Frightening Problems Face West. Samoa

Press, Volume CI, Issue 29714, 6 January 1962, Page 11

Frightening Problems Face West. Samoa

(Special Correspondent N Z.PA..)

APIA, January 4.

Western Samoa faces frightening problems in its first year of independence. So urgent are these problems that the United Nations special representative at its independence celebrations, Mr Harry Spence, jun., today started talks in Apia with Samoan Government officials to consider possible aid for Samoa from United Nations specialised agencies.

A report on Samoan economic development recently published here and adopted in principal by the Government and Legislative Assembly shows: the Samoan birthrate is between 36 and 41 a thousand —among the world’s highest. With virtually no birth control the population has risen from 97,327 in 1956 to 111,367 last year. It is estimated to reach 137,000 in 1966 and 163,000 in 1971.

The average annual cash income is less than £lO a head.

There are grave fears about the country’s ability to feed its increasing population unless urgent steps are taken to raise agriculture producing. Western Samoa has about 700,900 acres of land. In 1956, it was estimated there remained only about 100.000 acres suitable for agricultural use. At the current development rate it is expected there will be no more land for development by about 1971,

Copra production, which has been the backbone of the economy (earning 40 per cent, of overseas income last year), is expected to decline sharply in the near future. Coconut trees have been badly damaged by the rhinoceros beetle. Production of cocoa Samoa’s second export crop, is threatened by black pod fungus disease Bunchytop and heart rot virus diseases threaten to wipe out the country's banana industry. Bananas are the third main export earner

and are an important staple food.

The value of the country’s exports last year was estimated at £1,800.000 but imports were estimated at £2 500,000 The Government reserves on November 30 last year were only £468.534. Last year £150.000 of the Government's overseas investments were sold to provide ready cash and another £25,000 worth will have to be sold soon There is no more than £30.000 available in Western Samoa at present for capital development. The country faces a serious shortage of trained administrators and skilled tradesmen. The present education system is described by the Education Director. Mr C J Williams, as “far from adequate, even for present needs, much less the needs of the next 10 years.” New Zealand is currently contributing £400.000 toward Samoan education.

The Economic Development Committee has recommended in its report that priority be given to agricultural development, with stress on food and export crops. It also recommended the establishment of secondary industries. such as a timber industry, coffee-roasting and fish-canning factories To meet the lack of funds for capital development it recommended the establishment of a development corporation and provision of incentives to attract capital. The committee also recommended favourable considera-

tion of a suggestion to establish a labour corps similar to President Roosevelt's Civilian Conservation Corps to use unemployed labour in projects like clearing and planting land.

To deal with the inadequacy of the education system. the committee has recommended a complete revision of the present education policy and immediate steps to get more skilled and professional workers. The Samoan Heads of State in their Speech from the Throne to Parliament this week said the Government would give top priority to the committee’s recommenda-

tions. There is general agreement among Samoans and Europeans here that the country is walking on an economic tight rope.