SAMOA.

Press, Volume LIX, Issue 17941, 8 December 1923, Page 18

SAMOA.

FUTURE PROSPECTS.

(PSESS ASSOCMTICN- TSLEGa,.*.)

AUCKLAND. December 7

Brigadier-General Richardson, Administrator of Western Samoa, says that, as a result of the direct representation of the European community, ho expects that the people will take a more lively interest iu the political affairs of their country than they hitherto have done. He found the European citizens most, anxious to help tho Administration and ever readv to co-operate for tho good of Samoa. The natives appear to be happv, contented and law-abiding, he said, though from the white point of view thev are not industrious. The Administration is trying to induce them, by a system of rewards, to produce more*for export. "The prosperity of Samoa depends primarily on native production, but I do not anticipate an early improvement in this connexion." "The health of the Samoans/' General Richardson said, "is improving under the treatment for hookworm and yaws now being actively carried out by the Medical Department and also on account of the recently improved sanitation; but it will be some years before proper sanitation is installed throughout Samoa. "The population is increasing, but not so rapidly as it should be owing to the high rate of infant mortality. This matter is receiving our attention. "There are now alwut 1000 Chinese coolies in Samoa. We recently repatriated about 300, but we intend to get more to replace them next year. I am assured that we shall have no difficulty in getting all the labour we need from China, as the labour conditions in Samoa for coolies are very favourable. It will be many years before we can dispense with coolie labour in Samoa. "This year will not bo a good one economically for Samoa, as the gales during the last wet season, followed by six m/mths of hot and unusually dry weather, have adversely affected the output of copra ar.d cocoa. Furthermore, tho market prices of these products have been lower than usual. Private planters are having .a hard struggle, and are deserving of any assistance we can give therm Tho merchants and traders are feeling the effects of the economio depression, but this is only temporary. "Samoa is destined to be a prosperous country, paying its way and with no debt. The world needs all the tropical products that can be produced; therefore, given guaranteed labour in Samoa, investments should always bring in a good return. lam sorry the volume -of New Zealand -trade with Samoa is not what it ought to be, but this is a matter for the commercial community of this country to interest itself in." / ____________