A—6

Traditions suggest that this second people came from Samoa. The Tokeiau language, though possessing local peculiarities, is a Polynesian dialect and in many respects resembles Samoan. Much of the culture of the Tokeiau Islands is also closely related to that of Samoa. The official language is Samoan, since the Tokeiau dialect is not readily understood by Samoans, whereas the Bible they use is a Samoan version and most of their pastors are Samoans who are accustomed to preach in their own language. All- Tokeiau Islanders are virtually bi-lingual, but it is a fact that the old Tokeiau dialect is dying out gradually, and most people born during the last fifty years have no reliable information about the language. 7. Government The situation which had obtained since 1925 whereby the New Zealand Government administered the Tokeiau Group on behalf of the British (Imperial) Government underwent a complete change with the passing in New Zealand of the Tokeiau Islands Act on 29th October, 1948. This Act provided for the incorporation of the islands as part of New Zealand, and came into force on Ist January, 1949. An Imperial Order in Council of 13th September, 1948, which came into force at the same time as the Tokeiau Islands Act, 1948, ceded the Group to New Zealand. The passing of the Tokeiau Islands Act, 1948, has made little change in the administration of the islands. By regulations made under the Act the High Commissioner of Western Samoa has been reappointed Administrator of the Tokeiau Islands, but instead of his making Ordinances for the peace, order, and good government of the Group, the Governor-General in Council may make regulations for these purposes. All existing laws in the islands remain in force. It is, however, intended to review all existing legislation and to consolidate and codify it. In view of the small population and the simple life which is led in the Group, it is considered that only a simple code of law is required. It has not so far been considered necessary to station any European staff in the Tokeiau Islands. The executive administration therein is carried out by the following officials on each of the three atolls: — Faipule and Magistrate (Fa'amasino). Pulenu'u (Mayor of village). Failautusi (clerk and postal officer). Wireless operator and weather reporter. Chief of Police. Police. Wardress. Native medical practitioner. Native nurse. Dresser. 411 appointments are made by the Administrator. The Administrator visits the Group at least once annually, and other officers of the Samoan Administration make visits on his behalf as the opportunities occur. 8. Christian Missions There is a long and valuable record of missionary activity in the Tokeiau Islands. The Roman Catholic Mission and London Missionary Society work in the Group and, besides ministering to the inhabitants, maintain schools and provide a social organization for the people.

6