AMERICAN SAMOA.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXVI, Issue 20162, 24 January 1929, Page 14

AMERICAN SAMOA.

PROGRESS OF TERRITORY.

ECONOMIC POSITION GOOD

A RECORD COPRA YIELD

[FROM OUR OWN CORRESPONDENT.]

NEW YORK. Dec. 12

Tho annual report of American Samoa, just presented to Congress, states that the population of tho territory on June 30, 1927, was 8731), and on June 30, 1928. it whs 8940, showing an increase of 210. Food products are plentiful, tho people appear to be contented and industrious, and in general the economic situation is highly satisfactory Tho copra production has been as follows:I 1 or 1925, 315 tons; for 1926, 590 tons; for 1927, 551 tons; and for 1928 tho indications are that tho crop will be possibly tho largest crop ever shipped from American Samoa. Iho qual ity of copra now being shipped excels any ever shipped out of American Samoa. More cocoanut trees are being planted regularly, particularly in tho Manua district. Tho subject of native taxes is ono about which there has been considerable comment. The poll tax and school tax is levied on all males above sft. 2in., because of the fact that the birth records are more or less incomplete for tho first few years tho census was taken However, it is believed that soino time during tho coming year taxes may bo levied according to age. Tho native taxes for this year amounted to £5737

Tho customs revenue trom all sources fur the year 1927-1928 was £14,567. Duties collected, excepting parcel post, during tho year represented articles and merchandise valued as follows From United Stales, X1b,392, Australia, £12,000; Germany, £1385; Japan, £169; France, £18; other countries, £3435; total, £33,413. Education and Health. Tho report, goes on to say:—"The results obtained by the Public School Department are considered as good as can be obtained under existing conditions and under the taxation that may reasonably be imposed upon the people for education. There are 48 teachers, of whom 42 arc Samoans and six are white. There are 19 schools, located so as to have a school within reasonable walking distance of every child in American Samoa. Tho enrolment is 1900 pupils—the largest on record. There are six private schools, with 372 pupils, making a total of 2272 children enrolled altogether. Fifty-five teachers and candidate teachers attended tho normal school at Poyer during the year. The education expenditure totalled £4llß.

"Tho deaths numbered 183, tho death rate being 20.97 per thousand. The senior medical officer of the United States Naval Station at Tutuila, is the health officer. There are two other medical officers, a dental officer, a pharmacist, and four members of the Navy Nursing Corps attached to the naval station. There are 24 hospital corps men serving in Samoa. About £2400 is allotted for medical and surgical supplies, and £2032 for the health department for 1928. All medical supplies tor the treatment of natives are furnished free by the Bureau of Medicine and Surgery. All professional medical and dental personnel are members of the Navy. Need for Free Services. "It will probably be many years before even a majority of Samoans can be educated to a point where they might bo depended upon to seek medical advice and procure necessary medicines and supplies if they had to pay for them. It is absolutely essential that medical and nursing services should continue to bo free of charge. Tho dental officer treats on the average 50 to 60 Samoan patients each month. To date 34 nurses have graduated. "Tho former practice of requiring the natives of various communities to furnish free labour on roads has been discontinued. The present condition of the •oads is better than ever in the history of American Samoa. During the past year telephones were installed at Leone and Amouli. In addition to the main radio station at Tutuila, there is a radio station on the island of Tau, and one on the island of Ofu. The finances of tho Government are in a very satisfactory condi- • ion, and there is every reason to believe that the revenues of the ensuing fiscal yoar will exceed the estimate."