ARORAE ISLAND 02°38'S 176°49'E GILBERT ARCHIPELAGO General Arorae Island belongs to the Southern Gilberts British Crown Colony which is administered by a Resident Commissioner whose headquarters are at Bairiki, Tarawa. The island is administered locally by a British appointed Native Magistrate who has offices in the Government Station located between the two villages of Tamaroa and Roreti on the west side of the island. Physical Data The island with elevations to 15-ft. is about 5 miles long ina northwesterly and southeasterly direction and one mile wide. The western side is fronted by sunken reefs, spits and coral patches, however, a fringing reef up to 600 yards in width encircles most of the island and extends about 2 miles from the northwestern point with depths of 2to 4 fathoms. The best landing area is on a beach near the center of the west side of the island. The reef extends out approximately 400 yards in this area but all coral heads have been cleared for a distance of 300 yards. The surf breaks quite heavily approximately 100 yards in from the outer edge of the reef. From this point to a sandy beach, which slopes upward at about a 15° angle to the edge of the palm trees there is clear water, 1 to 2-ft. deep. Tropical vegetation is scarce, evidently native flora does not appear to grow spontaneously. The planted flora is largely restricted to salt-tolerating plants: i.e.. coconut palm, pandanus, breadfruit, hibiscus and taro. ies. There are no snakes and only a few lizard spec- There is a great variety of marine life. Climate The northeasterly trade winds blow from March through October and from September through February, westerly winds also blow in this area. Rainfall varies considerably, and periodic droughts last many months, with as little as 8 inches of rainoccurring in one year. During the dry season, from March to November, average monthly precipitation measurements of 2 to 7 inches have been recorded; during the wet season. from December to February, mon- thly precipitation measurements of 11 to 12 inches have been recorded. The temperatures and humidity are high, but are moderated by oceanic influences. The monthly temperatures average between 80° and 85°F. Afternoon temper- ature highs are from 91° to 94°F and at night drop to 70°-75°9F. humidity is from 70 to 80 percent. There is no fog. Relative Facilities There is a government radio station and an airstrip large enough to accommodate DC~4 type aircraft. There is no scheduled air service to Arorae; however, Fiji Airways has a scheduled weekly flight between Tarawa and Funafuta, Ellice Islands. There are no stores: however, fish, pigs, poultry and vegetables can be purchased from the natives. vehicles. Fresh water is a critical item. 43-1 There are no hotels nor rental VOL II April 1969