A—3

Three class-rooms were thatched towards the end of 1945, but all eight class-rooms had to be rethatched after the storm in January, 1946. Calico screens have been made, and these provide wind-breaks for six class-rooms. A new concrete tank with a capacity of 10,000 gallons has been erected ; a new road, 1| miles long, from Manukea to Tumai has been made ; Administration buildings have been kept in good condition ; and improvements have also been effected at the main landing, Taunganui. The orange crop and Native food plantations suffered damage during the storm in January, 1946 ; the orange shipments during 1946 will be reduced, but Native food plantations have been restored, and the Island Council is active in encouraging and supervising further plantings.

Mauke

The general health of the people has been good, but a widespread epidemic of trachoma occurred in February and March, 1946, which necessitated closing the schools to limit the spread of the disease. Women's committees ensure that houses and surroundings in the settlements are kept clean and tidy; the Resident Agent and Island Council regularly inspect the villages and houses. The orange crop and Native food plantations suffered severe damage by storm in January, 1946, but the whole male population has since been busy replanting their food crops. Continuous planting of food crops in rotation is enforced by the Island CouncilStorm damage to buildings has been repaired and Administration buildings have been returned to good condition. A new concrete tank of 10,000 gallons capacity has been erected and all other tanks have been repaired and restored to usefulness. Main and settlement roads have been maintained and a good deal of work has been done on plantation roads. The Resident Agent, Mr. David Brown, died suddenly in June, 1945. The island has been administered since then by the Island Council, with the Native wireless operator as Clerk in Charge.

Mitiaro

With the exception of an epidemic of trachoma in February and March, 1946, the general health of the population has been good. Minor damage was done by the storm in January, 1946, and Native food plantations have been restored. No copra was made during the year; the entire ■crop of oranges, equivalent to approximately 540 cases, was sent by schooner to Barotonga for conversion into orange-juice.

15

.— 1941-42. 1942-43. 1943-44. * 1944-45. 1945-46. Shipping calls during year .. Cases of oranges exported High Court cases dealt with .. 11 16,961 244 8 9,196 85 11 10,101 141 10 9,097 80 11 6,530 65

— 1941-42. 1942-43. 1943-44. 1944-45. 1945-46. Shipping calls during year High Court cases dealt with .. 3 48 5 5 53 6 4