A.—3

realized fair prices. With the added interest taken by growers to plant European varieties of citrus trees, a large seed-bed was prepared and Rough Lemon seeds sown. Two thousand seedlings have been planted out in the nursery for propagation purposes, and 1,100 distributed to growers who have prepared their own nursery-beds. A large amount of bud wood of approved varieties lias also been supplied to growers, following practical advice given them in budding operations. Demonstrations in all branches of citriculture have been given to growers at the nursery. The propagation of suitable citrus varieties is an important activity, and is one of the principal reasons for the establishment of the Experimental Nursery. Since 1914, varieties have been imported from Victoria, Queensland, New Zealand, California, and Florida. Since coming into bearing and maturity these have been carefully watched, and out of all the kinds planted for testing, forty-nine in all, only Valencia Late and Washington Navels have proved of outstanding commercial value. These varieties are meaty and solid, and stand handling and shipping better than the local native seedlings. Siletta and Mediterranean Sweet are also promising. Marsh Seedless grapefruit, Thorney and Beauty mandarins, and Tahitian and Persian limes, have also proved their suitability for our requirements. Mango seedlings were inarched and freely distributed. A consignment of plants was shipped to the Department of Agriculture, New South Wales, and arrived in good order. The authorities m New South Wales reciprocated with a consignment of Pecan nut-trees which have been established on the nursery, and which are doing well. Tung-oil trees (Aleurites Fordii) came to hand from New Zealand, and those planted at a slightly higher elevation are doing well. West African Oil palms (Blaeis guinesnis) have now commenced to bear fruit. These palms have been established for seven years, and have always appeared to be slow growing. The annatto trees are growing fast, and steadily bearing heavier crops. Two consignments of seed were forwarded to New Zealand during the year. Good crops should be returned when the trees attain full bearing stage. Three lots of nutmeg seed were received from Geylon. The first two packages failed to germinate, but the third, containing fresh seed, show signs of germination. Twelve plants each of nutmeg, cloves, and pepper came to hand from Ceylon. All the peppers survived', but only five nutmeg and two clove plants are at present established. Of the 212 Macadamia nuts received from Queensland, 117 have germinated. Lower and Northern Group islands have had all their requirements fulfilled. School agricultural classes continue to be held regularly, and a section of the nursery was allotted to the boys for practical work. Noxious Weeds. Much attention has been devoted to the eradication of noxious weeds on the island, and regular monthly visits have been paid to all parts of the island with satisfactory results. Elephant's Foot.—This weed has been successfully checked in many places. Experiments for its eradication were carried out with sodium chlorate, and results to date have been very satisfactory. Prosecutions.—Sixty persons were prosecuted in the High Court for breaches of the Noxious Weeds Regulations. HIGH COURT. Rarotonga . Criminal and Civil Jurisdiction.-' —In Rarotonga for the year ended 31st March, 1932, the High Court dealt with 1,307 cases-for criminal offences and breaches of regulations and local Ordinances, and eighty civil cases. Lower Group and Northern Islands. In the Lower Group and Northern Islands the Resident Agents, who are Commissioners of the High Court with limited jurisdiction, held regular sittings. The Chief Judge visited the Lower Group Islands and disposed of all cases which were exclusively within the jurisdiction of a Judge. NATIVE LAND COURT. The Court held sittings at Rarotonga, Aitutaki, Atiu, Mitiaro, Mauke, and Mangaia. At Aitutaki the disputed succession to the Ariki title of Te Urukura was determined by the Court. During the year a survey of the coast-lines of the islands of Penrhyn and Manihiki was completed , POST OFFICE. Offices— The office at Atiu (closed on 24th November, 1930, except for mails) was reopened in all branches on 9th May last. All other offices in the Group have remained open during the year for the transaction of business in accordance with the status of each. Savings-bank. —The year's work in connection with the savings-bank is summarized as follows : Deposits, £13,932 Is. 3d. ; withdrawals, £14,628 6s. Id. There is an excess of withdrawals over deposits for the year of £696 4s. lOd. (1930-31 : Withdrawals exceeded deposits by £3,205 3s. 4d.) There are 1,171 depositors in the Rarotonga Savings-bank district. The total amount at credit at the 31st March (including interest for the year) is £22,470 9s. This amount is greater by £132 13s. Id. than the amount brought forward from the preceding year —i.e., at credit on the Ist April, 1931.

10