ADMINISTRATION OF SAMOA

Press, Volume XC, Issue 27405, 19 July 1954, Page 5

ADMINISTRATION OF SAMOA

“ Commended For Efforts” (N.Z. Press Association—Copyright) (Rec. 9 p.m.) NEW YpRK, July 15. The United Nations Trusteeship Council today commended New Zealand on .its administration of Western Samoa, and declared its satisfaction with the progress made, particularly the surveys in the economic, labour and educational fields. It “noted” the people’s desire for self-rule, as well as the statement of the Prime Minister of New Zealand (Mr Holland) on March 19, 1953, which provided a basis for the fulfilment of Samoan political aspirations. The council hoped that at the forthcoming Constitutional Convention, the people would formulate, for the consideration of New Zealand, a plan for the progressive attainment by Western Samoa of self-government or independence. In the economic field, the council expressed the hope that the most urgent attehtion would, be given in cooperation with the Samoan people, to intensifying measures for an over-all increase in production, a diversification of crops and the establishment of secondary industries. The council also asked to be informed of the results of a study of the question of preferential tariffs. It ‘‘noted” the advances made in public health and urged that the medical and hospital facilities should be increased and that the efforts made to combat tuberculosis should be continued. The council also approved recommendations from its committees on Nauru, which is under Australian administration. The proposals on Nauru covered political, economic, social and educational matters. Dealing with the expected exhaustion of the territory’s phosphates, the council “noted” the statement of the administering authority that it was actively studying the problem with a view to drawing up a plan for the progressive resettlement of the people in other lands.