PACIFIC PROBLEMS

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXIX, Issue 21245, 27 July 1932, Page 12

PACIFIC PROBLEMS

IMPROVEMENTS IN SAMOA INDIANS IN FIJI INCREASING Tho last of a series of lectures on Pacific affairs was given at tho University College last evening by Sir George Richardson, formerly Administrator of Western Samoa. Professor M. Walker presided. Sir Georgo spoke on "Somo Problems of the South Pacific" and mado particular reference <0 tho varying forms of government obtaining in the island groups. Sir Goorgc said it had frequently been asked why tho Tongan land system of making every man cultivate his own land should not apply under New Zealand s mandate in Samoa. Tho position was that land control in Samoa was by numbers of chieftains, tho people working for one ,or other of these chieftains. New Zealand had done much to improve the education of tho Samoans, especially in tho way of cultivation, but those leaving the schools had 110 option under present circumstances but to work for a chieftain. To make any change for tho better, tho agreement of tho chieftains would bo necessary, and this yas tho actual difficulty. The speaker said lie had learned to love tho Samoan raco and it had beon his hopo that the Samoans could bo brought to develop and multiply so that, by economic pressure, Chinese labour would not be necessary in the islands. New Zealand's rule was in the direction of making tho Samoans self-supporting, but the full benefits were not yet apparent. New Zealand had accomplished important work in medical and educational service. Where the number of Samoans had been decreasing or at a standstill there was now an increase. Referring to Fiji, Sir George mentioned the problem of the Indian populationwhich was now approaching the Fijian in number. Largo numbers of Chinese had also entered tho colony in recent years. "I am one ofjfthose who would want Fiji kept for the Fijians," Sir George said. "What will be tho position in 50 years, or less, when the Indians outnumber the Fijians ?"