A—3

PART V.—MISCELLANEOUS 28. Meteorological Report Comparative statistics for the last five years are as follows :

Average temperatures for the rear were normal, though a lower than usual minimum was recorded. Humidity was lower than average. Weather was generally good with more equitable distribution of rainfall throughout the year. The Group again escaped serious storms. One hurricane warning was received, but the centre passed west of EarotOnga on the night of 14th-15th February. Prior to 1947, Earotonga Radio was responsible for meteorological observations, but following the advent of regular air services a permanent trained Meteorological Officer was appointed. Observations by trained Native observers are taken throughout the Group, and additional youths now in training will enable the number of daily observations at all stations to be increased. All weather reports are transmitted to a central meteorological office in Fiji, which is responsible for their co-ordination and for the supplying of weather information as required for the whole of the South-east Pacific area. , 29. Visits Princess Te Puea Herangi, one of the leaders of the Maori race, accompanied by a large party of New Zealand Maoris, visited Aitutaki and Rarotonga in June, 1947. An extensive official and private programme of entertainment was carried out. H.M.N.Z.S. " Arbutus " visited the Group for the second time in May and June, 1947. Owing to the outbreak of influenza and whooping-cough, no contact was made with the shore at Rarotonga, but suitable programmes of entertainment for officers and men were carried out in other Lower Group and Northern Group islands, which were visited later in the cruise. Dr. Buchanan, Inspector-General, South Pacific Health Service, visited Aitutaki and Rarotonga in August and inspected hospitals and medical facilities generally. Miss Abraham, a qualified dietitian, visited Rarotonga in September to investigate and report on dietetic conditions. Mr. R. T. G. Patrick, Secretary of Island Territories, visited Rarotonga in November, 1947, to represent the Government at the first session of the Legislative Council of the Cook Islands. Other visitors to the Group included Dr. Stanner, who was preparing a report for the Institute of Pacific Relations, and Professor Peren, of Massey Agricultural College, New Zealand, wko was investigating agricultural conditions on behalf of his college.

22

— 1943. 1944. 1945. 1946. 1947. Total rainfall (inches) Number of rainy days 79-59 112 64-76 116 90-02 233 84-2 207 93-11 219 Highest for anvdav (inches) .. 4-76 2-85 4-63 3-6 4-43 Date 14 Oct, 22 Feb. 11 Aug. 10 Mar. 3 Feb. Highest temperature (f.) Date 88 27 Feb. S7 9 Mar. 88-5 15 Mar. 90-2 19 Jan. 88 13 Feb. Lowest temperature (f.) Date Mean of maximum thermometer (F.) Mean of minimum thermometer (F.) Average Temperature (f.) 56 1 Sept. 81-4 12 Aug. 80 58-5 8 June 80-9 58-0 10 July. 81 55 5 Sept, 81 704 69 70-3 09-3 69-3 75-2