TRADE IN SAMOA.

Auckland Star, Volume XXXI, Issue 186, 7 August 1900, Page 4

TRADE IN SAMOA.

The evidences are strong that ths change of jurisdiction over the Samoan group will result in a commercial revolution and . the shifting ;. of the trade centre of the islands from Apia to Pago-Pago. Such a,; ;. transfer is not only possible, but quite, probable. The commercial in- • terests of Americans and EngKsh i have all along been.the most active there. The German merchants es-\ tablished at Apia have never been conciliatory, and they have been" lack-7 < ing in tact in their dealings, with the natives as well as with, other na» , tionalities trading with the islands. Since Apia passed under tTie German : flag they have been less tactful than_ ever. Their disposition is-, to Germanise everything. Americans and■..:-■ , Englishmen employed' in the offices are being crowded out and Germans ■' put in their places, and it is proposed' . _ to substitute German coinage for the currency in use. All these changes are calculated to alienate the trade relations of other nationalities. ' » Ther are also other reasons influen- I cinq the shifting of the trade centre. Now that the island of Tutuila is under American control the splendid advantages of the harbour of Pago Pago for shipping are to 7je utilised. American and "British mercantile houses, are gradually withdrawing from Apia and transferring their ac-: , ; tivity #and enterprise to its development. The United States nas already. established a coaling station there, 4 which will constitute in itself a nucleus for future commercial growth, it promises, therefore, to become finally the metropolis of the Samoan. group. The harbour has, in facti been always considered to be the key. to Central Polynesia, as it lies in the direct path of all commerce in the South Pacific. The Germans were never reconciled to its acquisition by, the United States, for they appreciated its vast superiority for the accommodation of shipping over the insecure harbour of Apia. Whenever it shall be made a. place of. call for the regular mail steamers, which..." must, in course of time,' occur, it iS predicted that its conversion into the •• trade centre of the Samoan group will quickly follow.—"Sail Francisco . .Chronicle."