A—3

The regular shipping service between the Group and New Zealand has been maintained by the New Zealand Government motor-vessel " Maui Pomare " during the year, with occasional calls by trans-Pacific cargo-vessels of the Union Steam Ship Co., Ltd. When citrus production from the newly replanted areas is at its height, the need will arise for further shipping space to cope with increased exports. For this reason it is fortuitous that a new vessel, at present under construction for the Union Steam Ship Co., Ltd., is expected to come on to the Islands run early in 1951 and should be able to assist. Within the Group, shipping services have been provided by commercially owned launches and schooners. A significant addition to the fleet has been made during the year with the arrival in the Group of the m.v. " Charlotte Donald," a Diesel-engined vessel of 300 tons cargo capacity. A twin-screw auxiliary ketch, the " Ranui," has been purchased during the period under review for use as Administration vessel and will enable close contacts to be maintained with outer islands. She should be of particular value in cases of urgent sickness. H.M.N.Z.S. " Hawea," a frigate of the Royal New Zealand Navy, visited Lower Group islands in June, and her sister ship " Kaniere " cruised through the Northern Group in the following month. The London Missionary Society's vessel " John Williams VI " was at Rarotonga on a visit in October. F. Public Finance New Zealand currency is in use in the Group. Revenue is derived principally under three heads—import duty, income-tax, and stamp sales. The amounts derived from these sources during the year were £36,531, £17,800, and £19,960 respectively. A new pictorial issue of Cook Island stamps, replacing the 1932 issue, was put on sale in August. The following table sets out the details of revenue, expenditure, and subsidies or grants from the New Zealand Government over the last twenty years.

23

Subsidies and Revenue Expenditure Amount spent on Year. Grants from Obtained in of the New Zealand the Territory. Territory. Education. Health. Public Works. £ £ £ £ £ £ 1930-31 17,483 22,888 37,852 9,499 4,658 4,905 1931-32 17,464 25,430 40,582 7,730 5,534 5,217 1932-33 13,850 27,458 40,896 7,891 8,482 2,724 1933-34 11,013 25,518 38,744 ; 8,800 8,155 2,742 1934-35 11,343 26,468 41,430 8,115 8,965 2,163 1935-36 15,568 24,989 40,692 8,786 6,548 2,093 1936-37 13,816 30,268 42,713 9,318 9,179 3,307 1937-38 11,000 45,599 47,207 9,046 8,326 3,827 1938-39 22,112 27,967 58,016 9,306 12,380 5,995 1939-40 24,000 24,943 53,204 8,993 10,069 4,937 1940-41 24,000 26,889 48,345 9,332 10,940 3,709 1941-42 24,000 25,395 46,951 9,513 10,795 4,975 1942-43 19,000 29,748 47,857 8,989 10,370 2,967 1943-44 27,000 | 40,818 59,798 9,846 10,116 5,504 1944-45 79,469 40,228 120,239 10,707 16,202 10,153* 1945-i6 43,669 49,337 93,017 15,035 31,429 8,230 1946-47 18,313 73,999 107,530 19,796 25,176 18,874 1947-48 70,991 78,773 147,106 25,644 29,398 33,147 1948-49 100,249 85,822 207,302 35,659 44,652 36,206 1949-50 155,514 131,281 259,806 42,221 44,777 35,204 * Excludes expenditure on airfield, £48,992.