AFFAIRS IN SAMOA

Te Awamutu Courier, Volume 55, Issue 3938, 11 August 1937, Page 10

AFFAIRS IN SAMOA

EX-OTOROHANGA MAN’S APPOINTMENT. ; J . TO LEGISLATIVE COUNCIf? Mr Chas. E. H. Quin, formerly of Otorohanga (where he received his education at the local District Higa School) but now acting-secretary' the Administration of Western Somou, st Apia, has been appointed to the Legislative Ccuncil, and tock his seat on July 12th, being welcomed to the Council table by Mr A. C. Turnbull .(acting Administrator) and his fellow members. The personnel of the Legislative Council is now:—The Hon. sChas. E. H. Quin (acting-secretary to the Administration), Hon. Dr P. J. Monaghan (acting chief medical officer), Hon. C. McKay (secretary ol Native Affairs), Hon. R. V. Kay (Crown Solicitor), Hon. R. A. Majotw (treasurer and collector of customs) Hrn. A. McKenzie (superintendent of schools), Hons. A. G. Smyth and I. H. Carruthers (European elected members), Tabasese, Tuala Tulo an.l Namulauulu (nominated Samoan members).

Five Bills were passed, and replies to all questions were given by Mr Quin, on behalf of the acting Administrator.

The following are the questions asked by Hon. Tamasese, and the answers:—-

1. It is known that the wages of' Samian labourers in Apia have now been increased. It is if the Administration had anything to do with this increase? Similarly, what is the opinion or policy of the Administration regarding the rate of payment of Samoan labourers on plantations of Europeans and of tli: New Zealand Reparation Estates. Reply. - The minimum wages of Samoan labourers employed on Public Works were raised to 4s per da? in May last, on direction of the R r . Hon. Minister of External Affairs. The Administration has not found it necessary to take part in fixation of wages cf Samoan labourers on plantations.

2. Last year it was announced to the Samoans that in one year’s time, the agreement of contract regarding the presence of Chinese in Samoa would terminate. It is asked whether the Chinese will be removed immediately from Samoa on the conclusion of this period cf one year.

Reply.—As already announced, no action has been or will be taken until the policy has been decided by the New Zealand Government.

3. What steps are being taken by the Administration as to the wish of the Samoans that the half-wolf dogs (Alsatians) be sent away from and prohibited in Samoa? Reply—The law already in force in Western Samoa may not be well known. Sections 12, 13 and 14 of “The Dog Registration Ordinance, 1923” are as follows: —

<• “12. If it is proved to the Court that a dog, whether at large or not, is dangerous and not kept’under proper control, the Court may make an order directing the dog either to be kept by the owner under proper control, or to be forthwith destroyed and every person who fails to comply with such order is liable to a fine not exceeding one pound for every day during which the failure continues.” “13. Every person who permits any dog known to be dangerous or to have bitten or injured any person, to go at large, is liable for every such offence to a fine not exceeding five pound:, and any such dog so at large may be forthwith seized by an officer o police and the Court, may order the dog to be destroyed.” "14. If any dog on any road, street, or unenclosed place, rushes at, attacks. or startles any person, or any horse, cattle or other animal, whereby

the life or limb of any person is endangered, or any property is injured or endangered, the owner or keeper of any such dog shall be guilty of an offence and liable to a fine not ex ceeding five pounds and the Court which convicts the owner may order such deg to be immediately destroyed.” Perhaps those concerned could consider whether anything further s necessary. 4. When will effect be given to the promise of the Goodwill Mission regarding the establishment of high schools (secondary schools) in Samoa? ,

Reply.—Proposals as to establishment a.id staffiing of secondary schools are at present under considoration.

5. Why are roads surfaced with tar only to the plantations of Europeans and of the N.Z.R.E., while roads leading to the plantations which every Samoan village has are not so treated ?

Reply.—lt is the policy as far as possible to first tar and seal mam and arterial roads which carry the vehicular transport of the produce exported from the Territory. The Hon. Tuala asked the following questions: 1. At the time of the discussions between the Samoan and the Goodwill Mission, the Samoans expressed their desire that the status of Samoa should be recognised as it was in Treaties made with the Three Powers, Britain, Germany and U.S.A. T:ie Goodwill Mission replied that the former status as desired by the Samoans is not in excess of.what will be done for the Samoans by the New Zealand Government. The ques - tion then is: When will the Samoans see action taken by the New Zealand Government in excess of w the Samoans desire as premised oy the Goodwill Mission? Reply.—The statement by the Goodwill Mission, to which the question probably refers, was as follow-: “Samoa is no less protected under the mandate than it would be under a protectorate.” 2. When does the Administration hope to have a hospital in every District as promised by the Goodwill Mission, in order to facilitate the treatment of sicknesses of the Samoans ?

Reply.—Districts will have medical services in them increased as quickly as qualified practitioners become available. The number of Samoan students at the Central Medical School, Suva, has been increased from four to six.

3. Has the Administration any intention td extend its electrical reticulation further east and west to centr ;s of considerable population, and thus obtain greater revenue for the Administration ?

Reply.—The Administration is in favour of extending the electrical reticulation as far as may be possible, and the matter is being investigated. 4. Why are there restrictions on discussion in Council on any question asked by any member. Because, when this is sc, how can true understanding be obtained as to the reasons which prompt the question? Reply.—Discussions in Council are regulated by the Standing Orders. A question may be accompanied by a statement as to the reasons which prompt it, subject to the provisions of Standing Order No. 22. 5. why are the salaries of Samoans employed in Departments of the Administration limited, and not in proportion to their ability to do their work as is done with Europeans ? Reply.—Remuneration of all employees in Administration Departments is assessed according tc qualifications, experience, ability, and value cf work performed.

6. Why are there restrictions in discussion in the Legislative Council on the subject of Administration finances ? What of the announcement <f the Goodwill Mission that the Council would have an opportunity to di:-

cuss the estimates of revenue- and expenditure each year, before being affirmed by the New Zealand Government, in order that the wishes of the Council as to revenue and expenditure may first be obtained. Reply-—This matter was debated at the last meeting of the Council on a motion by the Hon. Tamasese. Opportunity will be given for the Council to discuss the Estimates prior to their despatch to New Zealand. 7. When will representatives of the Samoans be accepted in the di rection of the Samoan banana trade, because this is a matter as to which the dissatisfaction of the Samoans with the, present system is very great? Reply.—ln view of its success the Government feel some reluctance a.-, to making any change in the direc tion of the banana trade without good grounds.