11

A.—3

Vital Statistics for the Year 1915.

REPORT OF CHIEF MEDTCAL OFFICER For the Year ended 31st March, 1916. The number of cases admitted to the hospital was 106, of which 5 died. The number of persons attending as out-patients was 1,031 during the months May to March inclusive ; no record was kept for April. These persons are classified as follows : Europeans —Males, 39 (children, 10) ; females 25 (children, 16). Maoris—Males, 349 (children, 165) ; females, 248 (children, 179). As I have been alone since my return from leave in May last, it has been impossible for me to visit any of the other islands, and, as I have had no reports from them, I am unable to say anything as to the present condition of their health. Supplies of medicine for the most common complaints, dressings, &c, have been sent in accordance with the requisitions of the Resident Agents. As none of the Agents lias had any medical training the system cannot be regarded as in any way satisfactory, and considerable strengthening of the staff is absolutely necessary if the health of the people is to be properly looked after. Mangaia alone could find permanent work for ona man, Atiu, Mauke, and Mitiaro for another, and Aitutaki for another ; and there is also considerable work to be done in the Northern Islands. In Rarotonga the year has been free from any serious epidemic. A very wet summer following an abnormally dry winter and spring was responsible for a considerable amount of diarrhoea and a few cases of dysentery. As certain statements have appeared in the New Zealand papers to the effect that syphilis and leprosy are rife in the Islands, and are devastating the population, I take this opportunity of quoting figures, from Dr. Maclurkin's report on Aitutaki (December, 1912) and a special report on leprosy (July, 1914). In the former he gives twenty-one cases of syphilis out of 522 cases examined ; and in the latter fifteen cases of leprosy and four suspects isolated ; so that statements of an alarming increase in the numher of lepers must be regarded with suspicion.

Island and Village. Births. Deaths. Marriages. Rarotonga— Avarua Arorangi Titikaveka Ngatangiia Matavera 70 16 7 20 7 49 14 13 18 4 .18 4 6 5 4 Totals 120 98 37 Aitutaki— Arutanga ") Reureu [ Nikaupara) Amuri Vaipae Tautu 12 12 6 17 6 4 11 11 2 3 5 6 Totals 39 36 20 Mangaia — Oneroa Tamarua Ivirua .. 39 10 9 20 8. 12 9 1 2 • Totals 58 III 12 Penrhyn Pukapuka (no returns) Manihiki Rakahanga Atiu Mauke 13 II 7 30 22 7 14 6 14 10 7 2 3 4 9 Grand totals 300 225 94 II. '., G. Ralfe, Registrar Rarotonga, 8th May, 1916. if Courts.