .. • • • ■ • • ■ • 8 Gaming-house .. .. • • • • • • • • • • 1 Gaming by Natives .. .. • • • • • • • • ■ • 32 Escaping from lawful custody .. • • • • • • ■ ■ 7 Theft 2 l Receiving stolen property Arson .. .. • ■ • ■ • • • • • ■ • • £ Wilful mischief to property .. .. • ■ • • • • • • 5 Provoking breach of the peace . . .. • • • • • • 2 Animal trespass .. . • • • • ■ • • • • • • '29 Obstructing the police .. • • • • • • • • • • 2 Obstructing a public place .. . . • • • • • • • ■ 1 Wilful trespass .. • • • • • • • - • • • • Cruelty to animals .. .. • • • • • ■ • • • • 3 Using abusive language in a public place Drunkenness .. •. • • • • ■ • • • • • 2 Manufacturing intoxicating liquor .. . . . • • • • • 26 Consuming intoxicating liquor .. • ■ - ■ • • • • 782 Having in possession intoxicating liquor Selling intoxicating liquor to Natives .. .. • • • • • • 3

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