WESTERN SAMOA.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 16573, 4 November 1921, Page 5

WESTERN SAMOA.

ASSISTANCE NECESSARY. The present position of Western Samoa is touched upon by Mr Massey in the Budget. eH says : I regret to say that the sudden collapse of the copra and cocoa markets about December last, and the subsequent stagnation of trade, have seriously affected the revenues of the Samoan Treasury and Samoan Crown Es r tates Account for the current financial year. Fortunately, the copra market is steadily recovering, and the future, therefore, can be faced with confidence. With the advent of civil administration the New Zealand Government approved a programme of public works services and utilities, at a total estimated capital cost of £160,400. to be spread over a period of five years. This total comprises (a) productive works £104,250 and (b) non-productive, works £56,150. It was intended to provide the whole of the sum required out of the accumulated funds of the Crown Estates, hut the collapse of the markets already referred to has forced the Crown 'Estate Department to fall back on these funds to meet wages and other current expenses. These expenses include the cost of coolie transport, which, however, is recoverable by regular instalments spread over the contract periods. It may be necessary, therefore, this year to assist the Samoan Treasury by a loan to meet the expenditure on account of productive works. This money will be made available as required in accordance with, the loan provisions of the Samoan Constitution Order.