A. -3

38

The following are the particulars of the departures and arrivals: —

Of those who went to Tonga and Maiden Island twenty and seventy-three respectively were indentured labourers under contract to be returned to Niue during 1913. During the past two years I have succeeded in making more satisfactory contracts for Niuean labour in Tonga and Maiden Island, whereby at least 50 per cent, of the total wages earned must be paid to the men when they reach home. Under this system the Natives are returned promptly to their home at the end of the contract period, while the wives and dependents participate in the distribution of at least half of the wages earned. This practice is giving satisfaction to all concerned. Meteorological. The following is a summary of the meteorological readings for the year 1912 : —

The rainfall was the smallest recorded for seven years. Preservation of Native Birds. The time has arrived, I think, when an effort should be made to prevent the native pigeons, doves, and parrakeets from becoming extinct. Nearly every Native has a sporting shot-gun of some kind, and the reckless destruction of the birds for food purposes that is constantly going on must result in their speedy extermination, unless sOme preventive measures are taken to save them. On several occasions I have brought the matter under the notice of the Island Council and the people generally, but they are averse to any protective laws being enacted. Under the Niue Island Arms Ordinance, 1903, it is illegal for any one to sell or give to any Native rifled arms and revolvers, or any ammunition therefor, but there is no restriction placed on the importation, sale, or gift of sporting shot-guns and ammunition. As it is hopeless to expect the Island Council to legislate with the view of preventing the indiscriminate destruction of the birds, I think it is a matter which calls for assistance from the Government of New Zealand. Under section 17 of the Cook Islands Government Act, 1908, the Governor has power to deal with a position such as I have indicated by prohibiting or regulating the importation of anything which in his opinion is likely to be injurious to the inhabitants, and I recommend this course for your consideration. I have, Arc, H. Cornwall, Niue, 15th April, 1913. Resident Commissioner.

Place of A rrival ,11 fi from or 'eparture to. Departures. Arrival ,1s. New Zealand Tonga German Samoa American Samoa Papua New Guinea.. Cook Islands .-,... Maiden Island £j.. I Totals ]^.. id 22 30 9 13 4 17 39 34 6 13 3 65 73 151 177

temperature m ide. Ra fall. Highest. Month. Lowest. Month. Mean Mean Mean ? Maximum Minimum Range I ,/, for Year. for Year. I for Year, \\-d~: t u Fall for the Year. Deg. Fahr. 97 Deg. Fahr. January 58 October Deg. Fahr. Deg. Fahr. - Deg. Fahr. 85-4 69-3 16 1 161 Inches. 66-07