§ 38. Mr. Parkerasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what steps are being taken to collect adequate vital statistics in the New Hebrides; and whether information on the decline in the native population, particularly in Malekula, is sufficient to throw light on the causes and possible remedies of the decline.
§ Mr. Rees-WilliamsOwing to the size of the various districts of the Condominium, lack of transport and shortage of staff, it has only been possible to undertake the collection of vital statistics to some extent in the south and centre of the New Hebrides group. The 1910 figures of population are not considered reliable, but the probable decline in the native population of Malekula is attributable to severe mortality during recent years from epidemics of influenza and whooping cough. In the more settled areas the population is estimated to have increased during recent years.