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Session 11. 1923. NEW ZEALAND.

COOK AND OTHER ISLANDS. [In continuation of Parliamentary Paper, A.-3, 1922.]

Presented to both Houses of the General Assembly by Command of His Excellency.

MEMORANDUM. Summaries of the annual reports of the Cook Islands and Niue Administrations are attached hereto. During the past year Mr. J..G. L. Hewitt, S.M., completed his term as Resident Commissioner, Cook Islands Administration, and was succeeded by Judge H. F. Ayson, of the New Zealand Native Land Court. Mr. G. N. Morris, a former Resident Commissioner of Niue Island, was reappointed, and assumed the duties of his office in November last. It is a pleasure to record a marked improvement in finance and trade in the Cook Islands in the last twelve months as compared with the immediately preceding years. It will be seen from the report which follows that the total trade of the Cook Group shows the substantial increase of £70,193 over that of last year, and a most gratifying feature in this connection is the fact that of the total increase the large sum of £56,441 represents an increase in the value of fruit and produce exported. The balance of trade has now turned most definitely in favour of the Islands. The Treasury balance-sheet also shows that- the financial year ended with a surplus of £2,802 14s. 5d., and, further, that the Administration is in possession of assets to the value, on a most conservative basis, of over £60,000. From every point of view, therefore, the prospects for the future are most encouraging. In fact, the only serious obstacle to a rapid expansion of production and trade is the existing poor facilities for transport. The lack of means of reliable communication with some of the most important of tin- outer islands of the Lower Group also imposes a severe handicap. Every effort will be made to remove the latter disability by the installation of wireless telephones at the Islands of Aitutaki and Mangaia. The Cook Islands Department has had a vote on its estimates for this purpose for more than a year, but up to the present it has not been able to secure a reliable equipment. It- has been very disappointing that, wireless communication was not- established with Aitutaki for the, present orange season. Every effort will be made to link up the island with a, Karotonga radio-station before next season. A contract lias been entered into with Geo. 11. Scales (Pacific), (Limited) for a steamer service between the Dominion and Niue. It is anticipated that the vessel's itinerary will be extended to Apia (Western Samoa), and, should conditions warrant, other of our Pacific island possessions. Hitherto communication between New Zealand and Nine has been maintained in a very unsatisfactory fashion by sailing-vessels of different types. Apart from the great hardship which this chiss of contract vessel has always imposed on the people of Niue by leaving them isolated from the rest of the world during the four or five months of the hurricane season, in recent years two of them have fared forth never to return. These disasters not only seriously dislocated the life and trade of the islanders, but also entailed a heavy expenditure in chartering steamers to search and make special trips. It is certain that these happenings may always be expected so long as the service is carried out by vessels of the type previously employed. It will thus be readily understood that the new contract- marks a most- import-ant event in the history of Niue, and opens up great possibilities for the development of trade with that island and our other Pacific groups. It will also largely help to solve many of the medical, educational, and other administrative difficulties now confronting our respective" Islands Administrations. The steamer — one that has hitherto been employed in the fruit trade —is now being overhauled and refitted in London, and is expected to be available for her new employment about the end of SejJtember. She will have some accommodation for passengers, and, as far as can be gathered, will be an eminently suitable vessel in all respects for the development of this trade. M. Pomare, Minister for Cook Islands.

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REPORT OF COOK ISLANDS ADMINISTRATION. Rarotonga, 25th April, 1923. Finance. The revenue for the year amounted to the very satisfactory total of £19,790 18s. Id., exceeding that of the previous year by £2,071 lis. 9d. The expenditure was Ll'.i.l 19 Is. 7d. From the Revenue and Expenditure Accounts set out hereunder it will be seen that the year's operations resulted in a cash credit balance of £2,802 14s. 6d, Statement of Revenue and Expenditure for Year ended 31st March, 1923. Revenue. £ .s. d. Expenditure. V, 8. d. Balance as at 31st March, I 022 .. 2,13] Oil Aitutaki salaries .. .. .. 5. r >7 lii I Aitutaki Wharf Account .. .. 02 I I Atiu salaries .. .. .. 345 to o Ammunition Account .. .. 27 2 8 Audit [eel .. .. .. 270 Hi 0 Benzine Account .. .. .. 23 11 8 Aitutaki wireless .. .. .. IS 111 0 Copra duty . . .. .. .. 2,1!1L' 5 (i Contingencies .. .. .. 401 8 2 Customs duties .. .. .. 9,298 I 9 Courts .. .. .. .. 1,404 11 7 Cinema licenses .. .. .. 15 0 0 Education .. .. .. .. 1,649 10 8 Cartage shooks .. .. .. 4 3 (i Experimental farm .. .. .. 27S II 111 Divine licenses .. .. .. 07 (I 0 Freezer .. .. .. .. 419 13 8 Dog-tax .. .. .. .. 57 0 0 Furniture .. .. .. 813 10 8 Print-inspection .. .. .. 1,490 2 8 Government buildings .. .. <if>7 311 Film censorship .. .. .. Hi 14 0 Medical Department .. .. .. 3,277 lit 111 High Court fees and lines .. .. 1,130 7 0 Lepers .. .. .. .. 2!Ki II ti Hall licenses .. .. .. 12 0 0 Lunatics .. .. .. .. 125 2 0 Marriage fees .. .. .. 31 9 6 Mail subsidy .. .. .. 20 0 0 Motor fees .. .. .. .. 8() (I 0 Mangaia salaries .. .. .. 872 2 6 Native Land Court fees .. .. 201 17 (i Ylanihiki salaries .. .. .. 260 0 0 Passport fees .. .. .. 16 4 0 Maukc salaries .. .. .. 479 10 0 Post-card sales .. .. .. 2 10 2 Mitiaro salaries .. .. .. 75 0 0 Post-office-box rents .. .. .. 11l I 0 New Zealand Exhibition Account .. 28 I (i Printing Account .. .. .. 29 11 9 I'etirlivn salaries .. .. .. 320 (I (I Rents .. .. .. .. 209 0 0 Police', Rarotonga .. .. .. 087 5 3 Road rates (European) .. .. 01 3 6 Post-office .. .. .. .. 505 710 Shell export duty .. .. .. 112 8 4 Prisoners .. .. .. ' .. 248 5 2 Shipping-fees .. .. .. 411 0 Public- 'Mirks .. .. .. 508 3 0 Stamp sales.. .. .. .. 3,447 17 0 Pukapuka salaries .. .. .. 27 o o Trading licenses .. .. .. 533 18 0 Resident Commissioner's Office .. one. lo 8 Water-rates.. .. .. .. 406 8 (i Roads, Rarotonga .. .. .. 1,082 10 ti Liquor Account .. .. .. 163 8 0 Subsidy, rats and ilying-foxcx .. 100 10 5 Survey, Avarua moorings .. .. 189 17 10 Telephone .. .. .. .. 150 5 8 Treasury and Customs .. .. 771 15 0 Truck Account .. .. .. 108 3 0 Water Account .. .. .. 330 7 8 Whare .. .. .. .. 135 18 2 * Wireless .. .. .. .. 869 15 0 19,119 4 7 Balance as below .. .. .. 2,802 14 5 £21,921 19 0 £21,201 lit 0 Particulars of Balance. £ s. d. Cash in bank .. .. .. .. .. .. 38 16 1 Cash in hand .. .. .. .. .. .. 352 9 5 £ s. d. Amounts duo to Administration .. .. 3.070 0 8 Less amounts owing .. .. .. 658 11 9 2,411 8 11 £2,802 14 5 The following cash statement as at the .'slst March, L 923, takes into account all amounts due to and owing by the Administration, and shows an estimated credit balance of £4,150 6s. 4d. Cash Statement as at 31st March, 1923. lesels. .£ s. d. Liabilities, £ i. d. Cash in hand .. .. .. 352 9 5 Sundry creditors .. .. .. 2,636 12 10 ('ash in bank .. .. .. 3S 16 I Contingent losses £ s. d. Cash on deposit. Bank of New Zealand .. 1,000 o 0 Mangaia Fruit-oase Account 381 5 9 Sundry debtors .. .. .. 2,070 0 '8 Aitutaki Fruit-oase Account 25 13 (i Proceeds of Customs due from New 406 lit 3 Zealand— Estimated High Court fees that '.-.ill be Due 31st March, 1923 (estimated) .. 1,500 o 0 worked off in lieu of payment .. 50 0 0 Stamp sales. New Zealand and London Estimated Native Land Court fees (estimated) .. .. .. 1 .<MM> 0 0 irreec.yerable .. .. .. 100 0 II lliixli Court fees outstanding .. .. 119 2 0 Sundry debtors estimated bad debts .. 57 18 I Native Land Court fees outstanding .. 760 13 0 Balance .. .. .. .. 4,150 6 4 Wireless terminal charges due .. 560 15 4 £7,401 16 0 £7,401 10 6 The balance-sheet set out hereunder, after taking into consideration the value of all Administration assets throughout the Group as at the 31st March, 1923, and all liabilities as per the cash statement, shows an excess of assets of £60,291 6s. lOd,

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Statement of Assets as at 31st March, 1923. £ s. d. Land and buildings .. .. .. .. .. 30,005 10 0 Waterworks .. .. .. .. .. .. 0,000 0 0 Furniture .. .. .. .. .. .. 6,687 1 9 Plant, machinery, and type, Printing Office .. .. .. 450 0 0 Stocks £ s. d. Drugs and Instruments, Hospital .. 505 9 11 Public- Works Department .. .. 1,747 0 7 Printing Offloe .. .. .. .. 30S 7 0 Freezer .. .. .. .. 285 li lo Ammunition . . . . . . . . 17 15 11 Tools, to., outer islands .. .. 79 8 8 3,033 8 9 .Motor-vehicles .. .. .. .. .. .. 425 0 0 Cash as per cash statement .. .. .. .. 4,150 0 4 £00,291 6 10 Liabilities. Nil. Trade. For the year ended 31st, December, 1922, the value of imports was £116,726, and of exports £135,802 giving a balance in favour of exports of £19,076. For the previous year the figures were —Imports U 12,974, and exports £69,361. It will thus be seen thai the value of the total trade and of the exports for the year under review exceed those of the preceding year by £70,193 and £56,441 respectively. The position is very satisfactory, and there is reason to believe that it- will be maintained (hiring the coming year. The orange crop is good, and our planters. Native and European, are working extremely hard on their banana and tomato plantations. In regard, therefore, to these three products, our prospects depend entirely on shipping-facilities and the l prices obtainable. The effect of the poor demand for copra in London and other world markets, with the consequent low price paid locally, is making itself felt. The following is a summary of imports and exports for 1922, together with a return for the last eight years : — Port or Avabtja, Return of Imports for the Year ended 31st December, 1922. £ £ New Zealand .. .. .. 93,386 Tahiti .. .. .. .. 1,108 United. States of America .. .. 16,355 Canada .. .. .. .. 149 Australia, .. .. .. .. 2,533 France .. .. .. .. 5 United Kingdom .. .. .. 3,190 £116,726

Return of Exports for the Year ended 31st December, 1922.

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Article. Where exported. Quantity. Value. £ £ Bananas Oranges Lemons and limes. . ELumaras Mandarins Tomatoes Pines Taro Coffee .. Chili (Incumber Shell (lopra New Zealand ,, ,, ,, ,, ,, . United Stales of America New Zealand United Stales of America Tahiti 88.971 eases I 16.824 „ 388 „ 173 „ 26 „ 37.236 „ 301 „ 51 „ 5 sacks 1 „ I .. 33 eases 338 tons 1.616 „ 238 „ 42,048 40.884 125 164 9 17.417 84 26 50 1 I 992 1.336 24,690 3,033 Vanilla Coconuts United States of America New Zealand United States of America Tahiti 2.222 .. 50 11>. 2,130 sacks 3.508 „ 654 „ —■ 32,0'. 15 19 639 1,052 196 I .887 6,292 Total £135,802

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SuMMABY. £ New Zealand .. .. .. .. .. 102,906 United States of America .. .. .. .. 29,209 Tahiti .. .. .. .. .. .. 3,687 Total .. .. .. .. .. £135,802

Return of Imports and Exports for the Eight Years 1915 to 1922, inclusive.

Medical and Public Health, The health of the people has been satisfactory during the 1 year, and there has been no sickness in epidemic form. In September last Dr. Alan McKenzie was appointed Assistant Medical Officer in the place of Dr. Collins, who was transferred to the charge of Niue. A scheme to train Native nurses at the local hospital is being put into operation, and it is hoped that the training given will fit them for some of the work in the outlying islands. Attached hereto are extracts from the annual report of tin; Chief Medical Officer: — Hospital. —Ninety-five patients were admitted to the Hospital during the twelve months, fiftyseven being males and thirty-eight females. The average stay in hospital was eighteen days. The operations, both major and minor, were much as in former years, as were vaccinations, inoculations, and injections. The general routine and discipline were well maintained. Some slight structural alterations and repairs were done to the main and out buildings, amongst other things being a new roof to the wash house. Stocks have been maintained up to what we consider to be the margin of safety and without keeping excessive quantities. The list of drugs looks huge, but it has to be remembered that many of them are only occasionally needed, and have been here for years, whilst others have to be kept at headquarters to be sent out as opportunity offers to the outer islands, at ten of which small dispensaries are maintained. We also see that the three schooners are kept supplied with drugs for emergencies, as they are manned by our islanders ; similar steps are taken as regards the labour islands. Rarotonga. —The health conditions on this island throughout the year have been much as usual, and there have been no epidemics of serious sickness. The number of out-patients attending the Hospital or seen at their homes, for dressings, sickness, and advice, has totalled 8,177 for the year, 7,779 being amongst the Maori and 398 amongst the European population. The heaviest months for such work were July, August, and March, with 966, 987, and 966 visits and attendances, and the lightest April, May, and February, with 4-15, 508, and 497 visits and attendances respectively. The people on this island are now living more on their plantations, and I think are working more than formerly, with good results from a health point of view. We are encouraging them in this, more particularly with the idea of combating tuberculosis and chest troubles generally, and increasing the activity of fat women, who are inclined to mat fever if kept too much in the settlements. The chief points noticeable in the various kinds of sickness during the year under review have been the numerous cases of filarial abscesses amongst adults and adolescents, and the number of cases of round worms amongst the children. One cannot help thinking that the dog is largely responsible for these t roubles, as one rarely finds them in the islands where no dogs exist. Except as a scavenger, and to a lesser degree as an article of food, the dog is useless in these islands, and would be better exterminated. Shipping. —In only one instance during the year was it necessary to take any beyond the usual precautions in regard to the carriage of infectious diseases by ships. All ships coming from outside ports are inspected. Group Islands. —All these were visited by the Medical Officers during the year with the exception of Takutea, which is not inhabited. There has been no excessive sickness-rate in any of them. Palmerslon and Northern Islands. —These were all visited by the Chief Medical Officer except Suwarrow (uninhabited) and Nassau, at which the labour is not at present taken from our islands. There has been very little sickness in any of these islands during the year. The Chief Medical Officer passed a night in the lee of Nassau, but did not land as the reef was unfavourable and there were no special signals from the shore. l'almerston, which is somewhat of a problem now owing to the inbreeding, may become more so in the future. The matter has been discussed with the Resident Commissioner, and he intends to visit the island when opportunity offers.

Year. Imports. • Exports. Total Value. 1915 1916 1917 1918 1919 1920 1921 1922 £ 65.5'. 10 58,478 80.061 99,632 142,925 177,911 112,974 116,726 £ 63,057 68,146 60,190 82.708 127,729 H1.697 69,301 135.802 £ 128,647 126.624 140,251 182.340 270,654 272,608 182,335 252,528

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A supply of arrowroot and sonic shoots of a new kind of kumara wire taken from the Agricultural Department to Pukapuka to supplement the food-supply then-. Next season this will In- done for the other islands of the Northern Group. From time to time this has been done, as these islands are not so well off as the Group Islands in regard to variety in their food-supply. Leprosy. —The position as regards this disease remains practically statu quo ante, although one is inclined to think that some amelioration has taken plane in the condition of the lepers from tinuse of the ethyl esters of the fatty acids of the Chaulmoogra oil. One is not so sanguine, however, as regards permanent cure as the American and other authorities seem to be. We, are, however, handicapped in a way they are not, by not having a central establishment with a permanent Resident Medical Officer. We are doing the best we can under our peculiar and difficult conditions. All have been visited during the year, and practical demonstrations and instructions given in the use of the E.C.C.O. to those in charge of the lepers. General Remarks. On the whole there has been progress in public health in most of the islands. The people are year by year taking more interest in public-health matters, and the medical and nursing staff and the Resident Agents are continuing their educative efforts. The school staff now are doing more in this way than in former years, and this co-operation should be in the long-run a benefit to the rising generation. The most necessary addition to our health staff for the benefit of the rising generation would be a dentist to look after and conserve more particularly the teeth of the children and adolescents. One wishes to thank the other officials of the Administration for their willingness to help us wherever and however they can. Vital Statistics.

Attached hereto is a return supplied by the Registrar of Births, Deaths, and Marriages.

Complete returns have not yet been filed at this office from the islands as follows : Manihiki, Rakahanga, Penrhyn, Pukapuka, and Palmerston. Education. Under the capable guidance of Mr. J. C. M. Evison, Superintendent of Schools, good work continues to be done in all the schools. In Rarotonga there are 556 scholars on the rolls of the four Government schools, with an average, attendance of 517. There are 777 pupils attending the schools in the Lower Croup, as follows : Mangaia, 354 ; Aitutaki, 220 ; Mauke, 107 ; Atiu, 96. In January of this year a new syllabus was brought into operation. At present Mr. Evison is engaged in preparing a report on the proposed grading and staffing of all schools in the Group. During the proposed visit of the Minister for Cook Islands it is intended to discuss a proposal to inaugurate a senior system of education in agriculture, woodwork, and other vocational subjects, suitable for both boys and girls. At present there are seven scholarship boys at St. Stephen's and Ota.ki Colleges, and four girls at the Hukarere Girls' College. In addition several other boys and girls from these islands are being educated in New Zealand. An important feature in our educational system is the training of Native and other pupil teachers for the schools throughout the Group. A proposal is being submitted to have their training completed at one of the teachers' training colleges in New Zealand, after they have gone through a satisfactory course of teaching and education locally and attained the necessary entrance examination. Public Works. This department is still under the efficient control of Mr. E. A. Rcid. During the past two years no new works were undertaken, the activities of the Department being confined to the repair of roads and bridges, and the alteration, repair, painting, and furnishing of Administration buildings and residences. The amounts spent during the past twelve months under these headings are : Maintenance of roads and bridges, £1,082 19s. 6d.; alterations and repairs to buildings, and painting thereof, £1,847 6s. 6d. ; furniture, £613 10s. 6d.: total, £3,543 16s. 6d.

Bin ;hs. Dei iths. Man lages. Island. Euro] pean. Maori. Euro pean. Mai jri. European. Maori. M. F. M. F. M. F. M. I'. Rarotonga Aitutaki .. Mangaia .. Atiu Mauke Mitiaro Manihiki . . Rakahanga Penrhyn . . Pukapuka Palmerston 2 I 60 37 43 28 13 59 37 24 18 10 17 8 1 1 33 19 24 14 6 3 5 9 36 29 26 I'.i 6 3 7 7 3 3 2 24 19 17 It) I 2 3 5 7 5 10 4 I 6 1 5 Totals 2 1 201 177 1 1 118 136 5 84

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New Works. —The Resident Commissioner proposes this year to spend upon the present buildings, furnishings, &c, only the amounts which are necessary in order to carry out the commitments of his predecessor, and with whatever funds are available to prosecute- as mtiny new works as possible. The following amounts [inter alia) will be found on the estimates for the coming year: Tramway at Mauke to assist in loading and landing cargo. £300; new school buildings at Arorangi. £1,600; house for Resident Agent, Atiu, £i,200 ; on account water-supply, Aitutaki (full scheme estimated at £1,100), £500; telephone, post-office to wireless station, £300; telephone, post-office to Matavera, £300. Waterworks. The Commissioner found that the statements contained in the last annual report regarding the Avarua water-supply were, unduly alarming, although considerable repairs were necessary. These were undertaken immediately he took office. The chief work was the renewing and relaying upon solid concrete foundations of the pipe-line for over l,(HX)ft. in the bed of the Takuvaine Stream, and the renewing of pipes in other places. Mr. Reid and his stall deserve praise for the maimer in which the work was carried out. With ordinary renewals and repairs the pipeline will last some years. There is no doubt that filter-beds and settling-tanks are necessary for the Avarua supply, but as the estimated cost (according to the late Mr. Connal's report) is £2,200 the work will have to stand over for the present. The Commissioner proposes, however, to acquire as soon as possible an area of 7 acres at the intake, partly as a site for the filter-beds and partly to prevent the growing of taro in the swamp lands adjoining the stream at this point. Roads. The contract system of the past is not altogether satisfactory, as the Administration has not the control and supervision which are necessary to secure good results. During the coming year it is proposed, in regard to the main road, to have our permanent working gang, including prisoners. A. scheme is also being prepared for the opening-up of the Ara Metua and side roads. A number of culverts and bridges are necessary, which the Administration is prepared to construct, provided the Natives are willing to help themselves by doing a fair share of the other work necessary. Suitable moulds for making concrete pipes for these works are being ordered from New Zealand and America. Telephones. —As indicated In the last report, the lines erected during Mr. Platts's time have proved unsatisfactory. The ironwood posts have rotted and fallen down in many places, and the only part of the original line (about fourteen miles) now in use is that between the post-office and the wireless station -a distance of a little over three miles. This part of the line also needs reconstructing. Through the Public Works Department in New Zealand we have imported ironbark poles from Australia, the life of which should be at least fifteen years, as against about five years of the local ironwood. A heavier bronze wire is also being obtained from the Post- and Telegraph Department in New Zealand, and it is hoped that within the next three months the, rebuilding of the line from the post-office to the wireless station will be completed. In the other direction it is proposed to properly rebuild the line from the post-office to Matavera, or further if possible, during the coming year. Experimental Farm. This is being maintained in good order. Laws. Regulations have been made by Order in Council conferring upon the Resident Commissioner, in respect of undesirable immigrants, practically the same powers as in such cases are possessed by the Hon. the Minister of Customs in New Zealand. Regulations have also been made providing for the holding of inquests in certain eases. An Order in Council has been issued providing for appeals from decisions of Commissioners of the High Court to a Judge of that Court. Island Council of Rarotonga. Regulations providing for the election of a European member of the .above Conned were gazetti'd last September. The election was duly held, and Mr. W. Or. N. Taylor, the- new member, has already taken his seat. It is anticipated that this innovation will have beneficial results. High Court. The attached report of the' Registrar sets out the work of the Court during the year I— Criminal Jurisdiction. A total of ti'.tti cases wen- heard for criminal offences, breaches of regulations, and bleaches of local Ordinances, as follows: Convicted and sentenced to imprisonment, 31 ; convicted anil lined, 610; eases dismissed, 42; cases withdrawn, 7; civil cases entered under criminal list, 2; mental case, I. The total amount of fines inflicted was £840 4s. 6d. ; total amount paid, £730 Is. ; amount worked out in gaol, £88 6s. ; amount outstanding, £159 19s. 6d. Included in the amount shown as outstanding there is a sum of £25 10s. damages awarded to a complainant, £8 3s. for fines owing by persons who are dead, and £12 2s. 6d. which I consider irrecoverable : leaving an asset under this head of £114 4s. ( 'iril Jurisdiction. —The total number of cases beard was eighty-eight, made up of applications for divorce, breaches of contract, debts, and maintenance. Total fees imposed amounted to £33 ; total payments made, £29 13s. ; outstanding, £4 18s. Of the amount shown as payments made, the sum of £1 lis. should be credited to the previous year, as applications were made during that year and payments made during the present year. The sum of £1 10s. 6d. was also collected as sundry fees and included in the High Court cash Total receipts: Criminal, £730 Is. ; civil, £29 13s. ; sundry, £1 10s. 6d. : total, £761 4s. 6d.

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Native Land Court, Rarotonga. During the year 1922 the Court held sittings at Rarotonga and Mauke, when the following workwas done :— Rarotonga. —Succession orders made, 24; partition orders made, 5; amendments of title, 7: adoption orders, 4; confirmation orders, 2: total, 42. Cases adjourned, 10; eases dismissed, 1.".; adoptions dismissed, 3 : total, 26. Total fees imposed for new work, £18 12s. ; fees collected (paid) during year, £44 lis. Mauke. —Partition orders made, 35 ; succession orders made, 42 ; amendments of title, 27 ; confirmation orders, 9; adoption orders, 12; miscellaneous, 2: total, 127. Cases dismissed, 68. Total fees imposed for new work, £95 19s. ; payments remitted by Resident Agent to Treasurer at Rarotonga on account of new fees paid, £65 7s. : balance of fe;es emtstanding, £30 12s. Native Land Court. An important sitting of this Court was held at the Island of Mauke during July and August of last year, when several years' accumulation of work was dealt with. Amongst other cases, the ownership e>f the large and important Makatea Block was settled, shares fixed, and partitions effected. Titles to the lands on which are erected the Administration Offices, Resident Agent's residence, and the school, and to some reserves for roads, &c, were completed and transferred to the Crown. Sittings were also held at Rarotonga in June and September. The; Registrar's report is attached hereto : — " Statement of Fees outstanding. " Rarotonga — £ s. d. £ s. d. Court fees .. .. .. .. .. .. 287 3 3 Adoption fees .. .. .. .. .. 15 2 0 302 5 3 " Aitutaki— Court-Jees .. .. .. .. .. .. 326 10 9 • Adoption fees .. .. .. .. .. .. 2 12 0 329 2 9 " Mangaia—Court fee .. .. .. .. .. .. 100 " Atiu—Court fees .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 95 5 0 " Mauke— Court fees .. .. .. .. .. .. 30 12 0 Adoption fees .. .. . .. .. .. 210 0 33 2 0 £760 13 0 " On the 10th April last the head Native Clerk and Interpreter, Parekore Makimou, died, thus throwing the full weight of the work of the Courts upon me. I beg to place on record the fullest appreciation of the services rendered to the Courts by the late Parekore Makimou during the last eighteen years. " We have in training in the Court offices one of the scholarship boys from St. Stephen's College, (Apetai Paaro), who is proving worthy of permanent appointment as assistant clerk. He is painstaking, a good worker, and very intelligent. " I also beg to place on record the valuable assistance' rendered to the Court offices by Mr. R. C. Wade, European Chief of Police, wdio has been most energetic and thorough in collecting and accounting for fines paid to him. To him is due the credit that the outstanding fines in the High Court have been considerably reduced. AH High Court lines are now paid through the Chief oi Police." Wireless. We; are indebted to the New Zealand Government for its continued assistance in connection with the wireless station at Rarotonga, and particularly for last year's vote of Id,5(H) towards the' cost of installing a, wireless telephone at Aitutaki. When the latter work' is being carried out it is heiped that the power of the I ransmitting-apparatus at the' parent station in Rarotonga can be sufficiently increased to enable us to get direct, Morse communication at all times with a New Zealand station, thereby' avoiding the expense', and possibility of delay, in sending through Apia as at present. Shipping Lights. The powerful oil-lamp which was obtained some years ago and not erected for some unknown reason is being converted into an electric lamp of 40 candle-power. It is proposed to erect it on the wireless mast at a height of about 145 ft. above' sea-level, thus giving a visibility of fifteen miles at least,. Through the' Union Steamship Company we have also obtained suit able lights for Aitutaki, Mauke. \tiu, and Mangaia, and these will be erected as soon as opportunity offers. They wdl be a, great convenience to vessels approaching these islands at night, or laying off and on. Native Fruit Comvanv. This company, referred to in the' last annual report, is still being carried on under the supervision of Mr. Reid. Last season the membership totalled 240. and the exports were Oranges. 2,567 eases ; bananas. 3,428 eases : tomatoes. 221 cases. The' net proceeds amounted to £2.281 Bs. 2(1., representing 7s. I.ld. per ease (net) for oranges and bananas, and 6s. sd. per case (net) for tomatoes. The membership for this season is about 360.

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Meteorological. The total rainfall at Avarua for the year ended 31st December Inst year was 87-92 in., the highest recorded for twenty-four hours being 4-04 in., on the 21st July, 1922. The highest reading df the Fahrenheit thermometer in the shade for the year 1922 was 91-s°. on the Bth February, and the lowest was 57°, on the 23rd August. The mean of the maximum was 80-3°, and the mean of the minimum was 70-6 0 .

REPORT OF NITTE ISLAND ADMINISTRATION. Niue, 4th April, 1923. Finance. Revenue for the year amounted to £6,068 His. Id., the main items being—Customs duties, £2,886 2s. lOd.; copra export duty, £732 18s. lid.; and stamp sales, £726 14s. The expenditure amounted to £6,453 7s. lid., the balance in hand on 31st March being £972 18s. 9d. The Commissioner estimates the revenue for the coming year at £4,800, and the expenditure to equal this amount. Should the revenue exceed his expectations additional amounts will be spent, particularly on tinMedical Service and on education. Statement of Revenue and Expenditure for the Year ended 31st March, 1923. Revenue. £ s. d. Expenditure. £ s. d. Balance brought forward, Ist January, 1923 1,357 JO 7 Education .. .. .. .. 852 111 Aid to revenue .. .. .. 491 10 0 Firearms and Ammunition Account .. 318 18 10 Copra export duty .. .. .. 732 18 11 Furniture, officers' quarters .. .. 29 18 8 Customs duties .. .. .. 2,886 210 Government buildings .. .. 1,503 19 7 Dog-tax .. .. .. .. 33 15 0 Interpreting .. .. .. .. 114 4 0 Emigration fees .. .. .. 30 0 0 Jetty, &c. .. .. .. .. 37 15 11 Eigh Court fees and fines .. .. 137 3 0 Library, Public .. .. .. 8 12 Licenses .. .. .. .. 151 5 0 Liquor purchased .. .. .. 187 10 2 Liquor sales .. .. .. .. 261 ir •(i MedioaJ supplies and assistance .. 1,24il 1 2 Medioal aid and assistance .. .. 918 0 Medioal Officer —Local travelling .. 294 4 1 Native Land Court fees, &c. .. .. 5 5 0 Niue Island Council .. .. .. 28 15 0 Registration Fees .. .. .. 12 19 0 Office fittings and requisites .. .. 23 1 (i School fees .. .. .. .. 57 3 0 Police .. .. .. .. 417 0 (i Stamp sales .. .. .. .. 726 14 0 Printing and stationery .. .. til 7 (i Contribution to Medical Fund .. .. 250 0 0 Prisoners—Food and supervision .. 181 17 0 Arms and Ammunition Account .. 283 110 Rent, officers'quarters .. .. 28 io o Reservoirs, tanks, to. .. .. .. 254 9 5 Resident Commissioner— Local travelling.. Bfi 0 10 Roads .. .. .. .. 050 2 9 Miscellaneous sorvir-os .. .. .. 157 1 11 Balance carried forward— £ s. d. Cash in hand . . 055 17 ri Current account, Bank of New Zealand .. 317 I 3 972 is 9 £7,426 6 8 £7,420 6 8 Trade. Imports for 1922 totalled £15,418, and exports £15,122. 733 tons of copra and 4,436 dozen hats were exported. The copra crop was very satisfactory, 130 tons remaining on hand at the end of the year. Should the vessel secured for the Niue service for the coming year prove suitable, it is hoped to commence the exportation of bananas at once. The Niue banana compares favourably with any sold in New Zealand at present, and provided they can be landed in Auckland in good condition there oan be no doubt as to the future of this venture. Copra has been low in price and is likely to remain so, and fruit is the only remaining resource of this island. The Fruit Regulations in force at Rarotonga do not as yet apply to Niue, but it is proposed to take immediate steps to put them in force here. Great care is needed in commencing this trade. If poor quality is shipped by the earlier vessels Nine fruit will be under suspicion from the start. The regulations are accessary to prevent such a contingency. Shipping. Eleven vessels called at Niue during the year. The contract ship " Ysabel " made five trips, the " Maota," " Kaeo," and the mission steamer " John Williams " called once each, and in addition 11.M.5. "Chatham," H.M.S. "Veronica," and H.M.S. "Laburnum" each visited Niue oner-. The " Ysabel " was tho last, ship to call, arriving on the 20th November and leaving on the 24th, so that the hurricane season has been a very long one —probably five months by the time the first vessel of the new year arrives. Fortunately, there has been no shortage of food-supplies, but there has been a scarcity of building-material, paint, &c. Population. The following table shows the births, deaths, and marriages for the past five years : — Births. Deaths. Marriages. 1918 95 178 43 1919 110 126 71 1920 .. .. .. .. .. ..92 104 45 1921 .. .. .. .. • ..103 97 46 1922 .. .. .. .. .. ..99 82 47

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The death figures are particularly satisfactory, a steady improvement being visible. Great credit is due to the Medical Officers and their staff for their work. Much remains to be eleme in the preservation of infant-life, and in dealing with old people, who die much earlier than is necessary. These are purely matters of education, by which means alone it will be possible to do away with many foolish Native customs. As to migration, arrivals totalled thirty-two and departures fifty-one. This includes eighteen Europeans arrived and fourteen departed. High Court and Native Land Court. During the year 1922, 333 criminal cases were dealt with by the High Court. There was no crime of a serious nature. Civil work was, as usual, negligible. Fees and fines for the financial year amounted to £137. In the Native Land Court only three applications for adoption were dealt with. Public Works. Roads. Prior to the arrival of the new Commissioner in November, repair work had been carried out on the Alofi Liku and Alofi-Tuapa Roads, and a start had been made in surfacing and providing water-tables for I'eta Hill, Alofi, which is the main road from which branches go to the three villages at the back of the island. This work has been continued, and is nearing completion. Mainly, however, the new Commissioner has been occupied with the' new route from Alofi to Tamakautoga. This road will be little if any longer than the old one. and it will avoiel two difficult and dangerous hills. A start was made on a three-quarter-mile section from the Hospital to Amanau. over which a cart-track already existed: this was completed in December. Gangs were then put oil at both ends. The Tamakautoga gang completed a mile and the Alofi gang 73 chains. The Administration was then compelled to call a halt owing to lack of funds. The remaining seel ion is about one mile and a half. There is some very rough rock-work to be done, and progress will necessarily be slow, but nevertheless it is hoped to complete the road before the end of 1923. Although in his last report the previous Commissioner describes the condition of the roads as shocking, and although very little repair work has been done sine'e then, nevertheless the roads as a whole are in very fair order and will certainly bear e'omparison with the roads in Rarotonga, Nukualofa, Vavau and Samoa. There are many country districts in New Ze-aland which are much worse off. Theie IS only one road, that between Alofi and Tamakautoga, which is unfit for motor traffic, and the completion of the new road will overcome that difficulty. Government Buildings. The completion of the Hospital is the principal event of the year. The buildings look very well, but the grounds are as yet in poor order. Prison labour will be used from time to time' to improve these. Additional office accommodation has been provided at Alofi no addition had been made since the Administration commenced operations here. The Hakupu School has been roofed in iron to provide a water supply for the school. A dispensary has been built at the Hospital, and the use of the old one at Alofi discontinued. The' old building is at present in use as a public library. A motor-shed has been erected at the Residency, and a public urinal rebuilt at Alofi. As far as possible all necessary repairs have been effected, but latterly a shortage of paint and oil has prevented completion of this work. The>, remaining buildings will be attended to as soon as fresh supplies arrive. Reservoirs. —All existing reservoirs have been thoroughly overhauled and painted. Large concrete tanks have been built at the Nurses' Home and the Registrar's house. As time goes on, the galvanized-iron tanks at other houses will be replaced in this way. A reservoir of 8,100 gallons has been completed for Hakupu School, and this will serve in times of scarcity as a reserve supply for the village. Second reservoirs are required in the larger villages, particularly Mutalau and Liku, but tinResident Commissioner is unable to see his way to undertake this work at present. Medical Service. The main event of the year was the opening of the Lord Liverpool Hospital at Tufukia, which took place on the 18th August. About two-thirds of the total population were present, and there is no doubt that they appreciate what has been done for them. It is only very rarely that sick Natives now object to coming in for treatment, and the' objection is fast disappearing. The Matron, Sister Peers, has with her Tupeli, a Native nurse, on loan from the Samoan Administration, and three Xiuean probationers. The relatives of the sick provide native food as required, following the custom in Apia and Pagopago Hospitals. The equipment of the Hospital is a long way from complete, and this matter will receive attention as money becomes available, While Drs. Ellison and Collins were both in Niue a number of operations (notably elephantiasis eases) were performed. If it were possible for a Medical Officer from Samoa to spend a month or two here occasionally many other cases could be dealt with, and this matter has already been placed before the Cook Islands Department for consideration. A large number eff injections for yaws have been given with entirely satisfactory results. Those treated so far are' mostly children, and in some cases the visible improvement in health is wonderful. There are a large number of Natives still to be treated, and as soon as fresh supplies arrive tins work will be continued. A leper who was living under very little supervision has been provided with quarters on the cliff handy to the Hospital. The general health of the island has been good during the past year, with an entire absence of epidemics of any kind. In concluding this subject the- Resident Commissioner places on record his appreciation e>f the' services rendered to the island by Dr. Ellison during his term as Medical Ollieer. Dr. Fllison came at a time when the death rate was high and the confidence of the- people in the Medical Service was small, lie left with the love and confidence of the whole people, and one must have been living here at the time to appreciate the disadvantages under which he laboured and the difficulties which he overcame. The Medical Officer's report for the year follows. Extracts from Report of Resilient Medical Officer. The Lord Liverpool Hospital, opened in August, has been of considerable benefit to the island. Ninety-four inmates, averaging twenty-two days' stay, have been treated. Considerable work has

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been done by way of clearing hospital-grounds. The morgue has been extended as a dispensary. Accommodation has been built for the leper, who is now under rigid segregation. Concrete paths have also been laid down. Visits to the dispensary numbered 738; 159 visits have been made to outside villages, and 452 patients seen ; 337 injections of salvarsan have been given ; twenty-one major and a large number of minor operations have been performed. The most notable improvement- in the health of the island has been in connection with specific disease. In every case where salvarsan injections have been given there has been a speedy drying and healing up of the conditions. Some of the cases have been of twenty-five years' standing, ■although nowhere have I seen the loathsome cases of destruction that were to be met with in the Cook Croup. For months past we have had no cases for dressing at the dispensary, whereas previously some thirty cases of destructive yaws required daily dressing, besides a large number in the villages incapable of coming to the dispensary, to whom dressings were given out. In view of the high mortality amongst the infants (which in the' past has been more than double what it is in New Zealand) special energies have been directed towards their care. Artificial food is prepared in Hospital and given out to those babies requiring it, which cases are kept under strict supervision. Several cases have been treated in Hospital, in e.vc-ry case with satisfactory results, due in a large measure to the care and attention bestowed on them by our Matron, Miss Peers. For the quarter just ending only one death has occurred on the island in children under twelve' months. This case, unfortunately, did not come under our supervision. Amongst the youth and middle-aged, of primary importance is the toll exacted from tuberculosis -in fact, it is common at all ages -pulmonary and gland tuberculosis in the youth, and peritonitis and general tuberculosis in children. The dissemination of the disease I attribute to (1) climatic conditions —the moist, oppressive, hot atmosphere of the island, whereas the essential of sanatorium treatment is a dry rarified atmosphere ; (2) European clothing and the tendency of the Native to sit about in wet garments; (3) the crowding-together in their houses and the shutting-out of the air at night, together with the habit of lifting their mats and spitting under them. Several cases have been treated in Hospital on sanatorium lines with marked benefit, and the patients on their discharge exhorted to continue: living under (he same hygienic conditions as when in the institution. Assistance in this connection is also given in the schools, where a course of simplified hygiene is now part of the curriculum. A igst the aged and infirm, destructive yaws and climatic conditions have rendered them prematurely old. Succeeding generations must benefit materially from the campaign instituted against the former. The tendency of the Nativess is to neglect their old, and I think the establishment of an old-age pension would make it worth their while for the young to foster their old people. The sanitation of the island has been carefully attended to by a systematic examination of all the houses and villages in respect to general cleanliness and the destruction of the, breeding-ground of flies and mosquitoes. Some of the villages are good and some are indifferent, but on the whole they are far superior to what I have' in the Cook Group. Our Ordinances make provision for such things as earth-closets, which must be kejrt in a proper sanitary state, the compulsory notification of gonorrhoea, &c. The latter disease is always traced back, and the individual who conveyed it also treated. It is an offence here to transmit this disease. Apart from urgent calls, all the villages are visited weekly, two days being devoted to this, when the sanitation and sickness are attended to. Many surgical operations have been performed, principally in connection with those cases of filariasis and tuberculosis which lend themselves to surgical measures. In this connection I am indebted to the skilful assistance rendered by my predecessor, Dr. Ellison, as an anaesthetist for some weeks before his departure. The assistance of an anaasthertist here would greatly facilitate the clearing-up of some old-standing surgical conditions. An inter-island shipping service would also be a benefit in this connection, and would give an opportunity to those old-standing cases of elephantiasis and tuberculosis in the Cook Group to come to either Samoa or Niue for surgical treatment. An examination of the school-children has been made this quarter, and all requiring treatment have been attended to. The chief conditions requiring attention have been yaws, dental caries, and skin-diseases. Education. Satisfactory progress is being made both at Hakupu and Tufukia Schools. The equipment of both schools is now adequate, and we are looking forward to an uninterrupted year. Both schools have suffered through the sickness or the transferring of teachers, but there is no reason to anticipate any further breaks in the work. Mr. Reeves has reorganized the work at Tufukia, and considers that he can peach the New Zealand Sixth Standard. At Hakupu Mr. Bolton is to try and bring the work up to New Zealand Fourth Standard level. This school has had little more than two years' actual work, so that it will be some time before that standard is reached. Other village schools which may be opened will proceed on the same lines, and the most promising pupils from each will come finally to Tufukia, for a couple of years. From these it is hoped to draw our teachers and other officials of the future A scale of salaries for Native teachers as follows has been drawn up, and present salaries adjusted in accordance with it : First year —first six months (probation) £24, second six months, £30 ; second year, £36 ; third year, £42 ; fourth year, £48 ; fifth year, £60 ; sixth year, £72 ; seventh year, £84 ; eighth year, £96; ninth year, £108; tenth year, £120; eleventh year, £132; twelfth year, £144; thirteenth year £t5O (maximum). There is a block at £84, to surmount which a test must be passed and also the teacher must be married. There is a further block at £120, which will mean a fairly hard examination, and no doubt £120 will prove to be the maximum for most of the assistants. Increases may be withheld in cases of lack of progress or of misconduct.

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Special attention has been given to the health of the school-children. For instance, they received first consideration in the injections for yaws. Hygiene is now being taught at both schools, -and there is an improvement in general health which should be reflected in future attendance figures. The Technical School at Tufukia continues to do good work. Sewing classes have also been started at that school. Classes in native arts and crafts have been commenced at both schools. Should finances permit, the Resident Commissioner hopes to get a school built at Mutalau during the coming year. Tuapa and Ciku are also clamouring for education, and the Natives are quite willing to do their share. They will provide ground free both for the school and the teacher's house. They will also build the school and provide native building-material. It is only iron, cement, and paint that fall to the Administration, but these, together with school equipment, are a heavy item. However, now that the Medical Service is on a satisfactory footing, there is no doubt that tiducation is the greatest need of these people, and every opportunity will be taken to extend the education scheme to other village's. Island Council. No meeting of the Island Council was held until the arrival of the new Commissioner in November. Since -then the Council has met twice". The only important business has been the passing of an Ordinance renewing the Aid to Revenue Ordinance for a further term of three years. Under this Ordinance all Native males over eighteen years pay an annual tax of |()s.. aged and infirm excepted. This money is earmarked for medical services and roads, as heretofore. Difficult though it is to find revenue, the Commissioner was not prepared to ask the Natives to increase this tax. Copra, is all they have at present, and prices being what they are, the island is poor. Should the fruit trade develop it may be possible' to derive further revenue from this source at a future date. M ETEOROLPGICAL. Summarized, the readings for 1922 an- as follows: Barometer (mean for year), 3003. Thermometer highest,, 95, in February and March; lowest, 60. in .Inly; mean maximum, 84-58; mean minimum. 71-77. Rainfall, 87-15 in. Rain fell on IS3 days. On the 21th December there was a severe thunderstorm, of which Alofi gol the worst. The' Administration flagstaff was struck by lightning, but was not seriously damaged. On the Bth and 9th March, 1923, there was a heavy northwesterly gale, and the barometer dropped as low as 29-53. Fruit crops were affected to some extent, but copra has hardly suffered at all, so that the island came off lightly. Postal. The following figures show the postal business transacted during the year: Money-orders — issued, £1,452 2s. 7d. ; paid, £958 14s. 2d. Savings-bank deposits, £2,886 2s. ; withdrawals, £428 2s. Postal notes issued, £62 19s 6d.; paid, £27 15s. 6d. Miscellaneous payments, £724 (is. Bsd. Payment of various amounts connected with the war, such as gratuities, retrospective allowances, &c, unduly swelled the' volume of business during the past two years, but this year's figures are more normal.

Return of Criminal Cases for the Year 1922.

Mules. Females. Offence. Convicted. Acquitted. Convicted. Acquitted. 35 6 35 6 2 .. 6 2 1 1 I 25 11 32 4 I I 8 1 1 4 2 4 1 2 I 1 2 5 17.. 2 8 2 8 21 2 3 I 1 Total. 82 10 1 2 72 13 1 5 li 1 6 I 2 13 2 L8 27 I Total. I 'niter Cool: Islands . let. Adultery Indecent acts Indecent, assault (lama] knowledge Assaults. &C. Disorderly conduct Profane language Mischief .. Trespass Furious riding Trespass Furious riding Cruelty to animals Wandering animals Sorcery and witchcraft Defamatory libel Theft Contempt of Court Under Regulations, Failure to report contagious diseases 1 .. 4 .. 5 / 'mtrr Ordinances, 1 m morality Copra Fish-protection 13 20 13 : ■ 21 1 4 12'.) is 122 34 67 I 4 333

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Kktihcn of Civil Casks pob tiik Ykak 1922. Judgment. Dismissed. Total. Debt .. II 3 14 Judgment summons .. .. .. ..4 .. 4 I)i voire, decree Wit . . . . . . . . 6 . . 6 Divorce, decree absolute .. .. .. .. 13 .. 13 34 3 37

Migration Return for Year 1922.

Vital Statistics for the Year 1922.

Excess of births over deaths : .Males, 10; females, 7 : total, 17. Births include 20 illegitimate. Marriages, London Missionary Society .. .. .. .. ..37 Seventh-day Adventist Mission .. .. .. .. ..1 Resident Commissioner.. .. .. .. .. ..9 47 Pour of Alofi. Return of 1 imports fir lite Year ended 31st December, 1922. £ £ New Zealand .. •• •• 13,188 Tonga .. .. .. .. 1 Western Samoa .. •■ 140 United States. Western Coast .. 370 United Kingdom .. •• ■■ 319 American Samoa .. .. .. 11 Australia .. .. ... •• 1,389 — L' 15,418 Return of Exports for the Year ended 31st December, 1922. £ £ New Zealand .. .. •• 14,938 Australia .. .. .. .. 2 Rarotonga.. •• •• •• 135 Tonga .. .. .. .. 3 Western Samoa .. .. •■ 37 American Samoa .. .. .. 6 United Kingdom .. .. • ■ 1 £15,122

Approximate Cost of Paper.—Preparation, not given; printing (475 copies), £1S 10s.

Authority : W. A. G. Skinner, Government Printer, Wellington.—l 923.

Pr«a Od. |

In migration. Emigration. ■ i Whence. Natives. Others. Total. M. K. ■ Whither. Natives, Others. Total. I M. t. M. !•'. M. F. Mew Zealand Vpia . . Pago .. 3 2 6 3 4 6 15 4 4 17 New Zealand Apia .. I'a go . . ,. 9 I 5 5 20 ..811 I 3 2:i 5 3 .. .. 8 Totals 9 5 "8 10 32 "8 10 32 Totals Totals .. 22 .. 22 15 6 8 51 I I I

I Births. Deal lis. Village. Male. Eemale. Total. Male. Female. Total Aloli Ma kef u Tuapa Bikutavake Mutalau Lake pa Liku Hakupu Fatiau Avatele Tamakautoga Totals .. 13 .. | 2 .. : 6 3 5 2 7 2 1 4 5 50 7 2 7 I 12 6 3 2 6 3 49 20 4 13 4 17 , 2 13 5 3 Hi 8 91) 8 I 7 3 8 2 3 3 2 2 I Id II I 1) I 3 Q U 6 3 I 42 17 2 16 7 II 2 6 9 2 3 5 82