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has co-operated with denominational bodies allied with the various missionary societies functioning in the island territories, the majority of whose people are adherents of the London Missionary Society, represented in New Zealand by the Congregational Union. This Church has appointed an L.M.S. officer with considerable experience as a missionary in the islands to devote his full time to welfare work among islanders living in New Zealand. His headquarters are in Auckland, where he is assisted by a Native pastor from the Cook Islands. Financial support is being given by the Government. The Maori Welfare Officers and the Department of Labour and Employment also assist generally in matters concerning the welfare of islanders, particularly those living outside Auckland. Generally speaking, the behaviour of islanders while in New Zealand has been exemplary. In employment they are found to be industrious, and popular among their fellow-workers. 12. THE CHATHAM ISLANDS The Chatham Islands, although part of New Zealand proper, have had their development seriously retarded because of their isolation and consequent lack of direct contact with the mainland. The small population rendered it impracticable to have direct representation of the several Departments interested in the islands, so that most Government activities had to be carried on intermittently and from a distance. In order to assist in overcoming the disabilities suffered by the people of the Chathams and to promote the general welfare and development of the islands, the Government decided during the year to place their general administration in the hands of this Department and to appoint a Resident Commissioner who would reside at the Chatham Islands and be responsible for co-ordination of all Government activities there. He would require to do everything possible to foster the best interests of the people and to formulate plans for the development of the islands ; in addition, he would act as Resident Magistrate. Plans envisaged for the islands include development in the direction of land afforestation, fisheries, dairying, roading, health, and social welfare. Mr. G. Nevill was appointed Resident Commissioner, and took up his position in March, 1950. It is therefore too early to refer to any progress in this report • future annual reports will include full details. The following statistics of the Chatham Islands will be of interest: — Population .. .. .. .. Between 500 and 600, Area .. .. .. .. .. 372 square miles. Occupied as farm lands .. .. .. 167,168 acres. Stock carried— Sheep .. .. .. .. 112,000 Cattle .. .. .. .. 5,000 Horses .. .. .. .. 750 Pigs .. .. .. .. 220 Annual exports (approximately) — Sheep .. .. .. .. 20,000 Wool .. .. .. 2,600 bales. Cattle .. .. .. . ; 200 Fish .. .. .. .. 400 tons. Distance from Wellington .. .. 480 miles. Distance from Lyttelton .. .. .. 536 miles. 3—A 5

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