A—3

Police The police establishment at 31st March, 1947, was as follows : 1 European police officer in charge, 1 Native sergeant, and 12 Native constables., There is a constable for each village of the Island, with two constables in Alofi, the main village, which falls naturally into sections. The Native constables undertake a number of duties outside ordinary police work, and, generally speaking, act as liaison officers between the Administration and the people. Following the appointment of a trained police officer the general standard of efficiency is now showing marked improvement. Periodical instruction in all phases of police work is being given. Population The estimated population at 31st March, 1947, was as follows :

A summary of births and deaths during the calendar year 1946 is as under Births .. .. .. .. .. .. 165 Deaths .. .. .. .. .. 80 Births per 1,000 of population .. . . . . 37-97 Deaths per 1,000 of population .. .. .. 18-41 Infant mortality per 1,000 births .. .. .. 84-8 The excess of births over deaths is notable when compared with more recent years. The infant-mortality rate also shows decided improvement. Public Works This Department is in charge of a part-Niuean. During most of the year, however, supervisory assistance has been given by one of the senior administrative officers. New works dealt with have bepn the final completion of the dental clinic building and the laying-down of the foundation for the x-ray block. The usual maintenance of buildings has been carried out. Special attention has been given to the Residency and main Office building and two of the other residences. Repairs to village water-supplies have been carried out, and catchment areas in several cases have been completely rebuilt. Work on the roads has been proceeded with throughout the year, but has been mainly confined to widening and straightening in the Makefu and Lakepa districts. This work was temporarily suspended for part of the year owing to the use of vehicles and labour on the installation of the telephone system. All boats have been maintained in good repair, but the oldest boat has now reached the stage where it requires replacement. Transport For the greater part of the year this Department was in charge of a part-Muean. A European mechanic was appointed and took up duties in January, 1947. Difficulties in the adequate maintenance of the motor-vehicles and other engines are still being experienced on account of delays in receiving spare parts and also alack of essential workshop facilities. This latter is being gradually remedied. In addition to twelve motor-vehicles, the Transport Department is responsible for the maintenance of the launch-engine, the Diesel engines at the wireless station, and the engine which is stationed at the hospital to supply lights and power for the x-ray plant.

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— Males. Females. Total. Europeans 18 7 25 Natives 2,082 2,221 4,303 Total 2,100 2,228 4,328