CONDITIONS IN SAMOA

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXIII, Issue 22464, 7 July 1936, Page 9

CONDITIONS IN SAMOA

NEW ZEALAND VISITORS

EXTENSIVE TOUR MADE (Received July 6. 11.45 p.m.) APIA. July 5 First-hand knowledgo of tho conditions in the outlying villages and of the work of the Administration in the territory was gained by the goodwill delegates, who returned to Apia to-day after a tour of Western Samoa. The party travelled 100 miles and the trip occupied three days. One of the places visited during tho tour, which was full of variety and charm, was Lotofaga, the village ot Faumuina, president of the Man. The Minister of Lands, tho Hon. F. Langstone, in an interview this evening said the outstanding feature of the trip was the work of the native schools. The children had seized with avidity upon the system introduced by Mrs. O. M. Parr, who is on loan from tho New Zealand Education Department. The system was particularly suitable for the children of the territory, who were most alert and very apt scholars.

The schools were staffed by native teachers who had entered into their work with considerable zeal and with excellent results. The delegation inspected the native hospital for the Aleipata district, which is in the charge of a native medical practitioner assisted by two native nurses. There are in the hospital ample stocks of medicine and drugs for the requirements of the district, and the doctor makes monthly visits to each district, apart from visits for urgent oases. The general health of the district is good, but there are several cases of typhoid fever, whooping cough and minor complaints. The native medical practitioners arc giving most valuable service. In addition to dispensing medicine they are performing urgent operations. Natives in all the villages displayed keen interest and enthusiasm in the visit of the mission, and generally expressed a desire to co-operate for a united Samoa.

A visit was made to several villages which, in February, were swept by a heavy gale. The plantations are making good recovery and the churches and other buildings aro being reerected. The tour was made in the most favourable conditions and the weather continues perfect.