A—3

The police establishment at'3lst March, 1946, was as follows: 1 European police officer in charge; 1 Native sergeant; 12 Native constables. There is a constable for each village of the island. Besides police work, the village constables undertake a number of other duties and generally act as liaison officers between the Administration and the village people. The general standard of efficiency of the Native police is not high, but is showing some improvement.

Population A census of Niue was taken on 25th. September, 1945. The last census prior to that date was in 1936. The population as determined by the census was as follows :

' The estimated population on 31st December, 1944, had been 4,200. These figures show an increase in population of 149 since the 1936 census. Various factors have contributed to keeping the population almost stationary. The lack of areas of fertile and workable soil probably will always be a limiting factor on the population of Niue, and many of the people have left to seek employment elsewhere. There was also an excess of deaths over births during 1943 and 1944 due to sickness recorded in the last report, but the situation now shows improvement. A summary of births and deaths during the year ended 31st December, 1945, is as follows: Births .. .. .. .. .. .. 160 Deaths .. .. .. .. .. .. 101 Births per 1,000 of population .. .. .. 37 • 42 Deaths per 1,000 of population .. .. .. 23-62 Infant mortality per 1,000 births .. .. .. 118*7 The estimated population on 31st March, 1946, was 4,289, comprised of 4,271 Natives and 18 Europeans. Public Works This Department is in charge of a part-Niuean. Considerable extensions were made to the jetty at the Alofi Landing during the year. The work now completed enables two lighters to be handled in the channel instead of one only as previously. Additional space for the handling of cargo and the storage of boats is also provided. Work on the erection of the dental-clinic building was begun before the end of 1945, and although there have been some delays due to shortage of materials, the building is now practically completed and is already in use. Attention was given to the complete renovation of the hospital buildings and the Chief Medical Officer's residence. Other buildings were maintained in good repair. A beginning was made on extensive road repairs in January, 1946, and work continued until March. Weather conditions in these months are the most suitable for road-work, having regard to the materials used. Improvement of existing roads and opening up of new roads, especially to " bush " planations, is essential for development of the banana trade, which must be the main stand-by in normal times.

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— Males. Eemales. Total. Europeans 13 9 22 Natives 2,044 2,187 4,231 Total 2,057 2,196 4,253