NEEDS OF SAMOA

Evening Post, Volume XCIX, Issue 57, 8 March 1920, Page 7

NEEDS OF SAMOA

EUROPEANS STATE PROBLEMS

LABOUR OF FIRST IMPORTANCE.

(BY TELEGItAHI.—PRESS ASSOCIATION.)

APIA, sth March

Replying to various requests made in the course of a deputation to the Parliamentary visitors to Samoa, Sir James Allen said the question of, European houses, increased, salaries for Councillors, and equal pay for Samoans and whites in Government employ, as well'as a pensions scheme, would be considered. The request for liquor prohibition had already been granted. Sir James Allen added: "Liquor importation is forbidden, and, as far as I am concerned, there will be no relaxation whatever. What is good for the Samoans is good for .the whites under similar circumstances." In reply to a request that all expenditure be directed by the Native Council, Sir James Allen said this would be unfair to the whites, who contributed largely to the administration, and must for the time being control all expenditure. The Governments financial policy provided for advances for reproductive works, at 5 per cent., exclusive of sinking fund. Advances for non-productive works, such as hospitals and schools, would be free of interest. The armed constabulary would be withdrawn eventually, but he considered that immediately following the military occupation some such force was necessary.

The European citizens have embodied their views in reports on Samoan problems.' Sir James Allen and the Parliamentary party will meet this committee for the purpose of giving a reply on Wednesday. A report on agriculture and labour says: "The position to-day is that.we must have more labour or face bankruptcy. Without an adequate supply of labour it is impossible for planters to carry on. The labour barracks, which previously were considered to| fulfil requirements, have beeD condemned, and we are compelled to make additions, and erect new buildings. The last straw was forced repatriation of indentured Chinese, costing .£2O to S2O 10s per head, against £2 10s before the war. To these causes, as well as more costly provisions, and the ravages of the rhinocerous beetle, is attributed the bankruptcy of some of the largest companies. One company has reduced its labourers from 294 to 12, and its rubber output from 69.3831b to nil. and cocoa from 139 tons to 20 tons." Summing up the report says that five thousand labourers will ultimately be required for the maintenance and development of the present plantations, and to meet the needs of merchants and public works. Tile opinion is expressed that Chinese could easily be procured at the outside wage of thirty shillings per month. I'ailin.g Chinese, the report suggests that Javanese could .be obtained by arrangement with the Dutch Government. Figures submitted show that approximately 20,P00 acres, mostly German, are under cultivation. The New Zealand Government is interested in 76,000 acres allotted to New Zealand by the Peace Treaty. On European plantations there are at present at work indentured Solomon Islanders and Chinese, but the Solomon Islanders are being repatriated, and are no longer a factor. In 1910, the Chinese numbered 220U, while now there arc 830; and the Solomon Islanders who numbered in 1910, 850. are now 405. It is pointed out that a Samoan, with his wife, earns more per day in cutting coprji on his own holding than the planters, pay him in a month. Moreover, the Samoans are insufficient to replace the indentured labourers. The report asks Sir Jamas Allen to advise as to the status ofiGerman properties. A ..report on liquor control vigorously protests that the residents were not consulted regarding the prohibition pn. clamations, and considers • the terms of the'mandate do not stipulate for total prohibition. The report also draws attention to the fact that the Germans employed two white policemen, who practically prevented the natives . from drinking. The report advocates State control.

A report on constabulary declares that such a strong, expensive force is not warranted, and assures the visitors that native contabulary,' with the present oncers, was more conducive to the peace and safety of Samoa.

A report dealing with the Press requests that the censorship on the local newspaper be discontinued.

A report on education states that the education of children will be better and more economically carried on by the existing mission agencies, encouraged and subsidised by the Government, than by the State school system.