A—3

Area and Population Area and estimated population of the various islands as at 31st March, 1949, are as follows:

Population Density.—ln the absence of exact information regarding the area of arable land, statistics of this nature are apt to be misleading. Overpopulation is known to exist in some islands, notably Pukapuka, and the lease of Nassau Island, situated some forty-five miles from Pukapuka, was purchased to enable the Administration to resettle some of the surplus population of that island. It is worthy of note that formerly Nassau Island was used by the inhabitants of Pukapuka as an additional source of food-supply. Topography Lower Group.—These islands are of volcanic origin, having a hilly or mountainous interior surrounded by fertile lowlands. The height of the interior varies up to an elevation of 2,140 ft. The Island of Manuae is a normal coral atoll. All the islands in this area are surrounded by a coral reef. In addition, most islands have an elevated coral reef —known locally as the makatea —which encircles the islands almost immediately behind the coast-line. The soil of the Lower Group is very fertile and is suitable for the cultivation of the usual tropical and sub-tropical products. The Northern Group.—The islands of the Northern Group are typical coral atolls. The soil of the majority of these islands is poor, being largely coral sand. Coconut palms thrive, but there is some shortage of other native food crops. Climate The whole Group lies within the hurricane belt and destructive storms have been experienced during the hurricane season, which extends from January to March. Considerable damage was caused by such storms in 1935, 1943, and 1946. The area is now covered by the meteorological service, with headquarters in Fiji, and hurricane warnings are issued by this service.

4

Island. Area. Popul Males. ation. Females. Total. Nonindigenous. Nonindigenous. Indigenous. Acres. Rarotonga 16,500 170 2,681 90 2,596 5,537 Mangaia 17,500 8 916 '2 973 1,899 Mauke 4,600 3 351 451 805 Mitiaro 2,500 1 96 130 227 Atiu 6,950 4 678 2 609 1,293 Aitutaki 3,900 7 1,314 4 1,265 2,590 Palmerston 1,000 34 33 67 Pukapuka .. 1,250 4 345 1 338 688 Manihiki 1,250 2 227 244 473 Rakahanga 1,000 1 174 157 332 Penrhyn 4,000 2 374 335 711 Manuae 1,524 18 10 28 Takutea 302 Nassau .. 300 Suwarrow 600 Totals 63,176 202 7,208 99 7,141 14,650 7,410 7,240