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Vital Statistics for the Year ended 31st March, 1922.

Public Works Department. Mr. E. A. Reid, in addition to his duties as Fruit Inspector, took over charge of this Department at the end of February, 1921, and commenced work by taking stock. Proper property and stock lists were prepared, showing the property, tools, and stock then in hand belonging to the Department, arranged under the following subheadings : Water, Painting, Building and Carpentering, Experimental Farm, Fruit Inspection, Survey, and General Public Works. From the stock-lists a stock-book was compiled in which is recorded, in addition to the stock then found to be in hand, all stock from time to time coming to hand. ■ A delivery-book was also set up, showing all issues from stock from time to time made, and the works on which such issues were to be used. A book was also opened in which is recorded the number of men employed each day by the Department, and the work upon which each man is engaged, also the time he worked while so engaged, so that the value of his work may be charged against each separate job. The following system is carried out : The property-lists are revised every six months, and the stock in hand checked with the stock and delivery books every three months. A wages-sheet is also supplied to the Treasury every week, showing the works against which wages are to be charged. A. monthly return is supplied to the Commissioner and Treasurer, showing the materials used from stock during the month, and the works upon which they were used, also all issues of benzine during the month. The above system, together with the books referred to, was explained and shown to the Government Auditor when he was in Rarotonga, and was approved by him as being sufficient. Separate stock and delivery books arc kept in connection with the shooks used by the Native companies. Owing to lack of funds no new public works have been undertaken during the year, but all that it was possible to do within the scope of the funds available in the way of repairing and bringing existing works up to a reasonable standard, has been done. A statement is attached showing the main extensions, repairs, and improvements to Government buildings and property that have been carried out by the Department during the year, but in addition there were, of course, the usual repairs to bridges, water-mains (almost of daily occurrence), telephone-lines, &c. A statement is also attached showing the furniture, for use in Government buildings, that has been manufactured in the carpenters and joiners' shop when the carpenters were not otherwise employed on general building or repair work. The Resident Commissioner has recorded his appreciation of the valuable service rendered to the Administration by Mr, E. A. Reid, who, in addition to his ordinary duties of Fruit Inspector, has organized and superintended and carried out the work of this Department. Statement showing Repairs, Extensions, and Improvements to Government Buildings carried out betiveen Ist March, 1921, and 31st March, 1922. Ngatipa. —General repairs to building ; extending back veranda and constructing open-air diningroom ; constructing concrete floor to lavatory ; painting inside and outside and roof ; laying out. grounds, making flower-borders, paths, &c. Government Buildings. —Removing old printing-office store from back veranda ; building private office for Treasurer ; fitting Commissioner's Office with gauze windows ; fitting Post Office with netted doors ; making and fitting counter and grill, Registrar's Office ; making and fitting grill for Post Office counter; making and fitting shelves in Bond Store and Customs Parcels Department; building septic tank ; erecting urinals and patent lavatory in connection with Government offices, including necessary water connections ; painting roof of Government buildings ; laying out and improving grounds. Whare Manuhiri. —Repairing doors and windows ; building new bathroom and lavatory ; concreting right-of-ways ; constructing concrete floors to ladies' bathroom and lavatory ; building septic tank ; painting part of interior and roof ; constructing footpaths ami improving grounds.

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Island. Rarotonga Aitutaki Mangaia Atiu Mauke Penrhyn Manihiki Rakahanga Mitiaro firths. Maori. European. M. F. M. F. 63 59 2 3 21 16 36 24 20 14 13 18 2 1 5 5 2 4 .. .. 162 141 2 3 Deaths. Maori. European. M. F. M. F. 26* 23 .. 1 7 9 I 20 22 .... 20 12 12 6 3 1 88 73 1 1 M. 39 21 8 Me F. 39 22t 9f 5 3 7 Ma: ,ori. riages. European. M. F. i 'it :: it .. 5 3 7 1 2 1 2 .. i 86 88 2 * Includes oni China: .an. Carried Native w< unan.