A.—3

Arrowroot for export and native food crops have again been extensively planted, and the Island Council and leading members of the community have combined to conduct systematic inspections of food plantations. Aitutaki and Penrhyn were the only two of the Cook Islands garrisoned with United States Forces, and the economic and social effects were therefore limited to a comparatively small proportion of the population of the Group. Actually the Natives concerned were unable, for the most part, to adopt a different standard of living, since goods were not available in sufficient quantity or diversity ; in consequence, Post Office savings-bank deposits have increased, and savings have been made which will be most useful in less prosperous times. The bulk of the United States troops have now moved to forward areas. In Aitutaki and Penrhyn nearly every available able-bodied man was for a time employed on the construction of airports. These projects were supervised by United States construction engineers, the work being performed by New Zealand workmen and local labour. It was inevitable, in these circumstances, that the planting of domestic foodstuffs should receive insufficient attention, but one day a week was appointed for planting, and as far as possible employment was restricted to those persons who had complied with instructions in this respect. Readjustment is almost complete, and the situation in both islands is now practically normal. With the gradual reduction in the strength of the Forces and in employment the people have returned to their usual vocations. It is of interest to record that a number of Maoris refused to submit claims for compensation in respect of loss of trees and crops destroyed for roads and other projects. Compensation has been paid in Aitutaki for trees and crops destroyed, and consideration is at present being given to the basis upon which the New Zealand Government will award compensation for land in use for air strips and installations.

Atiu

With the exception of a measles epidemic in 1942, the health of the people has been consistently good. Additions and improvements have been made at the cottage hospital and the nurse's home. At the school three new class-rooms have been erected, and three which were blown down or otherwise damaged by the hurricane in March, 1943, have now been rebuilt or repaired. The landing passage has been widened, and the landing itself, which suffered severe damage from heavy storms, has been repaired and improved. Several small tanks have been erected to supplement the watersupply. Native food and orange plantations were damaged by hurricane within the period under review, but the food plantations have been restored and the level of planting is being well maintained.

Mauke

The general health of the people has been good ; mild epidemics of measles and influenza occurred in 1942. Women's committees see that houses and villages are kept clean and tidy, and the Resident Agent, with the Island Council and the women's committees, regularly inspect the villages and homes. Storm damage has been repaired, and all Administration buildings, water-tanks, and the roads have been maintained in good condition. Bush roads to the orange plantations have been widened and extended. A large tank has been erected ; additional gassing-rooms and a new garage for the Administration trucks have been built. Continuous planting of food crops in rotation is enforced ; considerable damage was done by storms, but shoots of food plants were sent across from other islands, and the food plantations have been fully restored.

Mitiaro

10

1941-42. 1942-43. 1943-44. 1944-45. Shipping calls during year .. .. 12 8 8 12 Cases of oranges exported .. .. 29,437 11,176 7,841 11,801 High Court cases dealt with .. .. 320 465 533 448 I

1941-42. 1942-43. 1943-44. 1944-45. Shipping calls during year .. .. 11 8 11 10 Cases of oranges exported .. .. 16,961 9,196 10,101 9,097 High Court cases dealt with .. .. 244 85 141 80

—t- 1941-42. 1942-43. 1943-44. 1944-45. Shipping calls during year .. .. 3 5 5 6 High Court oases dealt with .. .. 48 .. 53