A.—3.

The number of prosecutions in the High Court as a result of police activities during the year was 1,356, an increase of 105 cases compared with last year. Fines amounting to £1,024 9s. 3d. were imposed, of which £202 4s. 9d. was collected, compared with £863 imposed and £182 9s. 6d. collected during the previous year. Unpaid fines are required to be worked out on public works. During the year 121 dogs were registered and fees totalling £60 10s. were collected. Many unregistered and stray dogs were destroyed by the police. Thirty-six owners were prosecuted for failing to register their dogs. Fees amounting to £221 16s. lOd. were collected under the Motor-vehicle Regulations, compared with £206 lis. Bd. for the previous year. Ninety-seven cinematograph films, totalling 498,484 ft., were submitted for censoring during the year. Of these, four were rejected as unsuitable for exhibition within the Cook Islands, and cuts were made in others. The Chief Officer of Police, as Bailiff of the High Court, served thirty-one civil summonses during the year. Meteorological. The total rainfall at the Radio-station, Rarotonga, for the year ended 31st March, 1940, was 108-61 in. The heaviest rainfall in twenty-four hours was 7'2oin. on the 19th March. The previous heaviest rainfall registered was 9-63 in. on the 10th December, 1936. The highest reading of the Fahrenheit thermometer in the shade was 88 degrees on the 14th January and 6th February. The lowest reading was 57 degrees on the 12th July. The mean of the maximum thermometer for the year was 80-97 degrees and the mean of the minimum thermometer 70-32 degrees. The lowest reading of the barometer was 29-751 on the 10th February and the 20th March, 1940.

LOWER COOK ISLANDS. Aitutaki. Trade and Shipping.—There were nine shipping calls during the year. The orange crop was poor, and only 7,750 cases were exported. High Court. —Criminal cases for the year totalled 239, and none was of a serious nature. There were no civil cases. Health. —The general health of the people has been satisfactory. There was a mild influenza epidemic in July with no serious cases. The Chief Medical Officer visited the Island in April and July and the Assistant Medical Officer paid a visit in June. Schools have been visited regularly and all children inspected. Public Works. —Roads and all Government property have been kept in good order and condition. Three 5,000 gallon tanks and one of 1,600 gallons capacity were erected during the past year, and repairs to various catchments were also effected. Part of the Vaimaru Spring was concreted. Education. —The school roll at 31st March was 474. Attendance and work for the year have been good. Planting of Lands. —Planting of lands has been heavy and ample foodstuffs are available. Atiu. Trade and Shipping.—There were eleven shipping calls during the year. A total of 17,114 cases of oranges was exported for the season. Owing to the low price offering, no copra was made. High Court. —Court has been held at regular intervals, and 171 cases, none of a serious nature, were heard. Health. —The general health of the people has been good. Visits from the Chief Medical Officer and Assistant Medical Officer were received on three occasions during the period. The Native Nurse, trained in Rarotonga, is doing good work, particularly in the child-welfare movement. Public Works. —Constant work on the main road and subsidiary roads to the fruit-lands has been carried on. A new cottage hospital and house for the Native Medical Practitioner have been erected in the main settlement of Teenui. The water-supply has received considerable attention, and tanks have been maintained in good condition. Education.—Attendance at the school, which is under the guidance of a Native Head Teacher, has been good. The people rethatched two schoolrooms and also commenced work on two new class-rooms. Planting.—Planting during the year has been very satisfactory. All Native foods are planted in profusion and are carefully cultivated.

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