PROGRESS OF SAMOA.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXVI, Issue 20208, 19 March 1929, Page 8

PROGRESS OF SAMOA.

ELECTRIC-POWER SUPPLY.

ADVENT OF THE MOTOR.

AFFRAY AT A VILLAGE. [FItCM OUR OWN CORRESPONDENT,] TOFUA, Feb. 8. Apia'p hydro-electric scheme is an accomplished fact. Light and power are now connected all over the town, and the line has been extended to Vaiiima. Meters have been installed for the consumers, and the current rate is fixed at 9d a unit, dropping to cheaper rates according to consumption. That well-known hostel "The Casino " is being closed down as far as the Administration is concerned at the end of the present month. Unless the place is taken up by someone—it has been advertised for leasing—many people will have to look out for houses, and they are not plentiful in and around Apia. Ten years ago there were very few motor-cars in Apia, and no taxi. To-day there are over 330 registrations, including many taxis. There are also four or five omnibuses which maintain regular services between Apia, Mulifaiiua, and Falefa. The buses pay their way apparently, being very freely used by the natives. If there was a road right round the island the buses would be crowded all the time. The Samoan loves to travel, and to-day must be spending hundreds of pounds annually in "joy rides" alone. Each steamer to the port brings fresh cars for the> Apia roads. One wonders where they all go to and what they do, but still they come. The Samoan is a good spender.

There is a rumour that the cocoanut estates Mulifanua, Vaitele and Vailele, are being sought by a New Zealand syndicate. The proposition is to take over a long lease of these properties, buying the stock at valuation, producing copra, erecting an oil crushing plant at a convenient spot, and exporting the oil from Samoa, instead of the copra. Two representatives of the syndicate have been on the spot securing data. Apia, Vaimoso, and Lepea are quiet. There is no movement to disturb the peace and harmony that prevails. Both sides wait. The only excitement happened last Sunday morning after church when the Niue village at Apia turned out in full force to witness a village fight in which most of the villagers were engaged with fists, sticks and stones. The police secured

four offenders who were later charged with drunkenness and disorderly conduct. Many others were in the affray, but managed to get to .cover before the arrival of the force. The four offenders (Niueans) were sent to gaol for a month. "Faamafu" was the cause of the trouble. Ihe homemade beer has some strength in it at times. Rumour says that beer and spirits are sold in and around Apia, and much money is being made out of it.