WESTERN SAMOA

Otago Daily Times, Issue 23378, 18 December 1937, Page 16

WESTERN SAMOA

REPORT TO THE LEAGUE (From Our Own Correspondent) (By Air Mail) LONDON, Nov. 20. The general position of Western Samoa was reported to be satisfactory by Dr R. M. Campbell, economic adviser to the High Commissioner when he presented the annual report to March, 1937, of the Mandatory to the Permanent Mandates Commission of the League of Nations. M. Rappard presided. Dr Campbell drew attention to the improvement in trade and in prices especially as regards copra, cocoa, rubber, and bananas. This general improvement was reflected m turn in the public finance of the territory. Although the price of copra had fallen somewhat recently, it was still well above depression levels. As regards health conditions, he said that while steps had been taken to improve and extend the medical and social services, the high rate of Infant mortality, particularly last year, was giving the Government special concern, and they were giving attention to the matter. The census taken In November, 1930, showed a population of 52,266, compared with 36,688 in 1926. Referring to a question of the previous year, Dr Campbell explained the facilities for free education in the Gov-, eminent schools, and the assistance given to the mission schools. Supplementary information was also given to a question on last year’s report concerning the judicial organisation of Samoa, and the commission was informed that a delegation from Samoa would shortly pay a visit to New Zealand. , ... In stating that the general position of the territory was satisfactory, Mr Campbell added that the general appreciation of the Leauge of Nations in New Zealand, in spite of difficulties which the League had to meet, had aided the Government in carrying out its duties toward Samoa and the League, . _ „ ", _ M. Rappard thanked Dr Campbell for his clear and frank statement, and observed that the commission, while grateful for these evidences of improvement, was not unmindful of the difficulties which had sometimes characterised conditions in the territory. Supplementary information was requested as regards the development of local self-government, the status of the population, general administration, public finances, imports and exports, and the judicial organisation. Dr Campbell also replied to questions concerning education, defence of the territory, labour, social conditions of the natives, and other matters relating to the administration of the territory.