A—4a

1948 NEW ZEALAND

TOKELAU ISLANDS

Presented to both Houses of the General Assembly by Command of his Excellency

MEMORANDUM Wellington, 31st August, 1948. I submit a report on the administration of the Tokelau Islands for the year ended 31st March, 1948, by the High Commissioner of Western Samoa, to whom the administration of these Islands has been delegated by the New Zealand Government. The Tokelau Islands have a small Native community closely allied to the inhabitants of Western Samoa in language and culture. Their isolated position brings with it difficulties in communications and trade, but the Natives, having had little contact with the outside world, have maintained an economy sufficient for their needs and under which they are reasonably happy and contented. Owing to difficulties of communication copra-production, which is the major source of income, has not been maintained at full capacity during the year. It is hoped, however, that increased shipping facilities will be arranged shortly. P. Fraser, Minister of Island Territories. CONTENTS I. General Information page 1. Geographical .. . . .. .. .. .. .. 2 2. Topographical .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 2 3. Historical .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 3 4. Population .. . . . . .. .. .. .. 5 5. Christian Missions .. .. .. .. .. .. 5 6. Administration .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 6 7. Criminal Code .. * . . . . .. .. .. .. 7 11.. Social Conditions—8. Health and Sanitation .. .. .. .. .. .. 8 9. Water-supplies .. .. . . .. .. .. .. 8 111. Educational Conditions—--10. Education . . .. .. .. .. .. .. 9 IV. Economic Conditions—--11. Soil .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 9 12. Trade and Communications .. .. .. .. .. 10 13. Finance .. .. . . .. .. .. .. .. .. 11 14. Meteorological ~ ~ ~ ~ .. ~ ~ ~ 14