STATISTICAL ORGANIZATION HE STATISTICS in this report were collected at district level and reported to the Trust Territory Headquarters Statistical Center. All statistical information is compiled by the statistical analyst at Headquarters. The Public Health Department medical records statistician collects disease and vital statistics and is re- sponsible for their compilation. A Territory-wide census was con- ducted in 1958 in collaboration with the U.S. Bureau of the Census. This census report was published by the High Commissioner’s office in June 1959, A Territory-wide head count was conducted last year in connection with a public health survey. Much of the data necessarily comes from municipal officials. Although it is Fiscal Year 1968 checked against previous reports, some sources of error cannot be controlled. Birth and death statistics are taken from registered birth and death certificates. Registration is compulsory for births, deaths, and feta] deaths, but not for marriages and divorces in all parts of the Territory or for ail sections of the population. However, birth and death registration is not complete. Distances and lack of frequent communication between some islands and the district administrative centers impede reporting and registration. Efforts to extend coverage and improve reporting by closer supervision and education continue. The Trust Territory furnishes statistics to the South Pacific Commission. Communicable diseases are reported monthly to the World Health Organization and the South Pacific Commission. other United Statistics Nations agencies on request. are sent to specialized 165 17/