A—3

PART VII.—NORTHERN GROUP ISLANDS 36. Penrhyn

In September the Resident Agent was transferred to Aitutaki, and pending a new appointment the Assistant Medical Practitioner stationed on the island acted as Resident Agent. A new Resident Agent has taken up duty in Penrhyn since the end of the year. The general health of the people has been good and the island has been practically free from contagious disease. The usual mild outbreaks of influenza were experienced following schooner calls from the Lower Group. Regular village inspections have been carried out, but the people are somewhat slow to appreciate the need for proper attention to village cleanliness. Following the transfer of lepers to the Makogai Leper Station, there are now no lepers at the Te Sauma Station. Normal repairs have been carried out to Administration buildings, which are in fair condition. Necessary repairs have been made to water-catchment areas and the Administration launch has been overhauled. The amount of copra exported does not represent the total production. Due to lack of suitable growing areas it is difficult to maintain adequate food crops in the northern islands, and for this reason a large percentage of nuts must always be reserved for food. About 15 tons of pearl-shell were exported. Diving has practically ceased for the present, due to the fact that the more shallow parts of the lagoon are worked out and only experienced divers can operate in the deeper areas.

37. Manihiki

The general health of the people has been very good. Infantile diarrhoea and mild respiratory complaints occurred during the early part of the year, and during the last quarter there were sporadic cases of an acute type of gastritis. A Mantoux tuberculin test was carried out among sixty children of school age, of whom only two showed positive and four doubtful reactions. With the co-operation of the Island Council, the monthly cleaning of the villages was maintained throughout the year, and this has aided mosquitocontrol work. There was no serious shortage of water. All public biiildings, water-tanks, and roads have been maintained in good order, and during the year the cargo-shed was rebuilt. Copra-production suffered a temporary setback, but recovered following price adjustments. Eighty-nine tons of pearl-shell were exported during the year, and there is still a large amount of shell in the lagoon, especially in the deeper areas. Due to the high prices of both copra and shell, the people are comparatively prosperous at present.

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— 1943-44. 1944-45. 1945-46. 1946-47. 1947-48. Shipping calls during year Copra exported (tons) High Court cases dealt with .. 4 137 3 58 3 101 6 43 142 13 127 oO

—- 1943-44. 1944-45. 1945-46. 1946-47. 1947-48. Shipping calls during year Tons of copra exported High Court cases dealt with .. 5 184 132 4 144 48 4 143 49 13 93 133 13 138 87