ISLAND WITCHES

Gisborne Times, Volume LXXIII, Issue 11827, 7 January 1933, Page 4

ISLAND WITCHES

CONVICTIONS IN SAMOA

UNREST DECLINING. It comes as something of a surprise to find that there wore two convictions for witchcraft at Savai'i, Western Samoa, last year. This information is contained n the latest criminal statistics covering the mandated area. Other particulars give an indication of the decline of the unrest among the native population which marked 1930-31. In that year no fewer than 280 offences were reported under the Maintenance of Authority in Native Affairs Ordinance, whereas last year there were only 62 convictions under this Ordinance, a decrease of 224. Offences under the Seditious Organisations Regulations last year numbered four, as against 41 the previous year. Breaches against the Arms Ordinance last year totalled four, the number for the previous year being 30. Even in Apia, it appears, traffic breaches constitute the major work for the courts. Minor traffic breaches resulting in convictions totalled 178 last year, as against 135 in 1930-31, showing that the problem is increasing even as in large cities, in addition to drivers of vehicles, however, one person was found guilty of dangerously riding a horse, a charge which has probably not been laid against anyone in the congested areas rff Wellington for many years.