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The health of the people for the past twelve months has not been good. Following the broncho-pneumonia epidemic in March, 1947, there was an outbreak of mumps in June which is still affecting the people, although fortunately no deaths have resulted. Influenza and broncho-pneumonia again became prevalent in October. In November, 1947, an epidemic of whooping-cough broke out on the island. At least 50 per cent, of the population were affected in a very short space of time, and the total deaths to 31st March, 1948, due to this disease were fifty-eight, all being children — fifty-seven under the age of two years and one under five years. Cases are still occurring, although the critical point of severity was in December. Dr. J. C. E. Buchanan, Inspector-General, South Pacific Health Service, visited Niue on 30th and 31st May, 1947, when medical matters and the outline of policv considered advantageous to follow were fully discussed. Dr. C. J. Austin, Medical Superintendent, Makogai Leper Station, visited the island on 22nd August, 1947, when he showed moving pictures (combined with a lecture) on the life in Makogai to a large and appreciative audience. Dr. Austin also gave valuable and helpful advice regarding leprosy. There is one hospital of ten beds, ecpiipped with operating-theatre, x-ray unit, dental clinic, out-patients' accommodation, &c. A mobile child-welfare clinic is under construction and will be used by the District Nurse in examining children in their own villages and treating minor ailments. 50. Housing Housing, except for Administration buildings, is principally Native style. Owing to shortage of roofing-materials there is some difficulty in carrying out repair work at present. The building programme which has been commenced includes four residences and additions to schools. Development programmes include improvement of roads, landing facilities, deepwell water-supply, workshops, and airport. The last mentioned was intended to be constructed during 1948, but owing to urgency of other works, work has had to be suspended in the meantime. 51. Police The police establishment at 31st March, 1948, was as follows : One European police officer in charge, one Native sergeant, and twelve Native constables. There is a constable in each village of the island, with two constables in Alofi, the main village, which naturally falls into two 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. The standard of efficiency of the constables is showing improvement. PART lII.—EDUCATIONAL CONDITIONS 52. Education The aim of the educational system is to raise the intellectual and cultural standard of all the Natives and specifically to select and have trained the most promising children for ultimate participation in the management of their own affairs. To this end the coverage of the Administration schools is being expanded and a system of scholarships to New Zealand schools has been instituted. The Administration maintains three schools, which are under the control of a European Education Officer, assisted by a European infant-mistress. Some fifty Niuean teachers and assistants are also employed. In addition, the London Missionary Society maintains schools in the villages in which there are no Administration schools. A subsidy of £5OO per annum is paid to the society.

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