SAMOAN NEWS

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXII, Issue 22280, 30 November 1935, Page 20

SAMOAN NEWS

LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL

THE RECENT ELECTION PROGRESS OF INDUSTRY [ FIIOM OUll OWN COIIBFSrONDENT] APIA, Nov. 21 A poll was hold recently for the election of two members to the Legislative Couifcil. Thero were four candidates, including Messrs. I. H. Carruthers and A. H. Cobcroft, the retiring numbers. Messrs. A. 11. Smyth, 82 votes, and I. H. Carruthers, (};">, were elected. There is much dissatisfaction regarding the franchise qualification of the territory, and all the candidates went to the poll pledged to endeavour to have it rectified. It is contended that when a man has • paid his personal tax of CI os per annum —and all Kuropean males are subject thereto—he should lie entitled to exercise the franchise. Also there should be a scheme of compulsory enrolment and voting devised. The roll used t for the recent election contained only 134 names, of which 97 per cent voted. The prices of copra and cocoa stil 1 fluctuate, but returns are a little above production costs, consequently the natives are cutting much more copra and the sheds of the traders are filling rapidly. Two ships are due to load next month. The banana trade is still the mamstay of the territory, and this wcek the Union Company will commence the monthly service of 4000 cases for Auckland. This \vil' bring Samoa's monthly quota to New Zealand up to 12,000 cases. Some very fine fruit is being grown for shipment. Native H*idicraft Some new outlets tor native work and handicraft are being explored by Messrs. Morris, Hedstrom, Limited, who have succeeded in interesting American business firms. Two large consignments are beii'g sent of native weaving—table centres, mats, glass holders, etc., from the Papauta School. Woodwork from local timbers has been fashioned under the supervision of Mr. C. Hall, and some beautiful table articles, fruit and salad bowls, fish and gravy boats, all with servers to match, have been made. The timbers take a beautiful polish and the consignment is exceptionally pleasing. The designs include (lowers, fish, turtles and birds. The November meeting of the Apin Turf Club was a great success, despite inclement weather. The attendance was very satisfactory, and over 100 horses started in the nine events on the programme. The going was very heavy, but there were some very close finishes. The principal race, the Colonel Allen Cup, over a mile, was won by Mr. H. I. Jones' b g Blaze." Veteran Horse Destroyed An unfortunate accident happened in this race, the veteran Buster had worn down the field and was passing the horse when "he slipped and fell, breaking a leg. He had to be destroyed. The horse was a great favourite with racegoers and had won many races. The President and Vice-president Cup, presented by Messrs. A. G. Smyth and A. R. Cobcroft, is a new trophy for native owned and bred horses. It was won by Poutoa's Lepea. Over £2OO was invested on the totalisator in 2s tickets. The directors of the Union Company were so pleased with the entertainment of tourists to Samoa on .their recent trip, that as a mark of their appreciation, they have presented l to the Apia Golf Club a handsome trophy, to be known as the Monowai Cup, for annual competition. There is to bo quite an exodus of Administration officials. On her next trip the Maui Pomaro will take officers whose terms of service have expired. These include Messrs. P. C. Williams. Public Works Department, and SubInspectors Fell and J.* Norrie, of the Public Trust.