GERMAN SAMOA.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XLV, Issue 13692, 7 March 1908, Page 6

GERMAN SAMOA.

DEVELOPMENT OF TRADE.

RESOURCES AND PROSPECTS

[FROM OUR OWN CORRESPONDENT.]

Aha, February 25. Increased facilities of communication, such as now exist, owing to the maintenance of two first-class steam services running through the Island Groups to the northward, must inevitably trend towards the development of better trade conditions, and likewise towards the -cultural advancement of the islands themselves. Good laws, conscientiously enforced, have already beneficially altered matters, and' with additional transportation services over excellent competing lines, those fertile areas to the northward must forge rapidly ahead. With the opening up of inland communication, and the enactment of needed legislation, it is probable that tha output of the Tongan Group can he largely enhanced, to the general advantage of its native and foreign occupants; but unquestionably the. earliest and greatest improvement will occur in Samoa, where large areas of cocoanuts planted under Government regulations since the establishment of German rule are now about to add extensively to the export of copra. the first benefits accruing from the enlightened policy of Governor So If are now within easy reach, and with their advent, the merchants and traders will be enabled to materially add to both exports and imports over more frequent lines of communication, competition securing for them increased civility and attention to their requirements, and greater care in the handling of supplies. While such valuable outputs as cocoa and rubber, grown on the Samoan plantations, do not themselves afford bulky and remunerative freights, their disposal in foreign markets furnishes the wherewithal which enables the planter and the merchant to import his necessary supplies, and such luxuries as his growing prosperity seems to warrant. It is confidently expected that a number _ of the Samosn cocoa plantations will this- year pay handsome dividends. These seem absolutely assured at the present moment, so much so, in fact, that several new companies are at present organising in Sydney and elsewhere, with a view to participating in the good things which are looked for.

So far Now Zealanders have not been attracted towards-the Islands, though they lie handily, and arc easily reached over an excellent and moderate juiced passenger service. Roughly, land may he bought at prices ranging from 20s to 100s per acre, and after live years, brought into bearing at a cost approximating JMO. It is then expected to return annual profits averaging from £16 to £26 per acre. These results may l>e stated with confidence, for they are common returns. The outlay mentioned of £40 includes cost- of the land, its tilth, the dwellings used for the owners and employees, the dryers, and work animals, and all living and other expenses until the plantation is incomeproducing. Chinese coolies, tinder three years' contract are preferred as labourers, they being docile and attentive. It is to be hoped, and also confidently expected, that both the Union and Weir lines will find their services through the islands, to be remunerative, ami thai, the latter lino will sec its way before long to carry passengers as well as cargo. There arc few openings in the islands for clerks and labourers, and people in search of employment ought not to set out tor such localities unless they have secured situations in advance. Parties with small capital and determination to work themselves may readily succeed, provided Alley do not undertake more than their capital warrants. In fact, this class of settler, who economises, and who grows most of his owe supplies between his rows of cocoa, can bring his land into best bearing condition, far and away cheaper titan the large grower who has to pay high salaries for overseeing, housing, and feeding his European employees. That rubber of the best quality can be produced is beyond any doubt, as large samples have already been thoroughly tested. Those engaged in its culture look for hand- j some profits, and it is likely thai their | expectations will be amply justified. j iSamoiun cocoa is regarded as a fancy grade, j and it brings the highest price paid in j Hamburg, which is the world's greatest market at,the present time. 1