A—3

European Nursing Sister is combating these practices and encouraging a changed "attitude amongst parents who have hitherto shown little appreciation of this problem. Daily supplies of malted milk to school-children are provided,: and this scheme continues to show beneficial results. Difficulty is still experienced in obtaining the services of qualified European medical staff; also, continuity of the work is without doubt adversely affected by short-term appointments. The services of the two Niuean students at the Central Medical School, Suva, and the three student nurses at the Apia Hospital, Western Samoa, will become available early in 1951. Child welfare work, which is now in its fifth year, is carried out by a European Nursing Sister who visits every village weekly. A clinic is held, and homes are visited to see sick children. Practical demonstrations were given to show the rudiments of' hygiene and the preparing, cooking, and feeding of suitable native foods to infants, but the attendances were not encouraging. A recognized infant-food is issued free of charge where considered necessary by the medical authorities. Children in the Administration schools were inspected during the year by the Medical Practitioner. Lectures in elementary hygiene were again given to the Administration school-teachers, who also carry out routine treatment of minor skin-diseases among the school-children. All children and teachers of the Administration and mission schools are regularly examined and are given dental treatment where necessary. Dental Officers also give lectures on the care of teeth. D. Housing Conditions and Programmes By local Ordinance, all dwellinghouses must be provided with proper and sufficient ventilation, and the medical authorities have power to condemn dwellinghouses considered unfit for habitation. For a number of years, construction of Native houses was of coral stone foundations coated with cement, native timber, lime plaster walls, and a corrugated-iron roof. Owing to the difficulty of obtaining supplies of corrugated-iron and cement, the recent tendency has been for houses to be constructed in more simple style with the walls and roof made of coconut-leaf thatch. This type of house, whilst not so imposing as the former structure, provides natural ventilation and is considered to be far more healthy. The Administration is proceeding, with the development programmes outlined in the last report. Two houses and a new Residency are now partially completed. In addition, the programme provides for another house, new prison quarters, improvements to public buildings and roads, and extension of water-supplies. During the year, the Administration assisted the local mission in the reconstruction of accommodation for theological students. E. Welfare and Relief The aged people in each village are under the protective surveillance of the Niuean constable, and this, together with periodic visits by the European Police Officer in Charge, ensures that they are being properly cared for. The Church authorities supply food and clothing in some cases. PART lII—EDUCATIONAL CONDITIONS The educational policy outlined in the 1949 annual report is being continued. The difficulties and disadvantages of teaching the Niuean children solely in the English language were placed before the Island Council in September, 1949. Members, after discussing the matter very fully, unanimously passed the following resolution: — " The proposal to teach in Niuean as well as in English in Administration schools is agreed to by the Island Council and it is recommended that the-

38