Papers Past | Parliamentary Papers | Appendix to the Journals of the House of Representatives | 1939 Session I | MANDATED TERRITORY OF WESTERN SAMOA (NINETEENTH...

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1939. NEW ZEALAND.

MANDATED TERRITORY OF WESTERN SAMOA (NINETEENTH REPORT OF THE GOVERNMENT OF NEW ZEALAND ON THE ADMINISTRATION OF, FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31st MARCH, 1939).

Presented to both Houses of the General Assembly by Leave.

Sir, — Prime Minister's Office, Wellington, N.Z., Bth August, 1939. I have the honour to forward herewith the Nineteenth Annual Report on the Mandated Territory of Western Samoa, for the year ended 31st March, 1939. This report has been prepared by the Administrator of Western Samoa, and adopted by the New Zealand Government as its report for the purposes of Article 6 of the Mandate, and in conformity with Article 22 of the Covenant of the League of Nations. A copy has been forwarded direct to each member of the Permanent Mandates Commission, and 120 additional copies have been despatched to you under separate cover. I have the honour to be, Sir, Your obedient servant, M. J. Savage, The Secretary-General, League of Nations, Geneva. Prime Minister.

TABLE OF CONTENTS.

PAGE I.—lntroductory .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 2 II. —Status of the Territory .. .. .. .. .. .. 2 111. —Status of the Population . . . . . . .. .. 2 IV.—lnternational Relations .. . . . . .. .. .. 3 V. —General Administration . . . . . . . . .. .. 4 VI. —Public Finance .. .. .. .. .. .. 8 VII. —Direct Taxes .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 14 VIII. —Indirect Taxes .. .. .. .. .. .. 14 IX.—Trade .. .. .. .. .. . . .. .. 14 X.—Judicial Organization .. . . . . . . .. .. 16 Xl.—Police and Prisons .. .. . . . . .. .. 20 Xll.—Defence of the Territory . . .. . . .. . . . . 20 Xlll.—Arms and Ammunition .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 20 XIV. —Social Condition of the Natives .. . . .. . . .. 20 XV.—Labour .. .. .. .. .. . . . . .. 21 XVI. —Freedom of Conscience .. .. .. . . .. . . .. 21 XVll.—Education .. .. .. . . . . .. .. .. 22 XVIII. —Liquor and Drugs .. .. .. .. .. .. 24 XlX.—Health .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 25 XX. —Land Tenure .. .. . . . . .. .. .. 29 XXI. —Forests and Agriculture .. .. .. . . .. .. 29 XXll.—Mines .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 30 XXIII. —Population . . .. .. .. . . . . .. 30 XXlV.—Public Works .. .. .. .. .. . . .. .. 30 Appendices : Charts — Details of Quantities of Exports, 1923-38 .. .. .. .. 31 Copra Production, 1910-38 .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 32 Values of Import, Export, and Total Trade of Western Samoa, 1925-38 .. .. 33 Illustrations — Dental Clinic, Apia .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 35-37 Map— Western Samoa, with inset showing geographical position of the Territory.

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I.—INTRODUCTORY. Inquiries concerning points in the 1937-38 report, made by members of the Permanent Mandates Commission during the thirty-fifth session, are answered in the succeeding pages as follows :—

Western Samoa is comprised of two large islands, Upolu and Savai'i, and the islets of Apolima, Manono, Fanuatapu, Namua, Nu'utele, Nu'ulua, and Nu'usafe'e. The geographical boundaries are latitudes 13 degrees and 15 degrees south and longitudes 171 degrees and 173 degrees west. Upolu and Savai'i are each forty-seven miles long and separated by Apolima Strait, eight miles wide, in which is situated Apolima Islet; the remainder of the islets are found within or near the fringing reef surrounding Upolu. The islands of the Group, which cover an area of 1,133 square miles, are mountainous in character, rising to elevations of 6,094 ft. in Savai'i and 3,608 ft. in Upolu. As a result the great majority of Natives live in coast villages, there being eleven inland villages only out of a total of 192 in the whole Territory. The climate is mild and equable, the average temperature during the last eleven years being 79-3 degrees Fahrenheit, and the average rainfall for the same period 120-59 in. per annum. At the 31st March, 1939, the Native population was 55,558 and the non-Native population 3,748 : total, 59,306 persons. lI.—STATUS OF THE TERRITORY. The Territory is administered pursuant to a mandate conferred upon His Britannic Majesty, to be exercised on his behalf by the Government of the Dominion of New Zealand, and confirmed by the Council of the League of Nations on the 17th December, 1920. lII.—STATUS OF THE POPULATION. The Natives of Western Samoa are described in documents of travel as " British-protected persons, Natives of the Mandated Territory of Western Samoa." The provisions of the British Nationality and Status of Aliens (in New Zealand) Act, 1928, allow individual inhabitants of the Territory voluntarily to obtain British naturalization. Since 1923 certificates of naturalization have been granted to fifteen Native Samoans and to nineteen Europeans. As anticipated in last year's report, the Samoan Status Ordinance 1934 has been amended by deleting its former requirement that part-Samoans of European status on applying for the legal status of Samoans should " live as Samoans." This was done in response to representations made on the ground that Samoans themselves are under no such legal obligation. Actually, however, there has been no application during this year by any part-Samoan of European status to become a Samoan, whereas twenty-eight part-Samoans of Samoan status applied for and were granted registration as Europeans during the period of compilation of the electoral roll for the two European elective seats in the Legislative Council. There is no legal bar to part-Samoans of one-half or more Samoan blood acquiring the legal status of either Samoans or Europeans, and then reverting to their former status if they find the experience unsatisfactory, though actually no person has yet done sof 1 ). A legitimately born European of less than

( 1 ) See minutes of thirty-fifth session of Permanent Mandates Commission, page 160.

Minutes of ThirtyPermanent Mandates Ee P ort fOT 1938 - 89 - Subject. Commission. Page. Chapter. Page. Banana inquiry (M. Giraud) .. .. .. .. .. 164 XXT 29 Changes in status of persons of mixed blood (M. van Asbeok) .. 160 III 2 Employment of Natives (Mr. Weaver) .. .. .. .. 167 XV 21 Forests (Count de P. Garcia) .. .. .. .. .. 170 XXI 29 German nationals (M. van Asbeck) .. . . .. .. 160 XXIII 30 German school (Mile. Dannevig) .. . . . . .. 169 XVII 24 Health in prisons (M. van Asbeck) .. .. . . .. 163 XIX 27 Imported labour (M. Palacios) .. .. .. .. ,. 167 XV 21 International conventions (Count de P. Garcia) .. .. .. 156 IV 3 Mau influence (M. van Asbeck) .. .. .. .. 157 V 6 Missions (M. Palacios) .. .. .. .. .. .. 168 XVI 21 Native banana-producers (M. Giraud) .. .. . . .. 164 XXI 30 Native depositors in Post Office Savings-bank (M. Giraud) . . .. 164 V 7 Ostracism (Mile. Dannevig) .. .. .. .. .. 166 XIV 21 Parallel systems of village administration (M. van Asbeck) .. . . 165 V 5 Persons of European/Samoan blood (Lord Hailey) .. . . 162 V 6 Public debt (M. Rappard) .. .. .. .. .. 161 VI 11 Remuneration of Pulenu'u (M. van Asbeck) .. .. .. 159 V 6 Training of Samoan associate Judges (M. van Asbeck) . . . . 163 X 16 Women's committees (Count de P. Garcia) .. .. .. 169 XIX 27

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half-Samoan blood cannot become a Samoan, nor can a full Samoan become a European. The principal legal consequences of a change of status from that of a Samoan to that of a European are that the applicant forfeits his rights in Native land, to hold (since 1935) a Samoan matai name except by special Government permission, or to hold the seat of a Samoan member in the Legislative Council or in the Fono of Faipule. On the other hand, a person accepting status as a Samoan becomes ineligible to be an elector for or to hold one of the European seats in the Legislative Council, or to participate in the Administration land-settlement scheme (on the ground that Native land is available for every Samoan). Furthermore, the issue to Samoans of shares in companies and of intoxicating liquor is restricted. No change of name or style of living is required when either status is acquired. IV. —INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS. (a) International Conventions^). The following is a list of the general international conventions that have been applied to Samoa :— Residence— 24th July, 1923, Lausanne. Convention between the British Empire, France, Italy, &c., and Turkey respecting Conditions of Residence and Business and Jurisdiction. Transit — 9th December, 1923, Geneva. Convention and Statute on the International Regime of Maritime Ports and Protocol of Signature. 9th December, 1923, Geneva. Convention relating to the Transmission in Transit of Electric Power and Protocol of Signature. 9th December, 1923, Geneva. Convention relating to the Development of Hydraulic Power affecting more than one State and Protocol of Signature. 9t.h December, 1923, Geneva. Convention and Statute on the International Regime of Railways and Protocol of Signature. Commerce, Navigation, and Customs— 24th July, 1923, Lausanne. Commercial Convention between the British Empire, France, Italy, &c., and Turkey. 9th December, 1923, Geneva. Convention and Statute on the International Regime of Maritime Ports and Protocol of Signature. 3rd November, 1923, Geneva. International Convention relating to the Simplification of Customs Formalities. sth July, 1930, London. International Load-line Convention. (Came into force Ist July, 1936.) Economic— 6th November, 1925, The Hague. International Convention for the Protection of Industrial Property. 26th September, 1927, Geneva. Convention on the Execution of Foreign Arbitral Awards. Justice— Convention extending Part I of the Reciprocal Enforcement of Judgments Act, 1934, to France and Belgium. Postal, Telephonic, Telegraphic, Radio-telegraphic— 28th June, 1929, London. Universal Postal Convention. 28th June, 1929, London. Agreement concerning Insured Letters and Boxes. Social— 25th September, 1926, Geneva. Slavery Convention. 12th September, 1923, Geneva. International Convention for the Suppression of the Circulation of and Traffic in Obscene Publications. Narcotic Drugs — 19th February, 1925, Geneva. International Convention relating to Dangerous Drugs (Second Conference). Sanitary— 21st June, 1926, Paris. International Sanitary Convention. Political— 13th December, 1921, Washington. Treaty between the United States of America, the British Empire, France, and Japan relating to their Insular Possessions and Insular Dominions in the Pacific Ocean. Supplementary Treaty of the 6th February, 1922. Peace— 28th June, 1919, Versailles. Treaty between the Allied and Associated Powers and Germany.

( 1 ) See minutes of thirty-fifth session of Permanent Mandates Commission, page 156.

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The following bi-lateral agreements have been extended to the Territory Legal Proceedings in Civil and Commercial Matters : — 2nd February, 1922, London, between United Kingdom and France. 20th March, 1928, London, between United Kingdom and Germany. Extradition Treaties — _ . Between United Kingdom and the following States : Albania, Austria, Belgium, Bolivia, Chile, Colombia, Cuba, Czechoslovakia, Denmark, Ecuador, Estonia, Finland, Germany, Greece, Guatemala, Haiti, Hungary, Iraq, Latvia, Liberia, Lithuania, Luxemburg, Monaco, Netherlands, Nicaragua, Norway, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, Poland, Portugal, Roumania, San Marino, San Salvador, Siam, Spain, Switzerland, and Yugoslavia. Supplementary Extradition Convention between the United Kingdom and Austria. Agreements for the Abolition of Visas — Between United Kingdom and the following States: Austria, Belgium, Denmark, Germany, Italy, Lichtenstein, Luxemburg, Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, Spain, Sweden, and Switzerland. Convention between the United Kingdom and the United States of America relative to the Disposal of Real and Personal Property, signed on the 2nd March, 1899. Trade Agreement between the Commonwealth of Australia and the Dominion of New Zealand, signed at Canberra on the sth September, 1933 (in part). (6) Economic Equality. Save as to the protection afforded to Native Samoans in the inalienability of Native land, there are no derogations from the principle of economic equality as regards concessions, land tenure, or direct or indirect taxation ; the question of mining rights does not apply. There is a preference in Customs ad valorem import duties of 7| per cent, in favour of British goods, but no restrictions as regards countries of origin of goods imported, export trade, or shipping. Immigration is governed by the Samoa Immigration Order 1930, as amended m 1935 and 1938. V.—GENERAL ADMINISTRATION. The executive government of Western Samoa is vested in His Majesty the King pursuant to a mandate- confirmed by the League of Nations. The Administrator is charged with the administration of the Territory, subject to the control of the Minister of External Affairs for New Zealand. The laws of the Territory are made by Act of the New Zealand Parliament or regulations issued thereunder, or by Ordinance passed by the local Legislative Council, which as at present constituted consists of the Administrator, six official members, two unofficial members elected by the adult European community, and four nominated Samoan members. The following legislative measures have been enacted since the last report: — In New Zealand —- The Samoa Amendment Act, 1938. The Samoa General Laws Amendment Order 1938. The Samoa Native Regulations 1938. The Samoa Legislative Council (Elective Membership) Order 1938. The Samoa High Court Amendment Rules 1938. The Samoa Immigration Amendment Order 1938. The Samoa Local Defence Force Regulations 1939. In Samoa — No. 1/1938 : The Samoa General Laws Amendment Ordinance 1938. Copies of all these measures have been furnished to the Permanent Mandates Commission. The Deputy Administrator, Mr. A. C. Turnbull, continued in the capacity of Acting Administrator during the yeax. It is pleasing to report that Government functioned satisfactorily throughout the year, relations between the Administration and the Samoans, as well as other sections of the community, being ol an harmonious and co-operative nature. _ . The Administrator again acknowledges with appreciation the interest displayed m community affairs by the Chamber of Commerce, the Planters' Association, the United Progressive Party, and the Local Born Labour Party, all of which bodies have from time to time made representations affecting either their particular interests or the common welfare. The relations between the Administration and the Missions continue to be of a wholly harmonious and mutually satisfactory character. Certain repeals were enacted under the Samoa Amendment Act, 1938. Provision was also made under this Act for election and appointment of Faipule to be specifically prescribed by Ordinance. Certain machinery amendments to assist administration were also made. The Legislative Council met in June, when its principal business was the repeal of such ol the dormant legislation referred to under the " Native Affairs " section of last year s report as had been comprised .in Ordinances. The Council met also in August to discuss the estimates for the financial vear prior to their submission to the Hon. Minister of External Affairs, and again in January, when discussion was commenced on a Bill proposing a concrete-building area for Apia. The Finance Committee, referred to in the 1937 report, is functioning ; in this year it met m July to consider estimates before they were referred to the Legislative Council, and again in February to receive a "report on the financial results to 31st December.

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On Ist April the 1 Hon. Tamasese, M.L.C., as representing one of the leading family lines of Samoa, was appointed Fautua (Adviser to the Administrator), in succession to the late High Chief Tuimalealiifano. The Hon. Malietoa, 0.8. E.( l ), holds the other similar position. The Acting Administrator confers regularly with the two Fautua at monthly meetings as well as on other official occasions. In September the Hon. Tamasese relinquished his seat in the Legislative Council. For this vacancy, and also for the seat which had remained vacant since the nomination of the Hon. 0. F. Nelson( 2 ), the Fono of Faipule, who were then in session, recommended the appointment of two executive members of the Mau organization, Asiata Mu'ese and Fa'alava'au Galu. They were duly appointed, and so completed the Samoan seats in the Council. The triennial election for European members was held on the 26th November, 1938. Six Europeans offered themselves for election, the Hon. 0. F. Nelson and the Hon. C. M. Dawson being returned. On account of the extension of the franchise to all adult Europeans, the electoral roll rose from 134 in 1935 to 705 in 1938, and considerable public interest was evinced in the election. The fall in market prices for copra and cocoa forecast in last year's report unfortunately occurred, with the result that the Administration's finances were curtailed. In January, 1939, extraordinary rainfall with accompanying floods and high seas caused extensive damage to road communications, hydro-electric plant, and waterworks, as well as to Government and private plantations, the cocoa crop being completely ruined, with no prospect of cropping for another six months. Several steel and concrete bridges were swept away, and numerous land-slides and washouts occurred throughout the Group. The damage to public services and plantations is estimated at £40,000, and as current revenues are not sufficient to meet the restoration of transport communications it will be necessary to use reserve funds to meet the extra expenditure. The loss through storm damage to the cocoa planters, coupled with the continued low prices obtaining for the past fifteen months, will necessitate a continuation of the relief measures granted these planters last year in the way of remission of rent by the New Zealand Reparation Estates as lessors and interest charges by the New Zealand Reparation Estates and mercantile firms. Native Affairs. The Fono of Faipule was in session from 13th September until 19th October, the Acting Administrator attending from time to time as requisite. During this Fono conclusions were reached which resulted in the completion of Samoan representation in the Legislative Council, and of other appointments to which reference appears below, while perhaps an historic occasion was the spontaneous offer by the Faipule on 29th September, during the European crisis, of a force of nine thousand Samoans for the defence of Samoa. The Fono reported its concurrence in the re-establishment of further classes of Native officials to a number of fourteen Fa'amasino (or District Native Judges) and fourteen Pule Fa'atoaga (Native Plantation Inspectors), accepting temporarily the view of the New Zealand Government that these numbers are sufficient at present, but stating " the Samoans do not give up hope that there will be ultimately thirty-nine of each " (or one for each Faipule district). These twenty-eight new officials, appointed on the Bth December, were chosen by the voice of district meetings, or in the absence of unanimity were as recommended by the district repi esentatives, the Faipule, and are in all cases chiefs or orators of standing. The actual appointments of the Fa'amasino were made by the Acting Administrator, who found no occasion to dissent from any of the nominations submitted to him. The jurisdiction of the Native Judges is described in Chapter X, " Judicial Organization." The Pulefa'atoaga are Inspectors of Native lands and plantations, with duties to be performed partly by way of complaint laid by them before the Fa'amasino in the event of a breach of the laws regarding cleanliness or sanitation within the village residential areas, and partly by advice and instruction as regards cultivation and care of plantations. The Mandatory Government and the local Administration have noted the desire of the Permanent Mandates Commission^ 3 ) for more detailed information on the relations between the official and unofficial village heads, " who appear to have a parallel authority." This conclusion is hardly a correct one. Obedience to the general law of the Territory proceeds satisfactorily. Law is administered by the Fa'amasino and other Courts, but it is not part of the system that the village officials —i.e., the Pulenu'u—should necessarily be village heads or leaders of the village life by any right of law or of the Government appointments that they hold. The chiefs and orators of each village, acting as a group, direct communal village activities of a nature not compulsory by law, such as village work on utilities and health measures, the planting of a sufficiency of food crops, inquiry into breaches of the social code, or the reception of visitors. In these councils the official is expected to take part in his own personal right, not claiming priority or asserting his Government office except in the rare event of the matter under discussion being in conflict with the law. There is thus a considerable measure of village self-government in the ordering of those activities which rest not on law but on social custom. Such is the ext; nt to which dualism exists in this matter. It is based on a characteristic of Samoan thought in which completeness rests on a juxtaposition of pairs, either mutually supporting or contending, the motivating factor being that every one should be recognized. Evidence of this exists in the contemporaneous functioning of chiefs and orators, reciprocity in kinship and ceremonial relations, and other groupings in pairs throughout the socio-political system. Village government thus has a natural background for falling into two categories —the operation of law emanating from " Government," and the direction of village social life by its chiefs and orators, referred to as the " Puletua."

(') Since deceased. ( 2 ) See report for 1937-38, page 3. ( 3 ) See minutes of thirty-iifth session of Permanent Mandates Commission, page 165.

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The actual function of the Pulenu'u is, by example and exhortation, to endeavour to maintain the observance of law in his village, and he performs some clerical duty also in reporting births, deaths, and making similar returns. Each Pulenu'u receives a salary of £9 per annum from the Treasury^); all the other officials and representatives are paid in similar manner, at various rates. The Mau organization was described in the last report( 2 ) as representing an unquestioned majority of the Samoan inhabitants, and the " New Mau "as not representing more than per cent, of the Samoan jsopulation. This position remains unchanged ; the smaller party has followers in some parts of Upolu ; the larger has influence throughout the Territory generally, including Savai'i, though its organizing centre of activity is adjacent to Apia. Trade. The total trade receded considerably from the 1937 figure, the trade of £444,877 being 28-28 per cent, below the previous year's figure of £620,304. This recession was due mainly to the reduced prices for copra and cocoa which ruled throughout the year. It is disappointing to note that, while cocoa exports increased from 1,253 tons to 1,647 tons, values decreased from £71,138 to £59,669. Copra exports also declined both in tonnage and value, the value of the year's exports dropping from £199,747 to £103,529 and the tonnage from 13,340 tons to 11,241 tons. Banana exports again increased, a record figure of 205,715 cases (7,347 tons) being shipped during the year, the value of the export being £77,143. Finance. An examination of the year's account discloses an excess of revenue over expenditure of £4,570. Particulars are given in Chapter YI, " Public Finance." Persons op Part-Samoan Descent. Good progress has been made with the land settlement schemes to assist local-born persons. All the settlers on Aleisa East are now exporting bananas and are developing themselves into a homogeneous community with a growing sense of civic responsibility. With the opening-up of an additional 650 acres at Aleisa West a further twenty-two families have been settled. Five-acre lots are provided for the London Missionary Society and the Roman Catholic Mission as church and school sites. It should be pointed out that none of the settlers is of Chinese-Samoan descent. Such persons, as mentioned in the last report, have a considerable affinity with the Samoan fundamentals of life, and the tendency is for them to be readily absorbed into Native life. The settlers under the land-settlement scheme, however, are all of European-Samoan blood, and have been selected from over a hundred applicants from the European-Samoan portion of the community, of whom there are some 2,900 in the Territory. There are now 60 adults and 115 children resident on the settlements. The question as to the assimilation of the European-Samoans would not appear to be to the point( 3 ). They are already an integral portion of the community who, because of their physical suitability to island conditions, are becoming an increasingly important factor in the Territory. Visits. It was a matter of sincere disappointment to all sections of the community that a visit to Western Samoa by the Governor-General of New Zealand and Viscountess Galway, preparations for which were made for July, was postponed owing to an outbreak of measles in New Zealand. The Territory is looking forward with pleasurable anticipation to the prospect of the visit being realized during 1939. The Governor of Fiji, Sir Harry Luke, K.C.M.G., paid a short visit to the Territory on his way from Tonga to Fiji. During the year the usual annual visits were exchanged between the Governor of American Samoa and the Acting Administrator. The newly appointed German Consul for New Zealand (including Western Samoa) paid an official visit to the Territory in connection with the affairs of German nationals. Postal and Radio. The Territory is served by two direct monthly vessels from New Zealand —m.v. " Matua," owned by the Union Steam Ship Co. of New Zealand, Ltd., and the New Zealand Government-owned motor-vessel " Maui Pomare." In addition, there are mail connections with the Matson liners at Pago Pago in American Samoa and occasional tourist and trading ships. There are thus at least three connections with New Zealand and two with other parts of the world each four weeks. The value of money-orders paid at Apia was £3,162 15s. 2d., a decrease of £771 10s. 3d. from last year's figure. Withdrawals from the Post Office Savings-bank exceeded deposits by £4,833 3s. The number of depositors as at the 31st March, 1939, was 2,648, and the amount held to their credit (including interest, £1,888 155.) was £67,610 12s. Id. There were 9,274 radio messages handled. The net receipts totalled £1,773 16s. 4d.

(!) See minutes of thirty-fifth session of Permanent Mandates Commission, page 159. ( 2 ) Sfee report for 1937-38, pages 3 and 4, and also minutes of thirty-fifth session of Permanent Mandates Commission, page 157. ( 3 ) See minutes of thirth-fifth session of Permanent Mandates Commission, page 162.

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Particulars op Native Deposits( 1 ). There were at 31st March, 1939, 1,643 Native depositors in the Post Office Savings-bank, with an amount of £7,622 Bs. lOd. to their credit. Lands and Survey. The survey staff has been engaged on special surveys and in endeavouring to overtake arrears, and in consequence the office work, consisting of the making and checking of plans, &c., has increased considerably. During the year the Chief Surveyor, who had been with the Department for some years, was seconded to the New Zealand Service, and bis place was taken by an officer from the New Zealand Service. Through depleted staff there is still a large amount of survey work to be completed. Public Trust Office. The Samoa Public Trust Office was established under the Samoa Public Trust Office Order 1921, and is separate from the New Zealand Public Trust Office. In past years the office of Public Trustee has been combined with that of the Crown Solicitor. It been found expedient to change this method of control and to entrust the administration of the office to an official specially trained in Public Trustee work. The revenue of the Office is derived mainly from interest on the invested portion of the accumulated profits and from commissions. Salaries of the staff is the largest expenditure item. The office is self-supporting, and its accounts are kept separate from those of the Administration ; but, as a matter of convenience, all expenditure is made through appropriation of the Samoan Treasury, which is reimbursed at the end of each quarter. Hence the Treasury figures include Public Trust Office expenditure (which is also shown as a deduction from the total), but do not show receipts (which are credited direct to the Public Trustee). Public Trust Office expenditure amounted to £490 2s. 4d., and revenue to £533 lis. 6d., leaving a net profit of £43 9s. 2d., being £8 15s. 2d. higher than the previous year. The net profit is not very remunerative, but this is accounted for by the necessity for giving relief to mortgagors who have cocoa plantations and owners of other unsatisfactory mortgage securities which belong to the Common Fund. The total amount of interest written off for accounting purposes during the year amounted to £292 13s. 9d. It is unlikely that any of this sum will be collected. This position is to be expected during the present period of low prices, and it is satisfactory to report even the small working profit mentioned above. Funds invested amount to £9,572 19s. 6d. The Reserve Account remains at £505 18s. 5d., and is sufficient cover to provide for estimated losses on doubtful securities. The net income earned on investments amounted to £207 16s. 10d., compared with £475 4s. Bd. for the preceding year. The reduction is accounted for by the amount of interest written off, £292 13s. 9d., referred to in the previous paragraph. The commission charged during the year for administration of estates amounted to £325 14s. Bd., and the earnings compare favourably with the volume of commission earned last vear —namelv £187 6s. 7d. Port and Harbour Service. Pilotage and harbour services, and beacons, lights, and plant, have been efficiently maintainedNo serious accident to shipping occurred during the year. All inter-island and coastal vessels have been the subject of survey, particular attention being paid to life-saving appliances. Reef passages and channels in Upolu and Savai'i used by local vessels have continued to receive attention. Staff. Particulars are given in the following table as at 31st March of each year

Persons of TVTn+iw. Native Samoan Europeans. Part lve District and Village Services. Samoan Blood. b moans - Officials. 1938. 1939. 1938. 1939. 1938. 1939. 1938. 1939. Classified departmental staffs — Education .. .. .. 8 8 6 1] 192 249 Health •• 16 16 3 3 108 120 Native Affairs 3 3 1 1 15 12 185 236* rolice and Prisons .. .. 7 6 2 3 51 49 Other services .. .. .. 25 26 24 25 32 28 " 59 59 36 43 398 458 185 236* Casual employees .. .. .. 3 4 43 44 24 30 Totals • • • • 62 63 79 87 422 488 185 236* * This figure does not include the thirty-nine Faipule. (*) See minutes of thirty-fifth session of Permanent Mandates Commission, page 164.

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The staff is organized on the basis of having a European official in charge of each Department, with a minimum number of other Europeans, with specialist and other essential qualifications required for the work. The remainder of the staff is engaged in Samoa from. Native Samoans or persons of partSamoan blood, according to the nature of their qualifications. VI.—PUBLIC FINANCE. The accounts for the year show a nominal surplus of £4,570, as compared with £380 in the previous year, but the ultimate financial position was, as anticipated, less favourable. Expenditure for commitments made during the year, totalling approximately £2,850, did not come to charge before the 31st March, so that the effective surplus was only £1,720, while it was not found possible to make any direct payment in redemption of debt or to set aside any amount for reserves as in the two previous years. The Building Reserve set up in 1937-38 was drawn on to the extent of £5,674, and an amount of £27 held in suspense was written off during the year. The accumulated surplus with reserve funds added now totals £48,931, held as shown below : — Cash .. .. 15,417 Investments and advances in Samoa .. .. . - •• 1,164 Investments in New Zealand .. .. .. •• 32,350 £48,931 The total revenue for the year of £123,803, while £15,647 lower than in the previous year, has been exceeded on only five occasions since the year 1920-21. The total expenditure of £119,233, while nominally £19,837 lower, is relatively higher by £2,013, as the expenditure in 1937-38 included £19,000 for reserves and debt redemption as against no expenditure on this item in 1938-39, and the commitments amounting to £2,850 referred to above were not brought to charge. Produce prices were low throughout the year, with a resulting fall in revenue from export and import duties. Little if any improvement can be expected in the coming year unless the present slight increase in the price of copra is maintained. The total revenue and expenditure figures for the various Departments, with the corresponding figures for the previous year, are shown in the following statements : —

Revenue.

The variations are explained as follows : — Education. —Reduced sales of school books and stationery. Health. —Increased sales of liquor. Justice. —Reduction in amount of fines and of marriage fees collected . Lands and Survey. —Special surveys for New Zealand Government and Aleisa Settlement. Native. —Reduction in Court fees and water rates collected. Police and Prisons.—Reduced sales of prison produce. Postal and Radio. —Decrease in sales abroad of Samoan stamps, £1,240; and reduction in charges for radio messages, £400. Public Works. —Increase in all items through extensions of hydro-electric services. Treasury and Customs. —The principal decreases are — £ Banana export duty .. .. . . 1,300 Reduction in rate. Copra export duty" .. .. .. 2,200 Decreased exports. Import duty .. .. .. •• 14,600 Decreased imports. Port and service tax .. .. .. .. 3,700 Decreased imports. £21,800 Increase : Amount brought in from Building Reserve, £5,674.

- I Head of Revenue. 1937-38. 1938-39. £ £ I. Education .. .. .. • • 569 499 II. Health 12,224 12,750 III. Justice 908 804 IV. Lands and Survey .. .. .. 321 1,224 V. Native .. .. ■ • • • 497 431 VI. Police and Prisons .. .. .. 3,301 3,229 VII. Postal and Radio .. .. •• 9,758 8,267 VIII. Public Works 5,405 5,890 IX. Treasury, Customs, &c. .. .. 106,467 90,709 £139,450 £123,803

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Expenditure.

The variations are explained as follows : — Permanent Charges on Public Debt. —No direct payment in reduction of debt, as against £5,500 in previous year. Administrator and Government House. — General reduction of costs. Salary adjustment of approximately £300 in 1937-38 not required in 1938-39. Education.—Salary payments increased by £1,763. Reduction in all other items. Health.—Salary payments increased by £1,355. Increased purchase of stores and liquor, £1,226. Balance of increase due to additional general expenditure due to greater number of patients treated. Justice, &c. —A full year's salary for the Chief .Judge was paid, as against a portion of a year's salary in the previous year. Lands and Survey. —Salary payments £273 greater. All other items increased on account of extra work done. Native.—Salary payments £476 greater. Office expenses £177 greater. Police and Prisons. —Salary payments reduced by £500. Increases : Purchase of fire-fighting plant £800, and rations £577. Latter due to exhaustion of prison plantations and increased ration scale. Postal and Radio. —New power plant for radio station, £750. Public Works : — Main reductions — £ Maintenance of bridges .. .. . . . . . . . . 300 Maintenance of buildings .. . . . . . . . . 945 Maintenance of roads .. .. .. . .. ..1,778 New buildings .. .. . . . . . . . .1,547 New bridges . . . . . . . . . . . . 276 Plant and vehicle purchases .. . . .. . . 1,930 New roads . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2,563 Sea-walls .. . . . . . . . . . 250 Capital expenditure, hydro . . . - . . 278 £9,867 Main increases— £ Salaries . . . . .. . . . . . . . . 276 Sanitation . . .. .. . . . . . . .. 271 Storm damage, roads and bridges . . . . . . . . 2,984 Hydro : Stores purchases and installations . . .. . . 429 Hydro : Storm damage .. .. .. . . . . .. 381 £4,341 Secretariat. —Land purchases were nil, as against £2,213 in 1937-38, arid various small items charged in that year totalling £225 did not recur. Expenditure on defence, a new item, totalled £1,650. Pares to and from New Zealand increased by £331, and land-settlement expenses were £240 greater. Treasury and Customs. —No amount was transferred to reserves, as against £13,500 in the previous year. Superannuation subsidies were £425 lower.

2 -A. 4.

Head of Expenditure. I 1937-38. j 1938-39. £ £ I. Debt charges .. .. .. .. 15.060 9,707 II. Administrator and Government House .. 2,655 2,155 III. Education .. .. .. .. 7,539 8,553 IV. Health .. .. .. .. 22,579 25,904 V. Justice, Labour, and Public Trust .. .. 3,236 3,318 VI. Lands and Survey .. .. .. 1,649 2,125 VII. Native.. .. .. .. .. 7,820 8,433 VIII. Police and Prisons .. .. .. 8,669 9,424 IX. Postal and Radio .. .. .. 6,360 7,031 X. Public Works .. .. .. .. 31,436 25,556 XI. Secretariat .. .. .. .. 9,491 9,025 XII. Treasury, Customs, &c. .. .. .. 23,661 8,769 140,155 120,000 Less recoveries, Public Trust and 1,085 767 Labour : £139,070 £119,233

A.—4.

A comparative statement of revenue and expenditure each year from 1925-26 is shown below : —

The following comparative table shows the total receipts each year, together with the amounts expended on certain public services : —

Revenue Expenditure Deficit Subsidy Final Surplus Year. obtained in the of the or from or Territory. Territory. Surplus. New Zealand. Deficit. ! £ £ £ £ £ 1925-26 .. .. 128,638 145,687 -17,049 21,400 + 4,351 1926-27 .. .. 113,812 141,710 —27,898 20,000 — 7,898 1927-28 .. .. 106,038 143,421 —37,383 20,000 -17,383 1928-29 .. .. 121,904 157,829* -35,925* 47,374* +11,449 1929-30 .. .. 131,416 150,728* -19,312* 39,448* +20,136 1930-31 .. .. 130,385 140,288* — 9,903* 21,000 +11,097 1931-32 .. .. 109,040 128,936* -19,896* .. -19,896* 1932-33 .. .. 105,920 98,166 +7,754 .. +7,754 1§33-34 .. .. 90,613 89,955 +658 .. + 658 1934-35 .. .. 78,808 76,505 +2,303 .. +2,303 1935-36 .. .. 111,867 100,736 +11,131 .. +11,131 1936-37 .. .. 117,909 116,613 +1,296 .. +1,296 1937-38 .. .. 139,450 139,070 +380 .. + 380 1938-39 .. .. 123,803 119,233 + 4,570 .. + 4,570 * Includes expenditure on extra police : £27,374 in 1928-29, £19,448 in 1929-30, £16,561 in 1930-31, and £10,412 in 1931-32.

Revenue from „ j . External Sources. Revenue Amounts spent on Financial Year. : ~ trom i — Loans and j ° n \.i J 1 e ™ a Itjj , • I Agri- 1 Public i Public Advances. ' lEducatlon ; culture. Health. ! Works. £ £ £ £ £ £ 1920-21 .. .. .. 44,336 .. 14-9,027 3,176 5,405 15,840 13,796 1921-22 .. .. .. 49,229 16,000 119,569 5,237 4,444 22,690 15,418 1922-23 .. .. .. 20,777 16,000 115,250 6,846 3,787 25,715 12,549 1923-24 .. .. .. 5,658 24,000 109,917 6,556 5,748 23.995 21,191 1924-25 .. .. .. .. 19,140 111,774 7,609 3,030 24,425 24,737 1925-26 .. .. .. 5,000 21,400 128,638 9,131 3,187 25,761 26,555 1926-27 .. .. .. 31,000 20,000 113,812 9,688 3,760 25,911 20,016 1927-28 .. .. .. 16,500 20,000 106,038 10,222 4,990 25,597 16,842 1928-29 .. .. .. 25,700 47,374* 121,904 7,738 4,285 24,367 13,606 1929-30 .. .. .. .. 39,448 131,416 6,955 .. 18,016 17,005 1930-31 .. .. .. .. 21,000 130,385 7,439 .. 18,224 15,726 1931-32 .. .. .. 6,000 .. 109,040 6,794 • • 17,824 15,797 1932-33 .. .. .. .. .. 105,920 5,459 .. 21,819 11,908 1933-34 .. .. .. .. .. 90,613 5,097 .. 17,150 10,632 1934-35 .. .. .. .. .. 78,808 4,910 .. 13,937 9,111 1935-36 .. .. .. .. 111,867 4,877 .. 17,797 20,222 1936-37 .. .. .. .. .. 117,909 5,619 .. 19,636 28,030 1937-38 .. .. .. .. .. 139,450 7,539 .. 22.579 31,436 1938-39 .. 123,803 8,553 .. j 25,904 25,556 £ £ Total .. .. .. 204,200 Less amount of loan subsequently treated as a gift by New Zealand Government (not in respect of any specific year) .. 25,000 Less repayment of temporary advance .. 6,000 Less repayment of principal—• 1928-29 .. .. 8,000 1932-33 .. 26,155 1933-34 .. .. 3,000 1934-35 .. .. 4,335 1936-37 .. .. 9,770 1937-38 .. .. 9,745 1938-39 .. .. 4,855 96,860 Public debt .. £107,340 * Correcting error in previous statements from 1932 onwards. Note.—Expenditure on education and public health does not include expenditure on school and hospital buildings, which is included under the heading " Public Works."

A.—4.

Loan Account. uow^tands t at t £lo7 1 340 nt °* redeemed out of sinkin 8 fun d, and the total public debt Referring to M. Rappard's regarding permanent charges on the public debt the following explanation is submitted 1 ' The payment of £11,331 in 1936-37 was made up of— £ Payment to sinking fund .. .. ~ 4 233 ( 2 )Direct payment in redemption of debt " i'soo lnterest " :: :: 5)598 £11,331 The payment of £15,060 in 1937-38 was made up of— ~ ~ Payment to sinking fund . , .. . . _ _ 4 249 ( 2 )Direct payment in redemption of debt .. .. 5 500 Interest .. .. .. .. " g'3l2 £15,060 The repayment of principal in 1936-37 was made up of— ( 3 )Payment from sinking fund— 1935-36 ...... a am 1936-37 ;; ;; Direct redemption of debt .. .. .. " £9,770 The repayment of principal in 1937-38 was made up of— £ Payment from sinking fund, 1937-38.. .. .. 4 245 ' Direct redemption of debt .. .. .. " s'qqq £9,745 Customs and Treasury Revenue. n n «Q°n S f " ol i eCtionS ° f reVenUe various Treasury and Customs headings amounted to £.111,890 .or the year, as compared with £126,318 m the previous vear, a decrease of £14 428 I lie receipts under the various headings for the two years are as follows :—

( y See minutes of thirty-fifth session of Permanent Mandates Commission, page 161 J fff P ara g ra Pts headed " Loan Account" on pages 8 and 9of the report for the year ended 31st March 1938 ( ) See footnote to table on page 9 of report for the year ended 31st March, 1937.

1937-38. 1938-39. J Increase. Decrease. £ £ Import duties (including port and 59,156 40 835 1 a service tax) ' io.ozi Export duties— £ £ Copra 18,721 16,515 Cocoa .. .. .. 2,369 2,918 Rubber .. . . . . 503 400 .Bananas .. .. .. 22,727 27,342 m,- • , 44 > 320 —' 47,175 2,855 Shipping fees .. 3>719 3)606 ; ' Wharfage dues and royalties .. 3,469 3 101 s«a Taxesandlicensefe.es .. 8,713 9 '704 '99I Miscellaneous .. .. 6)941 7j469 528 126,318 111,890 4,374 18,802 4,374 Net decrease £14,428 Less refunds (see below) .. 19,831 26,854 Net collections .. .. £106,487 £85,036 Net decrease after making refunds of export duty .. .. £*>1^451

A.—4.

Refunds of Export Duty and Inspection Fees.

Taxation "and Licensing. A comparative statement of taxes and license fees collected during the years 1937-38 and 1938-39 follows

Amusements-tax and stamp duty were formerly included with business and other license fees. ADMINISTRATION OF WESTERN SAMOA. Balance-sheet as at 31st March, 1939. Liabilities. £ a - d. Assets. £ a. d. Capital Account 180,579 3 0 Land .. 31,008 19 9 Loans : Public Works general purposes .. 107,340 0 0 Roads and bridges 34,052 13 7 Sundry creditors: Ordinary .. .. .. 1,004 2 4 Apia drainage and waterworks 22,136 4 8 J £ s. d. Native water-supplies .. .. .. .. 26,256 9 8 Samoan currency notes .. .. 32,000 0 0 n C 'ri Less unissued notes .. .. 2,000 0 0 Buildings and wharves .. 130,201 0 0 30,000 0 0 Plant and machinery .. .. 40,051 11 9 Coolie Labour Account — Launches, boats, &c. .. .. 2,524 1 9 Transportation Fund.. .. 8,339 5 1 Buoys, beacons, moorings .. 1,317 17 3 Sundry creditors .. .. 118 4 Motor and other vehicles .. 3,552 8 4 8,341 3 5 Arms and accoutrements .. 1,400 0 6 Post Office Savings-bank: Sundry Fire-fighting appliances .. 1,217 17 9 Hpnnqitnw ■■ 67,616 12 1 Furniture and fittings .. .. 12,484 18 8 Sundry deposits- " " Mechanical office appliances 823 13 0 Held in Treasury . 5,451 13 3 Medical and technical instruments In departmental trust accounts 2,238 18 6 and equipment .. .. 3,067 2 7 r 7,690 11 9 Libraries .. .. .. 767 0 4 Loans Sinking Fund • • ■ • ■ • \ If 1J in „ ~ "Z Reserve for writings-off in Suspense .. .. 346 17 0 . „ Vaisigano Bridge Replacement Reserve .. 5,000 0 0 Less depreciation .. .. 72,464 15 » Reserve for building programme, 1938-39 .. 2,826 810 a ' Carried forward 410,746 13 4 Carried forward 238,397 3 10

1937-38. 1938-39. Collections. Refunds, j Net Duty. Collections. Refunds. Net Duty. ££££££ Copra .. ■■ 18,721 1,366 17,355 16,515 1,333 15,182 Cocoa .. .. ■■ 2,369 2,065 304- 2,918 3,099 Dr. 181 Rubber . . . .. 503 417 86 400 486 Dr. 86 Bananas .. .. • • 22,727 15,779 6,948 27,342 21,673 5,669 Inspection fees .. .. 2,494 204 2,290 3,012 263 2,749 £46,814 £19,831 £26,983 £50,187 £26,854 £23,333

1937-38. 1938-39. Increase. Decrease. £ £ £ £ (а) Amusements tax .. .. ■ ■ • • 1H 58 .. 53 (б) Boat, launch, and lighter licenses .. •• 134 130 .. 4 (c) Building tax .. .. ■■ 2,554 2,671 117 (d) Business and other license fees •• 2,761 3,461 700 (e) Personal tax . . • • • • • • 28* . . .. 28 (/) Salary tax .. . . • • • ■ • • 339 472 133 \q) Stamp duty . . ■ • • ■ ■ ■ 405 504 99 (1) Store tax 788 1,039 251 (i) Water rates . . •• •• 1,593 1,369 .. 224 £8,713 £9,704 1,300 309 Less .. 309 Net increase .. £991 * Arrears only.

A. —4.

Balance-sheet as at 31st March, 1939—continued.. Liabilities —continued. Assets■ —continued. £ s. d. £ s. d. Brought forward .. .. .. 410,746 13 4 Brought forward .. .. .. 238,397 310 Assets Replacement Reserve .. .. .. 12,000 0 0 Loose tools .. .. . .. .. 906 1 2 Balance of revenue accounts .. .. .. 8,104 19 10 Saddlery and harness .. .. .. 231 5 5 Live-stock .. .. .. .. .. 217 4 0 Consumable stores .. .. .. .. 18,688 811 Goods in transit .. .. .. .. 38 0 10 Investments— £ s. d. New Zealand Government Public Debt Sinking Fund .. 1 14 11 Inscribed stock — Samoan currency notes .. 32,000 0 0 Assets replacement .. 12,000 0 0 Ordinary revenue .. . . 7,350 0 0 Fixed deposit, Bank of New Zealand — Ordinary revenue .. .. 8,000 0 0 Vaisigano bridge replacement 5,000 0 0 Mortgage over freehold property in Samoa .. .. 356 16 4 Deposits in Post Office Savingsbank, Apia .. .. 563 17 8 Cash in Deposit Account, New Zealand Treasury: Reserve for building programme, 1938-39 .. .. .. 2,826 8 10 68,098 17 9 Coolie Labour Accounts — Investments— New Zealand Government Inscribed stock .. .. 3,150 0 0 Fixed deposit, Bank of New Zealand .. .. 2,500 0 0 Mortgage over freehold property in Samoa .. .. 789 7 6 6,439 7 6 Cash in Bank of New Zealand, Apia .. .. .. 1,434 6 10 Sundry debtors, £1,699 95.; less reserve for bad and doubtful debts, £1,274 4s. 3d. .. .. 425 4 9 Interest on investments accrued but not due .. 42 4 4 8,341 3 5 Post Office Savings-bank— Investments in New Zealand .. 67,031 0 0 Cash in Bank of New Zealand, Apia .. .. .. 585 12 1 67,616 12 1 Sundry debtors— Ordinary .. .. .. 10,149 8 1 Tulaele Farm deferred principal 140 5 0 10,289 13 1 Less reserve for bad and doubtful debts .. .. 6,612 4 9 —— 3,677 8 4 Advances— Sundry .. .. .. 807 7 4 Aleisa Land Settlement Scheme, £3,295 13s. 2d.; less refunds, £12 7s. 6d. .. .. 3,283 5 8 4,090 13 0 Payments in advance .. .. .. .. 7913 Interest on investments accrued but not due .. 393 12 1 Writings-off in Suspense .. .. .. 346 17 0 Cash and bank balances — £ s. d. Cash in hand, Apia .. .. 24 1 0 Cash in hand, Resident Commissioner, Savaii .. .. 39 4 4 Cash in Deposit Account, New Zealand Treasury, £12,751 18s. 7d. ; less building programme as above, £2,826 Bs. lOd. .. .. .. 9,925 9 9 Bank of New Zealand, Apia, £9,009 9s. 7d.; less Coolie Labour Account above, £1,434 6s. lOd. .. .. .. 7,575 2 9 Imprest Account, London .. 281 15 7 Deposits held in departmental trust accounts .. .. 2,238 18 6 20,084 11 11 Less remittances in transit .. 355 710 19,729 4 1 £430,851 13 2 £430,851 13 2

A.—4.

VII.—DIRECT TAXES. The principal direct taxes payable in the Territory are.a graduated salary tax and a building tax, the receipts under these for the year under review and the previous year being set out below :—

In addition, there are the usual motor-vehicle licenses, water rates, and other similar fees. VIII. —INDIRECT TAXES. The principal revenue of the country is derived from Customs duties (see the annual report on " Trade, Commerce, and Shipping "), store, and other taxes as set out in the Revenue Ordinance 1929, and port and shipping fees defined in the Port Control Ordinance 1932. Stamp duties are also collected in accordance with the provisions of the Stamp Duty Ordinance 1932. Imports in 1938 were 78-949 per cent, of the value of exports, as compared with 76-004 per cent, in 1937. IX.—TRADE. The trade figures for the calendar year 1938 showed a decrease of 28-28 per cent, from those of 1937. The value of imports decreased by £71,596 and the exports by £103,831, the result being that the total trade figure of £444,877 was only some £14,600 above that of 1936. It would appear that the exceptional rise in total trade in 1937 was abnormal and could not be expected to be sustained. The London price of copra maintained the steady decline which had characterized the end of the last calendar year, and at one stage reached the depressing depth of £8 15s. per ton. This price was not sufficiently attractive for Native production to be maintained, and consequently a considerably reduced crop was available for export, only 11,241 tons being shipped, as compared with 13,340 tons in 1937. The ruling London market quotation for cocoa further declined from its figure of £40 per ton at the end of 1937. Rather ironically, there was a fine crop on the trees during the major part of 1938, with a record export of 1,647 tons. The financial yield, however, was reduced by £11,469. During January of 1939 rainfall of exceptional severity was experienced and ruined the major portion of the crop on the trees, whilst the accompanying floods in many cases washed out large areas of young replanted trees. It is certain that production for the coming year will be considerably affected by this setback. The export of bananas proved to be a stabilizing and valuable factor in the economic situation. A record total of 205,715 cases (7,347 tons), of an f.o.b. value of £77,143, was shipped to New Zealand. The quantity of rnbber exported dropped to 49 tons (£3,293), as compared with 61 tons (£5,505) in 1937. The London market price during the year varied between s§d. and 8-|d. per pound. The following return shows the principal imports and the total value of the exports, imports, and total trade of the Territory for recent years : —

Received. L : 1937-38. 1938-39. I £ £ (a) Graduated salary tax, from £1 on £200-£300 to £30 over £1,500 .. 339 471 (b) Building tax, 1 per cent, per annum of capital value of European 2,552 2,670 buildings

Exports. Imports. Calendar Year. Copra. Cocoa. Bananas. Total Total Trade. Value. Total Value - Tons. Value. Tons. Value. | Tons. Value. I i || £ £ £ £ £ £ 1927 11,665 242,672 792 48,216 .. .. 335,978 304,369 640,347 1928 .. 15,989 319,259 959 69,507 815 11,219 422,175 326,553 748,728 1929 .. 12,941 205,330 677 46,286 1,916 24,640 293,938 288,849 582,787 1930 .. 12,285 166,221 1,007 61,294 3,424 44,259 284,515 275,355 559,870 1931 .. 11,062 109,220 620 35,284 3,044 39,022 194,447 164,950 359,397 1932 .. 10,879 108,698 825 49,712 2,383 20,016 183,028 150,902 333,930 1933 .. 11,526 101,347 899 41,813 2,928 26,999 173,837 150,856 324,693 1934 .. 8,948 60,654 1,027 29,498 3.437 35,796 128.117 92,784 220,901 1935 .. 12,501 108,695 576 19,639 3,893 38,146 189,298 135,757 325,055 1936 .. 13,014 156,873 1,065 46,607 4,573 46,737 263,255 167,020 430,275 1937 .. 13,340 199,747 1,253 71,138 6,706 70,446 352,436 267,868 620,304 1938 .. 11,241 103,529 1,647 59,699 7,347 77,143 248,605 196,272 444,877

A.—4.

The destinations of the three main exports during the year 1938 were as follows :—

Imports. Shown hereunder is a table of the principal countries of origin

The main items imported are as follows : Tobacco (10,556 lb.), drapery, hardware, iron and steel benzine (238,050 gallons), and kerosene (66,829 gallons), butter, preserved fish, tinned meats, rice' sugar, provisions, soap, timber (1,176,795 superficial feet), motor-vehicle parts. In most cases it is not possible to quote the actual quantities of the individual items of importations, as for Customs purposes the values only are recorded. Further details will be found in " Trade, Commerce, and Shipping of the Territory of Western Samoa for the Calendar Year 1938." Exports. Copra, cocoa, rubber, and bananas are also dealt with in the reports on Trade and Agriculture pages 6 and 29 respectively. Further details relative to trade are given in the report on " Trade, Commerce, and Shipping of the Territory of Western Samoa for the Calendar Year 1938," and in the graphs appended to this report. Shipping. Overseas merchant shipping entering the Port of Apia :—

Two British and five American warships and two British yachts entered port during the year.

Country. j Copra. Cocoa. Bananas I rT . , Tons. Tons. Tons. United Kingdom .. .. .. 4,139 1,029 New Zealand . . . . . . .. 75 7 347 Australia .. .. .. . . 5 United States of America .. .. .. 2,150 293 European ports (exact destination unknown) 3,705 244Holland .. .. .. ,, 600 Mexico .. .. .. , _ 647 Totals .. .. .. 11,241 1,647 7,347

1930. 1937. 1938. Countries. Value. i Percentage. Value. j Percentage. Value. ; Percentage. £ £ £ United Kingdom .. .. 31,165 18-66 42,365 15-82 29,897 15-23 New Zealand . .. 53,218 31-86 71,396 26-65 58,815 29-96 Australia .. .. .. 27,530 16-48 40,857 15-25 28,141 14-34 United States of America .. 11,636 6-97 21,252 7-94 19 480 9-92 Ja P an 17,781 10-65 39,613 14-78 7-47 Other countries .. .. 25,690 15-38 52,385 19-56 45,292 23-08 I Totals •• 167,020 100-00 267,868 100-00 196,272 100-00

Financial Year ended 31st March, 1938. 31 at March, 1939. British, j Other. J Total. 1 British. | Other. | Total. Number of vessels . . . . . . 56 43 99 59 46 105 Tonnage, vessels .. .. 82,389 25,842 108,231 83,358 43,582 126,940 Tons cargo, inwards .. .. .. 10,715| 4,634 15,349f 9,134J 5,574| 14 708f Tons cargo, outwards .. .. .. 21,241| 7,782f 29,024| 20,510j 9,215J 29,726

A.—4.

X.—JUDICIAL ORGANIZATION. The Samoa Act, 1921, and the Native Land and Titles Protection Ordinance 1934 prescribe the judiciary for the Territory. During the year a new Chief Judge for the Territory was appointed, and also a new Crown Solicitor. The Chief Judge has taken the High Court sittings except when presiding over sessions of the Land and Titles Court. At these times the High Court sittings have been taken by the Crown Solicitor as a Commissioner of the High Court. In reply to M. van Asbeck's relative to the training of the three associate Judges attached to the High Court in Apia, the following information is submitted They were appointed in July, 1937, and are concerned only in cases in which Samoans are interested ; they are advisors to the presiding Judge or Commissioner, and have no statutory powers. They have proved to be of great assistance to the Chief Judge, being versed in Samoan customs and thought, and being also men of sound judgment and common-sense. In the European sense they have no legal training, and in this direction they have to be guided by the Chief Judge, but their conclusions on fact are sound. They received 110 preliminary training, but since their appointment have been given instruction by the Chief Judge on legal principles and on the duties and functions of judicial office. The District Native Judges, whose appointment has been described in Chapter V under the heading " Native Affairs," are appointed pursuant to sections 64 and 67 of the Samoa Act. lhey exercise the jurisdiction of the High Court among Samoans only in Civil claims where the amount involved does not exceed £5, and in a considerable number of specified criminal offences with power to impose fines not exceeding £5. They are not empowered to impose sentences of imprisonment Appeals from their decisions may be taken, upon payment of a fee of Bs., by way of rehearing before a Judge or Commissioner. The District Native Judges are also without judicial training in the European sense. Arrangements have been made for a Deputy Registrar of the High Court to visit them as frequently as possible for the purpose of supervising their work and affording them elementary instruction. In its Civil jurisdiction the High Court recorded eighty-one judgments in 127 cases ; thirty-eight were struck out. The total amount sued for was £3,041 16s. 9d. Eight divorces were granted. The Native Land and Titles Court assembled in April-May and in November-December, for a total of forty-four sitting days, and dealt with twenty-eight matters, involving the attendance ot 1,1« persons. The Court met also for four days in September to deal with three applications. for rehearing (one granted) and to make one interim order. A further sitting in February-March of 1939 occupied twenty-six days to deal with seven matters, and 505 persons attended. The generally settled state ot the Territory is believed to be the main cause of this increased activity, by reason of a number ot longstanding disputes being brought forward now for settlement. Several of the disputes before the late 1938 sitting were adjourned to the early 1939 sitting, and thus are included twice. Three sitting appear in this report because of the overlapjnngs of calendar and financial years. The third sitting above mentioned is actually the first of the sittings of the 1939 calendar year. Particulars of criminal cases heard in the High Court are given in the tables on the following pages.

(i) See minutes of thirty-fifth session of Permanent Mandates Commission, page 163.

A.—4.

Criminal Offences in the Period 1st April, 1938, to 31st March, 1939.

3—A. 4.

1937-38. 1938-39. j — —— . O I S S Ofiences. £ ~£ go Number arrested or summoned. Convicted in High Court. Dismissed or withdrawn. it if : I § eg. tea I 1 I - I 3 n o £ O £ Europeans, j Chinese. Natives. j Europeans. j Chinese. Natives. Europeans. j Chinese. Natives. Misleading justice — m. f. m. f. m. f. m. f. m. f. m. f. m. f. m. f. m. f. Contempt of Court .. .. .. 1 .. .. .. .. .. .. .. , , _ _ j Escape from lawful custody .. .. 8 7 .. .. .. .. 5 1 .. .. .. .. 5 1 Offences against morality — Adultery .. .. .. .. 1 . . .. .. .. .. .. .. 2 Abduction .. .. .. .. 1 7 1 .. .. .. 6 .. 1 .. .. .. 6 .. .. .. .. .. !! " 6 Carnal knowledge .. .. .. 1 . . I .. .. .. .. .. .. .. _ _ j Rape .. .. .. .. 6 4 | .. .. .. 4 .. .. .. .. .. 4 .. .. .. .. .. '' '' 2 Incest .. .. .. .. 1 I Attempted rape .. .. .. 3 .. .. .. 3 .. 3 3 Offences against the person — Assault, common .. .. 47 79 15 .. .. .. 54 10 15 .. .. .. 50 8 .. .. .. .. 4 2 32 Assault, indecent .. .. ..10 9 1 .. .. .. 8 .. 1 .. .. .. 8 .. .. .. .. .. j Actual or grievous bodily harm .. 10 4 .. .. .. .. 4 .. .. .. 3 ,. 1 g Murder .. .. .. .. I .. .. .. .. .. .. I _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ 2 Manslaughter .. .. .. T5 1 1 .. j .. .. .. .. 1 .. .. .. .. . . .. .. '' g Attempted suicide .. .. . . 1 .. .. .. .. .. .. .. ., _ _ _ _ _ j Offences against the rights of property — Theft .. .. 93 135 5 113 3 5 110 3 3 .. 42 Trespass .. .. .. .. 20 15 3 .. .. .. 12 .. 3 .. .. .. 12 .. 5 Wilful damage .. .. .. 14 6 .. .. .. .. 6 .. .. .. .. .. 6 .. .. .. .. .. '' g Unlawful entry of dwelling .. .. 7 8 1 .. .. .. 6 .. 1 .. .. .. 5 .. .. .. 1 °' 1 Burglary .. .. .. .. 5 4 2 " '' 2 !! " '' .. '' .. 'j Breaking and entry .. .. 7 .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. . .. ,, '' ' 7 Receiving stolen property .. .. .. 4 .. .. .. .. 4 .. .. .. .. .. 4 .. ° ° .. j' " '' 4 Forgery .. .. .. .. 11 24 .. .. .. .. 24 " , 24 !! !! '' ' i 13 False pretences .. .. .. 7 8 .. .. .. .. 8 ..... 8 1 Unlawful conversion .. .. -.8 2 1 ...... 1 1 ...... 1 6 Obstructing public place .. .. 2 .. .. .. .. .. .. .. o Polluting water .. .. .. 1 Arson .. .. .. .. 5 .. .. .. .. .. .. .. ., ' [ [' .. ' [ ' ] ]] " ' 5 Police offences —- Threatening behaviour .. .. 8 j .. . ... •• •• •• •• .. .. .. .. .. .. ... .. .. .. .. 8 Riding horses without reins .. .. 19 5 1.. .. .. .. 5 .. .. .. ,, 4 .. .. 1 ' Disorderly conduct .. .. 38 62 14 .. .. .. 40 8 14 .. . . .. 40 8 .. .. . . .. .. ' 24 Failing to clean roads .. ..86 92 12 4 2 .. 73 1 10 4 1 .. 65 1 2 .. 1 " 8 '! 6 Throwing stones .. .. .. 8 6 .. .. .. .. 4 2 .. . . .. .. 3 2 .. .. .. .. 1 " 2 Witchcraft .. .. .. .. 4 1 .. .. .. .. 1 .. 1 ,, 3 Cruelty to animals .. .. .. 40 9 .. .. .. .. 9 .. .. .. .. .. 8 i 31 Drunkenness .. .. .. 8 5 2 .. .. .. 3 .. 2 .. .. .. 3 .. !' ].. .. .. '' 3 Obstructing police .. .. .. 2 .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. '' ' ' '' ' 2

A.—4.

Criminal Offences in the Period 1st April, 1938, to 31st March, 1939—continued.

1937-38. 1938 - 39 ' | | Offences $■§ Number arrested or summoned. Convicted in High Court. Dismissed or withdraw g || § | Europeans. Chinese. Natives. Europeans, j Chinese. j Natives. Europeans. | Chinese. Natives. Police offences —continued. M - M - F - M ' F " M ' F ' M " M .' F '. 1 Indecent act in public place .. .. 1 •• •• •• • • ' * '' ' L '' '' ' ' q .. .. .. .. 6 Affrays .. .. * .. .. 10 j 16 8 8 .. 8 .. .. •. » • • ■ • 2 .. 7 Breach of >he peace .. .. 14 7 .. .. • • • • • • • • • • • • .. .. .. .. 3 Vagrancy! .. .. .. .. 15 12 .. 1 H •• •• - 1 11 ;; [ " 1 Furiously riding horses 1 .. .. 3 2 i • • • • • • • • • • • * # e # . .. 5 Aiding and abetting . •• •• 5 •* " ** " " "A " " ' .. .. 2 .. .. .. •• •• •• •• 1 Using words to intimidate .. .. 1 2 .. .. •• •• •• • • •• * * .. .. 4 Using threatening words .. • • 4 . • • • • • • • • • • * * * ' j '' *' 7 .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 8 Killing fish with explosives .. .. •• 8 1 •• •• •• •• • • * # .. .. 2 Conducting raffle without permit .. 2 .. • • • • • • • • • • * * * * ' ° *' * * _ _ _ . # .. .. .. .. .. 2 Consumption of methylated spirits j! .. 2 • • • • • • • • • • • m '' '' '' 2 .. .. .. .. .. • • • • • • 2 Wandering animals .. .. •• 4 2 .. .. .. •• •• • • # # # .. 1 Obstructing Inspector of Cruelty .. I ! • • • • • • '" '' '' " * # # . # .. .. .. .. .. .. • • 3 Placing stones in public places.. .. 3 . • • • • • • • • • • • • • ' ' * ' # . .. .. .. 1 Using insulting language to an official .. .. 1 • • • • • • • • * • ' j '' *' < # # .. .. .. .. .. 4 Being armed with offensive weapon .. 5 11 • • • • • • • • * * 1 ' * * " 2 2 .. .. • • • • • • • • 1 Liquor offences .. •• •• 1 _ 2 .. .. .. 5 Breach of Arms Ordinance .. .. '15 j 7 J .. .. • • • • * * Negligently riding a horse .. • • 1 Gambling .. .. • • • • 4 " " ] ] " • 1 Exposing obscene document .. •• 1 •• •• •• •• * * '' '' '' _ 2 .. .. .. •• •• •• •• Giving false information to police .. • • 2 .. .. .. • • • • • • • • ■ • .... .. .. • • • • • • 1 Obstructing in public place .. • • • • 1 By-law offences— 7 .. 11 7 « 10 Driving, unlicensed .. .. is •• •• , ]4 1 . _ 35 .. 1 6 .. Overloading public vehicles .. .. 45 51 15 I .. ■ ■ • " j 1 .. .. 2 • • • • 2 Driving without lights .. 3 "' 3 |3 2 Using unlicensed vehicle .. •• 4 b a ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ • • _ _ .. .. 1 Driving without number plates . • 1 ■ • • ■ • • • • '' i 2 . • • ■ 1 • • ■ • ■ • • • '' ' ' " " 1 Failing to stop when called upon .. 4 3 2 .. .. •• ■ ■ - •• •• g I .. 3 .. Negligent driving .. ■ • • • ' u '' '' '' '' _ # , .. .. .. .. .. .. . • • • 2 Failing to equip public vehicle • • 2 • • • • • • • • • • • • • ■ •' ' ' _ .. .. .. .. 4 Parking outside parking areas 4 .. •• •• •• •• •• 1 .. .. 9 Failing to keep to right .. , '' "" " 10 10 !! '.. .. 9 .. 1 1 • • jj Driving without rear light .. ..13 21 11 •• 2 .. .. .. 1 Carrying passengers without license .. 1 ° 4 .. .. - •• ' "" g6 __ j 6 .. 30 .. Bicycles without lights .. .. 31 61 19 .. .. • • • • • • • _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _. 4 Parking on the wrong side .. .. " 3 .. .. ■ • • • • • • • • • • • • ' ' _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ .. .. 1 Dangerous driving .. •• •• 1 •• •• " " " 'g ' '2 |!! " 5 .. .. ! 1 • • j 6 " Parking without lights .. .. 2 o ' "" _ __ ..1.. .. .. .. I .. 1 . - 2 Driving on wrong side of road .. I 2 . • • ■ • • • • • * * * * *

A.—4.

Failing to return number plates 2 3 X .. .. ! 2 .. 1 .. .. .. 2 .. .. .. .. .. I .. 1 Riding on mudguards of vehicles .. I 15 4 1 .. .. .. 3 .. 1 .. ■ ■ ■ ■ 3 .. .. ■. ■ ■ ■. .. . • ■ • 11 Driving without brakes .. .. 1 4 .. .. .. .. 4 .. .. .. .. •• 4 .. .. .. .. .. •• •• 3 Parking on corners .. .. .. 1 .. .. .. • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • ■ • • ■ • • • • • ■ • • • • • • • ■ Driving so as to cause injury .. .. 1 3 1 .. .. .. 2 .. .. .. •• 2 .. 1 .. .. .. .. .. 2 Tailing to give way to traffic .. .. .. 2 .. .. .. .. 2 .. .. .. .. .. 2 .. .. .. .. .. -■ .. 2 Employing unlicensed drivers .. .. 1 Riding on hood of motor-vehicle .. 1 .. .. .. ■ ■ ■ • ■ • .. • • • • • • • • «• • • • ■ • • • • • ; Driving when intoxicated .. .. 1 .. • • .. • - • • • • • • ■ • • ■ • • • • • • • • ■ • • • • • ■ • ■ • ■ • • • 1 Riding bicycles without red reflector .. 1 14 3 .. 1 .. 10 .. 3 .. 1 ■ ■ 8 .. .. .. .. .. - • • W Overloading motor-cycle .. .. 1 Riding bicycles on footpath .. .. 7 1.. .. .. .. 1 .. .. •• •• •• 1 Driving without warning-device .. 1 Driving a public motor-vehicle with no 3 endorsed license to do so Driving past two vehicles .. . • 2 Failing to obey traffic officer .. .. 1 1 1 .. •• •• •• 1 Driving backwards .. .. ■■ 1 .. ■■ •• •• •• •• •• •• •• • • • • • • • • • ■ • ■ • • • ■ 1 Speeding motor-vehicles .. .. .. 2 .. .. .. .. 2 .. .. .. .. .. 2 .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 2 Driving unlicensed vehicle .. .. .. 1 .. •• •• 1 •• •• •• 1 •• •• • ■ ■ • • • • ■ • ■ * Passing vehicle on wrong side .. .. .. 1 1 .. .. •• •• •• •• •• •• •• •• •• * • ■ • • • • • • • • | Riding motor-cycle with no foot-rest .. .. 1 1 .. .. .. .. 1 •• •• •• •• •• •• •• •• j Removing both hands from steering- .. 1 .. .. .. . • 1 ■■ •• •• •• •• 1 •• •• 1 wheel when vehicle in motion Failing to give signal .. .. .. 1 •• .. •• •• 1 •• •• 1 •• • • • • • • • ■ • • • ■ * Parking vehicle within 60 ft. of corner .. .. 1 .. .. .. .. 1 •• •• •• •• •• •• •• •• •• •• j •• * Failing to report accident .. .. .. 1 • • .. • ■ • • 1 Breaches of Dog Regulations .. .. 3 .. .. .. .. . • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • ■ • • • • • • • • • • • ° Miscellaneous — Killing protected game .. .. 1 .. •• .. •• •• •• •• • • • • • • ■ • • • • • ■ • • • £ Breach of Market Ordinance .. .. 19 6 .. .. .. 4 2 .. .. .. .. 2 - .. .. .. .. Z .. .. l,i Breach of Port Control Ordinance .. 6 Breach of Health Regulations Breach of Copra Ordinance .. .. 23 Breach of Revenue Ordinance 1929 .. .. 1 .. .. 1 •• •• •• 1 •• •• •• -• •• •• •• 1 Burying body on land not approved by .. 2 .. .. .. .. 2 .. .. .. .. .. 2 .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 2 Chief Medical Officer Breach of Quarantine Order 1920 .. .. 5 .. .. •. 5 .. .. .. .. .. J . • •• •• •• •• •• 5 Breach of Land and Title Order 1934 .. 1 Breach of Water-supply Ordinance .. 1 .. .. .. • • • • • • • • .. • • • • • • • • • ■ • • • - • • • • • • • • • • 1 Breach of Dangerous Drugs Order (Opium) 2 Prohibited immigrants .. •• 1 •• ■■ •• •• •• •• •• •• •• •• •• •• • • • 1 Breach of Chinese Overseas Control .. 16 .. .. 8 .. .. 8 .. .. 8 .. .. 8 . . .. . . .. .. .. 16 Ordinance Breach of section 240 of the Samoa Act, .. 1 .. .. .. .. 1 .. .. .. •• •• 1 •• •• •• •• •• •• 1 1921 Total .. • - .. 855 858 162 9 23 .. 609 37 152 9 22 571 35 10 .. 1 . . 38 2 , 278 j 275 I : 1

A.—4.

XI.—POLICE AND PRISONS. The total European strength (including one clerk) as at 31st March, 1939, was nine. The uniformed Native strength as at 31st March, 1939, was thirty-eight, exclusive of one Native clerk and ten messengers also under the control of the Inspector of Police. The police post at Tuasivi, Savai'i, under the control of the Resident Commissioner, is the only outpost in the Territory. Prisons. There were 72 prisoners in custody on Ist April, 1938. During the year 141 prisoners were admitted and 153 discharged, leaving a total of 60 in custody on 31st March, 1939. General. Warrants held for execution on the Ist April, 1938, were : For arrest, 1 ; for commitment, 9. On 31st March, 1939, the figures were : Arrest, nil; for commitment, 5. XII.—DEFENCE OF THE TERRITORY. Provision for the establishment of a Volunteer Force in Western Samoa was made by Order in Council (Samoa Local Defence Force Regulations 1939) which empowered the Administrator at his discretion to raise and maintain an armed Force to be used for the purposes of internal police and local defence. This force is now established. XIII.—ARMS AND AMMUNITION. Transactions in firearms and ammunition are controlled under the provisions of the Arms Ordinance 1921. Importations during 1938-39 were as follows : — Arms — Shotguns, 52. Rifles, 10. Revolvers, nil. Ammunition — Shot cartridges, 118,500. Rifle cartridges (-22 calibre), 15,700. Rifle cartridges (7 m/m calibre), 1,000. The above importations were by private firms and do not include military arms and ammunition imported by the Administration for use in the training of police and for the Samoa Local Defence Force. The following table gives the total of licensed firearms in the Territory as at 31st March, 1939 :—

XIV.—SOCIAL CONDITION OF THE NATIVES. Material security, which is the objective problem of more productively organized civilizations, is relatively no problem among the bulk of the Samoan population. The satisfaction and pleasure derived from achievement must therefore come from other fields of endeavour in Samoa largely by participation and recognition in the observances of social life. Greater interest might be given to this chapter by quoting the observations of one who is a Polynesian himselff 1 ), and who thus evaluates Samoan life : — " The Samoan population lives in large well-organized villages. Except for the doing away with some of the highest ranks, corresponding to that of petty kings and provocative of war in grasping at power, the introduction of a foreign culture has made little fundamental difference to the basis of Samoan society. The hereditary titles of high chiefs and talking chiefs are still conferred and supported by the family groups entitled to them. These are not inherited by primogeniture on the male line, but are conferred by the group majority and hence lead to much political intrigue. The village Fa'alwpega (order of rank prestige) is still jealously observed. Ancient customs connected with the drinking of kava, the distribution of food, the giving of fine mats, and much social ceremonial are still living factors in the life of the people and give pleasure and satisfaction. The pleasure derived from the exercise of Native institutions is perhaps the most important factor that has led to the persistence of Samoan customs and helped them to resist the disintegration that has taken place in other parts of Polynesia. The Sanioans are thus more conservative than other branches of their race, and their satisfaction with themselves and their own institutions makes them less inclined to accept the changes that foreign Governments consider would be of benefit to them. Their viewpoint is bounded by their own immediate horizon. . . . The Samoans are self-contained."

(!) Dr. P. H. Buck (Te Rangi Hiroa) in "Samoan Material Culture," a Bulletin of the Bernice P. Bishop Museum, Honolulu.

European. Samoan. Total. Revolvers .. .. .. 10 .. 10 Rifles .. .. .. 52 .. 52 Shotguns .. .. .. 193 592 785 255 592 847

A.—4.

The present policy and the law do not forbid the exercise and observance of any customs, except such as would interfere with security of life, health, or property. Samoan life away from Apia is occupied on matters in which questions of regulation by law rarely arise, but are of a social nature, actively ordered by a framework of custom and tradition, and so supplying a basis for the partial self-government of village units. Further reference to this system has been made in Chapter V, Native Affairs. The Administration has noted the comment made by the Permanent Mandates on the subject of social ostracism, which is practised as a means of maintaining the authority of the Native chiefs and orators. In the ultimate resort it is the only power they have, apart from the authority of each individual chief or orator over those of his own family. Perhaps a more detailed description would elucidate study on this question. Upon any offence against social code or village rule, the village social authority—i.e., the group of all its matai (village chiefs and orators) —meets and imposes a " fine," usually of home-grown foodstuffs, to be distributed among and consumed by the matai. In the majority of cases the " fine " is paid and both parties are satisfied, because authority for the one and harmonious relations for the other are both maintained. Perhaps the offender is also " banished " —required to leave his village for a time. In the interests of peace and their own future right to similar authority many offenders willingly obey such edicts at the present time, though compulsion is restrained by law. The final outcome is that after a time the offender, if he shows an apologetic demeanour, in which payment of his " fine " is an expected part, is readmitted to the social life of the village, but if he has sufficient strength of personality or justice in his cause others may join him, so that the village becomes split into two factions which, after a period of months or perhaps years, will inevitably sue for peace and become reconciled. Such affairs usually pass off with restraint and dignity on all sides. One is reminded that the weight of social judgments finds its victims, with justice or otherwise, not alone in Samoa. XV,—LABOUR. It has been stated in previous reports, and it is still true, that the Native Samoan environment provides little incentive for regular employment for wages. At certain periods of the year, when, for example, financial contributions are required for social occasions, the Samoan realizes his need for money, but any such needs affe temporary only and in general the desire to work continues only so long as the need exists. In view of the unreliability of the supply of Native Samoan labour and of the decision to repatriate the remaining Chinese labourers at the end of 1940, an endeavour is being made to recruit suitable Polynesian labour from Niue and the Cook Islands. In reply to the point raised by M. Palacios( 2 ) during the examination of the 1937-38 report, it may be stated that the Mau movement was in accord with the decision of the Mandatory Government to repatriate all Chinese labour. The reluctance of the Native Samoan to work on plantations, however, as had been stated by the accredited representative, could not be ascribed to any influence of the Mau, but to the inherent disinclination of the Samoan to undertake regular and prolonged work. It is as yet too early to say whether the importation of other Polynesian labour will successfully meet the situation. There are indications that the initial lack of success of the first endeavour at recruitment from Niue may now be overcome as the labourers become accustomed, to the conditions of work. The Mau-fou has made no pronouncement on this subject. The Administration policy .is to give full expression to the desire of the mandatory Government to provide an alternative Polynesian labour force, and to make necessary arrangements for safeguarding the interests of both the" planters and the labourers. In answer to Mr. Weaver's question( 3 ) regarding the number of Samoans employed in commerce, as domestic servants, &c., the number permanently so employed at the date of the 1936 census was approximately 260. In addition, there is a considerable amount of spasmodic employment such as stevedoring and casual contract work on plantations. The rates of pay and conditions vary. For instance, casual labourers employed at the Public Works Department and on shipping and copra handling receive 4s. a day. Domestic servants receive from £1 ss. to £3 per month with food and with or without quarters. At the commencement of the year there were 326 Chinese coolies and 21 Chinese free settlers in the Territory. During the year there was one death, with the result that the Chinese population as at 31st March, 1939, was 346. The figure of 348 shown in the population statistics in Chapter XXIII includes two Chinese lepers at the Makogai Leper Station in Fiji. XVI. —FREEDOM OF CONSCIENCE. The Administration has noted the request of M. Palacios( 4 ) for more detailed information regarding the missionary societies operating in the Territory, and subscribes to the remark of the accredited representative tt> the effect that it was a little difficult for the compilers of the report to know what more to say. Previous reports have outlined generally the number of missionary societies, the number of their adherents, the fact that each mission engages in education and some medical work among its people, that all Samoans profess Christianity, that there is complete freedom of conscience, and that the relations between the missions and the Administration, as well as between the missions and their adherents, are and always have been of a satisfactory character.

(') See minutes of thirty-fifth session of Permanent Mandates Commission, page 166. ( 2 ) See minutes of thirty-fifth session of Permanent Mandates Commission, page 167. ( 3 ) See minutes of thirty-fifth session of Permanent Mandates Commission, page 167. ( l ) See minutes of thirth-fifth session of Permanent Mandates Commission, page 168.

A. —4.

Relations between the various denominations are marked in Samoa by a commendables andL high measure of tolerance, so that the religious life of the people proceeds m general without giving rise t0 P oSthan this, however, it is difficult to know what further details of the missions should be supplied, and perhaps the Permanent Mandates Commission could indicate other particular lines upon which information is desired. XVII.—EDUCATION. The general scheme of progressive education is as follows

Mission Schools. Grade I Schools (for Boys and Girls) .—Village schools taught by the village pastor, who is supplied bv the mission concerned. „ .. . , n , „ Girls' Schools (Resident).—Girls attend these schools to prepare for a higher standard of village life than is attained by the average village girl. Samoan life is benefited by the marriage of these eirls with members of their villages. . . , . , Child-welfare, Christian education, and handwork are among the principal subjects of the curriculum, which, of course, includes reading, writing, and arithmetic. , . . Boys' Schools (Resident) .—Pupils here are trained as pastors, teachers, or for artisan work m tte Schools (Day) .—Found in the more closely populated districts. The most important subiects are religion, music, typewriting, and sewing, and, of course, reading, writing, and arithmetic. Marist Brothers' Boys' School (Day) .--This is a very old-established school situated Apia. It is an undenominational primary school which educates boys to the New Zealand leavmg-certificate standard and also gives them elementary commercial training. i The'following table gives a comprehensive survey of all purely mission schools, with details o the teaching staffs and numbers of pupils :—

Denominational Schools.

f pupils - Pastor Bovs' Girls' Student Mixed Special Special Pastor European JSative Missions. Schools, Colleges. Colleges. Colleges. Colleges, j Day Day Teachers. Teachers. Teachers. Boys> Girlg j Schools, scnoois. " ,„n 172 .. ■■ 6,958 4,681 London Missionary 172 ....••••• g Society • • 6 • • • • • • • • • ■ • * j' 7 _ 200 i' ;; ;; " " .. 4 107 26 1 1 ~ ~ 1 19 7,248 4^! Z 85 .. • • 950 900 Roman Catholic .. 85 . • • • • • • • * * '' jgg 2 , \ ' " " 12 16 . - 782 i' .. .. 6 1 477 .. 5 •• 8 5 .. 350 2 a ~ ~ 1 5 85 27 27 1,582 2,032 ™ T~~ .... 38 . • • ■ 650 650 Methodist 2 9 142 :: 5 . i' :: '■ •• 1 4 ' 61 38 5 1 38 3 13 , „ . ~ . 6 14 161 185 Latter-day Samts 14 .. •• •• •• •• 4 n g9 48 " ~ ~ 2 7 ~ T~ 10 25 220 233 , , o .. 1 1 34 23 Seventh Day Ad- 2 .. • • • • • • • • j 2 38 .. ventist • • 1 • • ■ • "" 2 1 .. •• ■ • • • • ■ • • 2 3 /2 23 Totals .. U n 1 2 1 5 2%~ 43 87 9,914 7,906 17,820

A.—4.

The following table shows the schools which come under the jurisdiction of the Administration :—

Quarterly Returns of the Attendances at the Main Administration Schools.

Gkade II Schools. It has been the happy co-operation between the Administration and the missions that has made it possible for these schools to be established in the chief villages. The School buildings (Native fale) are supplied by the respective missions, while the teachers are paid, trained, and supplied by the Administration. The Methodist Mission has successfully undertaken the training of its own teachers, who come to an Administration training-school for further training before going out to their schools. All teachers are Samoan, and instruction is given in that language, only a limited amount of English being taught. All these schools are under the direction and close supervision of the Superintendent of Schools, helped by Native Inspectors. At the conclusion of each school year the teachers are brought to Apia for a refresher course. There are eighty of these schools, with a total roll number of 9,238. The Samoan teaching stafl numbers 201. It is from these Grade II schools that the population for the Grade 111 schools comes. After passing a qualifying Entrance Examination the Grade II pupils are entitled to enter the Grade 111 schools. Refresher Courses.—ln order to maintain the standard of teachers out in the educational fields, a general refresher course for the whole of Western Samoa, refresher courses for each of the respective islands, and district refresher courses are held during the year. Administration Schools. Grade 111 Schools. The Boys' Resident Schools at Avele (Vpolu) and Vaipouli (Savai'i). —In these are to be found the best and the most highly qualified teachers. Entrance to these schools is by passing an Entrance Examination. The standard of education that can be reached in these schools is equal to the standard reached in any elementary or primary European school. The boys plant, harvest, and cook their own food, tropical agriculture being regarded as an important subject in the curriculum. Between them the schools have about 500 acres of land to cultivate. The best boys graduating from these schools are usually trained to become teachers in Grade II schools. Malifa Girls' School. —At the beginning of the school year 1938 this was opened, having been established expressly for senior girls, to provide a standard of education equivalent to that at the Boys' Resident Schools. These girls will find employment as teachers, nurses, shop-assistants, &c. There are at present forty girls in this school, drawn from all parts of Samoa from the best pupils of the Grade II schools. Malifa School.—This is a very large "day school for boys and girls and has always been an educational centre, being ideally situated in so far as site is concerned.

| p4So„. Grade II .. .. .. .. .. .. 80 9,238 201 Grade III .. .. .. .. .. 4 1,229 43 Teachers' Training-school .. .. .. .. 1 50 1 ■European school .. .. .. .. .. 1 500 16 Post-primary school . . . . .. . . . . 1 26 1 87 11,043 262 Native Inspectors, Grade II schools .. .. .. .. .. 5 Superintendent of Schools .. .. .. .. .. .. 1 87 11,043 268

First Quarter. Second Quarter. Third Quarter. Last Quarter. Average Average Average | Average Boys. Girls. Attend- Boys. Girls. Attend- Boys. Girls. Attend- Boys. Girls. Attendance. ance. ance. ance. Ifi Ifi .. .. 233 211 392-97 231 208 383-0 234 204 386-5 259 218 390-10 Malifa .. .. 535 574 896-00 437 561 -587-2 471 448 753-6 500 534 914-56 Avele .. .. 170 .. 140-00 130 .. 110-0 120 .. 110-0 90 .. 80-00 Vaipouli .. .. 83 2 75-65 84 .. 72-5 66 .. 60-0 30 .. 30-00

A.--4.

The school is well managed by a competent staff. Pupils are drawn from it to form a Model School, and the Malifa School itself is used as a kind of Normal School where trainees can have further practice throughout the classes that form the school. To prevent any likely confusion, it should perhaps be noted that the Malifa day school for boys and girls, the Malifa Girls' School, the Model School, and the Teachers' Training-school are all in the same grounds, known as the Malifa School grounds. Ifi Ifi European School. This is a well-managed European school whose former greatest attendance (in 1936) was 269. To-day there are 500 pupils on the roll, and the tendency is towards a further increase. It may be mentioned here that only a live fence divides the Ifi Ifi European School from the large educational centre known as Malifa. It will thus be seen that Ifi Ifi - Malifa is the focal point of the Samoan educational system. To meet recent educational developments at both these centres additional buildings, sanitation, and staffing have been necessary. Post-primary School. The opening of the Post-primary School on 30th May, 1938, marked the introduction of secondary education into the Mandated Territory of Western Samoa. The school is situated on the Ifi Ifi School grounds. „ Only the most highly qualified pupils from State and Church schools sit for the Entrance Examination, the passing of which is essential before attendance at the school. The syllabus of instruction has been designed to meet the present requirements of Samoa at this particular stage of its educational development, and particularly the needs of boys and girls who were born in Samoa and who intend to live in Samoa. At the present time tliere are twenty-six pupils at this school, seventeen being Native and nine European - Samoan. The school is in the charge of a qualified teacher from New Zealand. Teachers' Training-school. The rapid development of education made a more comprehensive and effective system of teacher-training essential. For this reason a new system of training prospective Samoan teachers has been inaugurated. Previously there were two training-schools, one on Savai i, the other on Upolu, at which young teachers were trained by Native teachers. These centres have now been abolished, and substituted by a modern newly erected Teachers' Training-school under a qualified European principal who has had six years' experience in the Territory. There are fifty students in training, drawn from the most highly qualified young men and women from Administration and mission schools. Model School. Attached to the Training-school for purposes of practice in the art and technique of teaching is a Model School, a Native fale typical of the class of fale that Samoans have evolved throughout the ages and of the class of school-building that a young Native teacher will be sent out to take charge of on completion of the course of training. The equipment, classes, and everything m connection with the school will be the same as in a typical Grade II school. It will be observed from this that the Administration is keenly desirous of providing capable fully qualified Native teachers to staff its Grade II schools, and hopes that the inaugural steps taken by the establishment of the Teachers' Training-school on proper lines will enable it to give qualitative expression to the desire of the mandatory Government for educational expansion. The health of pupils through the school year has been normal. Doctors and Native medical practitioners, the dental officer, and the dental cadets visit schools frequently and render the same useful service that has been rendered in the past. Health Committees in the important villages and dispensaries situated through the islands also make their presence felt among the pupils. In reply to Mile. Dannevig's inquiryf 1 ), it is stated that the German national, a native of Hamburg, was not a permanent resident of the Territory, but came to Western Samoa for the particular purpose of opening a German school. XVIII.— LIQUOR AND DRUGS. (Information in the form recommended by the Permanent Mandates Commission in the report of its Twenty-first Session.) A There were no changes in legislation or regulations issued during the year. B. The judicial statistics in Chapter X show eight persons arrested or summoned during 1938-39 for breaches of the laws and regulations relating to liquor. All were convicted. Figures for preceding years were — Arrested ° r Convicted, summoned. 1937-38 7 1 1936-37 .. ■ • • • •■ ■ ■ • ■ u 1 ' 1935-36 .. •• • • • • •• 9 8

(i) See minutes of thirty-fifth session of Permanent Mandates Commission, page 169.

A.—4.

C. Spirits and alcoholic beverages imported during the financial year 1938-39 : —

For sacramental purposes, 250 gallons of wine; rectified spirits of wine for industrial purposes, 88 gallons. D. Production within the Territory is prohibited by law. E. Revenue derived from duties on importation, 1938-39 : — Medicinal liquor (import duty, 17-§ per cent, or 25 per cent.; and Port and £ s . d. Customs service tax, 5 per cent.) .. . . .. .. .. 842 1 6 Industrial liquor (import duty, 17| per cent.; and Port and Customs service tax, 5 per cent.) .. .. .. . . .. .. .. Nil. (Note. —No duty was payable under this head, as the 88 gallons of rectified spirits of wine referred to in paragraph C were all imported by the Administration.) Sacramental liquor (free of import duty; Port and Customs service tax, 5 per cent.) .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 300 These duties are the ordinary ad valorem rates applying to all goods not subject to specific rates of duty ; there is no authorization for higher specific rates of duty on liquor, for the rate of duty is immaterial, having regard to the fact that all liquor is sold by and for the Administration at prices approximating current retail prices in New Zealand. F. In view of the position explained in E, there are no other duties, license fees, or taxes. G. There is no Native beverage containing alcohol. The Native ceremonial drink kava if allowed to stand does not ferment,-and after a few hours becomes stale and unpalatable. It is not consumed in sufficient strength or quantity to have toxic effects. H. General information with regard to liquor, in addition to the above, was given in the eighth report, 1928. During the year under review there were no offences reported under the Samoa Dangerous Drugs Order 1930. XIX.—HEALTH. The staff consists of three European medical officers, twelve Native medical practitioners, one European dental officer, and a European bacteriologist and nursing stafE consisting of a Matron and 7 European sisters, 26 Native nurses, and 65 trainees, the complete health service comprising 19 Europeans, 120 Native Samoans, and 1 Chinese dresser. During the year two students completed their course of training at the Central Medical School, Suva, and returned to the Territory to take up their duties as full-time Native medical practitioners. Two new training classes were started during the year for Samoan nurses, the tutorial work being in the hands of a European nursing sister. There are now twenty-two fully trained Samoan nurses on the staff and forty-eight student nurses in various stages of training. The baby-welfare work was extended by the opening of a further clinic at Satupa'itea, to serve a large area greatly in need of instruction in this important work. The assistance of this branch of the health services in spreading ante-natal and nursing information should be a valuable contributing factor in lowering the infantile-death rate. It will be noted with gratification that the infantmortality rate again shows a reduction. The year has been marked by the reorganization of the European ward of the Apia Hospital, extensive additions and alterations having been made, and a children's and a women's ward being established. The patient capacity of the ward is now twenty-eight.

4—A. 4,

Quantities issued under Average Approxi - Quantity Medical Permits. — mate Percentage imported, Countries of Origin. Alcohol by Weight.* 1938-39. 1937 _ 38 , j 1938^y. Spirituous liquors —• Gallons. Gallons. Gallons. Whisky .. 38-5 to 51-0 450 685J 561f United Kingdom and Ireland. Brandy .. .. 38-5 to 49-3 40 30 France and Australia. Gin .. .. 40-6 400 302 T 7 p United Kingdom and Holland. Rum .. .. 40-0 to 47-0 Nil. Nil. 14|- Jamaica. Others .. .. .. 6 Nil. 6-J France. Alcoholic beverages— Port, sherry, and 12-0 to 17-8 152 147|- Australia and France, champagne Vermouth .. 5-5 to 10-0 60 31 32-f France and Italy. Stout .. .. 5-5 180 124|- 152 United Kingdom. * The approximate percentages of alcohol by weight given above are those accepted by the Customs Department in New Zealand. Analyses have been made of samples of all brands of ale imported, with results showing percentages of alcohol by weight ranging from 1-51 to only 2-39. The ales imported into Western Samoa, therefore, although subject to regulations under the Samoa Act, 1921, do not come within the definition of " intoxicating beverages" as accepted by the Permanent Mandates Commission (minutes of the Tenth Session, page 182), and have accordingly been omitted from the return.

A.—4.

During the year a new dispensary was opened at Sataua on land given for use by the village chiefs. This willingness to provide land for Administration use is indicative of the desire of the Samoans in the out-districts to have the benefits of medical services extended to them. The European doctors and the Native medical practitioners are urging the Samoans in outlying districts to improve the sanitary facilities of the villages. Some villages are being provided with pit latrines and in other villages material progress has been made m the establishment of sea latrines. Three health booklets, dealing with baby-welfare work, sanitation, and school hygiene, printed in the English and Samoan languages, have been distributed free to the Women s Committees, Pulenu'u, and head teachers. A considerable number has also been made available to the mission societies for use in their institutions. Hospitals and Dispensaries. Admissions to hospital— Apia Hospital- 1937 _ Europeans 853 1,215 Samoans .. •• •• •• •• m 140 C/IIIH6SG • • • • * - „ j rj Melanesians .. • • • • • • • ■ 1,357 1,812 Tuasivi Hospital .. • • • • • • • ■ Aleipata Hospital .. • • ■ ■ • • • • m,-i" ,• , 1,737 2,211 Total m-patients .. •• . •• 94. 4.17 Out-patients : Hospitals and dispensaries .. 10, Grand totals «■» Deaths in hospitals The increase in the number of admissions to hospital and the increase in the number of outpatient treatments may be ascribed to an outbreak of malignant jaundice on the one hand and to the greatly increased yaws injection treatments consequent on the abolition of fees on the other hand. Main Diseases. Yaws. The figure of 11,382 quoted in the last report was the number of injections given, and not the number of patients treated. The average number of injections given is three per patient and in many cases more are required. For the year just completed the number of injections was 17,787ie 5 929 cases treated. Greater numbers of patients are presenting themselves for treatment 011 account of former fees charged for those over fourteen years of age now being abolished. _ Yaws is now treated free as an infectious disease. Adults are particularly prone to the tertiary lesions, and many such have been treated during the year. . Enteric. —There has been a marked falling off 111 the number of cases of enteric treated at the Apia Hospital this year. Ninety-two cases have been notified, against 132 m 193/. There have been no epidemic outbreaks m outlying villages. . Bronchial Catarrh.-An epidemic of a mild nature spread over the Territory in July. There were a few infantile pneumococcal complications, but the percentage of deaths was very small, the incidence subsiding as rapidly as it had arisen within five weeks of the outbreak. Beri Ben.—There has been one case treated in hospital during the year Leprosy.—Seven patients suffering from this disease were sent to the Makogai Leper Station Fiji in October last after an intensive search for new cases, together with a re-exammation of returned cases and of the relatives of lepers already at Makogai. One case has been subsequently revealed, and the patient is now segregated in the Apia Hospital. • . 1 -+i, Pulmonary Tuberculosis.—Treatment by artificial pneumothorax has been initiated with good results One fale is now kept in the Samoan end for these cases. Gumea-pig tests have been carried out with regard to the milk from the main town supplier, with negative results. The milk of the next biggest supplier is now being tested. There were seventy-nine cases of tuberculosis notified in the Terl "fauniice—Fraty-two cases of catarrhal and fifty cases of malignant jaundice have been notified during the year, and whilst patients with the former type recover, the latter almost invariably proves fatal. Blood serum from one known recovered case of malignant jaundice has been forwarded to Rockefeller Foundation, New York, and post-mortem specimens from several fatal cases have been sent to Fiji also to the Rockefeller Foundation, and both serum and post-mortem specimens have been sent to the Wellcome Laboratory, London. It is hoped that some help 111 combating this disease will result There was a strong suspicion that the disease might be lepto-spiral but 110 spirocheete has ever been found, and the death rate is far too high for the disease to be so. No cases have occurred amongst the European or part-Samoan population, the disease being at present confined exclusively to full Samoans, and over a widely scattered area—ones and twos 111 odd villages from every distric in both islands. There is little evidence of any infectiousness, the cases being so scattered. Further, there is also 110 conclusive evidence that the disease has any relationship to yaws hookworm, or any of the other endemic diseases in the Territory. Reports from the Pasteur Institute m Paris suggest that it is possibly a new virus disease. The Pasteur Institute, the London School of Tropical Medicine,

A.—4.

the Rockefeller Foundation, and the New Zealand authorities, are displaying keen interest in this problem and have been supplied with all available material for research. These authorities are in continuous contact with the Administration, and no avenue is being left unexplored to discover the cause and a cure for the disease. Native Medical Practitioners. During the year 17,306 fale were visited and 1,912 village inspections carried out. Two students completed their course of study at Suva and returned to the Territory. Two cadets were sent to Suva to commence study. There are now twelve Native medical practitioners on the staff and six students receiving instruction at Suva. The Native medical practitioners in the out-districts are changed every six months and brought into Apia Hospital periodically in order to keep them keen and to maintain the standard of their work. Health in Prisons. In reply to M. van Asbeck's inquiryf 1 ) the following information is submitted :— The health of prisoners is uniformly good, their sicknesses being of a minor nature only—sores, scabies, &C. The Chief Medical Officer and Chief Judge make a monthly inspection of prisons and gaols, when strict attention is paid to health conditions. Recently the diet scale for prisoners has been revised, with attention to a calorific balance. The prisoners show a marked improvement for the change, their appearance, health, and cleanliness being of a standard much higher than any group of men taken from any village. Women's Committees. The following details of the organization and work of the Women's Committees (now numbering 144) are given in reply to the question asked by Count de Penha Garcia( 2 ). A Women's Committee consists of a President, usually a leading chief's or pastor's wife, and the wives of most of the chiefs and orators of the village?. All Committees are visited once a month by a Native nurse who, in addition to her general training, has received special instruction in maternity and child-welfare work. The instruction and subsequent work of the Women's Committees is along such lines as — (a) Care of the expectant mother. (b) Health of the nursing mother and the care and feeding of the child. (c) Weaning of babies. (d) Treatment of sores and infectious skin lesions. (e) Care of the mildly sick. (/) Village cleanliness and sanitation. Where skin-diseases are found, the visiting nurse gives the Committee practical instruction in the treatment, and explains the necessity of subsequent continued treatment. Many villages have now set aside a fale for the reception and care of the mildly sick, members of the Committee being deputed in turn to attend to them. The district Native medical practitioner sometimes accompanies the nurse and give lectures to the Committees on hookworm dangers, the prevention of typhoid, early and prompt treatment of yaws, the advantages of adequate sanitary arrangements. If there is any possibility of an epidemic the Native medical practitioner will stress the desirability of imposing a quarantine. As mentioned in the last report, the Samoans are slow to grasp the necessity of such restrictions of their freedom of movement; but through the Women's Committees such an understanding and appreciation of medical exigencies is being inculcated. Dental Clinic. The staff consists of one European dental officer and six Native dental cadets undergoing training. The cadets have worked well, and are proving • themselves keen, efficient students, the standard of their practical work being good. They have completed the medical subjects in their course, and are now concentrating on dentistry. This training still occupies the majority of the time, but a certain amount of systematic preventive treatment for pupils attending the primer classes in Apia, urgent extractions for school-children, and treatment for Samoan in-patients is also being carried out. In addition, dental-health education is being placed before the Samoans by means of articles, and talks to school-teachers, Native medical practitioners, and Native nurses. The essence of dental-health education is constant reiteration. Dental Survey of School-children prom Savaia, Lefaga, to Tiavea and Uafato. In July, 1938, the dental officer visited this part of Upolu and made a study of the dental condition of the children. The results obtained were in close agreement with the findings as mentioned in the previous annual report —viz., that Samoan children from the outlying villages, not in close contact with the urban area of Apia, have a much lower percentage of dental disease.

( x ) See minutes of thirty-fifth session of Permanent Mandates Commission, page 163. ( 2 ) See minutes of thirty-fifth session of Permanent Mandates Commission, page 169.

5—A. 4.

A. —4.

Infant Mortality. Deaths (Samoans) at Different Ages.

The infant-mortality rates per 1,000 registered births have been as follows Year Bate. Year. Bate. Year. Bate. Year. Bate. 1925 .. .. 186 1929 .. .. 70 1933 .. .. 114 1936 .. .. 291-77 1926 .. ..106 1930 .. .. 61 1934 .. .. 104-8 1937 .. .. 89-30 1927 .. ..101 1931 .. ..11l 1935 .. .. 97-0 1938 .. .. 73-79 1928 .. .. 58 1932 .. .. 121 It will be observed that the infant-mortality rate for 1938 is the lowest recorded for the past eight years, but it must be remembered that during the height of political non - co-operation, from 1928 to 1930, registration of births and deaths was very incomplete, and the figures quoted for those years cannot be accepted for the purpose of comparison. Attention is drawn, however, to the fact that if the figures for those three years are ignored, then the infant-mortality rate for the year 1938 is the lowest on record for the Territory.

Meteorological.

Notes on Storms, 1938-39. April, 1938. —Winds of gale force were experienced in the Cook Islands on the sth and again on the 20th. They were associated with depressions, which moved southward over the Group. November, 1938. —During the month a series of low-pressure systems moved along a trough of low pressure to the south of Samoa. On the 30th winds of gale force were experienced in the Cook Islands. December, 1938.—A tropical cyclone was situated on the 20th to the north-west of Lautoka, Fiji, and moved in a south-south-east direction. January, 1939. —On the 15th a depression was situated north-north-west of Vavau. The depression intensified and moved westerly over Fiji, and on the 20th recurved back over Fiji, finally moving away in a south-east direction. During this period strong winds of force 9 and 10 occurred in Fiji, whilst there was very heavy rain in Samoa, Fiji, and Tonga.

Number of Deaths. Percentage of Total Deaths. 1936. 1937. 1938. 1936. 1937. 1938. Under 1 week .. .. .. .. 26 37 14 1-87 4-69 1-89 From 1 week to 1 month. .. .. 24 15 19 1-72 1-90 2-57 From 1 month to 3 months .. .. 66 23 23 4-76 2-92 3-11 From 3 months to 6 months .. .. 120 40 34 8-65 5*08 4-60 From 6 months to 12 months .. .. 239 97 71 17-22 12-31 9-61 From 1 year to 2 years .. .. .. 271 78 71 19-53 9-90 9-61 From 2 years to 3 years .. .. .. 122 36 32 8-79 4-57 4-33 From 3 years to 4 years .. .. .. 70 33 20 5-04 4-19 2-71 From 4 years to 5 years .. .. .. 45 29 20 3-24 3-68 2-71 From 5 years to 10 years .. .. 74 60 49 5-33 7-62 6-63 Over 10 years .. .. . • • • 331 340 386 23-85 43*14 52*23 Totals .. .. 1,388 788 739 100*00 100*00 100*00

(Readings taken at Apia Observatory, Mulinu'u Point, at sea-level.) Month. Pressure. Temperature. Bainfall. Humidity. Sunshine. Wind. Per Cent. Miles per 1938. In. °F. In. (9 a.m.) Hours. Hour. January .. .. 29*737 80*2 20-64 79 210-7 5-7 February .. .. 29-760 79-3 13-35 80 142-0 5-3 March .. .. 29-815 79-2 10-80 76 185-9 6-0 April .. .. 29-819 79-1 6-57 80 202-5* 4-1 May .. .. 29-836 78-5 8-79 79 210-5 6-4 June .. .. 29-872 79-0 3-73 79 236-3 7-0 July .. .. 29-890 '79-8 5-86 76 290-8 9-7 August .. .. 29*891 78*7 5*26 79 254-7 9-8 September .. .. 29-896 79*0 2-13 72 297-6 8-3 October .. .. 29*899 79*0 8*04 73 288*8 6*4 November .. .. 29*765 77*9 33*35 84 99*4 5*9 December .. .. 29*791 79*6 20*94 80 237-5 7-9 Total .. 139-46 .. 2,656-7 Mean.. 29-831 79-1 .. 78 ■■ 6-9 * One day missing.

A.—4.

XX.—LAND TENURE. Under the Samoa Act, 1921, all land is legally— (a) Crown land, vested in the Crown free from Native title or any estate in fee-simple, of which there are (including New Zealand Reparation Estates) 103,630 acres ; or (b) European land, being land held from the Crown for an estate in fee-simple, of which there are 40,000 acres ; or (c) Native land, being land vested in the Crown as trustee but held by Samoans by Native title, and not by grant from the Crown, of which there are 581,370 acres. " Native title " means title to land in accordance with the customs and usages of the Samoan race. Titles to Crown land, European land, and European interests in Native land (leases) are registered by the Administration. Titles to Native land, when in dispute, are adjudicated upon by the Native Land and Titles Court referred to in Chapter X of this report, and determined in accordance with the customs and usages of the Samoan race. Machinery exists for voluntary registration of Native land. Usurious contracts with Natives are unenforceable at law, and Native land is incapable of being taken in execution for the payments of the debts of a Samoan on his decease or insolvency. Generally, alienation of Native land is prohibited, save an alienation or disposition in favour of the Government. The Administrator may approve of a sale of Native land in the Apia town area or of a lease of Native land for a period not exceeding forty years, but in each instance the grant is made only if the Administrator is satisfied that the transaction is in accordance with the desires and in the interests of the Native owners and in conformity with the public interests. Although large areas in the interior of each of the two main islands are incapable of cultivation, there is more than ample Native land available for all the requirements of the present indigenous population. XXI.—FORESTS AND AGRICULTURE. Forests. The mountainous interior of both the principal islands is completely covered with virgin native forest. The cultivated areas of the Territory are mostly coastal, the precipitous interior being literally untouched. There has not been any systematic appraisal of the forest areas, but it would not be an exaggeration to say that upwards of 500 square miles of country are bush clad. As has been remarked previously, visiting representatives of milling interests have not been favourably impressed by the possibilities of the commercial exploitation of the native timbersf 1 ). During the recent opening-up of the areas for the land-settlement schemes a quantity of millable timber was felled, and a certain amount of it was utilized by a local company manufacturing wooden bowls, trays, occasional tables, &c. The standing timber is of the usual type found in tropical countries, and includes talie (Terminalia cattapa), tava, tamanu, mamala (Dysoxylon alliaceum meliaceae), fau (Hibiscus teliaceus malvaceae), malili, and moso'oi (Cananga odorata anonaceae). Agriculture. During the past ten years the circumstances of the Territory have not warranted the maintenance of a separate Department of Agriculture, the Administration being content to exercise a strict scrutiny of all export produce before shipment. The services of agricultural experts are obtained as required for special investigations such as soil surveys, copra, cocoa, and banana diseases. Mr. H. W. Simmonds, 0.8. E., Entomologist, from Fiji, is at present making special investigations in Malaya, Mauritius, and East Africa with the object of obtaining suitable scolia wasps to combat the ravages in Western Samoa of the oryctes rhinoceros beetle. The recent appointment of the Pulefa'atoaga (Plantation Inspectors) marks a step towards renewed activity along the lines of agricultural advice and technical assistance. Copra is the staple product of the Territory : it is produced approximately 66 per cent, by Natives and the output of the New Zealand Reparation Estates accounts for roughly two-thirds of the balance. Exports for the four years 1935-38 averaged 12,524 tons. There is considerable fluctuation in local stocks held between shipments, and for this reason records are kept of Native production as distinct from export, as indicated in the following : — v „ „ Exported. Native Production. " Tons. Tons. 1935 .. .. .. .. .. .. 12,501 10,500 1936 .. .. .. .. .. .. 13,014 9,230 1937 .. .. .. .. .. .. 13,340 10,273 1938 .. .. .. .. .. .. 11,241 7,490 Cocoa is produced in Western Samoa principally by Europeans (although Native production is increasing), and is of very high quality, being a standardized hybrid of Criollo and Forastero, but with the Criollo predominating. Samoan cocoa has been classified by the. Imperial Economic Conference on cocoa as being amongst the world's finest in point of quality, and it is used mainly for blending. Export during the four years 1935-38 averaged 1,135 tons per annum. Bananas continue to be of considerable assistance to the Territory, and a record number of 205,715 cases was shipped during the calendar year 1938. Further information relating to this product will be found in the report on trade, Chapter IX. As a result of complaints regarding the conduct of the banana-export business by the Inspector of Produce and his staff( 2 ), the complaints being first voiced by one of the Samoan members of the Legislative Council, the Acting Administrator ordered an inquiry to be held. The Mau organization

(!) See minutes of thirty-fifth session of Permanent Mandates Commission, page 170. ( 2 ) See minutes of thirty-fifth session of Permanent Mandates Commission, page 164.

A.—4.

issued circulars offering to assist, and assisted complainants in formulating their statements. Evidence was heard before a Commissioner of the High Court. The full evidence of the hearing was forwarded to the mandatory Government, and the subsequent finding, issued by the Hon. the Minister for External Affairs, completely exonerated the Produce Inspector and his staff from the charges made. The finding was published in the local press and in the Savali. Of the banana shipments, two-thirds of the suppliers are Samoans and one-third Europeans (including part Samoans)( 1 ). For an average shipment there would be approximately 1,050 Samoan Rubber (Havea brazilienses) is planted to some extent, though the area under cultivation is gradually being worked out. During the past year 49 tons, representing a value of £3,293, were exported. XXII.—MINES. There are no mines or any known mineral deposits of value in the Territory. XXIII.—POPULATION Statistics for the year ending 31st March, 1939, are given in the following table:— — ; i ' i P i i I

Figures showing the alteration in population since April, 1921, the date of the first census taken by the* New Zealand Administration, are given hereunder

The last official census on the 4th November, 1936, revealed that there were 37 German nationals in the Territory and 499 persons of mixed blood who claimed German descent( 2 ). XXIV.—PUBLIC WORKS. The following structural work was completed during the year under review : — Hospital.—New quarters were erected for the matron to make available additional accommodation at the hospital; extensive alterations, renovations, and additions were made to the European ward ; a new building with washhouse and conveniences was erected for the Samoan nurses at Apia Hospital; extensive repairs were completed on several of the hospital buildings; a reinforced-concrete dispensary was erected at Sato.ua, Savai i. Education. —A new infant, school was erected at Ifi Ifi European School; several new conveniences (including a new septic tank) were erected at Malifa and Ifi Ifi ; good progress was made with the erection of a new Teachers' Training-school. Necessary repairs were made to several residences of European officials. Further alterations and additions were made to the buildings at Apia Observatory, and a new building with shower-rooms and conveniences was completed. Disastrous storms in January, 1939, carried away several bridges and washed out many roads. Work is continuing on the urgent repairs to these communications, but it will be several months, at a cost of some thousands of pounds, before access is completely restored. Repairs and replacements were carried out to the Customs Wharf at Apia. The hydro-electric service suffered considerably from the storms, the power-house being flooded and long sections of the pipe-line being carried away. This damage has been repaired. Parks, reserves, water-supplies, and sanitation were all the subject of attention during the year.

(!) See minutes of thirty-fifth session of Permanent Mandates Commission, page 164. ( 2 ) See minutes of thirty-fifth session of Permanent Mandates Commission, page 160.

Designation. As at S 1 1 9 f 8 MarCh ' Births. Deaths. Arrivals. Departures. As at 9 MaToh ' Totete. _ , • 'it F M. F. M. F. M. F. M. F. M. F. Europeans .. 258 139 3 .. 3 .. 181 98 165 99 274 138 412 Persons of part 1,439 1,331 118 84 4 4 84 106 112 135 1,525 1,382 2,907 Nati™r nbI °° d 27,433 26,727 1,116 989 425 328 699 459 631 481 28,192 27,366 55,558 Chinese labourers .. 328 ., .. • • 1 Other Chinese .. 18 3 .. .. Melanesian labourers 82 1 • ■ • • 2 ou * 01 29,558 28,201 1,237 1,073 435 332 964 663 908 715 30,416 28,890 59,306 Totals ■■ ' 2/310~ 1,627" 1,623 59,306 . '

Designation. As at 17th April, 1921. As at 31st March, 1939. Decrease. Europeans and persons of part Samoan 2,066 3,319 + 1,253 Native Samoans .. * ■ • • 33,336 55,558 + 22,222 Chinese labourers .. •• •• 1,290 327 963 Melanesian labourers .. • • 465 81 — 384 Otter Chinese ...... * 21 +21 37,157 59,306 + 22,149 * Not recorded separately.

A.—4.

Details of Quantities of Exports, 1923-38.

A.—4.

Copra Production, 1910-38.

A.—4.

Values of Imports, Exports, and Total Trade of Western Samoa, 1925-38.

A.—4.

Dental Clinic Building: Mr. Williams and Dental Cadets on the Steps.

Group of Children receiving Preventive Treatment at the Clinic with their Teacher. Note the Sliding Windows on the far Side allowing good Ventilation and Light for Operative Work.

6 —A. 4.

A.—4.

Photo showing the Lay-out on the South Side of the Clinic. Sterilizing Bench behind the Chairs.

Cadets checking Patients attending for Re-examination.

A—4.

The North Side of the Clinic during Lecture.

Some of the Tooth Forms carved by the Cadets from Plaster Blocks.

Approximate Cost of Paper.—Preparation, not given ; printing (1,220 copies, including maps and illustrations), £62 10s.

By Authority: E. V. Paul, Government Printer, Wellington.—l 939.

Price Is. 3d.}

- ; a— 4-.

WESTERN SAMOA

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MANDATED TERRITORY OF WESTERN SAMOA (NINETEENTH REPORT OF THE GOVERNMENT OF NEW ZEALAND ON THE ADMINISTRATION OF, FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31st MARCH, 1939)., Appendix to the Journals of the House of Representatives, 1939 Session I, A-04

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MANDATED TERRITORY OF WESTERN SAMOA (NINETEENTH REPORT OF THE GOVERNMENT OF NEW ZEALAND ON THE ADMINISTRATION OF, FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31st MARCH, 1939). Appendix to the Journals of the House of Representatives, 1939 Session I, A-04

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MANDATED TERRITORY OF WESTERN SAMOA (NINETEENTH REPORT OF THE GOVERNMENT OF NEW ZEALAND ON THE ADMINISTRATION OF, FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31st MARCH, 1939). Appendix to the Journals of the House of Representatives, 1939 Session I, A-04

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MANDATED TERRITORY OF WESTERN SAMOA (NINETEENTH REPORT OF THE GOVERNMENT OF NEW ZEALAND ON THE ADMINISTRATION OF, FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31st MARCH, 1939). Appendix to the Journals of the House of Representatives, 1939 Session I, A-04

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MANDATED TERRITORY OF WESTERN SAMOA (NINETEENTH REPORT OF THE GOVERNMENT OF NEW ZEALAND ON THE ADMINISTRATION OF, FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31st MARCH, 1939). Appendix to the Journals of the House of Representatives, 1939 Session I, A-04

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