COOK AND OTHER ISLANDS. [In continuation of Parliamentary Paper A.-3, 1919.]

Appendix to the Journals of the House of Representatives, 1920 Session I, A-03

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1920. NEW ZEALAND

COOK AND OTHER ISLANDS. [In continuation of Parliamentary Paper A.-3, 1919.]

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

MEMORANDUM. The annual reports of the Resident Commissioners at Raroto'nga and Niue are attached hereto. The reports show that the finances of the respective Administrations are satisfactory, and that trade and general conditions are steadily improving after the dislocation of shipping caused by the war. The prosperity of the Islands is entirely dependent on the shipping facilities. Given adequate and regular means of getting their produce away there would be no cause of complaint as to want of production. This question of shipping is, however, beyond the control of the Cook Islands, and is one in which New Zealand can best help them. It has been stated that the Islands Administrations should be entirely self-supporting, and so no doubt they might be under certain conditions. It is easy to make these statements with only a, superficial knowledge of the matter, and it is desirable to make some remarks in order to remove any misapprehension that may arise. The Islands revenue could not stanel the whole cost of the services, administrative, educational, and medical, which in their interests it has been necessary to impose upon the Administrations. The amount provided on the New Zealand estimates for the current year for salaries of officials at Rarotonga is .£7,030, the salaries of the following Administration officers being provided for : — Resident Commissioner, £800; Land Court Judge, £650; Medical Officers, £1,300; Collector of Customs, £260; Fruit Inspector, £220; Police Officer, £250; salaries of school-teachers, £3,550; total, £7,030. The Administration pays the salaries of all other officials (European anel Native) amounting to £4,882. It also provieles for the maintenance of all services such as schools, meelical, experimental farm, &c. It should be stated here that New Zealand has not contributed anything towards the cost of public works or improvements, these being all carried out by the local Administration out of its own funds. The works include roads anel bridges, public buildings, schools, hospitals, water-supply, and other services. The main sources of revenue are Customs duties, the export duty on copra of £1 per ton, fruit-inspection fee of 2d. per case, anel sale of stamps. The staple and only industries are the growing and export of tropical fruits and copra, anel this indicates how dependent the Islands are on the shipping for their income. The Resident Commissioner in his report states that if shipping-space hael been available three times the quantity of oranges coulel have been exported, with a corresponding increase of direct fruit revenue and indirect Customs revenue. The proposal that a differential export tax should be imposed against foreign countries is no doubt a perfectly proper one, but no mention is made e>f the reason why the copra was exported to the United States, which was because export to Great Britain was not allowed at all during the war, while the United States of America would take all they coulel got. After the Armistice space was refused for copra for Great Britain, notwithstanding that the Cook Islands are a part of New Zealand and the British Empire, and hael done their share in the war. The imposition of a differential tariff would, under these circumstances, appear to be rather superfluous. It is necessary *to mention these matters because the imputation in reports and references to these Islands is that the Administration has not done all it could in the matter of fostering trade. The true position is that the circumstances of the last five years have been such as to prevent even the normal development that might have been expected, and the only thing to do is to try and make up for lost time. The trade is not going away to the United States of America. It has increased with the States because the States took so large an amount of copra. If Britain will take the cerpra the trade will revert again. It is quite clear that if the educational and medical services are to be carried on as they should be the Administration will require financial assistance. Niue Island is in a somewhat similar position. The amount provided on the consolidated estimates (New Zealand) for this year is £I,97s— v'v/,.. Resident Commissioner, £500; Medical Officer, £600; Assistant to Commissioner and Police Officer, £265; school-teachers, £610: total, £1,975. In addition a subsiely up to £1,100 is paid for a schooner service. This is essential owing to the isolated position of Nine, which would otherwise be dependent em casual visits of vessels.

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In the case of Niue, as at Rarotonga, the local Administration carries out its own public works without assistance, except that on this occasion a grant of £1,000 is being made towards the local hospital as a subsidy on the donation of £1,000 contributed by the Red Cross Society through His Excellency Lord Liverpool, who took a keen interest in (he matter, and whose action has been deeply appreciated by the Niue-Islanders. The proposal made by the Trade Commissioners in regard to the- control of the output, of copra at Niue is one that appears worthy of consideration, and the matter will be thoroughly inquired into. The cost of the Administration in New Zealand is about £250—Salary e>f Secretary, £100; and clerical and office expenses, £150. Their Excellencies Lord anil Lady Liverpool paid a farewell visit to the Islands in June of last year, ami were received with great cordiality, genuine regret being expressed at their departure from New Zealand. M. Pomare, Minister for the Cook Islands. Cook Islands Department, Wellington, 31st July, 1920.

COOK ISLANDS. REPORT OF THE RESIDENT COMMISSIONER OF RAROTONGA FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31st MARCH, 1920. Sib»— Rarotonga, 20th June, 1920. I have the honour to submit the following report: — Finance. We have had an exceedingly prosperous year. Our revenue of £22,880 is a record. For the previous year the revenue was £13,846. The chief sources of income are—Customs duties, £11,290; export duties on copra and pearl-shell, £2,492; stamps, £4,672; High Court fees anel fines, £755; and the wireless station, £662. The expenditure was £17,060. Our credit balance for the year, £5,200, is also a record. Trade, With exports valued at £127,729 and imports £142,925, the volume of trade for the year reached the large sum. of £270,645, an amount considerably in advance of that of any previous year. Whilst the value of the imports was in part due to increased prices, it is satisfactory to note a substantial advance in the export of copra and pearl-shell, our most valuable commodities. Copra this year reached 2,145 tons, as against 1,750 tons last year and 700 tons in 1917; whilst 162 tons e>f pearl-shell, valueel at £14,480 (£9O per ton), were exported, as against 35 tons (£2,450) last year. In tomatoes also there was an increase of 13,000 cases over last year's export, whilst pineapples this year show an increase of nearly 1,000 cases over 1918, in spite of the fact that the greater part of the crop was lost because of inability to ship the fruit to a market. Only bananas and oranges show a reduced export; 70,000 cases of oranges were exported, as against 84,000 cases in 1918, a deficiency of 14,000 cases. This was the result of insufficient shippingspace. With adequate space three times the quantity of oranges could have been exported. Another element that has helped trade in the prosperous that has passed is the fact that to a much larger extent than ever before the true value of the produce of the islands, hitherto reaped by the middleman in New Zealanel, was received and spent in Rarotonga. It is worth noting, too, that the valuation of our exports is on a very conservative basis. For example, our copra exported last year, 2,145 tons, is valued at £45,235 — i.e., only £21 per ton. Practically the whole: of this copra went to the United States, only one small shipment of 50 tons being made to Great Britain. The Administration is doing what it can to encourage a trade in copra with New Zealand, whence it will naturally find its way to the Home market. Fruit Exports. The Treasurer draws attention to the serious falling-off in the export of bananas—from 108,520 cases and 11,814 bunches in 1911 to 31,494 cases in 1919. The committee of the Native Fruitgrowers' Association (representing six hundred planters), to whom this matter was referred, explains that, after the war broke out, the smaller and diminishing shipping facilities and the poor prices obtained by the Native growers so discouraged the planters that replanting (necessary every year for bananas) was gradually abandoned until it almost ceased. Last year, however, under the new system by which they now reach a competitive market, they ejbtained prices that have served as a great stimulus to planting, and they are neiw making up for lost time. The Inspectors under the Planting Orelinance confirm this. They report the planting eiuring the six months ending 31st March, 1920, of not less than 150,000 banana-plants. At Mangaia, where the Natives, discouraged by the impossibility of getting their fruit to a market, had also ceased planting, the Resident Agent also reports a very gratifying revival. At Rarotonga a co-operative credit bank has been established to assist the Natives by making advances to them for such purposes as improving their plantations by clearing and planting, the purchase of agricultural implements, stock, wagons, efec. The idea has been taken up so heartily that a second bank is being formed,

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Shipping Facilities. Both imports and exports show that our shipping facilities were worse last year than they were m 1918, but it is gratifying to be able to report an improvement in this respect this year. The "Talune," a larger and better vessel, has replaced the "Flora" on the Auckland run. She is already proving of great advantage in getting the orange crop away. Thanks to her large carrying-capacity we have already passed last year's total export of oranges'(7o,ooo cases), although the season is little more than half over. The "Talune," however, lands all her fruit at Auckland; and, as the Fiji fruit is also shipped to that port, the market there becomes glutted, and prices fall. On the other hand, the_ Wellington and the southern markets are often bare; but our planters cannot reach them to any satisfactory extent, as the mail-boats that make Wellington their destination have very little space available for island fruit. It is suggested, in the interests of the planters, that'a very valuable alteration in the itinerary of the " Talune " would be effected by making Auckland and Wellington alternately her destination. In that way our island fruit would be more evenly distributed, to the mutual advantage of the growers and of the people of the Dominion. Allotment of Space. A new method of allotting fruit-space at Rarotonga on the New Zealand boats is just now the cause of much dissatisfaction amongst the Natives. Half the available space is reserved for the five fruit-dealing firms and the European settlers, some fifteen in number; the other half is divided amongst the six hundred to seven hundred Native planters, who produce seven-eighths of the fruit exported. As their freight is guaranteed they cannot understand a system that places them at such a disadvantage. PAOKING-SHEnS. A series of interesting experiments is now being made by the Fruit Department (Mr. E. A. Reid, Officer in Charge) in the packing of oranges. The most valuable discovery so far is that by picking the fruit at least six days before it is packed it is possible to eletect anel discard fruit infected by the fruit-fly. It has further been demonstrated that, instead of one large central packing-sheel at Avarua, it will be necessary to have a shed for each district. That will mean seven or eight for the whole island. When it is demonstrated that these improved methods eliminate the danger of fly-infected fruit reaching New Zealand from these islands, the rigid inspection of our fruit at present insisted upon in the New Zealand ports will become unnecessary and will no doubt cease. This will mean a great saving in time and labour in getting the fruit from the ship to the warehouse. Tobacco and Chillies. Encouraged by the high price of tobacco, and with the help of the New Zealand Tobacco Company (of Napier), which has gent:rously supplied seed, a trial is being given to the cultivation of tobacco for commercial purposes in Rarotonga. A chemical analysis of soil from various parts of the islanel proved that much of it is well adapted for this purpose, and the result is awaited with a great deal of interest. A useful experiment by Mr. Reid at the Pua-au Nursery has shown that chillies can be grown and supplied to the New Zealand market with success. Post and Telegraph Department. The work of the Post Office has so increased that it was found necessary to separate the positions of Treasurer and Postmaster. Mr. H. G. Stainton, an experienced New Zealand Postal officer, has been appointed Postmaster. Mr. W. J. Stevenson, who has satisfactorily borne the burden of all three offices for many years, will now be enabled to devote all his time to the important duties of the Customs Department and the Treasury. The wireless station continues to prove itself a great boon to the Group, and especially to the business portion of the community. The problem of establishing substatiems at Aitutaki and Mangaia is not yet solved. Recent developments afford the hope that the wireless telephone will prove the best means of communication between Rarotonga and the other islands . The telephone system installed in Rarotonga is being exteneled practically round the island. A very serious drawback to the work of the Administration is the entire lack of anything like regular communication between the islands of the Group. This disadvantage is felt by all our' Departments, but especially by the Medical Officers. In the past the London Missionary Society—to whom we are so greatly indebted in many ways—carried our officials round the Group every year on its steamer the "John Williams." Unfortunately, that vessel has now been withdrawn, and our officers must depend for transportation upon the casual trips of two tradingschooners. The result is that many islands cannot be reached. It is quite clear that the only remedy is for the Administration to have its own vessel. Public Wohks. Atiu : Early in the year we were fortunately able to obtain supplies of material that enableel our Engineer (Mr. H. M. Connal) to carry out the works for the improvement of the water-supply of Atiu. At the same time a great improvement was effected by the construction of a new road to the beach, and the blasting of a new entrance to this road from the reef through the cliff. At Avarua a permanent addition to the Government buildings has been built to provide new offices for the Treasurer. The following public works were stopped owing to our inability to obtain timber or cement from New Zealand : Waterworks improvement, hospital alterations, and

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eiuarantine buildings, Rarotonga; new cargo-shed and repairs, and teacher's residence, Mangaia; teacher's residence, Mauke. At Aitutaki considerable improvement was effected eiuring the year in the waterworks in several of the villages, but that work, is also delayed by the difficulty of obtaining material. Education. The reports of last year's work of the schools established by the Administration are satisfactory. The industrial classes—agriculture, carpentry, mat and basket weaving, anel cookery—which the Administration makes a special feature of in its scheme of education, continue to do excellent work. Three metre scholarships at St. Stephen's School. Auckland, have, been awareled. Four lads have been chosen for apprenticeship to useful, trades in Wellington. Like those already serving their apprenticeship there, these lads are under a bond to return to the islands. From them will be drawn the skilled artisans required in the Group. They are in charge of the V.M.C.A., to whom the Administration is very much indebted for the great care it devotes to their welfare. This year we hope to open a school at Atiu, where it is very urgently required, and where one has been promised for several years. Mitiaro, a beautiful little island, with a population of about one hundred and forty Natives, is also crying out for a teacher; ami several teachers are required for Mangaia and for Aitutaki. At Ngatangiia, Pa Ariki and some of her leading mataiapos have very generously presenteel the Administration with, an excellent site and a large playground for the new school. This building, designed by our architect, Mr. H. M. Corinal, C.E., on the latest open-air principles, will provide accommodation for two hundred pupils. Its erection is now being proceeded with. We experience great difficulty in securing teachers, even for Rarotonga, where two of our principal schools are still understaffed. For the outer islands it seems impossible to obtain them. The teacher with a missionary spirit has a great oppe>rtunity here. The members of Parliament recently with us saw how eagerly the people take advantage of the facilities for the education of their ehilelron. They saw some of the results, and they seemed to be unanimous in the opinion that in education lies the hope of the future for the pee>ple of these islanels. Whilst there are undoubtedly privations and hardships in the outer islands where communication is infrequent and where many of the comforts of civilization arc lacking, nowhere in the world can the schoolmaster do more noble work or earn more lasting gratitude. The Courts. The Registrar's report shows that 609 criminal cases and sixty-nine civil cases were dealt with in the High Court. The vital statistics disclose a higher percentage of births over deaths than usual, but infant, mortality is still very heavy, anil there is no doubt that the universal practice of adoption is largely responsible for it. The Native Land Court (Judge 11. F. Ayson) held a sitting at Atiu last year, anel dealt with a considerable volume of business, including 126 freehold orders and eleven adoption orders. The fees amounted to £390 4s. Fees and fines received: Criminal, £295 45.; civil, £30 18s.; miscellaneous, £1-8 1.65.: total, £344 18s. Public Library. A library has at last been established in Rarotonga. The Administration has provided the nucleus of a collection of books, the book-cases, &c, and has handeel the control to a committee of residents, with a promise of further assistance until the library is able to pay its way. It is housed in the Courtroom. Arrangements have been made by which the Resident Agents and other Europeans living in the outer islands will be able to join the library, anel so secure a monthly supply of books. Visit op the Governor-General. Their Excellencies Lord and Lady Liverpool, accompanied by the Hon. Dr. Pomare and Mrs. Pomare, made their farewell visit to the Group in June last. Everywhere the viceregal party received a most loyal and hospitable welcome. The Arikis anel members of the Island Cemncil of Rarotonga, iri bidding them good-bye, thanked the Governor-General and Lady Liverpool for the great interest shown by them in the welfare of the Native race. Visit op the Parliamentary Party. In February last a large and representative party of members of both Houses of Parliament, under the leadership of Sir James Allen, Minister of External Affairs, visited Rarotonga, Mangaia, and Aitutaki on their way to Samoa. The party was enableel to see something of the work of the Administration and of its great responsibilities in regard to the welfare of the people of these islands; and, although their stay was all too short, we may express the hope that it proved as interesting and entertaining to the 'visitors as it was agreeable to the residents, both Maori and European. A Trade Commission comprising Mr. George Elliot (Chairman) and Messrs. T. Wilson and W. R. Pearson accompanied the parliamentary party. The Commission's order of reference charged it to inquire into and report upon the best means of improving trade between the Cook Islands and New Zealand. The very short time at their disposal and the preoccupation of the people in the reception of the parliamentary party militated against the work of the Commission, but by assiduously sticking to its task it secured a considerable amount of evidence. I. have, <fee., F. W. Platts, Resident Commissioner. The Hon. the Minister in Charge of the Cook Islands, Wellington.

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EXTRACT FROM REPORT OF DR. R. S. TROTTER, CHIEF MEDICAL OFFICER, RAROTONGA. During the year ended 31st March, 1920, 307 visits were paid to Europeans upon the Island of Rarotonga, and there were 519 attendances by Europeans at the Hospital; the corresponding figures for Maoris were 1,838 and 8,994. This gives a total of 11,658 visits and attendances for the year. The only outstanding feature as regards sickness was an outbreak of hemicranial neuralgia in the month of May. The nerves chiefly affected were the facial, supra-orbital, great auricular, and occipital. I am unable to account for this unless the cold winds prevalent at the time hael something to do with it. It did not seem to be associated with anaemia, rheumatism, gout, any specific fever, or other disease. It attacked men, women, and children of varied types. The in-patients at the Hospital during the year numbered seventy-three, with an average stay of twenty-three days. The number of operations performeel was 163, mostly of a minor surgical nature. Forty-two confinements were attended during the year. The Matron of the Hospital, Miss L'Amie, very kindly assisted at several cases. She also carried on the work during the illness of the Assistant Medical Officer in my absence, and did the work in a very satisfactory manner. The inspection of vessels coming to and leaving the port involved a cemsiderable expenditure of time and trouble, as at times the arrangements for inspection made aboard the vessels were faulty. Sixty-three vessels were inspected. There is considerable inconvenience attached to this work, too, as the steamers rarely arrive at the time stated in the wireless messages, and other work has to be put back or rearranged so that vessels may not be unduly delaj'ed. It seems strange that time and distance are not calculated accurately when a vessel is within a day or two of the island. In only one instance was it found necessary to quarantine people after the arrival of a vessel. This was fortunate as our facilities for quarantine at present are limited. Sanatorium : A site for a sanatorium for tubercular oases near Black Rock on a ridge over 200 ft. above sea-level has been tentatively chosen; nothing has been definitely settled until it can be elecided by boring whether a sufficiency of water is obtainable. Quarantine station: There is none. An island at Ngatangiia, opposite Muri, would be as suitable a place as any, all things being considered. Outer islands : These islands have not had the medical attention they should have had during the past year. I visited Mangaia in April. The Assistant Medical Officer visited Aitutaki, anel was there from the 27th April until the 24th May. I visited Mangaia, Mauke, Mitiaro, and Atiu in June, July, and August, but had to return earlier than anticipated owing to the illness of the Assistant Medical Officer. Since then no island was visited by the Medical Officers until I was able, through the courtesy of the parliamentary party, to pay a flying visit to Mangaia on the 24th February. The time spent on the islands was —Mangaia, thirteen days; Mauke, two clays; Mitiaro, eight days; Atiu, forty-four days; Aitutaki, twenty-seven days. The total number of visits and attendances was 949, split up as follows: Mangaia, 223; Mauke, 17; Mitiaro, 66; Atiu, 378; Aitutaki, 265. The following islands were not visited at all by the Medical Officers during the year : Manuae, Palmerston, Pukapuka, Nassau, Rakahanga, Manihiki, Penrhyn, and Suwarrow. This was unfortunate, but it could not be helped, as for various reasons the journeys could not be fitted in. With one Medical Officer travelling from island to island and staying as long as he can in each it is difficult to give the outer islanels anything like their fair share of medical attention. When one Medical Officer is off duty or unable to travc;! this difficulty is accentuated, as was the case this last year. It is to be hoped that better provision for the visiting of these outer islands will soon be made. Aitutaki : The District Nurse (Miss La Fontaine) reports from time to time in regard to her work on the island. These reports indicate that there has been little sickness of a serious nature em the island during the year beyond a number of cases of chronic illness. Other islands : From reports received from the Resident Agents there has been no serious outbreak of disease on any of them. The Rev. Father Joachim very kindly attends to the needs of the sick in. Manihiki, and the Rev. Mr. Wicks was good enough to help the sick at Pukapuka during an extended stay there this last year. Mrs. Wicks helped at Aitutaki during the absence of the Resident Nurse. Lepers : None of these were seen by me eiuring the year except one local case. The Assistant Medical Officer saw those on Aitutaki. There is no increase in the numbers repeated from any of the islands where lepers are segregated.

Vital Statistics. Return of Births, Deaths, and Marriages.

Births. Di laths. Marriages. Island Main is. Period. .Maoris. Europeans. Europeans. Maoris. Europeans. | Rarotonga Aitutaki Mangaia, 155 5 60 63 88 43 40 J 78 2 43 14 To 31st March, 1920. To 31st December, 1919. 1st January, 1919, to 31st March, 1920. To 31st March, 1920. To December, 1919. To October, 1919. Atiu . . Mauke Mitiaro Manihiki Rakahanga Penrhyn Pukapuka* I ) ) 46 19 5 4 . 29 10 2 10 10 2 9 8 5 ! :: 1 To December, 1919. .. . I 159 1 2 Totals 366 , 5 234 *Ne 1 I i returns to J hand. S. Savaue, Registrar.

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STATISTICS. Cook. Islands Administration. Revenue for the Year ended 81st March, 1.920. £ s. d. I Water rates— continued. £ s. el Balance, Ist April, 1919 .. .. 2,705 8 8 | Titikaveka .. .. .. .. 54 4 0 Customs eluties — Mini .. .. .. .. 28 18 0 Rarotonga.. .. .. .. 9,508 I 9 Shipping fees .. .. .. 13 19 7 New Zealand .. .. .. 1,782 0 5 Hall licenses.. .. .. ... 3 15 0 Export eluties — Interest . . .. .. . . 35 0 0 Copra .. ~ .. .. 1,812 2 4 Rents .. .. .. .. 216 0 0 Pearl-shell.. .. .. .. 050 7 5 Motor-vehicle fees .. .. .. 49 5 0 Traders'license fees .. .. .. 811 10 0 Roael rates .. .. .. .. 88 0 0 Stamp-sales .. .. .. .. 4,072 2 6 Marriage fees .. .. .. 52 15 7 Fees anil fines Fruit Inspection Account, ('ash Or. .. 434 11 8 High Court, Rarotonga .. .. 380 2 0 Ammunition Account, Cash Or. .. 49 16 11 High Court, Aitutaki .. .. 85 13 6 Liquor Account, Cash CV. .. .. 497 16 4 High Court, Mangaia .. .. 137 17 0 ; Truck Account, Cash CV. .. .. 11.0 6 0 High Court, Mauke . . . . .. 70 19 0 Dog-tax .. .. .. .. 33 14 6 High Court, Penrhyn .. .. 14 3 0 Post-offie.e boxes .. .. .. 7 10 High Court, Manihiki .. .. 84 7 0 Wireless revenue . . ■ .. .. 662 0 0 High Court, Atiu .. .. .. 8 6 0 Post-card sales .. .. .. 6 119 Land Court .. .. .. 240 19 3 Aitutaki Wharf Account, Cash Or. .. 35 4 0 Water rates— Diving licenses, Manihiki .. .. 55 0 0 Avarua .. .. .. .. 198 8 0 Miscellaneous.. .. .. .. 6 14 11 Arorangi .. .. . . 74 0 0 ' Ngatangiia .. .. .. 39 5 0 £25,046 4 7 Matavera .. .. .. .. 39 11 0 -^

Expenditure for the Year ended 31st March, 1920.

Service. Voted. Expended. Service. Service. Voted. Expended. 1. Engineer anil Surveyor 2. Registrar, Interpreter, anel Printer 3. Hospital Nurse, Rarotonga 4. Hospital Nurse, Aitutaki (half -salary) 5. Foreman of Works 6. Draughtsman 7. Islanel allowance, Collector of Customs, 'treasurer, and I, i censing Officer 8. island allowance, Sergeant of Police 9. Clerk, Land Office 10. Clerk, Registrar's Office 11. Clerk, Post Office 12. Clerk, Treasurer's Office 13. Cadet, Registrar's Office 14. Clerk, Commissioner's Office 15. Resident Agent, Mangaia 16. Resident Agent, Atiu .. 17. Resident Agent, Aitutaki 18. Resident Agent, Penrhyn LO. Resident Agent, Manihiki and Rakahanga 20. Resident Agent, Puka|iuka 21. Resident Agent, Mauke 22. Native Agent, Mitiaro.. 23. Native police, Rarotonga 24. Native police, Aitutaki 25. Native police, Mauke . • 26. Native police, Mitiaro.. 27. Native police, Penrhyn 28. Native police, Mangaia 29. Native policy, Manihiki and Rakahanga 30. Native police, Atiu .. I 31. Native Assessor, Rakahanga 32. Maintenance Of lunatics 33. Maintenance of lepers . . 34. Hospital supplies and attendance 35. Rents (wharf-site, £5; post-office site, £8 15s.; Registrar's house, £12) 36. Contingent expenditure —General 37. Contingent expenditure —High Court 38. Contingent expenditure — -Land Court 39. Contingent expenditure —Education 40. Subsidy, boatman, Mangaia 41. Subsidy, boatman, Aitutaki £ s. el. 370 0 0 150 0 0 175 0 0 100 0 0 210 0 0 175 0 0 125 0 0 25 0 0 100 0 0 120 0 0 120 0 0 110 0 0 52 0 0 100 0 0 300 0 0 220 0 0 300 0 0 220 0 0 200 0 0 220 0 0 300 0 0 60 0 0 218 0 0 fi() 0 0 30 0 0 15 0 0 21 0 0 41 0 0 30 0 0 30 0 0 20 0 0 i 180 0 0 270 0 0 1,000 0 0 25 15 0 500 0 0 300 0 0 300 0 0 500 0 0 10 o o 15 0 0 £ s. d. 370 0 0 42. Subsidy, boatman, Atiu 450 0 0 43. Subsiely, boatman, Mauke 44. Subsidy, carrying mails 175 0 0 in Group 45. Subsidy, wireless station 100 0 0 46. Subsidy, destruction of flying-foxes anel rats 210 0 0 j 47. Subsidy, Assistant Prin175 0 0 tor ' 240 0 0 48. Allowances lo Registrars of Births, Deaths, and Marriages, Mitiaro, Palmerston, and Pu26 8 3 kapuka 49. Postal and telegraph 104 3 4 I service, Rarotonga 124 3 4 I 50. School buildings 124 3 4 I 51. Experimental Jarm 114 3 4 j 52. Upkeep of Government 62 6 8 I buildings 40 1 8 I 53. Roads and bridges 54. Atiu water-supply 30S 6 8 j 55. Atiu residence 250 0 0 i 56. Atiu school - teacher's [ 300 0 0 residence 250 0 0 57. Aitutaki road subsiely.. 200 0 0 Rarotonga Water Alice unt, Dr. Titikaveka cottage ... Whare Manuiri 300 o 0 Expenses in connection 60 0 0 with visit of His Ex255 0 0 cellency the Governor46 0 0 General 30 6 8 Expenses in connection 1.5 0 0 with visit of N.Z. 17 0 0 ! parliamentary party 41 0 0 j Freezer plant .. 30 0 0 Allowance, Collector of Rates, 1918-19 25 0 0 Atiu reef 21 13 4 I Library Atiu bathing-pool 126 9 1 I Cook Islands Act : In481 0 4 terpretation 1,320 3 11 ! Water-tanks, Aitutaki Water-tanks, Mauke .. 35 2 6 Cadets Eruit-packing shed Compensation for land 823 18 6 ;i Salary, Postal offieor .. Fruit-trees Account, Dr. 682 6 11 i Boat, Aitutaki Customhouse and Trea- £ s. el. 3 0 0 (i 0 0 30 0 0 500 0 0 800 0 0 108 0 (I I I 0 0 200 0 0 500 0 0 , 350 0 0 150 0 0 800 0 0 250 0 0 600 0 0 | 500 0 0 50 0 0 " £ s. d. 3 0 0 6 0 0 30 0 0 65!) 18 4 III) 18 4 7 10 0 610 0 7 717 5 8 320 5 3 455 10 7 1,507 0 3 385 18 10 108 10 1 32 7 2 188 13 2 114 14 0 187 9 4 454 11 10 25 0 0 132 7 1 47 9 8 32 0 1 107 0 0 91 6 II 28 15 8 28 15 9 40 1 7 40 0 0 114 11 11 36 18 2 11 16 3 780 15 3 715 14 5 .; sury Wireless station 51 19 4 834 14 8 II 17,060 16 0 8,585 8 7 Total expenditure 1.0 o o Balance, Or.. . 7 12 o Total 25,646 4 7 l| Rarotonga, Cook Is slands, 11th Ma May, 1920. W. J. Ste 5VENSON, Tn easnrer.

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Cook Islands Administration. Estimated Expenditure for the Year ending 81st March, 1921. £ s. d. £ s. d. 1. Engineer and Surveyor ~ .. 370 0 0 33. Maintenance of lunatics .. .. 180 0 0 2. Interpreter and Printer .. .. 150 0 0 34. Maintenance of lepers .. .. 270 0 0 3. Postmaster and Assistant, Treasurer .. 350 0 0 35. Hospital supplies and attendance: .. 1,000 0 0 4. Hospital Nurse, Rarotemga .. .. 175 0 0 36. Rent, wharf-site .. .. .. 5 0 0 5. Hospital Nurse, Aitutaki .. .. 200 0 0 Rent, post-office site .. .. 815 0 6. Foreman of Works .. .. .. 210 0 0 Rent, Postmaster's house .. .. 12 0 0 7. Draughtsman .. .. .. 200 0 0 37. Contingent expenditure —General .. 500 0 0 8. Island allowance, Collector of Customs.. 125 0 0 38. Contingent expenditure—High Court .. 300 0 0 9. Island allowance, Sergeant of Police .. 25 0 0 39. Cemtingent expenditure —Land Court .. 300 0 0 10. Clerk, Land Office .. .. .. 100 0 0 40. Contingent expenditure—Education .. 500 0 0 11. Clerk, Registrar's Office .. .. 130 0 0 41. Subsidy, boatman, Mangaia .. .. 10 0 0 12. Clerk, Post Office .. .. .. 130 0 0 42. Subsidy, boatman, Aitutaki .. .. 15 0 0 13. Clerk, Commissioner's Office .. .. 52 0 0 43. Subsidy, boatman, Atiu .. .. 3 0 0 14. Clerk, Treasury, and Collector erf Customs 130 0 0 44. Subsidy, boatman, Mauke .. .. 6 0 0 15. Cadet, Registrar's Office .. .. 62 0 0 45. Subsidy, carrying mails in Group .. 30 0 0 16. Resident Agent, Mangaia .. .. 300 0 0 46. Subsidy, wireless statiem, Rarotemga .. 500 0 0 17. Resident Agent, Atiu .. .. 250 0 0 47. Subsidy, destruction of flying-foxes and 18. Resident Agent, Aitutaki .. .. 300 0 0 rats .. .. .. 800 0 0 19. Resident Agent, Penrhyn .. .. 250 0 0 48. Assistant Printer .. .. .. 108 0 0 20. Resident Agent, Manihiki and Raka- 49. Allowance to Registrars of Births and hanga .. .. .. .. 220 0 0 Deaths at Mitiaro, Palmerston, and 21. Resident Agent, Pukapuka .. .. 220 0 0 Pukapuka .. .. .. 11 0 0 22. Resident Agent, Mauke .. .. 300 0 0 50. Postal and telephone service, Rarotonga 200 0 0 23. Native Agent, Mitiaro .. .. 00 0 0 51. Experimental farm .. .. .. 350 0 0 24. Native police, Rarotonga .. .. 218 0 0 52. Upkeep of Government buildings . . 150 0 0 25. Native police, Aitutaki .. .. 60 0 0 53. Roads and bridges .. .. .. 800 0 0 26. Native police, Mauke .. .. 30 0 0 54. Atiu Residency .. .. ... 600 0 0 27. Native police, Mitiaro .. .. 15 0 0 55. Aitutaki road subsidy .. .. 50 0 0 28. Native police, Penrhyn .. ~ 21 0 0 56. Ngatangiia School .. .. .. 800 0 0 29. Native police, Mangaia .. .. 41 0 0 30. Native police, Manihiki and Rakahanga 30 0 0 £12,282 15 0 31. Native police, Atiu .. .. .. 30 0 0 ""=- -32. Native Assessor, Rakahanga .. .. 20 0 0 F. W. Plaits, Rarotonga, 26th June, 1920. Resident Commissioner.

Cook Islands Administration. Return showing Value of Imports for the Year ended 31st December, 1919.

Article. Country whence imported. Value. | Total Value. Article. Country whence imported. Total Value. Value, j I !_ ! I Agricultural produce n.o.e. N.Z. U.S.A. .. Tahiti .. I £ 1,21.9 235 1 i £ N.Z. U.S.A. .. £ 315 38 £ Building-material n.o.e. 353 2,216 Animals, living Apparel anel slops 1,455 182 Butter anil cheese Carriages anel parts of same N.Z. .. N.Z. U.S.A. .. Samoa .. 39 1,467 20 N.Z. N.Z. U.K. .. N.S.W. .. U.S.A. .. 3,517 413 19 1,543 Arms, ammunition, and explosives Bacon and hams Bags and sacks Cement Brushwaro and brooms N.Z. N.Z. N.S.W. .. U.S.A. .. 149 1 12 1,520 371. N.Z. 5,492 114 N.Z. N.Z. U.S.A. .. Tahiti .. 1,939 692 25 341 Cinematographs and parts, also hire of films N.Z. U.K. .. N.S.W. .. Tahiti .. 162 2,656 368 463 203 60 18 344 Bamboo for hat'making Beer and stout Beverages, non-alcoholic . . Tahiti .. N.Z. N.Z. U.K. .. U.S.A. .. j Coal Confectionery 625 62 218 9 3 N.Z. N.Z. .. U.S.A. .. 733 37 230 Cordage and twine N.Z. N.S.W. .. U.S.A. .. Tahiti .. 770 Bicycles, tricycles, motorcars, including parts of same N.Z. U.K. .. N.S.W. .. U.S.A. .. 1,235 1,356 71 2,718 653 8 418 58 1,137 Cotton piece-goods N.Z. U.K. .. N.S.W. .. U.S.A. .. Tahiti .. 2,432 9,996 121 4,715 325 Biscuits and cabin-bread .. N.Z. N.S.W. .. U.S.A. .. Tahiti .. 5,095 1 501 47 5,380 17,589 Boots and shoes 960 1 2 1,012 2 5,644 Drapery n.o.e. N.Z. .. U.K. .. N.S.W. .. U.S.A. .. Japan . . Tahiti .. N.Z. U.S.A. .. N.S.W. .. U.S.A. .. Tahiti .. 4,863 '2,137 14 563 73 92 7,742 1,977

A. -3';

Return showing Value of Imports for the Year ended 31st December, 1919 —continued.

8

Article. Conntry whence imported. Val ue I TOW value. | Vn]u0 Article. Country ,,, . , whence Value. , A 0 ™ imported. VftlnB - I Drugs and chemicals N.Z. U.K. .. N.S.W. .. U.S.A. .. Tahiti . . £ £ 738 23 118 171 2 Matches N.Z. Sweden .. £ 638 612 £ 1,250 I 369 9,904 MeatsFrozen Potted and preserved .. Salted N.Z. N.Z. .. N.Z. U.S.A. .. Earthenware and glassware N.Z. U.K. .. N.S.W. .. U.S.A. .. 1 J 1,052 613 43 6 122 1,052 776 9 Milk, preserved N.Z. U.S.A. .. 785 Fancy goods and toys 744 5 N.Z. U.K. .. N.S.W. .. U.S.A. .. 784 347 44 18 551 784 Nails N.Z. .. U.S.A. .. j 350 300 749 Fertilizers Fish, preserved OilsKerosene, benzine, and elistillate N.Z. .. U.S.A. .. Tahiti .. 650 N.Z. N.Z. U.S.A. .. Tahiti . . 960 960 38 65 3,085 172 38 974 2,776 23 3,322 Flour N.Z. Victoria. . Tahiti . . 3,773 Other kinds N.Z. U.K. .. U.S.A. .. Tahiti . . 265 42 432 26 7,602 727 668 8,997 765 Furniture N.Z. UK .. N.S.W. .. New (iuin. U.S.A. .. Tahiti . . 1 ,332 3 51 5 17 6 Paints and varnish N.Z. .. U.S.A. .. Tahiti . . 360 306 3 Hardware Perfumery and toilet preparations N.Z. U.S.A. .. U.K. .. N.S.W. .. Eranee .. Tahiti .. 45 98 Jl 17 669 N.Z. U.K. .. N.S.W. .. U.S.A. .. Tahiti . . 2,443 239 97 995 7 1,414 Photographic goods 239 Hats 682 135 13 39 10 N.Z. U.S.A. .. Tahiti . . 45 38 4 N.Z. .. U.K. .. N.S.W. .. U.S.A. .. Tahiti .. 3,781 S7 Plants, trees, shrubs, and seeds N.Z. U.K. . . Queensland 83 63 27 Hosiery N.Z. .. U.K. .. N.S.W. .. U.S.A. .. Japan .. 171 376 85 710 312 879 Provisions n.o.e... N.Z. U.K. .. N.S.W. .. U.S.A. .. 2,727 100 10 740 173 Hops Instruments — ■ M'usical Rice .. N.Z. N.S.W. . . U.S.A. . . Tahiti .. I , 235 6 659 235 3,577 N.Z. .. 1,054 43 U.S.A. .. Tahiti .. 10 1 Saddlery and harness 2,135 Survey Iron — Bar, holt, anel rod N.S.W. .. 11 43 N.Z. U.K. .. U.S.A. . . 127 5 252 N.Z. .. U.S.A. .. 117 35 152 233 63 Silks .. N.Z. U.S.A. .. Tahiti .. 132 110 3 381 Galvanized, corrugated.. Pi pes Wire N.Z. N.Z. N.Z. U.S.A. .. 223 145 3,302 23 25 79 245 368 Soap N.Z. N.S.W. . . U.S.A. .. Tahiti . . Jewellery N.Z. U.K. .. U.S.A. .. Tahiti .. i 365 13 36 141 3,429 1,450 Specie, silver Spirits — Brandy Geneva and gin Methylated N.Z. Machinery— Eleotrw , N.Z. U.S.A. .. 14 93 555 N.S.W. .. N.Z. N.Z. U.S.A. .. 9 5 57 14 Mineral water Printing N.Z. N.Z. N.S.W. .. 107 152 Perfumed N.Z. N.S.W. .. U.K. .. U.S.A. .. Tahiti .. 14 34 59 93 28 48 178 55 10 325 28 Machines, sewing N.Z. N.S.W. .. U.S.A. .. Tahiti . . 16 173 347 34 Rum Whisky N.Z. N.Z. U.S.A. .. 624 246 870 570

A.—3

Return showing Value of Imports for the Year ended 31st December, 1919 —continued.

Return of Imports and Exports for Seven Years, 1913 to 1919 inclusive.

These returns show the gradual recovery of the Cook Islands trade from the effects of the war.

Return showing Value of Exports for the Year ended 31st December, 1919.

2—A. 3,

9

Article. Country whence Value, imported. Total Value. Article. Country whence importod. Value. Total Value. Stationery, books, and paper N.Z. U.K. .. N.S.W. .. France .. U.S.A. .. £ 1,435 6 93 6 650 Tools N.Z. U.K. .. U.S.A. . . £ 50 115 243 £ Sugar Wines — Claret N.Z. N.S.W. .. U.S.A. .. 7 128 111 II I N.Z. N.S.W. .. Tahiti . . U.S.A. .. 2,190 4,624 1 359 2 Port anel sherry N.Z. N.S.W. .. U.S.A. .. 24i Tea, coffee, and cocoa N.Z. Tahiti .. U.S.A. .. 565 6 7 4,986 8 89 27 578 Woodenware N.Z. .... u.s.a. :. Tahiti .. 115 30 2 12 Timber— Sawn N.Z. Tahiti .. U.S.A. .. 1,691 695 99 -Miscellaneous N.Z. U.K. .. N.S.W U.S.A. .. Tahiti . . , 498 91 53 09 27 . I I Fruit-ease Tobacco, cigars, and cigarettes N.Z. N.Z. .. N.S.W. .. S. Africa Tahiti .. 2,579 803 2 10 2,485 13,550 Total 738 I 142925 3,394 I ..

913 .914 915 916 Year. I i i Imports. £ 110,283 91,132 65,560 58,478 Exports. £ 109,920 77,512 63,957 68,146 Total Value. £ 220,209 1917 168,644 1918 128,617 | 1919 126,624 Year. i Imports. £ 80,061 99,632 142,925 Exports, .... Total Value. £ ' "£; 60,190 140,251. 82,708 " '' 182,340 127,729 270,654

Return showing Revenue for Seven Years, 1913 to 1919. Year. ~ i Amount. Year. Amount. Amount. 913 914 .915 916 £ 9,420 11,722 7,672 9,710 1917 1918 1919 £ 11,068 13,846 22,880 "'■' ''

Article. Where exported. Quantity. Value. Total. Fruit, fresh — Bananas Lemons Mandarins .. Oranges Pineapples . ". Tomatoes .. N.o.e. Coconuts Coffee, raw New Zealand New Zealand New Zealand New Zealand New Zealand New Zealand Now Zealand New Zealand New Zealand 31,494 cases 285 „ 70J bushels 70,087 cases 1,057 „ 19,473 „ 59 „ 2,780 sacks 20 tons £ 18,300 215 25 36,030 580 9,820 30 1,490 1,400 1,770 43,465 £ 18,300 ' 215 25 36,030 580 9,820 ,3ft 1,490 1,400 Copra United Kingdom United States of America 55 tons 2,090 „ 45,235 92 32 Kumeras and taro lame-juice New Zealand New Zealand 2,145 tons 167 eases 420 gallons 92 32 Pearl-shell United Kingdom United States of America 82 tons 80 „ 7,280 7,200 14,480 Total. 162 tons 127,729

A . '■' ' " o

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Return showing Total Values of Imports and, 'Exports for the Year ended. 81st December, 1919. Imports. £ ICxports. £ New Zealanel .. .. .. .. 91,973 j New Zealand .. .. .. .. 08,014 United Kingdom .. .. .. .. 15,500 | Uniteel Kingdom .. .. .. .. 9,050 New South Wales .. .. .. .. 2.251 United States of America .. .. .. 50,665 Victoria . . .. , . .. .. 727 Queensland .. .. .. .. 27 Samoa .. .. .. .. .. 20 New Guinea .. .. . . .. 5 South Africa .. .. .. .. 2 France .. .. .. .. .. 10 Sweeten .. .. . . .. .. 012 Tahiti .. .. .. .. .. 3,808 Japan .. .. .. .. .. 385 Uniteel States of America .. .. .. 27,005 Total .. . . .. £142,925 Total .. . . . . £127,729

Return showing Trend of Trade for the Years 1914 to 1919 inclusive.

Total Values of Imports and Exports from the Year 1902 to the 31st December, 1919.

Imports. From 1914. 1915. 1916. 1917. 1918. 1919. New Zealand United Kingdom New South Wales Victoria Queensland British New Guinea Fiji Ocean Islanel Uniteel States of America Tahiti Japan .. Sweden Canada British Columbia France South Africa Germany Hong Kong Tonga Samoa Switzerland Fanning Islanel £ 64,852 10,994 1,792 184 £ 52,003 5,105 1,463 166 £ 43,557 3,787 740 174 £ 61,931 3,748 1,596 38 80 31 11 4 11.092 1,110 237 183 £ 70,773 8,474 1,331 323 28 £ 91,973 15,500 2,251 727 27 5 2 1 10,586 1,490 245 157 92 629 43 1 65 5,073 1,333 126 244 Hi 44 8,241 1,569 2 260 35 15,324 2,504 5 223 137 316 194 27,605 3,808 385 612 8 1 10 2 1 15 28 3 5 60 20 8 Totals .. .. 91,132 65,590 58,478 80,061 99,632 142,925 EXPORI :s. To 1914. 1915. 1916. 1917. 1918. 1919. New Zealand Niue Tahiti United Kingdom United States of America £ 60,820 15 307 8,875 7,495 £ 53,919 10 291 £ 38.647 £ 40,401 £ 42,919 £ 68,014 8,837 1,920 9,958 17,621 2,643 5,445 9,050 50,665* 17^146 34,344 Totals 77.512 63,057 * Copra and poi 68,146 arl-shell. 60.190 82,708 127,729

Imports. Exports. Year. Amount. Increase. Year. Amount. Increase. j Decrease. Decrease. .... £ £ 27,623 34,866 7,263 33,399 36,993 3,594 41,437 4,444 50,756 9,314 55,021 4,265 67,739 12,716 83,759 16,058 89,623 5,828 93,812 4,189 110,283 16,421 91,132 65,590 58,478 80,061 21,583 99,632 19,571 142,9215 43,293 £ £ 1902.. .. 34,821 1903.. .. 34,740 1904.. .. 38,248 1905.. .. 34,890 1906.. .. 45,925 1907.. .. 51,578 1908.. .. 60,652 1909.. .. 73,653 1910.. .. 90.749 1911.. .. 91,078 1912.. .. 101,708 1913.. .. 109,926 1914 .. .. 77,512 1915.. .. 63,057 1916.. .. 68,146 1917.. .. 60,190 1918.. .. 82,708 1919.. .. 127,729 £ 3,508 11,035 5,653 9,024 13,001 17,096 327 10,632 8,218 5,089 22,518 45,021 ] £ 1902 1903 1904 1905 1906 1907 1908 1909 910.. 911 .. 1912.. 1913 914.. 915.. 916 917.. 918.. 919.. 1,487 81 3,358 19,151 25,542 7,112 32,414 14,455 7,956 Barotong; :, Cook Islands, 11th M, ay, 1920, W. J. Stevenson, Ceillector of Cm itoins,

11

xX.*~~~"Q

NIUE ISLAND. REPORT OF RESIDENT COMMISSIONER. SIR,— Niue, Ist April, 1920. I have the honour to enclose herewith my annual report, together with the reports of the Medical Officer and the acting head teacher at Tufukia School, and the usual returns. I have, (fee., Guy N. Morris, Resident. Commissioner. Thu Hon. the Minister in Charge, Cook Islands Department, Wellington. Sib,— Alofi, Nine, Ist April, 1920. I leave the honour to submit for your consideration my report on the work of the Niue Island Administration for the year ended 31st March, 1920. Finance. The Administration lias had a year of unprecedented success from the financial point of view. The revenue amounted to £6,563 Is. lid., being £2,959 in excess of any previous figures. The main items of revenue were —Customs duties, £1,805; stamp-sales, £1,808; anel copraexport duty, £1,110. The expenditure amounted to £3,661 16s. 3d., the balance in hand being £4,241 Bs. 9d., an increase of £2,901 4s. lOid. for the year. In view of the expenses of erection and equipment of a hospital eiuring the coming year this balance is very satisfactory. I estimate the expenditure for 1920-21 at £6,175, while the revenue should reach £5,000. Trade. 'Phe year 1919 was also an exceptionally successful one for the island from the commercial standpoint. Nine was extremely fortunate in shipping the whole of the copra which had accumulated during the years of the war, and this accumulation has swelled the export figures to an abnormal extent. It is therefore not to be expected that the same result will be: attained again for some years to come, though there is little doubt that, with increased planting anel careful attention to the trees, Niue could double her output of copra during the next decade. The imports reached £21,783, in which total, of course, increased prices have played a big part. Exports amounted to £35,977, giving a total trade value of £57,760 for the year, the previous best being £34,828. 1,110 tons of copra were exported during the year, and the traders were left with empty sheds. During the latter part of 1919 there was keen competition for copra, and the price paid to the Natives at one time reacheel £28 per ton. The Natives have therefore enjoyed a period of unprecedented prosperity. In any case the Natives have the option of taking a sharein the. space in the contract schooner, but this privilege is but little availeel e>f, the Niueans evidently being content with the.prices paiel on the island for their produce. There was, however, one untoward result of the high prices, a number of Natives being tempted to use immature nuts in making copra. The police promptly caught a number of offenders, and severe penalties were inflicted by the Court, so that the practice soon ceaseel. Every care is taken here to see that only matured nuts are used, and also that the copra is properly dried before sale or shipment. It has been noticed that merchants in Auckland have reported unfavourably on the copra obtained from some of the islands, but Niue is certainly not included amongst these. On the contrary, masters of various vessels have spoken in most complimentary terms of the quality of Niue copra, and 1 have been told on more than one occasion that it will bear comparison with any in the Pacific. Copra is anil always will be the only important product of this island, and the Administration is making every possible effort not only to keep up the quality but to increase the output. It will be observed from the export return that New Zealand received only 587 tons of our copra out of 1,110 exported, and I have reason to believe that even as regards the 587 tons a large proportion will simply be re-exported from New Zealand. The New Zealanel Customs figures show that vgry little of the raw product is used in the country, and there would seem to be a clanger that New. Zealanel's trade in this article will be merely entrepot. Now that New Zealanel has Samoa-included amongst her island possessions there is annually a large crop of copra at her elisposal, and the opinion is freely expressed here and in other islands that an effort should be uiaele in New Zealand to foster and encourage those industries which use copra, and that if necessary the State itself should take up the matter. Such a steji would do much to establish a community of interest whie:h is at present not very apparent between New Zealand and the islands. Shipping. Resides three trips made by the contract schooner " Rira," the following vessels called at Niue eluritig the year : s.s. " Tutanekai," s.s. " Mokoin," " Henriette," " Ysnbel " (twice), s.s. "John Williams." '• Jubilee," ''Manna," and " Makoa." The contract vessel did not arrive on her first trip until the Bth July, the delay being due to the wreck of the' "Awauui," knowledge of which did not reach New Zealand until April. The "Rira" arrived again on the 28th August, and a third time on the 10th November, bad weather accounting for delays on these trips. It was hoped that a fourth voyage would nevertheless be made, but it did not eventuate, and the Admiuis-

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tration has been put to great inconvenience, as the whole of the Building-material for the hospital is thus still m New Zealand. The trailers were inadequately supplied with foodstuffs for the hurricane season, and there was also a scarcity of native foods, so that the Natives had a somewhat anxious time until the arrival of the " Mokena " on the 29th February, when some 50 tons of cargo, mostly foodstuffs, were landed. I can only hope that the contract Vessel during the coming season will make at least her usual five trips. The Governor-General's Visit. On the 26th June the s.s. " Tutauekai " arrived, bringing Their Excellencies Lord and Lady Liverpool on their farewell visit to the islands. The Minister in Charge of the Cook Islands, the Hon. Dr. M. Pomare, and Mrs. Pomare were among the party. Through the chance arrival of the ''Hennette" a few days previously Nine lead been made aware e>f the impending visit, but the time die! not permit of the preparatiem of the right royal welcome the Natives wished to give. As no New Zealanel Governor had visiteel Niue since the hoisting of the- flag, this visit made- a eleep impression on the Natives, and their only regret was that the vessel had to depart the same day. On landing, the party were welcomed in speeches from leading Alerfi Natives and myself, after which His Excellency elelivered an aeldress. His speech was subsequently, through the cemrtesy of the Rev. J. H. Cullen, published in Niuean in the Missionary Se,e:iety paper, anil has thus been reael throughout the island. 'The party then elrove to Tufukia School, where a programme by the children had been prepared, and the school was subsequently addressed by His Excellency and by the Minister. After lunch at, the Residency the Alofi Natives gave an impromptu exhibition of Native dances and of various old-lime customs, and Their Excellencies and eacli member of the party planted a coconut as a memento of the trip. A return was made to the steamer shortly after 4 o'clock, and thus closed a visit which had been all too short. Parliamentary Party's Visit. On the evening of the 29th February the s.s. " Meikoia " arrived, bringing a large number of members of both Houses of the New Zealand Parliament on a visit to the island. The members of a Trade Commission and a number of prominent New Zealand Civil servants were also with the party. Messengers were despatched to the various villages that evening, with the result that the Island Councillors, police, anel returneel soldiers, as well as a large number of Natives from all the villages, came to Alofi the following day. At a meeting in the morning the party were introduced to the members of the Islanel Council, who were invited to place any grievances before the visitors. Three members of the Council spoke and brought forward various matters for consideration, and in reply Sir James Allen addressed the gathering. These proceedings lasteel about an hour, and the party then went down to Tufukia School, where the children entertained them with drill, singing, and recitations until lunch-time. After lunch Sir James Allen addressed the returneel soldiers, who mustered in uniform, and presented a captured German gun, with which memento the Natives are very pleased. It has been mounted on a concrete platform beside the monument to the Nine soldiers who died at the front. Several traelers and Administration officials gave evidence before the Trade Commission, anel facilities were given to the various Civil servants to se-e as much as possible of the islanel in the limited time at, their disposal. The island confidently experts that pjucb good-"will result from this, visit, anel the- keenness and sympathy of the whole parly were much appreciated by local residents. As in the case of the Geivernor-Geiieral's visit, tin- Natives were unable- to do much to entertain the party. Preparation for their entertainments runs into weeks, and this visit came as a complete surprise, as no vessel had visited Niue since November of the previous year. Hospital. In August last information was received that the executive of the Red Cross Society in New Zealand, through His Excellency the Governor-General, had made a donation of £1,000 towards (he erection of a hospital in Niue. There was much gratification amongst the Natives when they heard of this splendid gift, and undoubtedly the most urgent need of the island is now to be Satisfied. The lack of proper medical and surgical attention has accounted for many deaths in I he-past, and once, the hospital is established there should be an immediate reduction in the deathrate. The balance of the estimated cost of building and equipment is already in hand, having been accumulated during the past two years, and as soon as materials arrive from New Zealanel the erection of the various necessary buildings will be pushed ahead as quickly as possible. _ The Natives'have-voluntarily rendered assistance, each village having burnt an umu of puga (lime), and this material will be used for the walls of the building. The hospital should be ready for patients before the end of 1920, and will be known as " The Lord Liverpool Hospital." Public Works. The work of re-forming and widening the roads has been continued practically eiuring the whole of the year, and the following roads have now been completed : Alofi-Hakupu Road (balance), five miles; Alofi-Mutalaei Road, ten miles and three-quarters; Tamakautoga-Hakupu Road, six miles and a half. The roads still requiring attention are from Man a corner to Lakepa, six mile's, anel from Mutalau to Liku, seven miles, and work will be. continued em these lirimceliatelv. Another important road requiring attention is that from Alofi to Avatele. The twentytwo miles of road covered during the past year cost. £800. Oood roads are as important here as they are- to the baokbloeks seltler in New Zealand, and I have accordingly given them first place among public works. A good deal of work has alsei been, done on the tracks connecting the various villages with the sea. The Natives have in the-se eases provided free labour and hall cost of explosives usee I.

13

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As to other works completed during the year, the police officer's residence was finished at a cost of £440. Prison-cells anel ft garage have also been built, and the reservoirs and wayside tanks have been thoroughly overhauled. All necessary repairs to Government buildings have been effected. Time has not been found for the enlargement of the jetty as proposeel in my last report, and a report on this subject is now awaited fremi the Public Works Engineer who visite-d us with the parliamentary party. Population. During the year 1919 eighty-two persons, including sixteen Europeans, arrived in Niue, and sixty-one persons, including twenty-four Europeans, departed. The Native population has'thus gained to the extent of twenty-nine through migration. In this connection 1 desire to place on record my gratituele to the London Missionary Seiciety, who at my request brought home thirtv-se-ven Niueans from Samoa in October last. As the "John Williams " hail on board a number oi passengers for other islands, the ship was put to senile inconvenience in bringing these Niueans home, ami the thanks of the Administration are due for the courtesy shown. The following are the numbers of births, deaths, and marriages during 1919 and the five previous years :— Year. Births. Deaths. Marriages. 1914-15 ... ... ... 93 73 70 1915-16 ... ... ... ... ... 94 100 41 19.16-17 ... ... ... ... ... 82 128. 63 1917 (nine months only) ... ... ... ... 100 137 37 1918 ... ... ... ... ... ... 95 178 43 1919 ... ... ... ... ... ... no 126 71 The excess of deaths over births is therefore sixteen, as against eighty-three in the previous year. Taking migration into account, the Native population increased by thirteen during the year, and, small though the increase may be, it is much more encouraging than the results for the past few years. The births were very satisfactory, and the marriage figures are the' highest recorded since the Administration took charge of Niue. Birth, death, and marriage rates are alike a good deal higher than theise of New Zealanel. I regret to have to record the death of one European during the- year, the Rev. J. H. Cullen, of the London Missionary Society, having died of angina pectoris on the 14th September. During my term here the relations between the Administration and the society have been most cordial, and 1 eleeply deplore Mr. Cullen's death. Education. Weirk at Tufukia School has been handicapped during the year by the absence on leave in New Zealand of the European teachers. Owing to the delay in commencing the contract service Mr. Cowan eliel not return from leave until the Bth July, ami Mr. Evison left for New Zealand on the 14th November, and has not yet had an opportunity to return. Both these officers were in urgent need of leave, and further delay in granting it might have proved disastrous to their health. However, a gooel deal eif progress has been maile at the school. A more thorough system of instruction in technical work has been instituted, and classes have also been started in handwork and mat-weaving. A fife-and-drum band has been formeel and is making gooel progress. Progress with the building of the new school at Hakupu has been slow, principally because that village has also had a good deal of roadwork and plantation-clearing on its hands. However, the building will be ready in a few weeks, and the school should be opened eiuring May or June. The Natives eiesire to erect further schools at Tuapa, Mutalau, and Avatele. The Tuapa School would cover the villages of Hikutavake and Makefu, the Mutalau Sohool would include Lakepa, and the Avatele School would cater also for Fatiau and Tamakautoga. This arrangement would leave only Liku unprovided for. but many of the children there could no doubt attend the Hakupu School in the meantime. The three schools asked for are necessary before it can be said that education in Niue has been placed on a proper footing. Ne>w that a hospital and good roads have been provided for, eelucation is certainly the most urgent question for the Administration. Native teachers are out of the question as officers in charge of these schools, and, further, the necessity for properly trained teachers is even greater than it is in New Zealand. The salaries of a sufficient educational stall would always, I am afraid, prove too great a drain upon the slender resources of this Administration, and 1 therefore submit the matter for yemr earnest consideration. "The Niueans are still a primitive people, and because there is only a handful of Europeans.on the island their enlightenment is a slow progress. If the Niueans are to be preserved from ultimate extinction it is to eduoation we must look to combat the evils of superstition and pernicious custom which yearly take toll of their lives. High Court and Native Land Court. During the year 1919 324 criminal cases were dealt with, as against 190 in 1918 and 142 in 1917. This increase is due to a slight extent tei the creation of various new offences by Ordinance, but more particularly it results from an increased efficiency on the part of the Native police. Civil work continues to be negligible in quantity. Fines and fees amounting to £295 19s. 3d. were collected eiuring the year, the amount outstanding at 31st March being £3. In the Native: Land Courl twenty applications for adoption and one application concerning land were dealt with. Ordinances. Four sittings of the Island Council were held during the year, and the following Ordinances were passed : Suppression of Immorality Ordinance, Public Health Ordinance, and Aid to Revenue Ordinance.

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Meteorological. Summarized, the readings for 1919 are as follows: Barometer—Mean for year, 3003. Thermometer—Highest, 96, in March; lowest, 61, in July; mean maximum, 8566 ; mean minimum, 68-93. Rainfall—Rain fell on 108 days : total fall, 7P26 in. On the 29th April, 1919, at 7.53 p.m., there was a severe earthquake, lasting five minutes, followed by a tidal wave Which destroyed some seventy canoes. This was the disturbance which el id considerable damage in the Tongan Group. On the 17th and 18th January, 1920, what appears to have been the tail-end of a hurricane passed over Niue. The glass dropped very gradually, reaching 2950 at 12.30 a.m. on the 17th January, when warnings were sent out to all the villages. There was a tremendous sea on the western side of the island that night, although the wind was from the east. At dawn it was a magnificent spectacle, but as the wind increased in violence the sea abated. A few canoes were lost, and the concrete surface was stripped from the Government jetty at Tukaiavi, Alofi, for about half its length. The blow commenced on the afternoon e>f the 17th and attained its maximum force during the early hours of the morning of the 18th. Throughout, the direction of the wind was east and south-east. The lowest recorded reading of the barometer was 2926 at 2 a.m. on the 18th. Niue was extremely lucky in. the small amount of damage done. The banana and breadfruit crops were destroyed, and 1,220 coconut-trees and 107 leaf houses were blown down. Although a number of nuts were so damaged that they fell prematurely, I elo not anticipate' any great falling-off in the crop of cejpra for the coming year. As a result of extensive cleaning of the plantations there would have been an excellent crop but for the blow, while neiw I anticipate that it will reach the usual average. Postal. The following figures show the postal business transacted during the year : Money-orders — Issued, £318 18s. Bd.; paid, £646 10s. Bd. Savings-bank—Deposits, £1,880 95.; withdrawals, £245 7s. lid. Postal notes, etc.—lssued, £39 12s. Ud. ; paid, £21 10s. Bd. War pensions, soldiers' allotments, efec, paid, £676 18s. (id. The Savings-bank deposits are the highest on record, anel generally the volume of work compares favourably with previous years. Peace Celebrations. It had been decided to make the planting of coconuts the main feature of the Peace celebrations, and the idea was most enthusiastically taken up by the Natives. Some of the Natives set apart a piece of land in their village as a Peace plantation, others planted along the roads, while some elected to plant individually in the usual plantations. In all over fifteen thousand nuts were planted, anel the idea will probably be kept up on a smaller scale in future years. In aelelition, festivities were held in various villages, anel returned soldiers played a big part in these. I may mention here that the returned men have also erected a fine monument in Alofi in memory of their fallen comrades, I have, <fee., Guy N. Morris, Resident Commissioner. i The Hon. the Minister in Charge-, Cook Islands Department, Wellington.

Niue Island Administration. Statement, of Revenue for the Financial Year ended 31st March, 1920. £ s. el. £ s el. Customs duties .. .. .. 1,805 10 II School fees .. .. .. .. 43 2 0 Aid to revenue .. .. . . 508 15 0 Emigration fees . . .. . . 24 0 0 Dog-tax .. .. .. .. 30 2 6 i Copra-export duty .. .. ..1,110 9 2$ High Court fees ami fines .. .. 295 19 3 New Zealand Government contribution to Native Land Court .. .. .. 22 12 0 Medical Fund .. .. .. 450 I) 0 Licenses .. .. .. .. 168 15 0 Bedanoe in hand, Ist April, 1919 .. 1,340 3 lo£ Liquor-sales .. .. .. .. 204 19 II Registration fees .. .. .. 29 19 0 £7,903 5 0 Revenue from Prist Office .. .. 1,808 16 4 ==-= Statement of Expenditure for the Financial Year ended 31st March, 1920. £ s. d. £ s. d. Niue Island Council- .. ... .'. 53 15 0 Liquor purchased .. .. .. 140 0 I Police' .. .. .. 262 I 3 Niue Public Library .. .. .. 617 10 Prisoners -Fooel and supervision .. 101 16 8 Rent, officers'quarters .. .. .. 18 0 0 Medical supplies and assistance .. . . 486 19 3 Refund to New Zealand GovernmentMedical Officer —Local travelling-expenses.. 108 7 3 Salary of Mr. A. MacDemald .. .. 490 7 0 Resident Commissioner —Local travelling- Compensation for land acquireel . . .. 33 0 0 expenses .. .. .. .. 107 11 10 Miscellaneous services .. .'. .. 72 1 0 Interpreting .. .. .. .. 58 14 0 Printing and stationery .. . . 20 5 6 3,661 10 Office fittings and requisites . . .. 118 1 Cash in hand on 31st March, £ s. d. Tufukia Sohool working-expenses .. 353 11 10 1920 .. .. .. 1,013 5 0 Maintenance, Government imilelings .. 453 13 3 Cash in Bank of New Zealanel 2,628 3 9 Maintenance, reservoirs.. .. .. 42 5 11 4,241 8 1) Maintenance, jetty, &c.. . .. .. 27 I 8 — Maintenance, roads .. .. .. 800 911 £7,903 5 0 Furniture, officers' quarters .. .. 13 8 II

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Estimated Expenditure for the Year ending 81st March, 1920. £ £ Niue Islanel Council .. .. .. .. 55 j Reservoirs .. . . .. .. .. 100 Native police—Salaries anel equipment .. 200 j Roads .. .. .. .. .. 700 Prisoners—Pood and supervision .. . • 150 Jetty, (fee. . . .. .. .. .. 100 Medical supplies and assistance .. .. 1,100 , Furniture, officers'quarters .. .. .. 100 Medical Officer —Local travelling-expenses .. 100 Liquor purchased .. .. .. .. 180 Resident Commissioner —Local travelling -expenses 100 | Library .. .. .. .. .. 10 interpreting and translation of laws .. .. 60 Rent, officers' quarters .. .. .. 20 Printing and stationery .. .. .. 75 j Miscellaneous services .. .. .. 100 Office fittings anel requisites .. .. .. 25 Education .. .. .... 500 £0,175 Government huildings .. .. .. 2,500 ■»" ■■ ■

Port of Alofi. — Return of Imports for Year ended 31st December, 1919.

Port of Alofi. — Return of Exports for Year ended 31st December, 1919.

Joseph P. MoMahon-Box, Treasurer. Alofi, Niue, Ist April, 1920. Guy N. Morris, Resident Commissioner.

Approximate CJost oj Paper. —'Preparation, not given; printing (600 copies), £22 10s.

By Authority : Mabcus F. Macks, Government Printer, Wellington.—l92o.

Price 6d.]

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4 6 0 1

4 6 0 1