SAMOA

Hawera & Normanby Star, Volume XLIII, Issue XLIII, 4 January 1924, Page 5

SAMOA

PLANS FOR. DEVELOPMENT.

USE OP GOVERNMENT PL4NTA TIONS.

AMPLE CHINESE1 LABOUR.

(by telegraph—press association.) AUCKLAND, Jan. 3. was delivered by Major-General G. H. Richardson at a largely attended meeting held at Apia on Christmas Eve on liis return 1990 »T a> frr.i UCS and-- "Since 1920 he said, "the Government has in the interests of Samoa, spared no expense m endeavouring to cu'tivate and improve their plantations, so that they could subsequently 'be made available tor lease or sale to private decided that the time has arrived to give opportunities for all estates to be made available for lease to private enterprise. Tenders will be accepted for: (a) All plantations, or (b) W arate plantations, or (c) aggregates of several plantations. In the public interest the New Zealand Government' lias for several years carried on various trading concerns in Apia, viz., a butchery, dairy and ice works, a laundry, a rest house, etc.. Authorityhas now been given for these activities to be determined, should I deem it advisable to do so. They will, however, be first made available for lease. >

"Although the taxpayers of Samoa do not bear the whole cost of administration, and could not carry on the present activities without the assistance of New Zealand, it is thought the cost of administration is too high in proportion to the total trade of the country. With a view to effecting a reduction in administrative expenditure, the' Government has approved of proposals for a gradual reduction of staff, and also a new scale of pay, which unfortunately for those concerned means a reduction in the total emoluments. The Government wishes to ensure that the salaries are commensurate with>-the duties and responsibilities of the respective appointments, which it is considered the new scale provides for. All overseas officials who do not desire to serve under the new conditions will have their passages paid back to New Zealand if they so desire. Several thousand pounds will be saved by these reductions."

After dealing with the question of Chinese labour, General Richardson concludes: "The release of the Crown estates to private enterprise is also a very important change, and should result in increased production and prosperity. The Government of New Zealand has done, and will continue to Jo, its utmost to promote the welfare of Samoa. With this assurance it remains for each individual to support the Government in its efforts, and for all sections of the community to remain united »s at present. If we all pull together and take as our motto tor coming year 'economy pr>d increased production,' then by God's help Samoa will prosper."

Chinese labour was referred to by General Richardson. "No. difficulties," he said, "are likely V|s*"~be experienced in getting all the vflifne^e labour we require under the hew conditions, which are reported to he •working so satisfactorily. During the com ins; yenr we shall be- repatriating about 600 coolies, and replacing, them by new coolies from China, ; T^ jronld therefore ask all employers of labour to- carefully consider their future requirements and notify th^ Administration as soon as this information is called for, which will be at an earlydate.

"The three rears' engagement system will be adhered to. as although free labour has been substituted for the old indentured system, it is not intended to keep Chinese labourers lonser than three years in Samoa in future except in very special cases, such as the old boys who arrived prior to the British occupation, and this small number will not be allowed to own property, land or a house, but may engage in market gardening.

"I cannot let this opportunity pass without expressing my appreciation of the good work done by the Chinese labourers in Samoa. They are for the most part law-abiding and good workers. They are doing their part in the development of Samoa, and it is our duty to recognise this, which I think has been done as far as possible in the new conditions under "which they are now working."