TRADE BETWEEN NEW ZEALAND AND FIJI, TONGA, WESTERN SAMOA, AND COOK ISLANDS (REPORT OF THE COMMISSION TO INQUIRE INTO THE CONDITIONS OF).

Appendix to the Journals of the House of Representatives, 1920 Session I, A-04

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1920. NEW ZEALAND.

TRADE BETWEEN NEW ZEALAND AND FIJI, TONGA, WESTERN SAMOA, AND COOK ISLANDS (REPORT OF THE COMMISSION TO INQUIRE INTO THE CONDITIONS OF).

Presented to both Houses of the General Assembly by Command of Hit Excellency.

COMMISSION TO INQUIRE INTO AND REPORT UPON THE CONDITIONS OF TRADE BETWEEN NEW ZEALAND AND FIJI, TONGA, WESTERN SAMOA, AND COOK ISLANDS. Liverpool, Governor-General. To all to whom these presents shall come, and to George Elliot, Esquire, of Auckland ; William Eichard Pearson, Esquire, of Timaru ; and Thomas Wilson, Esquire, of Wellington : Greeting. Whereas it is desirable that inquiry should be made into the conditions of trade between the Dominion of New Zealand and the Territories of Fiji, Tonga, Western Samoa, and the Cook Islands, and into the best means of promoting and encouraging an increase of trade between New Zealand and the said Territories : Now, therefore, I, Arthur William de Brito Savile, Earl of Liverpool, the Governor-Genefal of the Dominion of New Zealand, in exercise of the powers conferred on me by the Commissions of Inquiry Act, 1908, and of all other powers and authorities enabling me in this behalf, and acting by and with the advice and consent of the Executive Council of the said Dominion, do hereby constitute and appoint you, the said George Elliot, William Richard Pearson, and Thomas Wilson, to be a Commission to inquire into and report upon — (a.) The conditions of trade between New Zealand and Fiji; (b.) The conditions of trade between New Zealand and Tonga ; (c.) The conditions of trade between New Zealand and Western Samoa ; (d.) The conditions of trade between New Zealand and the Cook Islands ; (c.) The best means of promoting and encouraging an increase of trade between New Zealand and the said Territories. And with the like advice and consent I do further appoint you, George Elliot, to be Chairman of the said Commission.

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And for the better enabling you, the said Commission, to carry these presents into effect you are hereby authorized to make any inquiry under these presents at such times and places either in the said Dominion or in the said Territories as you deem expedient, with power to adjourn from time to time and place to place as you think fit, and with power in the said Dominion to call before you and examine, on oath or otherwise, such person or persons as you think capable of affording you information in the premises ; and you are also hereby empowered in the conduct of such inquiry within the said Dominion to call for and examine all such books and documents as you deem likely to afford you the fullest information on the subject-matter of the inquiry ; and you are hereby authorized and directed, in respect of any such inquiry into the conditions of trade between the said Dominion and Fiji, to act jointly with any Commission that may be appointed for the like purpose by His Excellency the Governor of His Majesty's Colony of Fiji. And, using all diligence, you are required to report to me, under your hands and seals, not later than the thirty-first day of May, one thousand nine hundred and twenty, your opinion as to the aforesaid matters. And it is hereby declared that these presents shall continue in full force and virtue although the inquiry is not regularly continued from time to time or from place to place by adjournment. And, lastly, it is hereby further declared that these presents are issued under and subject to the provisions of the Commissions of Inquiry Act, 1908. Given under the hand of His Excellency the Eight Honourable Arthur William de Brito Savile, Earl of Liverpool, Member of His Majesty's Most Honourable Privy Council, Knight Grand Cross of the Most Distinguished Order of Saint Michael and Saint Ceorge, Knight Grand Cross of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire, Member of the Royal Victorian Order, Knight of Justice of the Order of Saint John of Jerusalem, Governor-General and Commander-in-Chief in and over His Majesty's Dominion of New Zealand and its Dependencies ; and issued under the Seal of the said Dominion, at the Government House at Wellington, this thirteenth day of February in the year of our Lord one thousand nine hundred and twenty. W. F. Massey, Approved in Council. Prime Minister. F. W. Thomson, Clerk of the Executive Council.

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REPORT. To His Excellency the Right Honourable Arthur William de Brito Savile, Earl of Liverpool, Member of His Majesty's Most Honourable Privy Council, Knight Grand Cross of the Most Distinguished Order of Saint Michael and Saint George, Knight Grand Cross of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire, Member of the Royal Victorian Order, Knight of Justice of the Order of Saint John of Jerusalem, Governor-General and Com-mander-in-Chief in and over His Majesty's Dominion of New Zealand and its Dependencies. May it please Your Excellency,— We, the Commissioners appointed to inquire into the several matters and things referred to in the Commission, a copy of which is attached hereto, have the honour to submit the following report. We left Wellington by the ' Mokoia " on Tuesday, the 17th day of February last, and visited in rotation Rarotonga, Mangaia, Aitutaki, islands of the Cook Group, Niue, Samoa, Vavau, Nukualofa, and Suva, returning to Auckland by the same steamer on Friday, the 26th March. We took evidence at all places, copy of which is attached hereto [not printed]. Question (a) : The Conditions of Trade between New Zealand and Fiji. Fiji lies 1,200 miles to the north of New Zealand, and well inside the Tropic of Capricorn. The Group is composed of more than two hundred islands, of which about eighty are inhabited. It has a total area of 7,451 square miles. The principal islands are Viti Levu (Great Fiji), with an area of 3,200 square miles, and Vanua Levu (Great Land), with an area of about 1,800 square miles. The Group was proclaimed a Crown colony in 1874, its present Governor being Sir Cecil Rodwell. Suva, the capital and chief port for the colony, is on Viti Levu. The modern portion of the town is well and substantially built; the old part, however, with its mixed population, its narrow streets, and foreign-looking shops, reminds one of the East. Viewed from the height behind, whence one looks across the town to the peaceful waters of the lagoon, and on beyond to the white foam fringe which marks the edge of the reef, the scene is one of enchanting beauty. The larger islands of the Group are extremely fertile, well wooded, and abundantly watered. The River Rewa, in Viti Levu, is navigable for shallowdraught vessels for a distance of about fifty miles. Suva, which lies in the direct line of route between New Zealand and Vancouver, is almost like a Clapham Junction. The Canadian mail-steamers make it a port of call, and it has a direct steamer service to Sydney, Auckland, Tonga, and Samoa. Its wharfage accommodation is extensive, and well provided with shed accommodation : vessels drawing 30 ft. of water can safely berth alongside. The Fijians are a happy, contented, and sturdy race, but, like most of the South-Sea-Islanders, they are not very fond of work, especially in their own islands. Away from home they work much better. They have collectively and individually adopted the Christian religion. The chief religious sects maintain missionary activities in Fiji, and their religious and educational training has been of immense service to the Natives. The climate of these islands is healthy. It is claimed by some to be the healthiest tropical climate in the world. This happy state of affairs is also claimed for the Cook Islands, for Tonga, and for many other tropical islands. At any rate, Fiji is undoubtedly healthy —there is no malaria, and there is an exceedingly low European death-rate. The maximum temperature at Suva is about 90° F., and the minimum about 63°. January, February, March, and April are the hottest and wettest months ;

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June, July, August, and September the coolest and driest. Hurricanes —when they are experienced—come in the hot season. The total estimated population of the Group at the 31st December, 1918, was 163,416, made up as follows : Europeans, 4,748 ; half-castes, 2,803 ; Indians, 61,745 ; Polynesians, 2,709 ; Fijians, 87,761 ; Rotumans, 2,100 ; Chinese, 913 ; others, 637. The death-rate for 1918 was exceedingly high, owing to the influenza epidemic. Revenue and Expenditure. The total revenue for the Group from all sources for the year ending 1918 (blue-book for 1919 is not yet printed) was £371,189 10s. 5d., and the expenditure for the same period was £342,140 14s. Id. The excess of assets of the colony over liabilities at the end of 1918 amounted to £168,926 17s. Id. Customs Tariff. We beg to hand you herewith Fijian blue-books for 1910, 1914, and 1918. Amongst other matters, these show a complete specification of duties chargeable on goods imported into the colony. You will notice, however, that, as a rule, duty is at the rate of 12| per cent, ad valorem, and is applicable to the following goods which are manufactured in New Zealand : Boats, launches, and yachts ; bottled fruit; boots and shoes ; boxes and trunks ; bricks ; cheese ; doors and sashes ; drapery ; drugs ; dried fruits and vegetables ; fancy goods ; furniture ; golden syrup ; dripping and fat; hats and caps ; hay and chaff; honey ; ink ; jams and jellies ; leatherware ; milk (condensed) ; treacle ; mouldings ; oars and sculls ; pickles and sauces ; potted meats and soups ; printing-material; rope and cordage ; sails ; fancy soaps ; stationery. Other duties are as follow : — . .-. d. Aerated mineral water .. .. .. .. quarts 1 6 per dozen. pints 0 9 ~ Ale, beer, porter, &c. .. .. .. .. quarts 4 0 ~ pints 2 0 „ Ditto, in wood or jar . . .. . . ..20 per gallon. Butter .. .. .. .. .. ..0 1 per pound. Candles .. .. .. .. .. ..01 Cement . . . . .. .. .. ..08 per^hundredweight. Confectionery, including cakes . . .. .. ..03 per pound. Flour .. .. . . .. . . .. .. 20 0 per' 2,000 lb. Hops .. .. .. .. .. .. ..03 per pound. Iron tanks, black or galvanized . . .. .. 10 0 each. Lime .. .. . . .. .. .. ..08 per t hundredweight. Matches, wax and wooden, containing under 100 in box .. 3 0 per gross boxes. Meats, tinned . . . . . . .. .. ..01 per pound. Oats .. .. .. .. .. .. ..06 per bushel. Paints, in oil or dry . . . . .. .. ..40 per hundredweight. ~ mixed ready for use .. .. . . ..70 ~ Paper, wrapping .. .. . . .. ..30 ~ Putty .. . . .. . . .. . . ..30 Soap, plain, hard or soft .. .. .. .. ..01 per pound. Starch.. .. .. .. .. .. ..,02 Sugar 0 0J 4 „ Twine.. .. .. .. .. .. ..0 2 sff^„ Vinegar .. .. .. .. .. ..06 per gallon. Shipping. Amongst the evidence submitted will be found full details of pilotage charges, tonnage duty, wharf accommodation, cargo-receiving sheds, particulars of wages for loading and unloading ships, towage, regulations respecting navigation, coasting licenses, wharfages, general rates, special rates, Customs regulations, shipping supplies, quarantine and harbour regulations, light dues, water, lighting, coal-supplies, bond-rent, ship-repairing, Customs requirements, and regulations for reporting and clearing ship. Owing, perhaps, to her unique situation, shortage of shipping was not particularly felt in Fiji during the war period, although strikes in Australia interfered considerably with the Australian section of her trade. On that account more goods were imported from New Zealand than might otherwise have been the case.

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Comparative Statement of Values of Principal Exports for the Six Years 1913-18, showing the Countries whither exported.

Comparative Statement of Values of the Principal Exports for the Six Years 1913-18, and also the Weights and Quantities of Same.

The following table shows the total amount of exports, and, after deducting therefrom the value of each of the principal items, the value of exports other than sugar, copra, and fruit. (Particulars for 1919 were not completed at the time of our visit.)

1913. 1914. 1915. 1916. 1917. 1918. United Kingdom Canada Australia New Zealand United States of America £ £ 41,048 24.235 66,521 294.415 543,538 388,203 764,549 504,269 2,625 43.411 5,895 , 9.798 1,764 i 126,647* £ 24.254 205,548 267.159 821.462 130.831 20.199 4,739 £ 15,257 188,476 814,604 1.107,265 103,246 23,508 1,688 £ 7,645 183,896 527.303 1.011,419 318.731 15,043 4,364 £ 2,805 137,659 248,679 785.829 446.935 12,186 21,973 Japan Other Totals ' 1,425,940 1,390,978 1,474,192 2,254,044 2,068,401 1,656,066 * Ineludes 11,058 toi is 2ewt. 3qr. 12 lb. sugar, value £121,639 I 'b. 2d., exportei il to Hong Kon;

1913. 1914. 1915. 1916. 1917. 1918. Value. £ 1,041,927 176.741 168.249 13,792 10.448 [ £ 1.005,643 148,372 201.938 13.244 7,323 463 12,882 £ 1.065,464 233.959 120.711 27,438 7,592 3,464 15,534 £ i 1.729,658 255.913 :.'i)5.122 25.470 I;3,337 8.834 15.710 £ £ Sugar Copra Green fruit Troeas-shell Molasses Rubber Other 1.485.011 359,372 169.718 16,488 11,047 11,804 14,931 981.018 469,332 132.877 8.564 10,166 8,156 *45,953 14,783 Totals 1,425,940 1,389,865 1,474,192 2,254,044 2,068,401 1,656,066 Quantity. Tons. 94,710 7,929 Tons. 92,112 9,429 Tons. 85,563 15,238 Tons. 120,528 13,489 Tons. 97,335 15,368 Tnns. 63,010 19,318 Sugar Copra Green fruit, oases ,, bunches Number. 277,468 922,745 ! Number. 399.629 973,664 N umber. 294,208 446,824 Number. 4 17,065 817,499 Number. 413.301 529,452 Number. 313,036 438,449 Trocas-shell Molasses Tons. 639 10,448 Tons. 516 7,323 Tons. 892 7,592 i Tons. 742 13.346 Tons. 481 11.047 Tons. 247 L0,166 Rubber Cwt. 36 Cwt. 256 Cwt. 527 Cwt. 761 Cwt. 725 Includes good Is exported under bond and fo: drawback.

1915. 1916. 1917. 1918. Total value of exports the produce of the colony .. Deduct value of sugar exported £ £ 2,251,570 1,729,658 £ 2.067,858 1,485,040 £ 1.473,108 1,065,463 1,623,228 981,018 Value of remaining exports Deduct value of copra exported 407,645 233,959 521,912 255,913 582,818 359,372 642,210 469,332 Value of remaining exports Deduct value of fruit exported 173,686 120,741 265,999 205,122 223,446 169,717 172,878 .132,877 Value of exports other than sugar, copra, and fruit 52,945 60.877 53,729 40,001

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The three products-—sugar, copra, and green fruit—represent 95-60 per cent, of the total export trade in 1918. The exports to New Zealand in 1919 amounted to £882,574, compared with £785,829 in 1918, composed principally of sugar and bananas, the values for 1918 being—Sugar, £732,417 ; and bananas, £47,497. The total exports for 1919 amounted to £1,173,545, of which New Zealand purchases amounted to £882,574. Besides taking three-quarters of Fiji's total export of sugar, New Zealand also takes one-third of the green bananas exported. Fiji's total export of sugar since 1910 has been—l9lo, 61,760 tons; 1911, 73,833 tons; 1912, 61,728 tons; 1913, 94,709 tons; 1914, 92,112 tons; 1915, 85,563 tons; 1916, 120,528 tons; 1917, 97,335 tons; 1918, 63,009 tons; 1919, 64,347 tons ; 1920 (estimated), 60,000 tons. New Zealand is vitally interested in the question of sugar and sugar-growing ; all her requirements come from Fiji, and anything which affects this Fijian industry must be felt in New Zealand. London quotations for sugar on which duty had been paid were in September, 1914, £29 10s. per ton ; for January, 1920, £57 10s. per ton ; for March, 1920, £57 15s. per ton. The price in Australia in January, 1920, was £29 ss. per ton ; the price in New Zealand in January, 1920, was £23 17s. 6d. per ton. The following are the latest retail prices at which sugar is sold in various parts of the world : France, 7|d. per pound, including duty of lfd. per pound ; Belgium, per pound, including duty of fd. per pound ; United Kingdom, 7d. (cubes 7fd.) per pound, including duty of 2fd. per pound ; Canada, 6|d. per pound, including duty of Id. per pound; United States of America, sd. per pound, including duty of £d. per pound ; Australia, 3|d. per pound, including duty of Id. per pound ; New Zealand, 3d. per pound (no duty). It will be seen that New-Zealanders are therefore purchasing sugar cheaper than any other people in the world. Undoubtedly the reason for this is that the Colonial Sugar Company is able to buy its raw material cheap in Fiji, and no duty is charged on refined sugar in New Zealand. It was suggested in Fiji that the New Zealand Government was crushing the price down to such an extent that planters were being ruined. This, of course, is not the case. New Zealand could know nothing of the conditions existing in Fiji, and naturally made the best terms possible with the Colonial Sugar Company. From the evidence we were able to obtain on this question it appears that the position at present in connection with sugar-cane growing is unsatisfactory ; much land, owned by the Sugar Company but leased by white planters, has been given up, while other land, especially on the Rewa River, has been withdrawn from sugarcane cultivation. The reasons given are —(1) Shortage of labour ; (2) smallness of prices obtainable for cane ; (3) unsatisfactory working-conditions. 1. Shortage of Labour. —For the most part Indians are employed to work the sugar-plantations. In 1916 the Indian contract labour system was abolished, and arrangements are now being made to induce free Indian labour to come to the colony. There are 60,000 Indians at present in Fiji, many of them owning land and in a prosperous financial position. Fiji could, however, gradually give lucrative employment to many times this number. 2. Smallness of Prices obtainable for Cane. —lt is claimed that the price paid is not sufficiently attractive to induce growers to plant sugar-cane, and that thousands of acres have consequently been diverted to other purposes. It takes, according to the evidence, about 8 tons of cane to make 1 ton of sugar, and the price of cane of 11 per cent, pure obtainable cane-sugar is at present 15s. per ton, with a rise of Is. 3d. per 1 per cent, above 11 per cent, pure obtainable cane-sugar, and a deduction of Is. Bd. per ton for each 1 per cent, below 11 per cent, pure obtainable cane-sugar. It was freely stated that if the price was fixed at 20s. per ton of cane of 11 per cent, pure obtainable cane-sugar, with a rise and fall of Is. 3d. per 1 per cent., many planters would again grow sugar-cane, and the output of raw sugarwould increase considerably. At 11 per cent, pure obtainable cane-sugar it would take 9 tons of cane to make 1 ton of sugar. The cost of the raw material would therefore be about £9 per ton of sugar. We think, however, if the price were advanced even to 17s. 6d. per ton of 11 per cent, pure obtainable cane-sugar, with

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a rise and fall of Is. 3d., large areas which are now used for other purposes would be brought back into sugar-cane cultivation. If some such rise in price is not shortly given to planters it is almost certain that a great deal of land now in cane will be utilized for growing more lucrative crops. If the output of sugar-cane is not maintained in Fiji it will be a most serious matter for consumers in New Zealand. Indeed, it is necessary that the production should not merely be maintained, but that it should be increased. As will be seen from the summary of the exports of raw sugar from Fiji, the exports last year were little more than the exports in 1910, when the population in New Zealand was much smaller than it is now. In 1916 120,000 tons of sugar were exported ; since then the output has gradually fallen until last year it reached 64,347 tons. This drop in the export of raw sugar from Fiji is undoubtedly the cause of the dearth of sugar which has taken place in New Zealand during the last twelve months. New Zealand depends on Fiji for this most necessary article of diet. At present Fiji depends on sugar-cultivation for her very existence. Anything, therefore, which militates against the maintenance and expansion of the sugar industry must most seriously affect both Fiji and New Zealand. 3. Unsatisfactory Working-conditions. —Sugar-cane planters are most dissatisfied with the conditions under which they are at present working. The price per ton of sugar-cane is fixed by the Colonial Sugar Company for one year only, and planters are quite in the dark as to what price they will receive for cane which they intend to grow on land they are preparing. The only reason given for this seems to be that, as the company has only one year's contract for the supply of sugar to New Zealand, they can only state the price they will give for one year's crop. This unfortunate condition naturally tends to dishearten the planters, and it seems to us essential that arrangements should be made with planters for a period of at least three years. A brief description of the process of sugar-cane growing would make clear the reason for our assertion. Sugar-cane planted in March this year will be cut between May and December next year (1921). After cutting the cane the land is cultivated between the rows, and from the stools or roots a second crop springs. This crop, called the " first ratoons," will be cut in. 1922, and under good conditions and with the same treatment another crop, called " second ratoons," will be cut in 1923. Each succeeding crop is lighter than the last. If 40 tons are cut off a given area in the first crop, 20 tons may be got off the first ratoons and 12 tons off the second ratoons. The ground has then to be broken up and fallowed, used for other crops, or replanted in cane. Under present conditions, then, a planter knows what price he will get for the first crop, but has no idea what he may get for his first or second ratoons. Copra to the value of £469,332 was exported in 1918, of which America purchased £446,893. If this commodity is to be preserved for British industry the Fijian Government should consider the advisability of placing a higher duty on all copra exported to countries outside the British Empire. At present the duty on all copra exported from Fiji is 10s. per ton. Of the total export of green bananas, which amounted to £132,876 in 1918, Australian purchases totalled £85,379, New Zealand's £47,497. Australia charges a duty on all Fijian bananas entering the Commonwealth —no doubt to protect her own growers. New Zealand, on the other hand, permits them to come in free, and on the same conditions as the bananas from the Cook Islands. Molasses to the value of £8,229 are exported, of which New Zealand purchases £1,163 ; the balance goes to Australia. Rubber amounts to £8,159, the whole of which goes to Australia. Trocas-shell amounts to £8,016, the whole of which goes to Japan. Cocoa-beans to the value of £126 were exported in 1918 ; all went to New Zealand. A very fine mandarin is grown in Fiji, but it is affected by scale and fly. It is claimed by certain witnesses that these diseases are similar to those which affect Cook Island oranges. If this is so there seems no reason why the importation of mandarins should be prohibited, provided similar precautions are taken in Fiji as are taken in Cook Islands.

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Total Trade of the Colony with Different Countries. Total Value of the Imports and Exports of the Colony of Fiji from and to each Country in the Year 1919.

The imports are classified as from country of shipment, not from country of origin, and it is certain that re-exports from Australia and New Zealand are largely of British manufacture. You will notice from the above statement that the total trade of the colony in 1919 amounted to £2,931,376, imports being £1,060,314 and exports £1,871,062. The New Zealand portion, of this trade amounted to £1,034,236, while the imports and exports to all other countries amounted to £1,897,140. New Zealand sold to Fiji in that year goods to the value of £151,662, and purchased from Fiji goods to the value of £882,574. The greater proportion of these purchases consisted of raw sugar. It is-a remarkable fact that New Zealand last year purchased from Fiji about one-half of her total exports, and sold to Fiji under one-seventh of her imported requirements. On the other hand, Australia in the same year sold to Fiji goods valued at £536,974 (one-half of her total imported requirements), and purchased from Fiji goods to the value of £110,444, or about one-seventeenth of her total exports. It is unfortunate that such a one-sided state of affairs exists, and one naturally looks for reasons. In the first place, Australia, having tropical territory of her own, and being in more direct touch with tropical countries and islands, has naturally laid herself out to cater for this trade, and her merchants carry large and varied stocks to suit tropical requirements. Also, they push the business with more energy and determination than the merchants of New Zealand, and, if the evidence laid before us is true, they are satisfied with smaller profits. Australia sends over to Fiji, Tonga, and Samoa six commercial travellers to each one from New Zealand. As far as re-export in cotton goods of all descriptions is concerned, there is no

Total for each Country. Total Trade of the Colony. Imports. Exports. United Kingdom British possessions— Canada Hong Kong India New South Wales New Zealand Queensland Straits Settlements. . Tasmania Victoria Other British £ 151,626 £ 76,346 £ 227,972 9,925 7.248 53,616 503.547 151.662 829 924 626 31.972 502 170,477 2,262 96.615 ■882,574 23 180,402 9,510 53,616 600,162 1,034.236 852 924 626 4-5,778 8,290 13.806 7,788 Total, British possessions 760,851 1,173,545 1,934,396 Foreign countries— Denmark France Hawaii Italy Japan Norway Samoa Sweden Tonga .. . . United States Other foreign 20 658 2,428 26 25,082 21 539 443 183 100,173 340 292 11,788 20 658 2,720 26 36,870 21 8,241 443 12,173 684,240 5,672 7,702 11,990 584,067 5,332 Total, foreign countries 129,913 621,171 751,084 TotalsUnited Kingdom British possessions Foreign countries Parcels-post 151,626 760.851 129,913 17,924 76,346 1.1.73,545 621,171 227,972 1,934,396 751,084" 17,924 Total trade 1,060,314 1.871,062 2,931,376

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reason why New Zealand's share of the Fijian business should not be at least equal to that of Australia. We understand that the freights from Great Britain to New Zealand are no greater than to Sydney, harbour charges in New Zealand are less, the distance between Auckland and Fiji is shorter by one-third, and the freight is slightly cheaper. Under circumstances such as these New Zealand should sell a much greater proportion of goods to Fiji than she is at present doing. Imports. Comparative Statement of Values of Principal Imports for the Six Years 1913-18, showing the Countries whence imported and whither exported, also the Total Trade of the Colony.

It will be seen that New Zealand merchants could do much more of the trade in Fiji than they are doing if they set their minds seriously to the task. A splendid market is at their very doors. Fijian merchants and traders generally are favourably disposed towards New Zealand ; some of them, indeed, are anxious to have a closer trade relationship. The following is a list of imports of products and goods wholly or partially manufactured in New Zealand, showing the total trade in those articles and the amount sold by New Zealand merchants and manufacturers. All goods not at present produced in New Zealand have been omitted from the list.

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1913. I9U. 1915. 1916. 1917. 1918. niports from United Kingdom Canada India Australia New Zealand Germany United States of America .la pan Parcel-post Other £ 152,998 20,976 57,405 494,161 89.903 17,440 50,217 4,309 16,559 £ 185,771 18,207 42,835 493,458 70,288 18,981 58,702 7,590 31.406 £ 135,552 37,939 41,523 439,422 133,908 219 48,685 11,464 14,962 16.634 £ 146,025 28.127 43,166 425.735 113.254 658 56,292 19,136 16,785 29.322 £ 125,598 26.504 24.205 525.536 174,379 278 68,575 21,786 18,539 26,008 £ 118,104 30,793 32.074 656,164 134.395 4: 113,058 35.724 19.861 26.187 : Total 903,968 927.238 880,308 878,500 1,011,408 1,166,367

New Zealand's Proportion I Total Value of Imports. New Zealand's Proportion. Total Value of Imports. Ii Biscuits Butter Cheese Coffee and chicory Confectionery Fish, tinned Flour, sharps, and pollard Fruit and vegetables ,, preserved Oats, New Zealand Honey, New Zealand Hops, New Zealand Jams and jellies Lard and dripping Meats, preserved Milk, preserved Oatmeal Pickles and sauces Sugar Bricks Coal Coke Manure, artificial Timber for fruit-cases ,, dressed ,, rough Basketware Boats Boots and shoes Boxes and trunks £ 336 4,186 807 157 689 1,040 1,034 3,498 318 85 97 318 74 284 15,041 1,678 213 112 4,276 8 750 69 337 11,480 4,002 513 21 48 43 27 £ 20,420 10,970 1,243 873 2.937 28,392 69,910 14,746 4,692 919 174: 480 2.234 1,530 25,901 5,314 670 1,129 4,326 687 23,864 177 23,837 14,201 19,752 18,329 392 267 14,909 1,458 Brushware Candles Cement and lime Church furniture Cordage and rope Doors and sashes Drapery Drugs Furniture Grease and tallow . . Hats and caps Leatherwaro Fishing-lines Agricultural machinery ,, steam £ 306 6 3,965 5 1,333 393 18,150 698 55 4,060 127 275 62 4 15 1 68 131 968 529 15 42 1,603 17 888 109 331 192 19 £ 1.297 231 4,545 116 8,269 683 222.498 10,422 934 5,111 2,417 8,064 1,344 4.755 9,263 757 3,289 3,333 5,917 540 187 2.591 11,726 409 11,622 1,292 872 2,135 2,688 Oars Paints, dry and in oil ,, mixed Paper (wrapping and bags) . . Pipes, earthenware Putty Soap, fancy ,, plain Starch Stationery Tar and pitch Tinware Twine Umbrellas

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While in Suva we had the pleasure of meeting Messrs. Fell, Hedstrom, and Crompton, who had been appointed by the Governor of Fiji as a complementary Commission to confer with us on trade matters affecting Fiji and New Zealand. During the three days we spent in Suva we had conferences with those gentlemen, and we beg to hand you herewith a special confidential report on the various matters considered and discussed. Question (b) : The Conditions of Trade between New Zealand and Tonga. Tonga (Friendly Islands) comprises about one hundred inhabited islands, and many uninhabited coral banks on which a few coconut-palms are growing. They are situated about four hundred miles to the south-west of the Samoan Group, and about two hundred miles to the south-east of the Fijian Group. Tonga is the nearest archipelago to New Zealand, being only eleven hundred miles from Auckland. The islands are divided up into three main groups —Tongatabu, Haapai, and Vavau. They were discovered by Tasman in 1643, and were visited by that great navigator, Captain Cook, in 1775 and 1777. The islands have a Native population of 22,689, and 350 Europeans. The influenza scourge a year and a half ago was responsible for the death of one thousand persons, but if epidemics can be avoided the population should slowly increase. Tongatabu, in which the capital, Nukualofa, is situated, is a flat island of coral formation. The harbour has two entrances, both marked by surf-swept coral reefs. The passages are buoyed, but are narrow and tortuous ; there is wharfage accommodation for vessels drawing up to 18 ft. The township of Nukualofa is well laid out, and possesses many grassy spaces, while its roads are bordered with bright flowering plants and shrubs. It is a land of many churches, most of which are built after the Native style of architecture, no nails being used in the construction ; the services are famous for the fine singing of the Tongan choirs. Practically the whole island is given over to coconut plantations, interspersed with banana, yam, and taro patches. Lefuka, the chief island of the Haapai Group, is a repetition of Tongatabu on a smaller scale. It also is of coral formation, and is so narrow that a walk of ten minutes takes one from the west coast to the east. The " Port au Prince " was wrecked here in November, 1806. All the crew were massacred except one, William Marriner, who was taken by the King, Finau, He lived for some years amongst the Natives, learnt their language, and familiarized himself with their customs. On his return to England he supplied the material for a history of Tonga, which is now almost a classic. There is no wharfage accommodation at Lefuka. Vessels anchor inside the reef about half a mile off shore. The depth of water is sufficient for vessels drawing up to 20 ft. Lighterage is done by the Government at ss. per ton. Vavau, the most northerly of the Tongan Group, is of volcanic origin, and of an entirely different formation. The harbour, which at its entrance is studded with islands, is of surpassing beauty, being perhaps the finest of any in the islands. It is of considerable extent and depth, and a large fleet of vessels could safely lie at anchor in all weathers. It has also immense possibilities as a naval base and a strategical point of vantage, so that in other hands than British it might become a menace to New Zealand and Australia. It has fair wharfage accommodation, and vessels can enter the port at any time of the day or night. At Nukualofa and Lefuka vessels only enter or leave in daylight. The rise and fall of the tide in the Group is 4 ft. All inter-island trade is done by cutters and schooners owned and run by traders. The Tongan Group is unique in many respects, and without a parallel in any part of the world, it is under constitutional government. It has a hereditary ruler, and a Parliament consisting of an equal number of nobles, or hereditary chiefs, and elected commoners. It is without poverty ; every person possesses some land. There is no serious crime, and it has no national debt. Education and medical attention are free. To Shirley Baker, who died in New Zealand about eighteen years ago, Tonga owes much, although, as in the case of other reformers, his efforts were not fully appreciated at the moment, and eventually he was deported. The people

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are well dressed, happy, and contented. The women are adept at dressmaking, and most of them possess sewing-machines. There are schools in every village, and every Tongan is educated. The people are fond of music and singing. The men, unlike the Samoans, are fairly industrious, and do not make drudges of their womenfolk. Tonga is, in fact, an outstanding example of missionary enterprise and success. While appreciating all the virtues of the Tongan —his Parliament, his laws, his police system, his love of law and order, his educational system, and so on — one must never forget that behind it all is the British official, without whom the whole system would crash ; and, to their credit be it said, the Tongan rulers know it. Attempts have been made in the past to eliminate the British official, always with disastrous results. At present the portfolios of Justice, Finance, Public Works, and Audit are filled by white officials. Land. All land is vested in the King, who may grant inheritances to the nobles, of whom there are thirty-two in the Group. Land cannot be sold. Conveyances are not recognized in the Courts of the kingdom. Leases of land may be granted to foreigners, but no lease is valid unless the consent of the Minister of Lands is first obtained ; neither is any sale, lease, or transfer valid unless made out on the prescribed form and in the name of the King. Church lands must be used for religious purposes only. On reaching the age of sixteen every male Tongan who has not inherited land is entitled to receive 8 -} acres of land, called a " tax abi," and a village allotment, either from the noble on whose estate he is residing or from the Crown. He has to pay to the noble or the Crown, as the case may be, the sum of 4s. per annum for such allotment. No Tongan may hold more than one allotment, except with the consent of the landlord of the estate —that is, the noble, or the Minister of Lands. Forfeiture of allotments can be made only on account of non-payment of landtax or rent for twelve months. All holders of a tax abi must plant the holding in coconuts, and be responsible for the cleanliness of the area. These areas are inspected by the Director of Agriculture, or by his inspector, periodically. A fine is imposed for non-cleanliness. Area. The total area of the Group is 162,470 acres, approximately, comprised of — Tongatabu Group : Government land, 9,500 acres (approximately) ; nobles' land, 56,500 acres (approx.) : total, 66,000 acres (approx.). Eva : Government land, 21,300 acres ; outlying islands, 1,200 acres. Haapai Group, 28,569 acres ; Nomuku Croup, 3,035 acres ; Vavau Croup, 34,759 acres ; Niuafooa, 6,000 acres ; Niuatobutobu, 1,600 acres. Poll-tax. Every Tongan attaining the age of sixteen must pay a poll-tax of £l 16s. The following taxes are also collected : For an entire stallion, £2 per annum ; for a gelding or mare, 4s per annum ; for a dog, Is. per annum. Trading. Trading licenses for a wholesale firm are, in the town, £14 4s. per annum, or, in the country, £10. A retail-trading license is £5 per annum in the town and £4 per annum in the country. A baker's or butcher's license in the town is £2 per year ; in the country it is £1 4s. per year. A publichouse license is £20 per annum. Permits to purchase intoxicating liquors must be obtained by all Tongans, PacificIslanders, or Indians. About one hundred permits are issued to Natives annually, but only to persons of thirty-five years of age or over.

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Customs Duty. t a. (I. Beer, ale, porter .. .. .. .. ..010 per gallon. Cigars and cigarettes . . . . . . ..050 per pound. (Japs, percussion . . . . .. . , ..001 per 100. Cider . . . . . . . . . . ..010 per gallon. Dynamite lithofracteur .. .. .. ..040 per pound. ~ caps and detonators . . . . ..040 per 100. Firearms, 20 per cent, ad valorem. Galvanized iron, in bars, sheets, bundles, or corrugated .. 2 0 0 per ton. Jewellery, 20 per cent, ad valorem. Kerosene, 150° test and over .. .. ..006 per gallon. under 150° .. .. .. ..016 Lead (shot and bullets) .. .. .. ..0 5 0 per 100. Methylated spirits .. .. .. .. ..02 0 per gallon. Opium (including all wares containing opium).. .. 0 15 0 per pound. Powder, sporting .. .. .. .. ..006 ~ Palings .. .. .. .. .. ..020 per 1,000. Spirits .. .. .. .. 014 0 pci-proof gallon. Shingles .. .. . . .. .. ..020 per 1,000. Timber, undressed .. .. ..016 per 100 sup. ft. ~ dressed or surfaced .. .. .. ..020 ~ Tobacco, manufactured . . . . . . ..026 per pound. ~ unmanufactured . .' . . . . ..010 ~ Wine, claret, Australian, in bulk or bottle .. ..010 per gallon. ~ other kinds, in bulk or bottle . . .. ..040 ~ „ sparkling . . .. .. .. ..060 ~ Wax vestas, 25 per cent, ad valorem. All other goods 10 per cent, ad valorem. Port Dues. Vessels of 60 tons register and under, £l ; vessels exceeding 60 tons register, per registered ton, 4d. Pilotage on any vessel not to exceed £10. For every vessel in ballast and vessels carrying copra only, whose cargo does not amount to half their registered tonnage, half the above rates are charged. Pilotage is charged inwards and outwards. Harbour and Shipping Dues. Vessels from any port beyond the kingdom, 3d. per registered ton (charged inwards only). Exemptions from Shipping Dues. —Steam vessels under contract with His Majesty's Government; vessels put back in distress and vessels holding coasting licenses ; sailing-vessels shown to the satisfaction of the Collector of Customs to have put in for orders only. For removal in harbour of any vessel, £l. Statement of the Assets and Liabilities of the Kingdom of Tonga, 30th June, 1919. Assets. £ s. d. Liabilities. £ c. d. Cash in hand"and in banks .. 18,284 7 8 Deposits .. .. .. 1,397 18 3 Stores advance .. .. 1.019 12 9 Suspense Account .. .. 28 15 1 Crown Agent's advance .. 1,000 0 0 Excess of assets over liabilities. . 18,654 1 8 Personal advances .. .. 2,464 3 5 Investments .. .. .. 20,950 0 0 Remittances and drafts .. 3,362 II 5 £50,080 15 3 £50,080 15 3 No tax is levied on commercial travellers visiting the Group. The total revenue from all sources for the year ending 30th June, 1918, was £58,340 4s. Id., and the total expenditure was £35,865 6s. Bd. Of this, Customs dues amounted to £24,743 ss. 10d., and Native taxes to £18,195 4s. 6d.

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It will be seen from the published trade statistics that the total value of goods imported into the Tongan Group from New Zealand in 1912 amounted to £82,826 ; from Australia, £50,044 ; from Germany, £14,742 ; from America, £9,861 ; while for the year ending 1919 the following was the position : Australia, £77,739 ; New Zealand, £68,526 ; America, £12,991 ; England, £10,635 ; Fiji, £6,044. New Zealand's position, which was easily first, has fallen back to second place, and will further recede unless New Zealand merchants are up and doing. For every New Zealand traveller who visits Tonga there are six Australians. Traders receive a constant stream of American advertisements ; Australia is following America's example, but New Zealand's advertisements are few and far between. Complaints were received from Ministers of the Crown and officials that the agreement relative to the Union Company's fortnightly " horse-shoe " run was not being adhered to —Auckland-Sydney and Sydney-Auckland. On this run Tonga was the first port of call from Auckland and the last to Auckland. The route from Sydney was Fiji, Samoa, Vavau, Haapai, Nukualofa, Auckland. One steamer left Auckland about the time another left Sydney, calling at Nukualofa, Haapai, Vavau, Samoa, Fiji, and Sydney. The Government of Tonga is anxious, now that the war is over, to have this service reinstated. These ships carried copra, oranges, bananas, and tomatoes ; and it was considered an ordinary shipment if 22,000 packages of fruit went away in one steamer. Unfortunately, with the stoppage of this service, the death-knell of the fruit trade was sounded. Bananas are not now planted in quantity. The Prime Minister, Tuivakano, in his evidence stated that, given shipping facilities, the Tongan fruit trade would soon get back to the conditions existing previously. We would point out, however, that while undoubtedly the stoppage of this service was unfortunate for Tonga, its reinstatement would not materially benefit New Zealand business. At the present moment New Zealand has a direct service with Tonga, while Australian goods are transhipped at Suva, and, as a consequence, the freight rates from Sydney are higher than those from New Zealand. Vavau is famous for its oranges, which now lie in thousands rotting under the trees on the roadside. They are to some extent affected by scale and fly. It is claimed, however, that oranges were shipped to Auckland for years, and no ill effects were noticed in New Zealand, notwithstanding the fact that both these diseases were prevalent at Vavau at the time. It is claimed, too, that the pests mentioned are similar to those prevalent in Rarotonga, and the Tongan Government prays that New Zealand should put the Tongan orange on the same footing as the Rarotongan. The Tongan Director of Agriculture was in New Zealand last year conferring on the subject with the Government officials, and we were informed that he understood the New Zealand Government was prepared to consider the matter favourably. If it is true that the fly and scale are similar to those of liarotonga, and if the Tongan supplies would not flood the market to the detriment of the Cook Islands trade, and if, moreover, the Tongan Government took similar precautions regarding fumigation and examination as is taken in the Cook Islands, there seems no reason why Vavau oranges should not be permitted to enter this country. There is no timber in the Group suitable for fruit-cases, nor, indeed, in any of the other islands we visited, with the exception perhaps of Samoa. Complaints were made that the Union Company's vessels were not racked to carry bananas in the bunch. Empty cases, which formerly were purchased from New Zealand at lOd. each, now cost 2s. 6d. landed. This adds considerably to the cost of fruit in New Zealand, and constitutes a severe tax on the grower. Government officials are of opinion that the opening of a bank would assist the trade of the Group, and it might be advisable to approach one of the New Zealand banks on the matter. The Government accounts are kept in Auckland, Fiji, and Sydney. The (Joverrunent, however, advances money for the purchase of copra, charging 1 per cent, for so doing, provided the trader establishes a credit in Auckland, Fiji, or Sydney. It was stated that certain restrictions are imposed on New Zealand goods shipped to Tonga which are not imposed on goods exported to Cook Islands or Samoa. The officials felt they were being treated as a foreign country and not as a British protectorate.

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The average export of copra from the Group is about 10,000 tons in normal seasons, but should the islands be visited by a severe hurricane the output would be enormously reduced. At present they have no fruit trade to take the place of copra ; in other words, they have no second string to their bow, and owing to the want of shipping facilities they are staking their all on copra. Experiments are now being tried with coffee-growing. Several tractor ploughs have been imported, and are proving satisfactory. There are no rhinoceros-beetles in the Group, and strict measures are adopted to keep them out. All trade relations with Samoa have been broken off owing to the danger of their introduction. There is a cold-storage plant in Nukualofa, with storage capacity of 8 to 10 tons ; also a wireless station, of small power, which can only communicate effectively with Fiji on the one side and Samoa on the other. All communications to New Zealand at present go through Suva, and thence by Pacific cable, at the cost of Is. Bd. per word. An alternative route is now being considered via Apia and Awanui, at a cost of Is. 6d. per word. We understand, however, that with certain alterations, at small expense, messages might be received direct from Nukualofa at Awanui, and the cost per word would be thereby reduced to Is. Anything which tends to encourage intercourse between the two peoples must have a beneficial effect on trade relationships, and we therefore recommend that such alterations at Awanui be carried out as early as possible. Imports. For your information we have enclosed a complete list of the imports of goods. showing country of shipment. From this will be seen at a glance the trend and volume of trade in each article. We also append a list of the total imports extending over a number of years. While the wants of the Natives are small individually, it will be seen that the volume of trade is not inconsiderable, and is well worth cultivating. The men wear cotton shirts and lavalavas, while the women wear loose dresses of quietcoloured cotton material over a chemise. Ornaments in the shape of tortoise-shell combs and earrings are popular. There is not a great demand for boots, shoes, stockings, or socks, but it is growing. There is a large and growing demand for flour, sugar, biscuits, tinned and salted meats, fish (especially salmon and herrings). A certain trade is also done in the importation from Fiji of live-stock for killing purposes,, and there is an increasing sale for frozen meat from New Zealand. New Zealand practically holds the whole of the tinned-meat trade, although quantities have been imported from other centres when there has been a shortage in New Zealand. New Zealand flour is not popular, and Australia holds practically a monopoly in this commodity. Although New Zealand shares a little in the importation of biscuits, and has lately benefited owing to the shipping strikes in Australia, still the price charged for biscuits and tins is higher than that charged by Australian houses. No complaints were received regarding quality. Confectionery comes mostly from Australia ; but as the price of sugar has been considerably lower for the last few years in New Zealand, there seems no reason why the whole of the demand in this direction should not have come from New Zealand makers. There is a comparatively large demand for cotton goods, cashmeres, ginghams, and insertion laces. Heavy cheap umbrellas were previously imported from Germany ; so were towels and singlets. Japan now holds the greater proportion of this trade. The whole trade of this Group, which closely resembles that of the Cook Islands and Samoa, is fully dealt with in those sections of this report. In hardware the principal articles in demand are enamel plates, pans, chambers, mugs, iron boilers and pots, hurricane and hanging lamps, butchers' knives, spades, galvanized-iron sheets (plain and corrugated), pipes, fish-hooks, &c. There is no reason why the trade in the following articles, which are made in New Zealand, should not be increased : Plain and fancy soap, stationery, boots,

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shoes, rugs, wrapping-paper, cement, timber, paints, confectionery, starch, biscuits, joinery, harness, saddles and saddlery, and heavy knitting-wool. Australia has a larger share of the soft-goods trade than New Zealand, but as both countries import most of these commodities, and as New Zealand has a direct steamer service, while Australian goods are transhipped at Suva, this state of affairs should not exist, provided New Zealand merchants set themselves deliberately and with determination to capture the trade. As in Samoa, so in Tonga, the restrictions on British shipping have turned the tide of exports towards America, and some of the import trade which previously came from Great Britain by way of New Zealand and Australia is finding its way into other channels. If the Tongan trade is to be turned in the direction of the British Empire now is the time for action ; delays are dangerous. Improved British shipping facilities are necessary, together with the development of the manufacture of copra products in Great Britain. It would be regrettable if this valuable connection, which, has taken years to foster, should be lost. Tonga is a British protectorate, and we are certain that the Government there would be willing to consider favourably any suggestions for a closer trade relationship. The principal traders, as detailed below, have their headquarters at the ports of entry —Nukualofa, Haapai, and Vavau —and some of them have trading-stations throughout the Group for the purchase of Native products and the sale of goods. Nukualofa : Burns, Philp, and Co. (Limited), W. Cocker, A. Terry Day, O. B. Krause, Lever Bros. (Limited), L. B. Levin, J. L. Yornton. Haapai : Batty and Wall, Burns, Philp, and Co. (Limited), S. W. Chatfield, E. George, W. Oswald, Tindall and Ross. Vavau : Burns, Philp, and Co. (Limited), S. W. Chatfield, R. Fletcher, J. F. Hutchinson, Leander Johnson, A. Knutsen, P. Norger, W. E. Sundin, Tindall and Ross. We understand that some of the above traders indent goods for customers on a commission basis. The Deutsche Handels und Plantagen Gesellschaft (or D.H. & P.G.) —placed in liquidation in 1916 —which we have more particularly referred to in the Samoan portion of this report, used to operate in the Tongan Group as traders, and had stores in each of the ports of entry. They did both a wholesale and retail trade, and were large buyers of copra. While the firm did not exclusively import German goods, a large proportion of their stocks were of German manufacture. After the lapse of so many years it is unlikely that the firm, even if it restarted its business, would rapidly attain its former size and importance. If the Government could arrange for a better and more frequent direct service between the Group and, say, Samoa, no doubt trade would greatly improve. In all probability this service would not at first pay its way, but it most certainly would in time, especially if copra were lifted for transhipment at Auckland. We are aware that it would be difficult to arrange with a public company for such a service; it is a question for consideration, therefore, whether it would not be advisable for the New Zealand Government to purchase or build a steamer or steamers for the trade when a suitable opportunity offers.

Comparative Statement of Total Value of Imports. Value of Articles imported into the Kingdom.

Port. 1915. 1916. 1917. 1918. Nukualofa -faapai /avau £ s. d. £ s. 30,554 16 8,630 1 9.243 12 d. 3 4 2 £ s. d. 68,656 18 4 25,437 13 10 20,195 II 9 £ 98,931 37,224 40,996 s. d. 1 4 6 I 6 11 54,799 15 7 22,099 3 8 23,176 10 3 Total 100,075 9 6 48,428 9 9 114,920 3 11 177,151 14 4

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Exports. Value of Total Exports from the Kingdom, with their Destinations.

Artiole. Quantity. Value. Total Valuo. jWhither exportoi Nukualofa. | £ s. d. £ s. d. £ s. d. 64.200 0 0 55 0 0 34 0 0 30 0 0 I. ! Copra .. Fruit .. Fungus.. Hides Live-stock .. 3,210 bona 16 cwt. 3q», 9 lb. .. 225 eases . . . . 67 bags 10 bundles . . . . 14 horses . . . . . . 103 0 0 6 pigs .. . . . . 23 0 0 14 horses .. .. .. 119 0 0 64.200 0 0 55 0 0 34 0 0 30 0 0 ) America. 3 j New Zealand I Samoa. Fiji. America. New Zealand Samoa. 245 0 0 0 16 0 20 0 0 Fiji. Coconuts Skins Sundries 4 bags 2 bundles . . .. 7 packages .. .. 120 0 0 93 „ .. .. 832 0 0 32 „ .. .. 583 0 0 72 . . . . 929 0 0 0 16 0 20 0 0 ) Now Zealand, >; - Sydnev. Fiji. Samoa. New Zealand. >> 2,464 0 0 12 0 (I >; - Sydnev. Fiji. Samoa. 2,464 0 0 ) New Zealand. Yams .. .. 22 „ 12 0 (I ) ' New Zealand. Total .. ■ i 67.060 16 0 67.060 16 0 » i I Haapai. £ s. d. 14.460 0 0 0 10 (i 5 (I 0 Copra . . Bananas Muntz metal Sundries £ s. d. . . 723 tons 6 cases . . . . .. 7 . „ .. .. .. i .. 5 packages .. .. 21 4 • 5 2 „ .. .. 64 7 5 1 package .. . . .. 5 10 £ s. d. 14,460 0 0 0 10 6 5 (I 0 I. ) America. 5 New Zealand. ) Australia. New Zealand. Fiji. Samoa. America. New Zealand. Austral i: i. New Zealand. Fiji. Samoa. Live-stock . . 1 horse . . .. .." 6 0 0 1 pig .. . . .. 2 0 0 90 12 10 90 12 10 8 0 0 ) >9 ) .) 8 0 0 Total . . 14,564 3 4 14,564 3 4 1 Vavau. £ s. d. Coconuts £ s. a. 4 bags .. .. .. 0 4 6 1 case . . .. . . 0 2 6 £ s. d. 1. Auckland. Sydney. Auckland. Sydney. Copra .. . . 4,395 tons 13 cwt, 1 qr. 25 lb. . . 83,434 3 0 216 tons 19 cwt. 2 qr. 26 lb. . . 4,339 15 0 0 6 6 San Franoisec Auckland. 83,434 3 0 4,339 15 0 87,773 18 0 0 15 0 San Francisco Auckland. 87,773 18 0 Samoa. Fruit . . Live-stock" 3 cases oranges .. 8 horses .. .. .. 39 0 0 8 pigs .. .. .. 15 0 0 39 0 0 15 0 0 0 15 0 !U O O ) Samoa. 1 54 0 0 ), Vegetables 2 cases yams . . . . 0 13 0 1 case ,, .. .. 0 7 6 0 13 0 0 7 6 04 u u I (1 R i Auckland. Sydney. Auckland. Sydney. Sundries .. 65 packages .. .. 236 3 0 4 „ .. .. 59 3 8 I case .. .. .. 7 10 0 236 3 0 59 3 8 7 10 0 1 0 6 i o e 302 16 8 Auckland. Sydney. Samoa. I Auckland. Sydney. Samoa. 302 16 8 Total Total . . 88,132 16 8 88,132 16 8

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Resume of Total Exports.

Question (c) : Conditionr of Trade between New Zealand and Western Samoa. western samoa. This Group consists of four islands —Upolu, Savaii, Apolima, and Manona — but the latter two are of little importance. Prior to 1722, when the islands were visited by a Dutch " three-ship " expedition, little was known of their history. This expedition was followed by two French expeditions, the second under La Perouse in 1787. The first British vessel to visit Samoa was the warship " Pandora " in 1791. The London Missionary Society has the honour of first opening up Samoa to the march of civilization, for we read that in 1830 they founded a mission in one of the islands of the Group. Since then these islands have had a varied career —from the granting of coaling-stations in 1878 to the United States of America and a year later to Great Britain and Germany, on to the three-Power Government from 1889 to 1899, when, by agreement, Samoa was divided between Germany and the United States of America—Germany receiving Upolu, Savaii, Apolima, and Manona ; America receiving Tutuila, Manua, and three smaller islands. By this agreement Great Britain relinquished to Germany all her rights in Samoa, while Germany surrendered all her rights in the Solomon Group to Great Britain. This condition lasted until the military occupation in 1914 by the New Zealand Expeditionary Forces. The conquest of the German armies in Europe followed in 1918, and in 1919 mandatory powers over Western Samoa were vested in New Zealand by the Allied Governments. The islands of Western Samoa, about 1,700 miles from New Zealand in a north-easterly direction, and about 13 degrees south of the Equator, lie near " that mysterious line of longitude where a ship suddenly sails out of one day into the day before." Savaii, the largest island in the Group, has a circumference of 150 miles, an area of approximately 450,000 acres, and a population of 11,507. Although larger than Upolu, it is less capable of sustaining such a large population owing to its volcanic nature and to the damage which has been done (even recently) to the surface of the country by broad belts of lava-flows. Upolu, in point of scenic beauty and commercial importance, comes easily first. It has an area of 275,000 acres and a population of 19,129, and has been aptly described as " the pearl of the Pacific." The whole island, rich in fertile valleys and tumbling streams, is covered with dense tropical vegetation from the water's edge to the mountain-tops. Coconut plantations, with their tree-roots lapped by the rising and falling tides, begin where the sea ends, and continue without interruption to heights of about 400 ft., where they gradually blend with the dense tropical undergrowth, which seems to come down from the hillside to meet them. 3—A. 4.

Article. Quantity. Value. Hopra .. ' Coconuts Fruit Fungus Live-stock . . Metal Hides and skins Sundries 8,546 tons 10 cwt. 0 qr. 41b. 8 bags, 1 case 234 cases 67 sacks 37 horses, 15 pigs 7 bundles 12 „ 282 packages 25 cases £ s. d. 166,433 18 0 1 2 6 56 5 6 34 0 0 307 0 0 5 0 0 50 0 0 2,857 9 6 13 0 6 Yams Total 169,757 16 0

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Population. The population of the whole of Western Samoa, according to the census taken after the influenza epidemic at the end of 1918, was 30,636. In that year the influenza epidemic carried off about eight thousand of the population, and affected the development and trade of the island enormously. Prior to this the population had steadily grown from 32,815 in 1902 to 38,302 on the 30th September, 1918, showing an increase of 5,487 in sixteen years. If sufficient care is taken in the judicious selection of doctors thoroughly conversant with the proper treatment of tropical diseases the population will probably increase in the future. From a trade aspect this is a most important point, for on the rise or fall of the Native population depends the increase or decrease of trade. In addition to the Samoan population of 30,636 there are — Indentured labourers, 1,166 ; whites and half-castes, 1,660 : making a total population of 33,462. The Samoans are an attractive race: the men are tall and well developed, the women comely in feature and handsome in figure. Tattooing is universally practised. These people know nothing of poverty. Their villages are remarkably clean and well kept, and, fortunately, they have not adopted the European style of houses. The Native house, or fale, is circular in shape ; the floor, raised about 18 in. above the level of the ground, is covered with broken coral or gravel, on which mats made from pandanus-leaves are laid. Having no outside walls, the house is entirely open, matting blinds being dropped for protection against the weather as required. Samoans use little or no furniture : they eat and sleep on the floor. The women dress attractively in loose bright-coloured cotton dresses reaching to the ankles. They are good needlewomen, and often embroider their garments very tastefully. The men have not adopted to any great extent European style of clothes, most of them wearing loin-cloths or lavalavas, which reach from the waist to the knees ; the material may be of drill or cashmere according to the occasion. Women also wear lavalavas as well as dresses. Neither sex wears boots or shoes to any great extent, although we understand there is a demand for a cheap rubber-soled shoe. Apart from the women's dresses and adornments, such as combs, cheap necklaces, &c, and the men's lavalavas, there is little demand for clothing, except perhaps a cheap undershirt or singlet. They are a religious people, and have at least one church in a village ; sometimes they have as many as three. They contribute generously to church funds, and, we understand, several thousands of pounds are annually sent out of the islands to assist in missionary work in various parts of the world. They are proud of their long boats — fautassi —all the villages having one or more capable of carrying up to seventy people. The fautassi, which is locally built of imported timber (kauri is preferred), is used for taking the villagers on their periodic visits to. neighbouring settlements, and for giving a welcome to visitors arriving at the villages by steamer or launch. Although the Native fishermen are expert in the use of nets, lines, and spears, it is difficult for white residents in Apia, the chief town in Upolu, to purchase fish at moderate prices. Cricket is the national game, but it is not practised with the orthodox bat or by a team of eleven a side. A round bat is used, and villages, including women, play against one another, having sides of any number up to two hundred each. So much did the playing of the game interfere with the ordinary work of the people, and such a burden, as far as food was concerned, did the opposing team inflict on their hosts —a game might last for a week—that a Proclamation was issued making the playing of cricket illegal except on Saturday and Wednesday afternoons. As has been mentioned, the total area of land in the two important islands is— Upolu, 275,000 acres ; and Savaii, 450,000 acres. Of these areas the following is the position : — :• " Upolu. Savaii. Acres. Acres. Land alienated .. .. .. .. ..88,500 50,000 Still in the hands of the Natives .. .. .. 186,500 400,000

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The details of the alienated lands are as follow :— Upolu. Savaii. Acres. Acres. D.H. & P.G. .. .. .. .. .. 56,000 20,000 Other Germans .. .. .. .. .. 16,000 18,000 British and neutral subjects .. .. .. .. 16,500 12,500 Areas under cultivation, other than Native : D.H. & P.G., 9,000 acres ; others, 9,386 acres. No statistics are available showing the total Native lands under cultivation, but, inasmuch as the Natives are responsible for three-quarters of the total exports, it may be safe to assume that at least 100,000 acres are under a semblance of cultivation. Assuming the total area fully and partially improved to be 118,000 acres, there is, apart altogether from waste land, enormous scope for future development. Character of the Land. Taken as a whole, the land is of a rich volcanic character, but, being stony, it is generally unploughable. It is estimated by Mr. Macdonald, Surveyor and Commissioner of Lands and Works, that 86,000 acres of Native lands might safely be leased or purchased by the Administration or by white settlers, and that the Natives would then still possess more land than they could handle. He estimates the value of first-class land at £5 10s. per acre, and second-class from £2 to £4 per acre. Cocoa and coconut require first-class land, while rubber-trees grow well on secondclass land. This estimate is given on the assumption that there would be no difficulty in connection with the supply of imported labour. Without labour the lands are worthless for European occupation. Mr. Macdonald also advocates the individualization of all Native titles ; if this were done he is of opinion that there would be more inducement for owners to work and develop their land. o i Deutsche Handels und Plantagen Gesellschaft. All the lands held by the above old-established company, together with the smaller German plantations, are being taken over by the New Zealand Government, the value of which will be duly assessed, and such assessment will be credited to New Zealand's proportion of the war debt against Germany. The lands held by the above company —commonly known as the D.H. & P.G.— which are cleared and planted in coconut-palms, are estimated by various witnesses to be worth from £40 to £100 per acre. They are being managed by the New Zealand Government officials. What may be ultimately done with them is a matter for the Government to decide, but various suggestions have been made for their ultimate disposal. One, Which seems to have caught the imagination of a section of the community, is that they should be subdivided into suitable areas of from 200 to 500 acres and sold to returned soldiers. In passing, we would point out that the capital value of these developed lands would run into very large figures, and few returned soldiers would be financially strong enough to undertake the purchase of, say, 200 acres without being assisted financially to a much greater degree than are soldiers similarly situated in New Zealand. Without adequate provision being made for imported labour the returned soldier would inevitably face loss and disappointment. Even if the areas were cut into smaller sections —say, of 50 acres —he would require a certain amount of labour, and his living-expenses would be high. We think that with an equal capital expenditure he would, with less exertion, have a much better chance of making both ends meet in New Zealand, where climatic and other conditions are infinitely better. These plantations can be much more cheaply managed, per acre, in large holdings than in small ones, and, although the easiest way out of the difficulty would be to sell them to the highest bidder as soon as possible, it might be advisable, for many reasons, for the New Zealand Government to hold and develop them for a few years. The trading-stations in connection with the German company were closed down shortly after the firm was put into liquidation in 1916, and as a consequence the

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whole trade was thrown into the hands of the other traders, with the result that they have profited considerably thereby. Under the circumstances, one naturally concludes that each of them feels under a deep obligation to give every possible assistance to the Administrator in all his governmental activities. If these D.H. & P.G. plantations are to be carried on by your Government it is a question whether it would not be wise, under certain circumstances, to restock and reopen these outlying stores for general business. Besides being a source of considerable profit, the stores, which are centrally situated, would be of great convenience to the Natives. The estimated cost of planting an acre of coconut - palm, including cutting down the bush, planting, tending, keeping clear of weeds, loss of interest on capital expenditure while waiting for crop, &c, is estimated by reliable authorities to be £80, and the ascertained yield of copra from an acre is about 800 lb. per annum. On this scale the cost of planting the 8,820 acres formerly owned by the D.H. & P.O. would be £705,600. The cost of bringing into bearing an acre of cocoa is estimated to be £90. Education. Agricultural subjects should be emphasized in all public schools ; indeed, the whole trend of education should be towards agriculture. Wherever possible, areas should be set aside for demonstration purposes, so that the child may grow up with a wider knowledge of what must, in the nature of things, be his future life's work. Exports. The chief export products of the islands are copra, cocoa, and rubber, the greatest being copra. We have attached a list of exports to the end of this section of our report, from which will be seen the trend and progress of trade for the past four years. We would point out, however, that while 1919 was a record year for the export of copra, it is estimated that 5,000 tons were carried over from 1918 owing to a shortage of shipping. As we previously pointed out, there is great room for future development in all classes of tropical products, many thousands of acres at present lying idle being suitable for cultivation. Copra, cocoa, coffee, rubber, kapok, pineapples, castoroil seeds, sago, nutmeg, pepper, ginger, cloves, vanilla, arrowroot, sisal, might "all be grown with advantage. A most serious drawback to the rapid extension of the export trade is the shortage of labour : this matter is dealt with later. If any development does take place, it will, for a considerable time at least, be in coconut-growing, provided the price does not fall considerably. Copra-making seems to suit the Native temperament. It is a comparatively easy crop to handle : little labour is required compared with the growing of cocoa, coffee, or rubber, and the palm is not susceptible to diseases. After the trees are sufficiently grown, cattle can be turned out on the native grasses. Not only are they a source of income in themselves, but they save manual labour by keeping the plantations clean. Some of the land is capable of grazing about two bullocks to 3 acres. If, however, the price of copra falls considerably, the Samoan may turn his attention to cocoa, coffee, and rubber growing. Only comparatively small areas would be planted in the products mentioned owing to the amount of labour required to tend and harvest the crops. If the coconut plantations were permitted to become overgrown the rhinoceros-beetle would have shelter to breed and increase, and the fate of the coconut-palm would be sealed. The rhinoceros-beetle (Oryctes Nasicornis) was probably introduced into Samoa from Ceylon about 1908, but was first discovered in Upolu in 1910, and, owing to a want of knowledge on the part of planters, it spread considerably, especially in plantations which were overgrown and dirty. Effective steps were at first taken to deal with the pest by the German authorities in 1910-11, and these have been since continued by the New Zealand Military Administration. The Department of Agriculture reported in 1917 that, after a careful investigation, they found that clean plantations were least affected. With strict supervision over the cleanliness of the plantation, and a weekly search by the Natives, the beetle has been kept in check.

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During the German administration Samoans were required by regulation to plant a certain number of coconut-palms every year. These trees are now in full bearing, and it is estimated that they more than make up for the ravages of the beetle and for the barrenness of trees which have passed their period of productivity. The coconut-palms come into bearing in seven to ten years. They last for thirty or forty years, and thereafter gradually become barren. So that a continuity of the crop may be assured, a certain number of trees should be planted every year. Cocoa of good quality is being produced in Upolu and Savaii, and exports have grown from 498 tons, valued at £27,753, in 1910 to 820 tons, valued at £81,110, in 1919. High-water mark in this product was reached in 1917, when 1,207 tons were exported, at a value of £69,549. Owing to the rise in the market price, and notwithstanding the shortage in the output, the price obtained last year was £11,570 greater than that obtained in 1917. The falling-off in the total quantity produced last year as compared with 19.17 may be put down entirely to the shortage of labour ; the labour required for cocoa-production per acre is much greater than that required for copra. Unfortunately, the cocoa-plant is subject to canker (Phytophthora faberii), a pest which has caused enormous damage and consequent loss to planters. It is a fungus growth which, penetrating the stem of the tree, blossoms and spreads infection. Spraying and painting have a good effect; plantations must be kept clean and clear of weeds, and all infected parts must be cut off and burned immediately canker is noticed. By these and similar means the disease may be kept in check, but no absolute remedy has yet been discovered. In the D.H. & P.G. plantations 478 acres were planted with the Foresterio variety, and 232 acres with the Criollo variety. Owing, however, to the appearance of canker in the Criollo variety the latter have been cut out and replaced by Foresterio. Labour is the keynote of successful cocoa-growing—without an adequate supply of labour cultivation is impossible. The demand for cocoa-beans in New Zealand is comparatively small, and Samoan merchants complain that New Zealand buyers purchase their requirements from hand to mouth. They cable their orders for Bor 10 tons, and are disappointed if it is not shipped by the first steamer. New Zealand users also demand that the cocoa-bean must be washed before shipment. Owing to the shortage of labour in Samoa this is at present difficult to do, and as a consequence shippers prefer to send the unwashed product to Australia, even though the market price is lower than it is in New Zealand. Rubber. —The product of rubber was started by the export of 2 tons in 1911. The quantity gradually grew until in 1917 70 tons were exported. In 1918 17 tons were exported. Owing to the shortage of labour and a fall in the market price no rubber was exported in 1919. Kubber being, unlike cocoa, a forest-tree, is not particularly affected by a period of neglect, so that when conditions get back to normal the production of rubber should continue to extend. In all probability it will be found that the trees have actually benefited by the enforced rest they have had during the past two years. Kapok.— This tree grows remarkably well in Samoa, but it is questionable if it is the best variety for the production of marketable kapok. The following letter from the Imperial Institute, which was handed to the Commission by Dr. J. E. McNaughton, sets out the position clearly : — Imperial Institute of the United Kingdom, the Colonies, and India, South Kensington, London S.W. 7, 16th January, 1920. In reply to your letter of the 17th October last on the subject of kapok, I now send you the following information regarding the sample which you forwarded, to the Imperial Institute. The sample consisted of floss, 40 per cent. ; seeds, 54 per cent.; and inner dissepiment, 6 per cent. The floss was soft and lustrous, and of uneven pale brownish-cream colour. A large amount of short immature fibre was present. The fibres measured from 0-2 in. to 1-] in., varying mostly from 0-5 in. to 0-75 in., as compared with 0-6 in. to 1-0 in. (mostly 0-65 in. to 0-75 in.) for the fibres of a commercial sample of Java kapok.

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The present sample is rather softer and less resilient than ordinary Java kapok, probably owing to the amount of immature fibre present, and even if exported in clean condition and free from seed and d : ssepiment it would not be likely to realize a price equal to that of commercial Java kapok, which is at present quoted at lid. to Is. sd. per pound in the United Kingdom, according to quality (January, 1920). The pre-war price of Java kapok was generally in the neighbourhood of 7d. to 9d. per pound. From these oircumstanoes, and the fact that the floss realizes Is. per pound at Apia, it does not seem likely that it could be remuneratively exported from Samoa under present conditions. I am, &c, Ernest Goulding, For the Director There is practically no export trade in kapok being done. The Natives consider the price—ls. per pound —which is paid locally for it is not sufficiently remunerative for the labour that gathering and drying entail. Fruit. —There can be no development of the fruit trade until a direct steamer service is established with New Zealand. Pineapples grow luxuriantly and without entailing much labour. Prior to 1914 a canning-factory was established by the Samoan Plantagen Gesellschaft. The German owners, however, could not obtain the financial assistance expected from Germany, and difficulty was experienced in importing tinplate for can-making ; therefore, notwithstanding the fact that the results were completely satisfactory, the concern was forced to go into liquidation. The revival of this business would be of some benefit to the local growers. No sugar is required in connection with the canning of pineapples. Coconut-fibre.- —No attempt has been made to deal with the fibre of the coconuthusks. At present some of it is used as fuel for drier furnaces. It is a most valuable fibre for rope and mat making, and we believe that if it were dressed and prepared the whole Samoan output could be advantageously utilized in New Zealand. This matter is worthy of serious attention. We understand the machinery necessary for the treatment and dressing of coconut-fibre is not extensive or costly to install. Treatment of Copra. The question of erecting a crushing plant for the treatment of copra has been dealt with in the Cook island section of this report, and the remarks on the subject made there are also applicable to Samoa. In order that British trade in island products may be stimulated we suggest that, if it is possible under the conditions of the mandate, a higher duty be charged on all copra, cocoa, and rubber exported from Samoa to foreign countries. Agricultural Department. We are of opinion that a tropical branch of the New Zealand Agricultural Department should be instituted, and that the various experts in Samoa and Cook Islands should be under its jurisdiction. The results of all experiments being carried on should be reported, through the Administrator, to the Department, and all information gained by the Department should be sent, through the Administrator, to these experts. We think, if this could be done, much overlapping and waste of energy might be avoided ; information on many subjects common to both could be obtained, and results tabulated of experiments carried out in other tropical countries. - As a matter of fact, the experts at both Samoa and Cook Islands have very similar problems to face, and each is trying to solve difficulties that the other may have solved, or which have been solved in other tropical countries. If these agriculturists were under the jurisdiction of the New Zealand Department the field of that Department's action would be much widened, and it would offer a more varied and interesting career to young men starting out in life. It was stated that the wants of the Natives are few, and nature has provided them with all the necessaries of life in exchange for a minimum of exertion. They are not, in their own island at least, looking for work. We are forced to the conclusion that if the trade of Samoa is to be developed it will not be rapidly done by Samoan labour ; and this brings us to the most vital question affecting Western Samoa.

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Labour. Overshadowing the whole trade development of Samoa stands the labour problem. At present there are 138,500 acres of alienated land and 586,500 acres of land still held by the Samoans in Upolu and Savaii. Of this alienated land 18,386 acres are in coconut, cocoa, and rubber plantations, for which there is little Samoan labour available. Prior to the war there were about two thousand contract labourers employed ; at present, owing to extensive repatriation, there are about 1,166. Naturally this decrease in labour implies a corresponding fallmg-off of production. With insufficient labour, moreover, plantations become overgrown with weeds and undergrowth, which form a safe breeding-place for the rhinoceros-beetle. This dangerous pest, if allowed to spread, would rapidly destroy not only the 16,000 acres of European plantations, but the far greater acreage owned by the Samoans. We are informed by reliable witnesses that the Samoan profits by the example of the well-cultivated European areas. It has been objected that there is an undue amount of sexual intercourse between the imported Chinese and the Samoans, but we are convinced the reports on this subject are much exaggerated. It is untrue that the introduction of Chinese into Samoa is reducing the Samoan women to a state of prostitution. Perhaps regulations might be made stricter. If, for example, there were a rigorous inspection of Chinese quarters, and absolutely enforced repatriation at the end of three years, little trouble, we think, would be experienced. Unfortunately, during the war period, owing to the shortage of shipping, the Chinese have been kept in the islands for much longer periods, and as a consequence opportunity has been afforded them to learn the language and to become closely acquainted with Samoan women. When shipping becomes normal, regularity of service will ensue, and contracts oughtthen to be rigorously carried out. The housing question perhaps needs looking into ; but, even as things are, living-conditions in Samoa are much better than in Canton. No one would deny that Samoan labour would be better than Chinese labour if the Samoan would work, but he will not work as an employee. There is a growing demand for tropical produce, and as far as Samoa is concerned that demand cannot be satisfied except by the use of imported labour. The death of eight thousand Samoans during the recent epidemic has further aggravated the labour problem. However, with better medical attention and stricter port regulations the death-rate should be so reduced that a steady increase of population can be looked for ; in fact, this is, according to the statistics submitted, now taking place. With a judicious selection of imported labour, strict regulations regarding matters sexual, with improved living-accommodation, and increased payments to meet the higher cost of living, with opportunity afforded for wives to accompany their husbands, we think imported labour would be in the best interests of the Natives themselves. When, if ever, Samoa increases her Native population, when Samoans learn the science of agriculture and acquire the habit of work, then the importation of labour may happily be dispensed with. Until that time arrives imported labour is, in our opinion, a necessity. It has been suggested that the islands should be handed over entirely to the Samoans, and that they should work out their own destiny as the Tongans are doing. This also is a dream, and a dream not in the best interest of the Samoans, for it would leave their country an easy prey to any aggressive Power. While their methods may not be perfect, Great Britain and New Zealand will at least deal honestly with the Samoans and govern them fairly. We understand that Colonel Logan, the Military Administrator, 1914-18, believed it possible for the whole work of the islands to be done by the Samoans, and he accordingly repatriated indentured labour without trying to replace it. Results proved that his idea was a mistake, which he admitted and tried to undo before he resigned his position. Unfortunately, the Samoans are communistic in their ideas of life, and this fact has an important bearing on labour matters. It is expected that the man who has should support the man who has not, and as a consequence the man who does work

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is preyed upon by the man who does not. It has been asserted that the Samoan is physically unfit to put forth sustained effort for any lengthened period, but this theory is difficult to believe. It seems more probable that the principle of communism rather than any physical unfitness is responsible for his unwillingness to work. From the evidence placed before us we are led to believe that Solomon-Islanders are more suitable than Chinese for work in coconut plantations, but we understand that the whole question has been carefully considered, and that certain steps have already been taken in regard to the matter. We do not hesitate to assert that imported labour is required for the development of the islands. Until the labour question is finally and definitely settled there is not the slightest chance of the areas which are now held by Europeans being improved or extended ; the future trade of the islands, both Native and European, is entirely dependent on the result of such settlement. Shipping. Shipping must naturally play a most important part in the extension, of the trade of the islands, and if the New Zealand and British trade generally is to be fostered the subject must have the serious attention of the Government. At present one ship, the " Navua," owned by the Union Steamship Company, runs a four-weekly service between Samoa and Auckland. It leaves the latter port and proceeds via Suva (in the Fiji Group), Haapai and Vavau, of the Tongan Group, to Apia, the port of entry for Samoa, returning via Levuka and Suva to Auckland. The following trip it proceeds from Auckland by the short route — Fiji, Levuka—returning by the long route —Vavau, Haapai, Nukualofa, and Suva. On the outward journey it carries the New Zealand cargo to Suva, where it discharges and loads transhipment cargo from Australia to Tonga and Samoa. On its return trip comparatively little cargo is taken from Samoa, as every inch of space is required for green bananas from Suva to Auckland. Although Samoa grows many varieties of fruit, especially bananas, there is no chance at present of a fruit trade being developed. Since the war started, the Union Company has refused to carry copra for transhipment, giving as a reason for this the inflammable nature of such a cargo. The real cause, no doubt, has been the shortage of ships. It is claimed by several witnesses that they have never known of a single case of spontaneous combustion in connection with copra either stored or shipped in bulk. Copra has been known to go on fire when it has been shipped in wet sacks, when it has been badly stowed, or when matches and cigarettes have been carelessly used. Whatever may be the reason, we wish emphatically to state that the failure of the shipping company to carry copra has had a most disastrous effect on British trade, and has forced the trade in copra into American hands. Since 1914 Samoan traders have been forced to make arrangements with American shipping houses for the carriage of their commodity to America, and it will be increasingly difficult to break off the connections which have thus been formed. Unless practical means are immediately taken to counteract this connection, the copra trade of Samoa will be lost to British commerce. Then, too, if American ships take away the largest portion of the Samoan products, American ships will bring in American goods in exchange, and the loss to the Empire will be considerable. Direct encouragement has thus Tjeen given to American manufacturers of copra products, and they will not willingly relinquish the business which has gradually been built up during the past five years. The remedy is obvious : either the New Zealand Government should make equitable arrangements for a direct Samoan service, or purchase suitable ships themselves. There seem to be the same shipping troubles in nearly every island we visited, and unless this matter is satisfactorily dealt with it is utterly impossible to look for trade development, for without a satisfactory service, and a certainty that the produce grown will be taken away in a reasonable time, planters, Native or European, become disheartened, and consequently trade languishes. We are aware that the carrying-out of this recommendation would affect private enterprise,

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which is a matter to be deplored, but the consequences are so vital that we are constrained to make it. Much evidence was given on the merits of the " horse-shoe " run which was in force prior to 1914. Ships which sailed via the islands left Sydney for Auckland and Auckland for Sydney about the same time, and arrived at Apia within a day or two of each other. These ships, which were especially built for the tropical trade, gave to Samoa a fortnightly service, and enabled merchants to reply to New Zealand letters without delay. These ships carried copra, and the service was declared by many witnesses to be beneficial and satisfactory from every point of view. Now that the Panama route is opened for traffic it might be possible to divert the shipments of copra from Samoa to Great Britain, via New Zealand, and all goods ordered direct by Samoan merchants from Great Britain might well be sent to New Zealand for transhipment. By this means the volume of shipping business between New Zealand and Samoa would be materially increased. Harbour-improvements. Evidence was taken on this subject, but as a special report is being made by Mr. Vickerman on the question we need not go into the matter, except to say that, although the anchorage at Apia is not by any means perfect, the present trade does not warrant any great expenditure being undertaken on harbour-improvement. The following are the particulars of harbour charges : Pilotage, ss. per foot of draught, in and out; lighterage, ss. per ton (usually prepaid at port of the shipment of goods); quarantine, ss. per ton net register ; clearance, 10s. per ship ; bill of health, 9s. for overseas ships, ss. for inter-island ships ; manifests, 6d. Customs Tariff. The general Customs rate is 12J per cent, ad valorem, but special rates are applied to tobacco, cigars, cigarettes, firearms, gunpowder, and explosives. The following are the export duties : Copra, 10s. per ton ; cocoa, £2 per ton ; rubber, l|d. per pound. Commercial travellers landing in Samoa and carrying samples pay at the rate of £12 10s. per half-year ; a traveller without samples pays £7 10s. per visit, or a sum not exceeding £25 for any one year. It is questionable whether the taxing of commercial travellers is in the best interests of trade generally. The following taxes are also payable by residents and traders : — Native poll-tax: Head-man, £l 4s. per annum ; ordinary, £l per annum. Personal tax for whites and half-castes, £l ss. per annum. House-tax, 1 per cent, of value assessed every few years. Store-tax (graduated) : Turnover less than £2,500, £15 per annum ; turnover between £2,500 and £5,000, £25 per annum; turnover between £5,000 and £10,000, £40 per annum ; over £10,000, \ per cent. Income-tax (graduated) : More than £1,500, £20 per cent, per annum ; . from £1,000 to £1,500, £10 per cent, per annum ; from £600 to £1,000, £5 per cent, per annum ; from £400 to £600, £2 per cent, per annum ; from £200 to £400, £l per cent, per annum. Copra-houses (sheds for storing copra), if not attached to 'trading-station, £2 10s. per annum. Watermen's boats serving as lighters (each), 10s. per annum; boats and lighters for trading (each), £l per annum. Hotelkeepers, £40 per annum ; breweries or distilleries, £15 per annum; aerated-water factories, £15 per annum ; ice-factories, £10 per annum. Printing-offices, £5 per annum ; butcheries, £2 10s. per annum ; bakeries, £2 10s. per annum; all other trades, £l ss. per annum. Professional: Dentists, £12 10s. per annum ; lawyers, £12 10s. per annum; general practitioners, £10 per annum; surveyors, £10 per annum; auctioneers and commission agents, £7 10s. per annum; barristers in chambers, £6 ss. per annum ; photographers, £2 10s. per annum. Banks are not taxed at present, but insurance agents are taxed as resident commission agents. There is no plantation-tax.

4—A. 4.

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The following license fees are levied on motor vehicles : Four-wheeled motor vehicles, £5 per annum; two-wheeled motor vehicles, £l per annum; carrier attached to motor-cycles, 10s. per annum. Motor-lorries for agricultural and business purposes are exempt from payment of fees, but must be licensed. The owner of any motor vehicle plying for hire is also required to pay a license fee of £5 per annum for each vehicle so used. Stamp duties are payable on certain documents ; details of these duties are contained in Proclamation No. 53 of the Administration. Banking Facilities. The Bank of New Zealand, which opened a branch in Apia shortly after the military occupation, is of considerable advantage to the Administration, the traders, and the people generally. The rate of exchange between Samoa and New Zealand is 1 per cent.; Fiji, \ per cent. ; and other rates (excepting United States of America, which vary) are f per cent, above those ruling in Sydney. Legal tender is by Administration notes in the denominations of £5 and £l, of which £40,000 have been issued. Silver coin in circulation amounts to between £30,000 and £40,000. Samoans do not understand or like paper money. Advances are made against produce ready for shipment, but no advances are made against unharvested crops. Complaints were made by persons giving evidence that the bank would not make advances on real estate and unharvested crops ; but, as there were doubts in regard to the future status of Samoa, we think the bank was fully justified in the attitude it adopted. Now that a mandate has been given to New Zealand, and provided proper provision is made for a continuous supply of imported labour, the bank will no doubt reconsider the position, and probably, in respect to advances, adopt the policy pursued in New Zealand. In the first year of the German administration (1901) the gross revenue was £14,250, while the expenditure, largely for reconstruction works, was £24,700. In 1911 the annual revenue had increased to £41,350. Imperial grants were made until 1908, when they ceased. In 1910 Samoa began to make contribution towards the German Colonial Office expenses, and continued doing so until the occupation. In 1914-15 the revenue was £29,015, which was augmented by the amount taken over by the occupying forces —viz., £14,441. In 1915-16 the revenue increased to £68,663, including a balance brought forward of £13,711. Kevenue from all sources for 1916-17 amounted to £74,596, and for 1918-19 to £87,363. The estimated revenue for 1919-20 is £80,215. The expenditure for 1918-19 exceeded the total income by £1,500, and it is estimated that the expenditure for 1919-20 will absorb the total income. We are of opinion that Samoa should finance itself without assistance from New Zealand, and that her progress in respect to education, medical services, drainage, light and power, harbour-works, &c, should be strictly guided by her revenue from all sources. Imports. We have prepared a detailed statement for the years ending 1916, 1917, 1918, which is aftached to the end of the Samoan section of this report ; it shows the imports of all classes of goods and country of shipment. Unfortunately, particulars are not obtainable as to the country of origin. Classification of imports for 1919 was in course of preparation at the time of our visit, but for the year ending 1918 it will be noticed that the following was the value of the goods imported : From United States of America, £112,675 ; from Australia, £108,103 ; from New Zealand, £82,494. (Goods imported from New Zealand include specie, £10,125.) The imports from no other country exceeded £6,000. While giving full details of the imports of goods at the end of this section, we enumerate as under some of the principal items. It will be seen that New Zealand's share is far below what it ought to be.

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Direct shipping facilities would no doubt assist New Zealand merchants, but we are inclined to think that even with the present service much more could be done than is being done if merchants and manufacturers generally realized the great opportunity which awaits them. The position of boot and shoe imports was as follows : From Australia, £1,782 ; from United States of America, £1,164 ; from China, £44 ; from New Zealand, £16. The opinion was expressed by traders that the quality of the boot exported from New Zealand was not up to the Australian or American standard, and that the prices asked were too high. At one time New Zealand held the largest proportion of this trade. The position of drapery imports, n.0.e., was —From Australia, £25,449 ; from United States of America, £24,836; from New Zealand, £11,168 ; from United Kingdom, £2,286 ; from Fiji, £670 ; from China, £548 ; from Japan, £172 ; from Niue, £12. It was stated in evidence that, with the exception of two houses, New Zealand firms did not seem to desire the Samoan trade, and that, as a rule, the Australians gave buyers a larger range to select from, and were more anxious for the business. Cement: From New Zealand, £1,509 ; from all other countries, £142. Complaints were made regarding the difficulty of getting anything like adequate supplies. The same state of affairs in the cement trade has also been felt in New Zealand during the war period. This has been entirely brought about by the shortage of coal-supplies in New Zealand. When coal becomes plentiful no difficulty will be experienced by New Zealand manufacturers in keeping pace with Samoan orders. Cordage and rope : New Zealand supplied £741 ; all other countries, £81. Medicines and bandages : Australia, £980 ; New Zealand, £613 ; United States of America, £347 ; all other countries, £39. Perfumery and toilet preparations are almost entirely supplied by the United States of America, £518 ; Australia, £277 ; all other countries, £116. Fancy goods and toys, £3,300, of which total New Zealand supplied £222. Furniture n.o.e. : Practically the whole of it comes from America, £624 ; the New Zealand portion being only £52. Glassware and glass : America, £212 ; Australia, £148 ; New Zealand, £101. Leather and leather-manufactures n.o.e. : Australia, £1,496 ; New Zealand, £248 ; United States of America, £60. Electrical appliances : United States of America, £2,076 ; Australia, £111 ; New Zealand, £15. Engines, marine, £2,374. This trade is entirely in the hands of the United States of America. Matches, wooden : Australia, £1,131 ; United States of America, £520; New Zealand, £414 ; Fiji, £371 ; all other countries, £120. Hardware n.o.e. : United States of America, £2,930; Australia, £2,011 ; New Zealand, £1,535 ; Fiji, £3. Iron and steel: Bolts, bars, plates, sheets, tubes, pipes, and fittings are fairly equally divided between Australia, New Zealand, and the United States of America, the total value of imports being £7,621. Mineral' oils : United States of America supplied £12,681 ; Australia, £654; New Zealand, £607. Paints and colours : United States of America, £1,362 ; New Zealand, £407 ; Australia, £241. Paper (all kinds) : Australia, £1,209 ; New Zealand, £149 ; United States of America, £136 ; China, £9. Portmanteaux and trunks : Australia, £438 ; United States of America, £20; New Zealand, £l. Provisions : Bacon and hams —New Zealand, £1,013 ; Australia, £398 ; United States of America, £14. Biscuits: Australia, £8,431 ; New Zealand, £910. Complaints were made regarding the packing of the New Zealand biscuits and the price charged. The quality compares favourably with the Australian article. The price, however, for cabin bread was —Australian, 19s. (and tins 35.), as against New Zealand, 265. (and tins 55.).

A.—4

28

Butter : New Zealand, £2,891 ; Australia, £49. Cheese : New Zealand, £224 ; United States of America, £91 ; Australia, £62. Fish, potted and preserved : United States of America, £17,104 ; Canada, £1,699; New Zealand, £831 ; Fiji, £493 ; Australia, £209 ; China, £128. Fish, dried, smoked, pickled, and salted : United States of America, £310 ; Australia, £162 ; China, £159 ; Fiji, £100 ; New Zealand, £6. Flour : Australia, £9,915 ; New Zealand, £33 ; United States of America, £2. Australian flour is preferred throughout the Pacific islands owing to its better keeping-quality and greater suitability for breadmaking in the tropics. Chaff : New Zealand, £606 ; Australia, £261. Jg Oats : New Zealand, £329 ; Australia, £222. ty Wheat: New Zealand, £247 ; Australia, £185. Fruits, fresh, dried, and preserved : United States of America, £1,214 ; New Zealand, £135 ; Australia, £118. Jams : Australia, £350 ; New Zealand, £199 ; United States of America, £41. Meats, fresh, £634. The whole of this comes from New Zealand. Meats, preserved : New Zealand, £22,107 ; Australia, £966 ; United States of America, £570 ; Canada, £360 ; other countries, £174. It will be seen that New Zealand practically holds the whole trade of Samoa ; indeed, New Zealand holds the trade in preserved meats right throughout the South Pacific islands. Complaints were made, however, that certain manufacturers refused to deal direct with traders, insisting, instead, on their purchases going through New Zealand merchants. The trader thereby lost the trade discount of 2| per cent. We think this practice should be stopped, for, although it is a small thing in itself, it causes a certain amount of irritation. Milk, preserved: Australia, £520; New Zealand, £419 ; United States of America, £333. As the New Zealand product is favourably spoken of, there seems no reason why more of the business should not be done by New Zealand manufacturers. Onions : New Zealand, £493 ; United States of America, £116 ; Australia, £107. Potatoes : New Zealand, £727 ; United States of America, £152 ; Australia, £92. Bice: Australia, £12,995 ; New Zealand, £420 ; other countries, £120. Kice is re-exported from Australia. Steamers from China, Japan, and the East do not make New Zealand a port of call. Sugar : Australia, £5,166 ; New Zealand, £1,385 ; Fiji, £1,004 ; other countries, £8. Soap : Australia, £3,590 ; New Zealand, £1,920 ; United States of America, £137 ; Fiji, £83. There is not the slightest reason why New Zealand manufacturers should not get considerably more of this trade. Stationery : Australia, £543 ; United States of America, £222 ; New Zealand, £83. Starch: Australia, £252 ; United States of America, £163 ; New Zealand, £55. New Zealand should be in quite as good a position to supply this commodity as other countries. Timber: United States of America, £11,994 ; New Zealand, £1,987 ; Australia, £119. Timber has of recent years been largely brought from America by sailingvessels calling for copra. New Zealand is exceedingly short of this article for home consumption, as her bushes are being rapidly cut out. There seems little likelihood, therefore, of her timber trade extending in the future unless a large scheme of reafforestation is immediately undertaken. Tobacco, cigars, and cigarettes, £5,962, of which New Zealand supplies comparatively little. The greater portion of this trade is done by Australia. Twine : New Zealand, £214 ; Australia, £152. Umbrellas: Australia, £763 ; New Zealand, £314 ; United States of America, £2. It was emphasized by every witness that New Zealand merchants and manufacturers made little effort to capture the Samoan trade; that, taken as a whole, Australian prices were more favourable than New Zealand's ; and that, with the exception of a few articles, the New Zealand prices were too high. There was a time when the island trade was risky, but, almost without exception, every trader in Samoa is now in a sound financial position.

29

A.—4

During the war Great Britain has been practically out of the market, both as a purchaser of island products and as a supplier of manufactured goods, and consequently the United States of America has obtained a strong footing in trade matters. Now that business is slowly coming back to normal, the greatest efforts will need to be put forth if the trade is to be swung back to British channels. Germany had a considerable trade with Samoa before the war, especially in cotton and in black, blue-black, wine-coloured, and striped cashmeres. The popular width is 42 in., with the selvedge the same colour as the material. As the Samoans beat their clothes when they wash them, it is important that the colours should be fast. There is a considerable demand for prints, drills, buttercloth, mercerized muslin, cheap lace for insertions ; knitting-wool in yellow, red, and blue, used for the fringes of the fancy work done by the women ; white cotton sheeting, handkerchiefs (plain and with coloured borders), towels, and sewing-cottons. While there still exists a demand for men's ready-made white suits, a large business is now being done by Chinese tailors, the smart young Samoan preferring a made-to-measure suit even at high prices. The hardware trade, outside iron bars, sheets (plain and galvanized), plates, pipes and fittings, and fencing-wire, is not considerable. There is a demand for lamps, lamp-glasses, knives (especially butchers' and special knives used for grass and weed cutting), axes, saws, scissors and shears, razors, iron boilers (from 1 to 4 gallons). There are about seventy motor-cars in and around Apia. There is a good trade in hair-oils, scents in fancy bottles, fancy perfumed soaps, shaving and tooth brushes of a cheap description, and women's cheap hair ornaments. The record of imports, however, will give a complete knowledge of the requirements of the Samoan trade. The traders have outlying stations in both Upolu and Savaii, and, although they have ceased entirely to barter their goods for copra and native products, it is expected that Samoans selling to particular traders should in exchange purchase their requirements from the same trader. Time. At present the time in New Zealand is one day ahead of that in Samoa. This leads to a certain amount of confusion, and there seems to be no technical objection to dropping a day in Samoa and so bringing it into line with New Zealand. Both countries having the same time would simplify matters considerably. We therefore recommend that the Samoan time be altered to coincide with that ruling in New Zealand. Cold Storage. At present there is no cold storage available in Samoa. The erection of a plant would not only be of advantage to the residents generally, but would assist the New Zealand export trade in beef and mutton. In conclusion, we beg to quote from the evidence of one of the witnesses in connection with trade possibilities between Samoa and New Zealand :— The possibility of an improvement of the trade between New Zealand and Samoa is very small, and the reason for this lies with the New Zealand merchants. Somehow they seem to think that trade must come their way anyhow, and they make no effort to hold or improve it. There is a- lack of system in the way New Zealand invoices are made out. They do not show clearly how the goods are packed or what each package contains ; measurements and sizes are given insufficiently,' and, what is worse, complaints bring no improvement. New Zealand representatives sell only the goods they have, without paying sufficient attention to the special requirements of the Samoan trader, and as a consequence trade drifts to suppliers in other countries, who lay themselves out to specialize and satisfy their customers. What is wanted by New Zealand merchants is orderly system, insight, and proper consideration as to the proper kind of merchandise required. If this is not taken up, the trade will remain with Australia and America. There is much talk in the New Zealand Chambers of Commerce about increasing the business between New Zealand and Samoa, but it ends there. An opportunity was presented of capturing the biggest share of a very profitable trade, but so far nothing has been done. If you want to improve the trade between the two places rouse your merchants to a sense of the opportunities they are allowing to pass. If the above statement is true it is a strong accusation of a lack of business methods on the part of New Zealand merchants.

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30

The following is a list of the principal traders :— Andrew and Syddall .. .. .. British .. General merchandise. Apia Blacksmith (Limited) .. . . ~ . . Carriages and blacksmith. Ah Mv, John. . . . .. .. ~ . . ~ ~ .. .. .. .. ~ .. General merchandise. Betham, M. . . . . ... .. ~ . . ~ Burns, Philp, and Co. .. .. .. ~ .. ~ Brolly, C. Churchward and Ah Sue .. . . ~ .. ~ Curry, J. B. . . .. ~ .. ~ .. Boatbuilder and contractor. Dean, W. C. .. .. .. .. ~ .. General merchandise. Dexter, C. .. .. .. American .. ~ Fabricius, P. .. .. .. .. Dane .. ~ Franzen, F. .. .. .. .. .. Dentist. Hellesoe, Charles .. .. .. British .. Shoemaker. Hellesoe, C. .. .. . . .. Swede .. General merchandise. Hoflich, P. .. .. .. .. German .. Aerated water and cordials. Johnston, J. .. . . .. .. British .. General merchandise. Johanssen, H. .. .. . . Swede .. ~ Meredith, S. IT. .. .. .. British Moors, H. J. .. .. . . . . American ... ~ Milford, H. . . .. .. . . British .. Boatbuilder and contractor. Nelson, A., and Son .. .. .. Swede .. General merchandise. Railey, J. .. .. .. British .. Bakery. Rotbchild, John, and (Jo. ~ .. American .. General merchandise. Swarm, W. J. .. .. .. British .. Druggist and drugs. Stowers, A. .. .. .. ... ~ .. Builder and contractor. Samoan Times Printing Office. Syddall, F. .. .. .. British . .. General merchandise. Tattersall, A. J. .. . . . . ~ .. Photographer. Westbrook, G. E. L. .. .. .. ~ .. General merchandise.

British Militarily Occupied Territory of Samoa.-Record of Imports for Years ending December, 1916, 1917, 1918.

Article. '!"" Imported from 1 Value. 1916. Total. 1917. 1.918. Value. Total. Value. Total. nimals, living— Cattle, ordinary Fiji .. £ 48 £ £ £ £ 134 £ Fiji .. 48 134 Cattle, breeding Fiji .. New Zealand .. 222 167 123 1,189 71 389 1,312 71 Horses, ordinary Tonga. New Zealand . . Friendly Islands American Samoa 318 197 14 470 8 New Zealand . . Tonga Friendly Islands Australia 318 478 211 Horses, breeding 84 80 160 i 43 60 Pigs, ordinary Union Island .. Tonga Friendly Islands American Samoa Niue Swain's Island . . 8 13 164 13 43 22C 124 27 7 Pigs, breeding 6 1 9 New Zealand . . Union Island .. 19 11 21 21 47 41 140 Poultry, breeding 30 21. 41 New Zealand . . Australia 76 76 134 10 146 Sheep, other than breeding.. 144 II New Zealand .. 59 104 i 59 10

A.-4.

British Militarily Occupied Territory of Samoa.—Record of Imports— continued.

31

Article. Imported from 1916. 1917. Value. [ Total. I Value. Total. 1918. Value. Tota I Animals, living— contd. Sheep, breeding £ £ £ £ £ 5 £ New Zealand .. 5 Other animals New Zealand .. 11 7 Arms, ammunition, & explosives Australia New Zealand .. 11 7 89 109 198 Cartridges U.S. America .. New Zealand .. Australia Fiji .. 307 113 62 96 441 19 92 12 Detonators Australia New Zealand .. U.S. America .. 307 271 564 3 9 10 10 74 Dynamite Australia New Zealand .. U.S. America .. 3 13 29 94 33 17 5 89 50 Explosives for agricultural purposes Australia New Zealand . . 3 37 45 5 21 94 40 20 Explosives n.o.e. New Zealand .. 9 9 9 9 Fireworks Australia U.S. America .. China.. 28 27 90 45 2 41 65 54 Firearms Fiji .. New Zealand .. U.S. America .. American Samoa Friendly Islands Tonga New Guinea New Zealand . . U.S. America .. Australia 1 13 12 .1 145 14 68 2 2 88 1 78 119 1 6 4 109 371 227 5 19 New Zealand .. U.S. America .. 625 . 91 Fuse 16 16 2 2 Gunpowder U.S. America .. 100 421 Shot Australia U.S. America .. 100 421 182 182 495 495 lags and sacks (for exportation of island produce) Australia Fiji .. New Zealand .. U.S. America .. 449 763 352 685 1,279 238 1,222 902 1,527 714 62 1,564 3,424 3,205 lags and sacks unenumerated Australia New Zealand .. U.S. America .. 32 13 6 25 35 54 7 61 leverages, non-alcoholic, and substances used in making— Cocoa and chocolate United Kingdom Australia New Zealand .. U.S. America .. 51 (iO 4 419 63 53 170 28 101 217 12 90 319 539 299

A.-4.

British Militarily Occupied Territory of Samoa. —Record of Imports— continued.

32

Article. 1 mported from 1916. 19 Value. Total. I Value. I V '17. 19: 18. Total. Value. Total Beverages, non-alcoholic— contd. Coffee .. .. . . Australia New Zealand .. U.S. America .. £ £ £ 31 54 203 307 151 210 £ £ 80 342 83 £ Mineral waters .. .. Australia France New Zealand .. 385 385 571 505 4 14 95 Tea .. .. .. Australia New Zealand .. U.S. America .. China India Fiji .. 99 307 454 291 281 6 7 25 30 99 14 305 203 1 16 • • 629 18 543 629 772 Unenumerated .. .. United Kingdom Australia New Zealand .. U.S. America .. 9 158 240 74 35 50 62 342 43 164 549 Beverages, alcoholic— Ale, porter, and beer .. Australia New Zealand .. U.S. America .. Hawaii Fiji 291 291 337 2,300 1,554 948 187 1,036 310 2,197 1,812 11 270 2,438 4 Spirits .. .. .. United Kingdom Australia New Zealand .. U.S. America .. Holland 4,284 28 226 1,260 1,603 496 54 4,284 226 1,603 54 198 49 4,248 427 2,243 129 65 457 4,535 198 49 2,130 3,321 New Zealand .. 1,784 9 43 9 43 Wine, still .. .. Australia New Zea'and .. U.S. America .. 790 124 292 225 158 686 319 132 1,473 1,206 1,069 1,924 Wine, still, for sacramental use Australia U.S. America .. 5 25 31 Wine, sparkling .. . . Australia New Zealand .. France U.S. America .. 31 52 68 6 25 30 59 31 157 33 58 3 62 Blue, laundry . . .. Australia New Zealand .. U.S. America .. 96 39 4 134 64 4 242 69 Boats and fittings therefor— Boats and launches .. U.S. America .. New Zealand .. American Samoa 139 202 311 6 861 68 41 1,421 Ship-chandlery n.o.e. . . United Kingdom Australia New Zealand .. U.S. America .. American Samoa China 4 22 27 60 3 867 12 80 1,462 5 76 255 144 329 12 485 116 330

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British Militarily Occupied Territory of Samoa. —Record of Imports— continued.

5—A. 4.

33

1916. 1917. 1918. Article. Imported from Value Total. Value. Total, j Value. Total. Books, papers and music, printed United Kingdom Australia New Zealand .. U.S. America . . American Samoa China France Fiji £ 59 307 24 13 1 4 £ 300 452 50 101 £ £ 126 98 117 £ Boots and shoes 408 8 2 11 354 911 United Kingdom Australia New Zealand .. U.S. America .. American Samoa China 138 1,142 293 1,048 5 38 62 2,232 111 2,182 1,782 16 1,164 Brushes, brushware, and brooms 44 3,006 Australia New Zealand .. U.S. America .. China 2,664 4,587 66 75 10 8 40 46 25 49 103 30 Carpets and floorcloth 111 182 Australia France New Zealand . . U.S. America .. 159 71 5 80 4 24 163 10 Cement Australia New Zealand .. U.S. America .. 212 828 150 76 127 1,206 64 267 177 1,869 68 14 Coal 1,190 1,395 2,114 Australia New Zealand . . 2 19 3 40 4 26 New Zealand .. Australia 21 43 30 Coke 3 1 3 4 Chinaware Australia New Zealand .. U.S. America .. China 104 26 9 8 i Confectionery 147 United Kingdom Australia New Zealand .. U.S. America .. China 2 900 80 91 3 641 593 540 729 523 382 Consul's official supplies 1,076 1,634 Australia U.S. America .. 5 48 1,774 53 20 20 16 16 Cordage and rope Australia New Zealand . . U.S. America . . 83 603 22 146 707 50 76 748 5 829 Cotton-waste Australia New Zealand .. U.S. America .. 47 39 708 2 2 38 903 29 41 Drapery n.o.e. 86 42 70 United Kingdom Fiji .. Australia New Zealand . . France U.S. America .. 4,161 831 14,274 5,975 194 3,733 I 2,149 3,294 27,684 14,720 36 17,263 2,286 670 25,449 11,186 ':'''" 24,836

A.—4.

British Militarily Occupied Territory of Samoa. —Record of Imports— continued.

34

Article. Imported from 191 Value. 1916. 1917. 1918. Total. Value. Total. £ Value. I T< Total. £ 'otal. £ I £ ~£ Drapery n.o.e— continued. American Samoa China Japan Canada Niue Fiji .. Australia 15 707 216 216 20 548 172 12 166 18 143 Drugs, chemicals, and druggists' wares — Disinfectants .. Australia New Zealand .. U.S. America .. 29,890 65,782 61 65,302 15,302 34 426 49 169 22 3 17 16 Insecticides and tree-washes Australia New Zealand .. Ceylon U.S. America .. 460 — 460 240 36 36 7 12 69 5 18 5 6 51 88 . — 88 69 32 43 43 Liquefied and compressed gases Australia New Zealand . . U.S. America .. 156 48 10 153 23 18 84 115 199 Medicines and bandages United Kingdom Australia New Zealand . . France U.S. America . . China. . 214 214 194 199 441 832 521 7 140 28 2 898 1,302 9 980 613 9 347 21 249 Opium Hong Kong 1,969 —— 1,969 2,451 1,979 1,979 18 18 Perfumery and toilet preparations United Kingdom Australia New Zealand .. Fiji U.S. America .. China Japan France 18 19 279 2 23 206 5 614 51 I 277 10 52 518 14 40 614 21 Unenumerated Australia New Zealand .. U.S. America 1 .. 534 —— 534 1,300 911 27 61 102 25 12 72 67 47 I 37 Manures Australia New Zealand .. 1 7 190 190 109 151 8 10 8 10 Earthenware n.o.e. United Kingdom Australia New Zealand .. U.S. America .. China 4 325 136 43 76 603 104 42 53 192 252 141 Education apparatus, appliances, and materials, n.o.e. United Kingdom Australia New Zealand .. U.S. America -.. 6 37 6 33 584 104 30 12 584 749 98 8 131 638 638 82 - 82 146 237 237 Engine-packing Australia New Zealand .. U.S. America . . 2 10 10 3 3 22 22 3

A.-4.

British Militarily Occupied Territory of Samoa.—Record of Imports— continued.

35

Imported from 1916. 1917. 1918. Article. Value. Total. Value. Total. Value. I Total. Fancy goods and toys United Kingdom Australia New Zealand .. Canada Tonga U.S. America .. American Samoa China Hawaii Japan Germany Fiji .. £ 12 1,338 572 16 6 441 26 15 £ 162 1,402 715 1 £ 42 1,038 238 £ 1,505 1,934 10 43 24 22 14 12 16 3,316 Australia New Zealand .. U.S. America .. Fiji .. 2,479 3,809 Furniture n.o.e. 286 75 719 105 63 481 8 Furniture and fittings for coffins 657 U.S. America .. — 1,080 46 46 Glass and glassware United Kingdom Australia New Zealand .. France U.S. America .. American Samoa 145 134 63 65 89 197 111 148 115 Grease 345 212 24 499 Australia New Zealand .. U.S. America .. China 496 594 80 1,184 75 80 886 76 1 78 110 1 Grindery 190 Australia U.S. America .. 1,339 1,042 24 3 Instruments — Musical Australia New Zealand .. France U.S. America .. American Samoa China 221 219 48 428 7 12 168 161 585 159 27 429 844 1,588 Optical Australia Fiji .. U.S. America .. New Zealand .. Japan 106 54 935 24 758 73 40 44 4 Scientific 121 160 01 Australia New Zealand .. U.S. America .. 2 20 6 28 7 7 Surgical Australia New Zealand . . 7 12 3 7 15 Unenumerated United Kingdom Australia New Zealand .. 2 2 16 4 5 Jewellery Australia New Zealand .. Fiji If.. U.S. America .. Australia American Samoa China.. 4 9 16 49 11 3 6 143 26 41 9 249 312 341 IB 2 40 69 481 I

A.—4.

British Militarily Occupied Territory of Samoa.—Record of Imports— continued.

36

Article. Imported from 1916. Value. Total. 1916. 1917. 1918. I Value. Total. Value. Total. i Lamps and lampware £ 5 306 71 317 3 | £ £ £ £ £ United Kingdom Australia New Zealand .. U.S. America .. American Samoa 103 119 1,399 150 63 690 2 905 Leather and leather manufactures n.o.e. Australia New Zealand .. U.S. America .. 988 444 102 70S 702 1,570 306 234 1,621 1.706 248 66 Machinery and machines, agricultural United Kingdom Australia New Zealand .. Ceylon U.S. America .. Straits Settlem'ts 80 83 77 135 228 89 1, 1,534 531 20 2,110 123 31 2,020 Machines, electrical .. 133 9 163 U.S. America .. 692 092 153 22 22 United Kingdom Australia New Zealand .. U.S. America .. 22 Electrical appliances n.o.e,.. 15 145 16 400 26 4 1.752 111 419 2.083 2,613 Engines, marine U.S. America .. 282 576 570 877 1.782 2,374 Engines, other Australia U.S. America .. 282 282 877 2,374 I I 171 92 Sewing-machines United Kingdom Australia New Zealand . . France U.S. America . . 10 244 2 4 9 263 94 8 74 4 Typewriters 224 198 Australia New Zealand . . Fiji .. U.S. America .. New Zealand . . 269 209 326 276 37 27 16 94 123 93 30 144 174 Winches and cranes Fiji 15 297 297 93 15 16 Machines, unenumerated U.S. America . . Australia New Zealand .. 11 5 18 67 15 1,475 499 44 Machines, materials for and parts of Australia U.S. America .. New Zealand .. 34 31 82 2,018 20 839 50 5 702 7 37 1,734 22 Matches Australia New Zealand .. Sweden U.S. America .. Japan Fiji .. 377 36 91 294 15 909 909 689 158 18 444 714 1,131 430 16 520 94 ... 37d: 1 .793 813 ■ • Mats and matting United Kingdom Australia Fiji .. New Zealand .. Tonga American Samoa China Ellice Islands .. U.S. America .. Japan ., 3J3 1,309 2,562 10 52 37 20 2 64 15 11 7 61 1 ■'--'. v '. 10 1 15 9 200 71

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British Militarily Occupied Territory of Samoa. —Record of Imports— continued.

37

Article. 1916. Imported from Value. T< Total. 1917. Total. 1918. Value. Value. Total. Metal manufactures other than machinery — Anchors £ £ £ £ £ ft Australia .. 1 New Zealand .. 3 U.S. America .. 10 25 43 23 43 Bolts and nuts Australia .. 75 New Zealand .. 64 U.S. America .. 96 14 08 78 34 33 Chains i Australia .. 38 New Zealand .. 11 U.S. America .. 40 235 35 25 33 187 112 Cutlery Australia .. 278 New Zealand .. 4 U.S. America .. 35 Japan .. 16 United Kingdom 89 268 6 28 60 287 175 163 187 Hardware n.o.e. 25 97 330 327 722 United Kingdom 31 Australia .. 2,283 New Zealand .. 1,492 New Zealand .. 1,085 U.S. America .. 1,366 Fiji 46 2,653 2,731 2,114 2,039 Iron and steel — Hoop 2,452 2,943 3 - 6,! 6,257 7,882 7,099 Australia .. 9 U.S. America 20 Bar, bolt, and rod New Zealand U.S. America 9 20 118 11 129 Plate and sheet (iron and steel) Australia .. 650 New Zealand .. I 1,093 U.S. America ..I 985 269 795 5,337 202 459 1,177 Tubing, pipes, and fittings (iron and steel) - 2,' 2,728 '■ . 6,401 1,838 Australia .. 146 New Zealand .. 899 U.S. America .. 194 1,239 1 543 170 I 1,487 1,138 94 714 2,719 Unenumerated 1.1 J. J J Australia .. 187 New Zealand .. 203 U.S. America .. 16 105 74 59 Wire (iron and steel) t Australia .. 123 New Zealand .. 168 U.S. America .. 208 406 82 214 195 238 123 346 553 Metal manufactures unenumerated 499 . t U.S. America .. 126 Australia .. 138 New Zealand .. 97 821 156 436 491 1,025 278 619 1,022 361 1,413 1,922 Methylated spirits Australia .. 27 New Zealand .. 88 U.S. America .. 35 22 10 22 5 Oakum .. .. ... ] Australia. .. 37 < U.S. America .. New Zealand 115 10 57 37 14 25 11 37 24 36 OilsAnimal Australia .. 14 New Zealand .. 9 U.S. America .. 8 7 7 9 8 31 14 17

A.—4.

British Militarily Occupied Territory of Samoa. —Record of Imports— continued.

38

Article. Imported from 1916. Value. 1917. Value. | 1918. Value. Total. Total. Total Oils— continued. Mineral .. .. . . Australia Fiji .. New Zealand . . U.S. America .. £ 756 15 1,717 3,381 £ £ 570 10 531 14,627 £ £ 654 607 12,681 Vegetable .. .. Australia New Zealand . . U.S. America . . China France 5,869 15,738 13,94: 416 413 248 86 546 508 678 219 143 143 58 16 Unenumerated . . .. Australia U.S. America .. 1,163 2 100 1,748 563 102 2 2 Paints and colours . . . . Australia New Zealand . . U.S. America .. 458 368 675 702 726 1,741 241 407 1,362 1,501 3,169 Paper (all kinds) .. .. United Kingdom Australia New Zealand .. U.S. America . . China 2,010 8 663 300 59 6 32 796 359 454 1,209 149 136 9 Photographic materials and ap- United Kingdom pliances Australia New Zealand .. U.S. America . . 1,036 1,641 1,503 14 294 33 12 9 211 242 94 17 36 170 124 353 556 347 Pictures .. .. . . Australia Fiji .. New Zealand .. American Samoa 30 3 25 5 7 4 9 Plants, trees, and shrubs .. Australia New Zealand .. U.S. America .. Fiji .. 63 11 3 15 9 9 4 6 1 10 21 Polishes and dressings (all kinds) Australia New Zealand .. U.S. America .. 19 8 2 32 2 19 34 17 28 Plate and plated ware . . Australia New Zealand .. U.S. America .. France 31 10 50 29 90 70 177 35 5.". 79 91 372 Portmanteaux and trunks . . Australia New Zealand .. U.S. America .. 438 1 20 Printing-materials n.o.e. .. Australia 459 67 223 81 67 81 Provisions— Bacon and hams .. .. Australia New Zealand .. U.S. America .. China 12 1,474 144 5 88 1,320 48 398 1,013 . 14 Butter .. .. .. Australia New Zealand .. 1,635 1,456 1,425 24 2,534 2,558 72 3,094 3,166 49 2,891 2,940

39

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British Militarily Occupied Territory of Samoa.—Record of Imports— continued.

Article. imported from 19 6. __ Total. 19 ~] 17. 19 6. Value. Value. Total. Value. Total £ 55 270 203 £ 26 223 178 £ £ 62 224 91 'revisions— continued. Cheese Australia New Zealand .. U.S. America .. £ ! £ Fish, fresh 528 New Zealand .. U.S. America .. American Samoa I 427 37' i 8 1 Fish, potted and preserved.. 1 United Kingdom Australia Canada New Zealand .. U.S. America .. China Fiji 9 297 874 317 508 7,680 487 71 1,176 286 836 13,971 • 209 1,699 831 17,104 128 493 Fish, smoked, dried, pickled, and salted United Kingdom Australia New Zealand .. U.S. America .. China.. Fiji .. . . i 6 244 104 446 238 I 10,163 ' ' 365 92 281 16,340 162 6 310 159 100 20,464 Flour Australia New Zealand .. U.S. America .. China 5,120 257 211 4 .1,038 9,292 1,286 i 105 ! 738 9,915 33 2 737 Food fo,' animals— Bran Australia New Zealand .. 36 817 5,592 8 563 10,683 98 428 9,950 Chaff 571 526 Australia New Zealand .. 20 944 113 935 261 606 Hay Australia New Zealand .. 964 1,048 867 1 7 8 Oats .. Australia New Zealand .. 7 544 92 519 222 329 Wheat.. 551 611 551 Australia New Zealand .. U.S. America . . i 85 183 2 87 326 185 ! 248 I Unenumerated Australia New Zealand .. U.S. America .. 270 413 433 108 40 3 151 2 137 16 84 139 Fruits, dried" Austra'ia New Zealand .. U.S. America .. China 38 28 233 63 31 41 142 19 34 49 156 l(K) Fruits, fresh Australia New Zealand .. U.S. America .. China Friendly Islands 49 112 224 14 362 53 482 233 62 549 239 Fruits, preserved in syrup.. Australia New Zealand .. U.S. America .. China.. 399 6 541 611 85 17 814 85 84 21 562 34 84 24 409 1,001 701 517

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40

British Militarily Occupied Territory of Samoa. —Record of Imports— continued.

19: Artiole. Imported from — •—. Value. 1916. 1917. 1918. Total. Value. Total. Value. Total. £ i ■ I Provisions— continued. £ Jams, jellies, and preserves United Kingdom 3 Australia . . 277 New Zealand .. 220 U.S. America .. 7 China.. .. 4 £ £ £ , £ 372 283 62 350 199 41 ; •• Meats, fresh .. .. Australia .. 298 New Zealand .. 454 511 125 650 717 634 590 752 775 634 Meats, potted and preserved Australia .. 273 Fiji .. .. 7 New. Zealand .. 12,917 U.S. America . . 513 China.. .. 80 Canada New Caledonia 1,614 22,679 892 966 37 22,956 570 7 360 130 I I " 13.790 25,185 25,026 Milk and cream, preserved United Kingdom 7 Australia .. 387 New Zealand .. 614 U.S. America .. 197 302 439 397 520 419 333 1,205 1,138 1,272 Oilmen's stores .. .. United Kingdom 24 Australia .. 180 New Zealand .. 115 U.S. America .. 119 China.. .. 10 France 10 230 99 187 175 82 61 448 1 527 318 Onions .. .. .. Australia New Zealand U.S. America 107 493 116 716 Potatoes .. .. Australia New Zealand U.S. America 92 727 152 971 Rice .. .. .. Australia .. 9,200 New Zealand .. 961 U.S. America .. 155 China.. .. 40 Fiji 11,206 298 39 38 13,871 574 3 70 47 10,356 11,581 14,565 Salt .. .. . . United Kingdom 15 Australia .. 69 New Zealand .. 114 U.S. America .. 61 Fiji 78 128 116 72 124 219 14 Sugar ... .. Australia .. 21 New Zealand .. 6,139 U.S. America .. 20 Fiji Tonga 259 38 7,108 6 62 322 5,166 1,472 5 1,664 3 429 6,180 7,214 8,310 Vegetables, fresh .. . . Australia .. 18 New Zealand .. 301 U.S. America .. 209 China.. .. 36 18 301 209 36 124 446 164 46 1 20 564 67 Vegetables, preserved .. Australia .. 332 New Zealand .. 15 U.S. America .. 938 China.. .. 643 332 15 938 643 645 34 803 290 108 420 149 ; ' '—■■ — ■■■ 1,928 1,482 967 ! - — ' • -

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British Militarily Occupied Territory of Samoa. —Record of Imports— continued.

6—A. 4.

Article. Imported from 191 Value. 1916. 1917. 1918. Total. Value. Total. Value. Total Provisions unenumerated United Kingdom Australia, New Zealand .. U.S. America .. China. . £ 150 4,182 2,754 1,760 68 £ £ £ £ £ 9,417 2,725 2,905 1,930 1,023 1,149 114 9.544 15,047 4,21 Putty Australia New Zealand .. U.S. America .. New Zealand .. 6 18 1 6 3 4 28 21 3 24 10 50 Resin New Zealand . . U.S. America .. 9 10 10 4 9 19 14 Seeds Australia New Zealand . . U.S. America . . 7 52 19 11 11 0 16 41 12 Soap Australia New Zealand .. U.S. America .. Fiji .. 970 3,313 85 78 1,861 4,039 164 • 28 3,596 1,973 137 83 09 Specie— Silver Australia New Zealand .. 400 10,500 4,368 6,064 5,789 10,900 16,600 16,600 10,100 10,100 i Bronze New Zealand .. 25 25 Starch Australia New Zealand .. U.S. America . . 113 110 98 100 107 107 252 55 163 Stationery n.o.e. United Kingdom Australia New Zealand .. France U.S. America .. China.. 4 435 211 3 26 5 4 435 211 3 26 5 321 10 721 434 314 543 258 470 211 222 Stone — Building Australia New Zealand . . 79 25 684 1,376 1,023 79 25 Slates, roofing Australia New Zealand .. 365 3 365 3 104 368 '57 57 Tombstones Australia New Zealand .. U.S. America .. 5 18 21 5 18 21 48 93 141 147 44 147 Tar :. United Kingdom Australia New Zealand .. U.S. America .. 6 113 62 115 6 113 62 115 110 92 806 36 45 15 Tents, tarpaulins, and sails Australia New Zealand .. U.S. America .. 103 162 296 1,008 90 103 162 91 241 67 10 111 2 399 265 123 Timber Australia New Zealand . . U.S. America .. 468 1,620 1,071 468 1,620 1,071 180 2,377 8,185 i 119 2,281 13,827 3,159 1 10,7. 16,227

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British Militarily Occupied Territory of Samoa. —Record of Imports— continued.

42

Article. Imported from 'I I ! Value. 1916. Value. 1917. Value. I 1918. Total. Total. Totsl TimepiecesClocks $ .. Australia U.S. America .. New Zealand .. £ 7 2 £ £ 48 51 1 £ £ 8 17 £ 100 25 Watches Australia New Zealand .. U.S. America .. China 48 18 41 4 29 24 70 58 17 40 Tobacco and preparations thereof— 111 123 115 Cigarettes r . United Kingdom Australia New Zealand .. U.S. America .. 6 584 55 12 8 1,405 113 103 1,598 45 163 1,806 616 1,629 Cigars United Kingdom Australia New Zealand .. U.S. America .. Holland Philippine Islands China 20 392 108 10 292 114 64 25 173 5 90 185 2 2 520 505 457 Tobacco and snuff United Kingdom Australia New Zealand .. U.S. America .. American Samoa New Zealand .. 42 1,529 248 60 3 12 995 199 79 2,528 243 666 9 45 3,446 Tobacco, Chinese Australia China.. 68 260 1,' ,882 1,330 253 158 Tools n.o.e. United Kingdom Australia New Zealand .. U.S. America .. 20 156 202 206 328 158 253 162 18 219 7 254 276 537 Twine— Bagging-twine for tying bags for export U.S. America .. New Zealand .. Australia 584 399 25 101 196 214 152 Un enumerated United Kingdom Australia New Zealand . . U.S. America .. 126 196 366 4 105 33 334 58 91 761 49 77 16 534 676 Umbrellas .. " United Kingdom Australia New Zealand .. Fiji .. .. U.S. America .. Hawaii 476 910 85 694 420 8 264 11 763 314 2 Varnish Australia New Zealand .. U.S. America .. United. Kingdom 8 8 43 17 34 44 20 1,482 53 18 64 1,079 59 115 135 Vehicles — Bicycles New Zealand .. U.S. America .. United Kingdom 26 140 39 195 88 33 110 143 166

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British Militarily Occupied Territory of Samoa. —Record of Imports— continued.

Article. 191 Imported from Value. 1916. Value. 1917. Total. 1918. Total. Value. Total Vehicles— continued. Bicycles— continued. Materials for and parts of £ Australia .. 34 New Zealand .. 7 U.S. America '.. 30 £ £ £ £ 25 121 171 £ 151 317 Carriages, carts, and wagons U.S. America .. 40 American Samoa 8 71 342 151 18 342 Carriage-makers' materials .. Australia .. 170 New Zealand .. 142 U.S. America .. 624 Fiji 170 142 624 201 183 388 15 258 115 208 936 787 581 Motor-bicycles New Zealand .. 40 Tonga .. 24 U.S. America 40 24 177 Materials for and parts of U.S. America .. 9 New Zealand Australia 01 177 9 8 6 2 10 Motor-cars and motor vehicles New Zealand .. 735 U.S. America .. 544 Fiji Australia 735 544 9 6,165 4,094 16 330 Materials for and parts of United Kingdom 25 Australia .. 62 New Zealand .. 35 U.S. America .. 367 Fiji 1,279 47 59 129 1,244 6,165 4,440 25 62 35 367 108 60 2,625 80 2,873 Perambulators and go-carts Wood, cane, and wicker manufactures — Basketware and wickerware.. New Zealand .. 6 Australia .. 34 China.. .. 5 Japan .. 10 New Zealand U.S. America Hawaii 489 1,479 6 6 34 5 10 60 19 112 69 15 £ 18 95 Furniture, wickerware Australia .. 412 New Zealand .. 109 U.S. America .. 71 American Samoa 3 Japan .. 10 19 241 412 109 71 3 10 605 Handles for tools United Kingdom 3 Australia .. 122 New Zealand .. 85 U.S. America .. 89 3 122 85 89 47 41 278 5 40 134 179 Unenumerated Australia .. 29 New Zealand .. 58 China.. .. 3 U.S. America Fiji .. Australia 299 366 29 58 3 40 76 659 357 256 1,035 43 21 2,115 Articles for Samoan Observatory United Kingdom 6 Australia .. 15 U.S. America New Zealand 90 6 15 28 2 5 4 9 21 30

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British Militarily Occupied Territory of Samoa. —Record of Imports— continued.

Total Record of Imports for Years ending December, 1916, 1917, 1918.

Samoa. —Value of Imports, Exports, and Total Trade (exclusive of Specie and Military Stores) during the last Nine Years.

1916. 1917. 1918. Article. Imported from Value. Total. Value. Total. Value. Total. Articles and materials n.o.e. used in the preparation of and in the packing and tying of produce for export Australia United Kingdom New Zealand . . Malay States . . Ceylon U.S. America .. Japan Singapore £ 192 £ 66 19 139 98 72 146 52 £ 83 £ I 617 288 988 Miscellaneous, manufactured .. U.S. America . . Australia New Zealand . . China 122 29 125 1,332 201 1,068 802 1,950 610 3 Totals 3,365 276 2,601 191,240 320,444 319,521

Imported from 1916. 1917. 1918. United Kingdom . . Australia New Zealand £ 5,835 65,630 75,416 443 2,038 19 £ 3,393 94,082 103,432 548 4,958 13 1 307 72 98* £ 2,980 108,103 82,494 330 5,405 Tonga Fiji Union Island Ellice Islands Canada Ceylon Straits Settlements Hong Kong American Samoa .. United States of America 333 204 89 18 144 37,313 394 43 91 3,172 58 2^059 288f 29 107,665 131 45 112,675 9 France Germany Sweden China 18 358 268 16 1,501 346 9 2,470 2 642 130 4 13 Japan Swain's Island Hawaii Philippine Islands . . Holland New Caledonia New Guinea Niue or Savage Islands India 2,232 25 113 30 Totals 191,240 317,773 319,521 * Mali iy States. tSinj ;aporo.

Year. Imports. Exports. Total Trade. 910 911 .912 .913 (not available) 914 915 916 .917 .. 918 .. £ 173,118 203,312 249,720 236,239 267,091 180,340 301,173 309,396 £ 176,688 219,494 252,224 220,519 262,389 235,415 320,444 306,640 £ 349,806 422,806 501,944 456,758 529,480 415,755 621,617 616,036

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Samoa. —Shipping Return for the Calendar Year 1918.

British Militarily occupied Territory of Samoa.-Record of Exports for Years ending December, 1916, 1917, 1918, 1919.

T i Steam. Sail. Total. ;ional lity. Number. T Net Tonnage. Tons Cargo. Number. T Net „ Tons Number. T Net J ons lonnage. Cargo. | tonnage. Cargo. Im >ards. British . . .. I Foreign . . _ 60 22,361 33 2,377 8,124 1,021 20 9,548 3,328 0O 53 22,361 11,925 8,124 4,349 Grand totals .. 93 24,738 9,145 20 9,548 3,328 113 34,286 12,473 Out lards. British Foreign 60 32 22,361 2,284 1,533 516 17 7,746 8,014 (iO 49 22,361 10,030 1,533 8,530 Grand totals . . 92 25,645 2,049 17 7,746 8,014 109 32,391 10,063 Also six ships of war—two Britis: , four foreign—inwards and outwards.

1916. 1917. 1918. 1919. Article. Exported to. Quantity. Value. Quantity. Value. Quantity. Value. Quantity. Value. £ £ £ £ Beche-de-mer Cocoa Copra Hides Kava Papain Pineapples Australia United Kingdom Australia New Zealand U.S.A. (West Coast) British Columbia Canada Australia New Zealand U.S.A. Australia New Zealand U.S.A... Australia U.S.A U.S.A. (West Coast) Canada United Kingdom U.S.A... Fiji Australia New Zealand American Samoa Australia New Zealand U.S.A. Canada Australia Fiji Australia New Zealand Tonga Ellice Islands .. U.S.A Hawaii American Samoa Swain's Island .. 296 tons 354 „ 275 „ 2 „ 2 789 tons 377 „ 6,378 „ 395 No. 53 „ 2 tons 1,4321b. 3,004 cwt. 142 cwt. 3 „ 97 „ 28 128,6791b. 9,255 „ 20 20,433 24,471 18,756 135 175 14,236 7,540 121,469 608 82 210 608 L314 "62 1 431 12 18,848 1,380 i .. 495 tons 241 „ 422 „ 49 tons 395 tons 8,597 „ 808 No. 263 „ 216 „ 2,060 lb. 2,881 „ 30,782 12,971 22,997 2,799 9,453 221,518 592 224 187 39 1,385 : 494 tons 209 „ 92 „ 9,370 tons 649 No. 406 „ 202 „ 3,162 1b. 33,267 15,338 5,564 246,576 480 350 156 M63 401 tons 217 „ 202 „ 16,356 tons 900 No. 250 „ 2,587 1b. 261 „ 332 „ 40 doz. 39,489 22,503 19,118 449,917 840 200 125 120 175 "l3 " * 8,360 doz. 1,777 2,076 doz. 596 Rubber 136,1101b. 8,692 „ 11,626 „ 12,094: 650 1,343 28,801 lb. 7,238 „ 2J52 603 1,3231b. 95 Shark-fins Miscellaneous 18 4,994 3 24 47 34 648 137 8 554 178 Totals .. 235,415 320,444| 306,640 532,500

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Total Record of Exports for Years ending December, 1916, 1917, 1918.

Samoa. —Comparative Return of the Principal Exports, the Produce of the Territory.

Port of Apia, Samoa.—Return of Shipping for the Calendar Year 1919.

Exported to 1916. 1917. 1918. £ 21,747 58,412 27,801 £ £ United Kingdom Australia New Zealand Tonga or Friendly Islands Fiji Canada American Samoa United States of America Ellice Islands Swain's Island Union Islands 5,056 175 12 122,212 43,492 25,122 34 3 2,799 554 247,606 648 178 8 35,899 16,887 95 253,759 Totals 235,415 320,444 306,640

1910. 1910. 1911. 1912. 1913. 1914. Produce. I j Quantity Value. Quantity Value. Quantity Value. Quantity Value. Jocoa 3opra blubber Tons. £ 498 27,753 9,010 148,564 Tons. 632 10,088 2 £ 38,508 179,145 646 Tons. £ 723 41,982 11,017 203,496 24 5,538 f Figures 1 <{ not y [_availablej Tons. 1,033 8,573 41 £ 62,477 146,627 10,446 1915. 16. 1917. 1918. (19. Produce. Quantity Value. Tons. £ 879 59,322 11,974 187,429 67 13,907 Quantity Value. Tons. I £ 929 63,970 7,544 143,245 62 20,228 Quantity Value. Quantity Value. Quantity Value. Tons, j £ 820 ! 81,110 16,356 449,917 Cocoa Copra Rubber Tons. £ 1,207 69,549 8,992 230,971 70 14,087 Tons. £ 795 54,169 9,370 246,576 17 2,850

Steam. Sail. Total. Nationality. Num- Net Tons ber. Tonnage. Cargo. Num- Net Tons ber. Tonnage. Cargo. Num- Net Tons ber. Tonnage. Cargo. Inwards. British Foreign 33 19,273 I 5,046 23 2,830 I 2,047 21 12,170 1,516 33 i 19,273 44 I 15,000 5,046 3,563 Grand totals .. 56 22,103 7,093 21 12,170 1,516 77 34,273 8,609 Outwards. British Foreign 33 24 19,279 2,903 1,187 ..I .. 1,276 24 [ 13,758 15,886 33 I 19,279 48 16,661 1,187 17,162 Grand totals .. 57 22,182 2,463 24 13,758 15,886 81 | 35,940 18,349

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Question (d) : The Conditions of Trade between New Zealand and the Cook Islands. cook islands. The Group is called after the great explorer who discovered nearly all these islands. Although he was told of its existence by the Natives of Aitutaki, he failed to find Rarotonga, probably on account of the prevalence of cloud or fog which often surrounds it. The British flag was first hoisted at Rarotonga in 1888 by Rear-Admiral Edmund Burke, of H.M.S. " Hyacinth," who received instructions to take possession when his ship was lying at anchor at Honolulu. In 1900 the Group was taken over by New Zealand, and in 1901 it was included in the boundaries of New Zealand. The Cook Islands may be conveniently divided into two groups —the lower and the upper. Rarotonga, the principal island and the seat of Government, is the centre of the lower group, which comprises also Aitutaki, Atiu, Mauke, Mitiaro, and Mangaia, spread out in a semicircle to the east and within a radius of 150 miles from Rarotonga. The lower group comprises all the fruit islands, every one of them being of volcanic origin and of great fertility. Coconuts, oranges, bananas, pineapples, lemons, limes, mangoes, tobacco, coffee, and many other tropical fruits and products flourish. The upper group is entirely composed of sandy atolls, the highest not more than 10 ft. above sea-level, and all kept secure from the ordinary ravages of the sea by barrier reefs which surround them. A luxuriant growth of coconut-palms is the only vegetation. The lower group produces fruit and copra, the upper group copra and pearl-shell. The upper group has for its most northerly outpost Penrhyn, lying close up to the Line and 700 miles north of Rarotonga. Then come Manihiki, Rakahanga, Pukapuka (or Danger Island), a little further south, and finally Palmerston Island, about 212 miles north of Rarotonga. The Cook Islands stretch, then, from Mangaia in the south to Penrhyn in the north, a distance, roughly, of 1,000 miles. There are pearl-fisheries at Penrhyn and Manihiki, which, with further development and strictly administered regulations in regard to close seasons, have much potential value. We understand that regulations in this direction have recently been made. Rarotonga is the largest island of the Group, and has a population of 3,000 Natives and 160 Europeans, and an area of about 16,500 acres. By common consent it is esteemed the gem of the Group. Its mountain peaks, rising from an encircling belt of coconut-palms and clad to their summits in dense tropical verdure, give it a grandeur and beauty not to be found in any of its sister islands. Its climate during the hurricane season, which extends from December to March, is hot and steamy, but for the rest of the year it is particularly pleasant. The rainfall is 80 in. to 90 in. per annum, of which two-thirds fall in the rainy or hurricane season. Aitutaki is next in importance, with an area of about 4,000 acres of fertile tropical land, and a population of 1,294 Natives and six Europeans. It grows all tropical fruits to perfection. Mangaia —considered to have one of the best climates in the Pacific, with a population of 1,241 Natives and six whites —has a rather remarkable feature : A wall of dead coral —the Makatea —thrust up to a great height, and 100 yards wide, makes a deep basin of the interior of the island. On the Makatea all citrus fruits grow abundantly. In the basin the taro plantations are a great feature, and the coconut is found everywhere. Unfortunately, in January last a hurricane visited the island and destroyed the lower belt of coconut-palms on the north side, besides doing considerable damage to banana and orange groves. As a consequence the output of copra was considerably interfered with, but at the time of our visit the island was recovering, and should in a short period regain its normal productiveness.

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Mauke (population, 444 Natives, four whites) and Atiu (914 Natives, two whites) are smaller islands, but very fertile, tropical fruits growing abundantly. Mitiaro is the smallest island of the group. It has a population of 208 Natives, no whites. Of the upper group, Manihiki, the most important island, has 775 Natives, no whites ; Rakahanga has 474 Natives, one European. Penrhyn has 312 Natives and two whites ; Pukapuka has 474 Natives, no Europeans. Palmerston Island has 90 Natives, no Europeans. In the white populations given above, officials and their families are included. Land for Settlement. The following are the areas of the various islands of the Group. It will be seen that the total area is 53,200 acres. It speaks much for the fertility of the land when it is realized that this area carries a population of 8,764, according to the last census, and exported goods to the value of £.127,500 in 1919. No information has ever been obtained as to what area of land is under cultivation, or what is uncultivated and suitable for settlement, except in Rarotonga, as follows : Total cultivable area of Rarotonga, 8,000 acres ; area leased to Europeans (half not cultivable), 1,700 acres ; total area cultivated, 5,000 acres ; area suitable for cultivation but uncultivated, 3,000 acres. There are fifteen islands in the Group, having the following areas : —Surveyed : Rarotonga, 16,500 acres ; Atiu, 6,950 acres ; Aitutaki, 4,100 acres ; Mauke, 4,600 acres ; Takutea, 300 acres ; Manuae, 1,520 acres ; Rakahanga, 930 acres : total, 34,900 acres. Area (roughly) not surveyed : Mitiaro, 3,500 acres ; Manihiki, 1,000 acres ; Pukapuka, 1,000 acres ; Mangaia, 10,000 acres ; Palmerston, 1,000 acres ; Suwarrow, 500 acres ; Nassau, 300 acres ; Penrhyn, 1,000 acres : total, 18,300 acres. Total area, Cook Group, 53,200 acres. The whole area, which is scattered over a thousand miles of sea, is comparatively small, but owing to its tropical fertility it is capable of producing much more per acre than similar land in a more temperate zone. The whole of the land of the islands, with the exception of a few acres owned by the Administration, remains in the hands of the Natives, who are forbidden by law to sell, although they may give leases up to sixty years. As Native landowners are unwilling to grant leases, it is difficult, if not impossible, for Europeans to obtain areas of any size for development. Land titles in Rarotonga and Aitutaki only are fully vested in the Native owners, while titles in Mauke and Atiu are partly completed. Customs Tariff. The Customs tariff is the same as in New Zealand, excepting in the case of cotton goods and sugar, which carry duties, while claret is differently classified. Population. According to the census returns, the total population was —in 1906, 8,318 ; in 1911, 8,636 ; in 1916, 8,764 ; of which whites and half-castes living as whites numbered. 140, 180, and 197 respectively. From the above figures it will be seen that there has been an increase in population of 446 in ten years. Unfortunately, Rarotonga did not escape the influenza scourge last year. The epidemic accounted for the death of forty-five Natives. Prompt steps were taken to prevent the spread of the disease to the other islands of the Group ; all mails and passenger traffic were suspended, with the happiest results. Much praise is due to the Administration for the foresight displayed under such trying circumstances. Schools. There are eight Government schools now open in the Group, situated as follows : Four in Rarotonga, and one each in Aitutaki, Palmerston Island, Mauke, and Mangaia. These schools have rather more than eleven hundred pupils, under thirty teachers.

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Banking Facilities. No bank has been established in the islands, all the business being conducted through the Post Office. The principal business houses there have banking accounts in New Zealand. Satisfaction was expressed with the facilities the Post Office afforded. Income and Expenditure. For the past three years the total income and expenditure of the Group are shown by the official report to be as follows : — Year ended 31st March, 1917 — £ b. d. Income .. .. .. .. .. .. 9,710 5 8 Expenditure .. .. .. .. .. .. 8,585 18 7 Balance of income over expenditure .. .. £1,124 7 1 Year ended 31st March, 1918— Income .. .. .. .. .. .. 11,068 0 2 Expenditure .. .. .. .. .. .. 12,614 13 6 Balance of expenditure over income .. .. £1,546 13 4 Year ended 31st March, 1919Income .. .. .. .. .. .. 13,846 17 9 Expenditure .. .. .. .. .. .. 12,343 10 9 Balance of income over expenditure .. .. £1,503 7 0 In 1918-19 an export tax was instituted of £l per ton on all copra shipped from the Group, and this produced £1,380. On their face the above figures show a highly satisfactory state of affairs, especially as a portion of the expenditure might justly be claimed as non-recurring capital expenditure. For instance, over £1,000 was spent in 1917 for the erection of teacher's residence, &c, and water-supply ; in 1918 at least £2,500 was spent in instituting an experimental farm, school buildings, and water-supply ; in 1919 £2,000 was expended in cool storage, school buildings, motor-truck, &c. These figures, however, cannot give the total expenditure of the Group. No mention, for example, is made of the Resident Commissioner's salary, nor is any reference made to payment of the staff of the nine primary schools which exist in the Group. In his evidence Mr. Platts, Resident Commissioner, makes the following statement : " The average annual expenditure of the Administration is £20,000, including the amount received from New Zealand. New Zealand contributes a regular annual payment of about £7,500 towards the Cook Islands expenditure." We consider that this subsidy, together with every detail of the expenditure, whether in the islands or in New Zealand, should be shown in the accounts annually submitted to the Minister of External Affairs. We are strongly of opinion that the revenue of the islands should now meet the expenditure, and that taxes should be adjusted accordingly. Copra, which at present bears an export tax of £l per ton, has advanced in price during a comparatively short period from £17 to £40 per ton on the world's market, and might easily bear a greater proportion that it now does. While we would not for one moment suggest that New Zealand should aim, as Germany did, at receiving tribute from her dependencies, the time has arrived when steps should be taken to adjust the finances so that the income of the Group may meet the expenditure, and thus lighten the financial burden which has uncomplainingly been carried by the New Zealand taxpayer for the last twenty years. It is true the Cook-Islanders purchased goods from New Zealand merchants to the value of from £33,056 in 1906 to £70,773 in 1918, but it must be borne in mind that a great proportion of this amount is made up of re-exports, on which all duties that may have been collected in New Zealand are refunded to the Administration. Trade. So that the outward and inward trade may be seen at a glance we have compiled a complete particularized return for the years 1906, 1910, 1914, and 1918.

7—A. 4.

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As particulars for last year (1919) were not made up, the totals only are shown. This return shows the article imported and the country of shipment; unfortunately, there was no record of the country of origin. It will be seen from this summary that, notwithstanding the shortage in shipping, the imports and exports for 1919 constitute a record, the nearest year being 1913, when the imports were £110,238 and the exports £109,926. In 1919, we understand, owing to a sufficiency of shipping, a considerable amount of copra was exported which had been carried over from 1918. No doubt the rise in the value of exports was caused by the advance in the price of copra, and by the fact that sailing-ships were obtainable to carry it to the United States of America. In 1918, 1,442 tons were exported to America, of a value of £31,724 ; 305 tons to Great Britain, valued at £5,405 ; and 5 tons to New Zealand, valued at £95. The following table shows the trade with the United States of America :—

Note. —The export trade to the United States is made up entirely of copra, coconuts, and pearlshell, for which there is no market in New Zealand : e.g. 1913 exports, £14,629, comprise copra £12,026, nuts £2,448; 1918 exports, £34,344, comprise copra £31,724, .shell £2,450; 1919 exports, £50,665, comprise copra £43,465, shell £7,200.

Fruit Trade. It seems evident to us that Rarotonga must be the chief centre for the development of the fruit trade, since in all the other lower islands the dearth of harbours will always make the shipment of fruit a difficult problem. At Mangaia, for example, the cut which was made through the reef three years ago has silted up, and all goods have to be taken to the ship by outrigger canoes, which are dragged to the edge of the reef and then launched into the surf. Even in comparatively calm weather, if the wind is inshore, it is impossible to work a ship satisfactorily. Perishable goods must therefore be grown at considerable risk, and we are forced to the opinion that the whole attention of the population of these islands, with the exception of, say, Rarotonga, should be directed to the production of nonperishable articles,, such as copra, coffee, cocoa, rubber, &c. Unlike fruit, such articles can be held over for an indefinite period without interfering with their quality. Moreover, except in calm weather, fruit is liable to considerable damage between the shore and the ship, and, owing to its bulky nature and relatively small value, the cost of handling is excessive. On the other hand, the same quantity of copra, coffee, cocoa, or rubber, being of much greater value, weight for weight, is cheaper to handle and infinitely less risky to hold. Experiments on the curing of oranges to improve their keeping-quality should be made. New Zealand annually imports thousands of cases of Californian " sundried " oranges, which, unlike the Cook Island oranges, keep for a considerable period. With the application of a proper curing process there is no reason why Cook Island oranges should not keep quite as well as Californian oranges. During the last five years shipping generally has been much interfered with, and as a consequence a vast quantity of valuable perishable fruit has been lost both to the growers in the Group and to the consumers in New Zealand. During the war period this state of affairs was, of course, unavoidable. Now, however,

-—~ i j-?—. . . i Year. Imports. Exports. Total. £ 1913 .. .. .. 9,846 1914 .. .. .. 10,586 1915 .. .. .. 5,073 1916 .. .. .. 8,241 1917 .. .. .. 11,092 1918 .. .. 15,324 1919 .. .. .. 27,605 £ 14,629 7,495 8,837 17,621 17,146 34,344 50,665 £ 24,475 18,081 13,910 25,862 28,238 49,668 78,270 N.B. —Imports from the United States include boots, and clothing. irosene, bicycles, ino ;or-cars, cotton goods.

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when vessels are returning from war service, shipping should become normal. Without an adequate steamship service between the Group and New Zealand the export trade of these islands cannot be developed, and this is the crux of the whole position. We are informed that the present shipping service in the fruit season is inadequate. It is suggested that if in the fruit season the Union Company sent two ships per month, of about the carrying-capacity of the " Talune," instead of one as at present, sufficient cargo of fruit could be obtained to give each a full load. It is also suggested that one steamer should run to Auckland, the other to some southern port, say, Lyttelton. By this means transhipment charges would be saved, and the fruit would be delivered to all parts of New Zealand in a minimum of time and at less expense. The ship would, however, have to call at two or three islands at regular intervals (regularity is essential), as was done prior to 1914. The " Flora," which was doing the Cook Islands trade, has recently been replaced by the " Talune," a more suitable vessel with a greater carrying-capacity. We are of opinion, however, that until growers are assured of a regular service, and can in consequence make preparations for a larger output, two ships of the size of the " Talune " could not be profitably employed during the forthcoming fruit season. There is no doubt there is room for a great development in the fruit trade, and the position should be carefully watched ; but for this year at least, and provided the " Talune " is not used for carrying phosphates from Makatea Island or oranges from Tahiti, the present service is, we think, adequate. Complaints were made that too great a proportion of fruit reached New Zealand in a bad condition owing to bad stowage and want of ventilation. A faster boat, properly equipped for carrying fruit from the Cook Islands, will probably be required in the near future. New Zealand takes the whole of the fruit grown in the islands, and growers are entirely dependent on the New Zealand market. In 1917 165,000 cases of fruit were exported, while in 1918 150,000 cases only were exported. It is claimed that had shipping been available 250,000 cases could have been exported in 1918. No doubt owing to the rise in the price of copra a number of island products, such as coffee, candlenuts, and lime-juice, have been neglected. The export of coffee in 1910 amounted to 58,400 lb., in 1914 to 31,600, in 1918 to 17,920; candlenuts in 1910, 45 tons, when the exportation entirely ceased, because the price paid to the Native planters was, they considered, too small when the labour of gathering and shelling the nuts was taken into account. The shell is so hard that no machine available will deal with it. The Natives had to break each separate nut with a hammer. The Administration is now trying to find a commercial use for the nuts. It obtained an analysis from the Dominion Analyst last year, and in pursuance of his advice has sent a hundredweight to the Royal Colonial Institute, London, for further testing and examination. Lime-juice fell from 7,230 gallons in 1906 to 500 gallons in 1918. Perhaps it is natural for the Natives to pay more attention to the easy and highly remunerative task of gathering coconuts than to the growing of coffee, candlenuts, and lime-juice, which require infinitely more troublesome and continuous work. Coconuts, " the consols of the Pacific," are so easy. The Natives only have to dig a hole in the ground, plant the nut, keep the land round the tree fairly clean for two or three years, and in the fullness of time (seven years) the nuts fall off. They are gathered, and either sold as they are or split up and the kernel taken out, .dried in the sun, and made into copra. The wants of the Native are few ; these wants are easily supplied ; and when the price of copra is high a few hours' work per day will suffice to buy all the necessities required ; the rest of the time —there is the shade of the tropical vegetation and the gossip of the village. Many people will not blame him. It is, however, a fact that the most virile nation in the world is the nation which has to work, and work hard, for a living, and the most virile Native in the southern seas is the one who has to labour most for the necessaries of life. So when we suggest that the total expense of administering these islands should be borne by the inhabitants, it is with the conviction that it would ultimately be in the best interests of the Natives themselves that they should rely on their own labours for their own advancement rather than on the labour of others.

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The following is a return of imports and exports for seven years—l9l3 to 1919 inclusive : —

This return shows the gradual recovery of the trade from the effects of the war. Imports. The imports in 1906 to the whole Group amounted to £41,437 ; in 1910, £83,759 ; in 1914, £91,132 ; in 1918, £99,632 ; and in 1919, £142,925. For the same periods New Zealand's share of these imports was as follows : 1906, £33,056 ; 1910, £64,958 ; 1914, £64,852 ; 1918, £70,773. The figures for 1919 are not available. A full detailed list showing the value in sterling and country of shipment of all goods imported in 1906, 1910, 1914, and 1918 is appended. From it will be seen at a glance the trend and volume of trade. At the present moment most of the trade goes to New Zealand, but when exchange in America becomes normal we are of opinion that imports from there will increase, as the San Francisco mail-boats, which call at Rarotonga, invite American trade. You will notice in the summary that the New Zealand trade has risen from £33,056 in 1906 to £70,773 in 1918,' that of the United Kingdom from £1,305 to £8,474, United States from £2,149 to £15,324, while the trade with Tahiti and New South Wales has not maintained its proportion. As the Cook Islands are an integral part of New Zealand, all goods manufactured in the Dominion are not subject to Customs duty. With such a preference New Zealand manufacturers should find no difficulty in successfully competing for the business. If they fail to hold what they have, the fault must lie with them. Complaints are made by the traders that New Zealand merchants as a class pay little or no attention to the requirements of the islands, and are a little inclined to adopt the policy of suggesting that " This is what we have got to sell you ; if it does not suit, go somewhere else." If this is the case —which we are inclined to doubt —New Zealand merchants will waken up to the reality that while these islands are indeed a part of New Zealand the trade has gone to merchants in other countries who will make what the people want. There is not the slightest doubt that, as civilization advances, the demand for tropical products must increase—copra, rubber, cotton, coffee, cocoa, &c. As the demand increases, so will the price increase ; as the price increases, the Native owners will be induced to greater activities ; and as the exports increase, the imports also will increase. It has been suggested that to encourage the copra trade of the islands, and to keep the business as far as possible in the hands of British manufacturers, a crushing plant should be erected in New Zealand, the oil extracted, and the byproduct used in the manufacture of cattle-feed, &c. We do not think, however, New Zealand could at present profitably handle such an undertaking. Refined coconut-oil is principally used in the manufacture of margarine, but the local demand for this butter-substitute is not great at present; and, as New Zealand is fast becoming a great dairying centre, it is hardly likely that the Government would give much encouragement to the manufacture of an article which might become a serious competitor to one of the most important industries in the country. The demand for cattle-cake, also, in New Zealand is not sufficiently large to warrant

Year. Imports. Exports. Total Value. 1913 1914 1915 1916 1917 1918 1919 £ 110,283 91,132 65.590 58.478 80,061 99,632 142,925 £ 109,926 77,512 63,057 68.146 60,190 82.708 127.729 £ 220,209 168.644 128.617 126,624 110.251 182.340 270,654

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its manufacture being undertaken locally. Such being the case, we consider that it would pay much better to ship the raw material to the consuming country direct from the island of origin. Copra is a splendid freight and easily handled. Most of it is shipped in bulk and loses little in transit, while, on the other hand, the manufactured product is difficult and comparatively expensive to handle. We have evidence also of the experience of a large British concern which has a crushing plant in Australia. We understand it treats as much copra as supplies its and exports the balance of its large purchases as copra. To keep the trade as far as possible in British hands it might be worth the consideration of the New Zealand Government to increase considerably the export tax on all copra shipped from the Cook Islands to foreign countries. This would have a twofold advantage—it would have a stimulating effect on British industry, and any extra revenue thereby gained would help to lessen the cost of administration to New Zealand. General Remarks. It has been freely stated that traders in the Cook Islands are exploiting the Natives in connection with the purchase of their fruit, and are making unjust profits out of its sale in New Zealand. For some time all traders have been willing to consign shipments of fruit direct to any auctioneering or other firm in New Zealand nominated by the Native grower. Fruit-cases have been supplied at practically cost, and the full net amount received has been handed over to such Native grower, together with the original account sales from the New Zealand auctioneer. Exchange at money-order rates, however, has been charged by some firms, while others have only charged exchange on shipments made to the South Island of New Zealand. The reason for such generous treatment is that fruit to a large extent takes the place of currency. If a Native grower is shipping through a local trader he is financed to a greater or lesser degree by the trader, who looks to his accounts being paid by fruit, and makes no charge whatever for his services in the matter. We know of no similar instance in any trade where business is done for clients on terms so favourable as these. It is true that the traders have purchased fruit from Natives at apparently low prices, but from our inquiries we do not think undue profits on this line of business have been earned. Indeed, some of the traders have given up the purchase of fruit altogether. It is unfortunately true that there is a lack of harmony between the Resident Commissioner and the traders. Friction of any sort in business matters must, to some extent, interfere with development; __and we suggest that a little more frankness between the parties mentioned up misunderstandings and lead to a happier relationship. A certain amounted bitterness exists in the minds of the white population arising from the fact that they have no voice in the government of the islands. To allay this feeling we suggest that, if at all possible, some representation on the Island Council be granted to them. A serious attempt is being made by the Native growers to form a co-operative association for the sale of fruit and for the purchase of fruit-cases, and we think that encouragement should be given to such an aspiration. Although repeated attempts have been unsuccessfully made in various islands in the Pacific to form such associations, there is no reason why the attempt now being made at Rarotonga should end in failure. We take it as an axiom that the intention of the New Zealand Government is to govern these islands primarily in the interests of the Na,tive population, and to encourage and assist them to work out their own salvation. As an association of this description is a step towards a higher development, any assistance that the Administration can give to it without prejudicing the white traders should be encouraged. We are informed, however, that notices were posted in public places asking the Natives to deal only with the Native committee, and were signed "By order." The traders contended that many Natives were under the impression that " By order " meant by order of the Administration, and as a consequence were afraid to sell or consign their fruit through the traders. As a matter of fact the Administration had nothing whatever to do with the publication of such notices : they were issued by the Native committee. This may be a

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comparatively small matter to mention ; nevertheless we think that the person or persons who issue such notices should be compelled to sign them. Government Purchase of an Auxiliary Schooner. It is felt by the Administration that the purchase of an auxiliary schooner by the New Zealand Government, for use amongst the islands, would lead to a large development of trade, and would, moreover, enable a doctor to pay more regular visits to the outlying islands than he can at present. There is no doubt much in the contention, but we would point out that a schooner, the " Countess of Ranfurly," was once upon a time purchased ; but in the report of 1907 the following remarks were made on the subject by the Minister in Charge :—" The schooner ' Countess of Ranfurly ' : The Government has decided to sell the schooner ' Countess of Ranfurly,' as she is running at an annual loss and does not meet the trade requirements of the islands. It was anticipated that the running of a vessel owned by the Government would prove more successful than the results have shown." While not in any way condemning the purchase of a suitable vessel, we would point out that there are many difficulties in the way of running a schooner in the Cook Group : (1) Bananas brought in from the neighbouring islands to Rarotonga for transhipment to Auckland run serious risks, owing to delays and transhipment difficulties, of not reaching their destination in good order and condition, though oranges might be carried with less risk if they were first properly treated and dried before shipment; (2) owing to there being no safe harbour in the lower group it is necessary during the hurricane season that all sailing-vessels must either go to Tahiti or to one of the islands of the upper group, seven hundred miles northward, and remain there for three months annually ; (3) there is a possibility of a Go-vernment-owned vessel being run on non-profitable lines or for political purposes ; (4) sailing-vessels at present in the hands of the traders do not pay directly, although they are of great indirect assistance to the owners ; (5) if the Administration owns an auxiliary schooner it must compete with the white traders for the carrying business. On the other hand, we had evidence placed before us that at one of the outlying islands the best price per ton offered by traders to certain Natives for copra was £9 6s. Bd. in 1918, and £11 13s. 4d. in 1919. The price of copra in 1919 at Rarotonga was £25 per ton, while the cost of bringing it to Rarotonga by schooner should not have been more than, say, £2 per ton. Owing to the freighting difficulties the Natives referred to had no option but to accept the prices offered. This case may have been exceptional, but we had no reason to doubt the truth of the evidence referred to. Ihtrbouf-works. As Mr. Vickerman is especially reporting on this question it is unnecessary for us to touch on it, except to say that either the Administration should undertake the loading and discharging of vessels calling at Mangaia, and probably at other outlying islands, or regulate the prices charged by the Natives for doing the work. We have considered the American system of " controlling " the copra trade in American Samoa, and have dealt at large with the idea in connection with Nine, where we think it might be tried, and have made certain recommendations in connection therewith. It is possible that the adoption of this or some other similar system would eventually be in the best interests of the Natives of Cook Islands, but we think circumstances hardly warrant its introduction there in the meantime. Mangaia. —As matters are at present, traders are completely in the hands of the Natives, who raise their prices at a moment's notice. The charges per ton for loading and unloading vessels have gone up enormously during the past few years. The present price for bringing goods ashore from vessels at Mangaia is £3 per ton, and, according to the evidence adduced, certain traders have got notice that in future it will be raised to £5 per ton, a price out of all proportion to the services rendered. Aitutaki. An attempt should be made to introduce pearl-shell into the lagoon, which seems suitable for the purpose. If the attempt were successful a most valuable industry would be inaugurated. The trade in beche-de-mer is worthy of further development.

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From 400 to 500 tons of copra are shipped annually, and it is estimated that Aitutaki could ship from 10,000 to 15,000 cases of pineapples in the season (October. November, and December), and from 20,000 to 30,000 cases of oranges in the season (May to September-October), provided the " Talune" called monthly. As we pointed out, however, more attention should be given there to products of a less perishable nature than fruit, owing to the shipping difficulty. Cook Island Traders. A. B. Donald and Co. (Limited), Cook Island Trading Company (Limited), Jagger and Harvey, W. H. Grove and Sons (Limited), E. H. Mitchell. Bonner and Shearman, Captain Yon Hoff, Ah Foo and Taripo, J. Kohn and Co., William Taylor, Arthur H. Brown, W. T. Hewett. Wireless Installation in Mangaia and Aitutaki. There does not seem to be much anxiety on the part of the traders or Natives for wireless communication with Rarotonga, if the cost of such an installation and running-expenses are to be charged against their fruit or copra exports. They claim that prior to 1914 the " Talune " called with the utmost regularity. If she visits the islands again periodically on prearranged dates there would be no absolute necessity, as far as trade is concerned, for a wireless connection, although no doubt such a connection should to some extent benefit trade, and would be a very great convenience, provided the cost of installation was low and the work could be undertaken by the present officials on the respective islands. To bring the Cook Islands into line with Samoa we consider the importation of alcoholic liquors, except for sacramental, medicinal, and manufacturing purposes, should be prohibited. Apart from the demoralizing effect that the custom of drinking bush-beer has on the Natives, it interferes with the trade development of the islands ; moreover, it seems unreasonable to make bush-beer drinking amongst the Natives a punishable offence while permitting the white population to indulge in alcoholic beverages without limitation. We are much indebted to Mr. F. W. Platts, Resident Commissioner, for supplying us with a description of the various islands, and for trade and other statistics he was good enough to prepare for us. NIUE, OR SAVAGE ISLAND. Niue was discovered by Captain Cook in 1774. It was originally included in the Cook Group, but it was found desirable to place the island under a separate Administration because of the discontent of the Natives at losing their independence, and its distance from Rarotonga. It is situated in latitude 19° 1/ 42" S., and longitude 169° 55' 15" W. It has a coast-line of about forty miles, and contains approximately 64,000 acres. The island belongs to the class known as uplifted coral, and in many places the surface is rocky and is difficult to cultivate. In general formation it has two terraces, the lower one being about 90 ft. above sea-level, and the upper one about 220 ft. There are no natural streams of any kind, but the rainfall is evenly distributed throughout the year. December is, as a rule, the wettest month. The annual rainfall averages about 80 in. The mean maximum temperature in the shade is about 85°, the mean minimumtemperature in the shade about 68°, the mean range being about 17°. The population at the end of 1919 was 3,664, including twenty whites and 160 half-castes living as whites. In 1910 a branch of the Post Office and Savings-bank was established ; as no other banking facilities exist on the island the Savings-bank is of great convenience to traders and others. There is one Government school on the island. Trade. To shorten this report we have taken out a complete list of imports and exports for the years ending 1907, 1910, 1914, 1918, and 1919, which is attached hereto, The trend and volume of trade can therefore be seen at a glance,

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The imports practically all come from New Zealand, and are similar to those of the Cook Islands. The year ending 1919 was the record year for the island, when the imports reached £21,783, including £4,020 in specie, as against £5,580 for 1907, £9,182 for 1910, £11,200 for 1914, and £17,258 for 1918, the principal items being cotton piece-goods, apparel, biscuits, flour, and tobacco. Complaints were made by traders regarding the bad keeping-quality of New Zealand biscuits, and carelessness in packing. If New Zealand makers wish to retain this trade more care must be exercised in the manufacture of the particular biscuit which is sold under the name of " cabin bread," and the packing must be better. Most of the re-exports from New Zealand, such as cotton goods, wearingapparel, &c, are of British manufacture. Owing, however, to war conditions, a certain amount of American-manufactured goods has recently been introduced. When things become normal, in all probability trade will get back to its old channels. Exports. It will be seen from the return attached that of the £35,977 exported in 1919 New Zealand's share was £20,904, of which £17,327 was for copra, three-quarters of which was simply transhipped, probably to the United States of America. Of the total exports, over £31,000 was copra. The year 1919 is hardly a fair year by which to judge the exports, as a considerable quantity of copra had been held over from the previous year owing to the shortage of shipping. In 1919, however, practically all of it was got away from the island. The price last year was high, and no doubt greater industry in collecting the nuts, &c, was thereby encouraged. The total amount shipped was over 1,100 tons, which, as will be seen from the record of exports, was far in excess of any other year since the island came under New Zealand jurisdiction. The export of hats, which are hand-made from pendenas-leaves, is next in importance, 4,269 dozen having been sent out last year, the total value being £3,367, of which New Zealand took 4,234 dozen, valued at £3,341. Unfortunately, the Natives are not at all keen, on the weaving of hats : they consider it too much, work for the return they receive. Panama fibre has been introduced into the island, and so far the plants are growing well. Mr. Morris, the Administrator, is at present making inquiries regarding better methods of weaving and the making of more popular shapes. He has also instituted special classes in the school for the study and training of hat and kit making. If the Panama plant is found to do well —as we think it will—and the Natives can be induced to take up the making of Panama hats enthusiastically, a splendid industry may easily be built up, as the prices obtained for Panama hats will be infinitely greater than those obtained for the hat made at present. Outside copra and hats there is little exported. It is claimed that cotton would grow abundantly if planted, but on the other hand there is the labour difficulty. Cotton necessitates work, and continuous work is not favoured by the Native populations of most of these Pacific isles. The same argument applies to coffee and cocoa. It is a peculiar fact that Natives work much better out of their own islands, and the Niueans are no exception to the rule. Niue boys are much sought after by planters in other Pacific islands, but we are strongly of opinion that labour contracts for work in other islands should be absolutely prohibited. Moreover, the withdrawal of its manhood has a marked effect on birth-rate, and anything which tends to lessen the birth-rate should be seriously discouraged. Bananas also are said to grow well, and a certain amount of trade might be developed if a suitable shipping service were inaugurated. Outside hatmaking, which is worthy of the serious attention of the Administrator—and he is alive to its importance —we are of opinion that, in the meantime at least, the full attention of the Native should be centred on coconut-growing. It is no doubt a speculative crop and subject to considerable market fluctuations, but it is a crop which suits the Native temperament. As only one-sixth of the land is under cultivation there is room for enormous extension. We are pleased to report that the present Administrator encourages the Natives to extend their plantations as much as possible. He instituted an

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Arbor Day, on which day he asked every Native to plant at least one coconut-tree, with the result that last year fifteen thousand trees were planted. As in the Cook Islands, so in Niue, regular shipping facilities are essential if the export trade is to be stimulated. For a considerable time the trade of the island will not be sufficient to attract a regular steamship service. Arrangements, however, should be made for an auxiliary schooner contract running a regular seven-weekly service, and capable of carrying 150 tons at least, weight or measurement. We are aware of the difficulties which exist in inaugurating such a service, but if no suitable arrangement can be made with private owners we seriously suggest that the New Zealand Government should purchase and run a suitable vessel. Shipping was the first thing mentioned by every witness, and is a matter of primary importance if Niue is to be properly developed. We suggest for your serious consideration the question of making Niue selfsupporting. At the present moment it costs the New Zealand Government at least £3,000 a year, and no return is obtained except the knowledge that an attempt is being made to do something for a race whose advantages do not equal ours. We think, however, that it would be greatly to the interest of the Natives themselves if they could be stimulated to self-development, and taught to work out their own destiny under your Government's guidance. We think this could be done in a way which would not fall heavily on the individual. We are of opinion that the purchase of Copra in Niue should be a Government monopoly on a scheme somewhat after the system in vogue at Pago Pago—that is, the Government call for prices annually for the output of copra from the island. The successful tenderer, as in the American system, would have to pay on the signing of the contract a deposit of 20 per cent, of the estimated total quantity to be produced, and 15-per-cent. advances as the time goes on. In other words, the successful tenderer would be required to put up from time to time all the money required to pay the Natives cash for the material as it was delivered to the Government sheds. Administration charges, together with, say, £4 or £5 person, should be deducted from the price paid to the Natives, and the amount so collected used for the development'of the island. We are sure this system would work out particularly well, as the c Natives are practically the only growers. Against this direct tax the ordinary copra export tax of £l per ton might be dropped. Moreover, we do not think the Natives would get less for their copra than they are getting at present, the traders would get ready money for their stores, the New Zealand taxpayer would be freed from his present contribution, and the Niueans would pay for their own improvements. If the system were successful—and we think it would be if it were carefully carried out-- its extension to other islands might be worth consideration. While a wireless installation is not advocated by the traders, we think an installation would be of benefit to the inhabitants as a whole. As an earnest of their desire to have communication with the outside world the Natives have already subscribed the sum of £70 towards the project. This is quite a voluntary effort on their part, and an effort which should be frankly encouraged, for a wireless outfit would doubtless be of some benefit to the trade of the island, and would keep the people there, in touch with the outside world. The '_ present regulations in force for keeping down noxious weeds and for supervising the general cleanliness of Native plantations should, for the benefit of the owners, be rigorously enforced. This course, we are sure, the leading Natives would endorse and applaud. If, as suggested in our report on the Cook Islands, a ironical section of the Agricultural Department is established in New Zealand, valuable information, together with results of experiments in other Pacific islands, may with advantage be passed on to the Administration. We think, from the trading point of view, the importation of alcoholic liquors, except for sacramental, medical, and manufacturing purposes, should be prohibited. Traders. Robert Head, Frank Head, John Wilson English, A. 0. Head, Harry C. Collins, Allen O. Head, Nemia and Kumatau, Native Co-operative Company.

B—A. 4.

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Cook and other Islands Administration.-Port of Rarotonga.-Record of Imports for Years ending December, 1906, 1910, 1914, 1918.

58

Article. Imported from 1906. Value. Total. 1906. 19: 10. Value. Total. 1914. Value. Total. 1918. Value. Total. Agricultural produce n.o.e... New Zealand U.S. America .. Tahiti £ 159 2 £ £ 594 £ £ 1,130 62 6 £ £ 906 53 £ Animals, living— Birds 161 594 1,198 .959 . Tahiti New South Wales 6 1 Fowls New Zealand 2 6 1 1 2 1 7 7 9 Horses New Zealand Tahiti 20 I 11 223 41 9 31 44 69 113 264 21 9 30 Sheep .. New Zealand 26 4 24 New Zealand 26 1 4 9 24 Pigs 44 44 1 9 Ducks New Zealand 1 6 1 6 Cattle New Zealand 27 Dogs New Zealand 27 7 7 Apparel and slops New Zealand Niue United Kingdom New South Wales Maiden Island .. France Tahiti U.S. America .. Japan Fiji 1,231 4 19 61 4 1,913 1,155 2,705 473 (ill 59 360 281 10 85 713 78 9 13 362 218 361 930 5 4,361 Aims, ammunition, explosives 1 New Zealand Germany U.S. America .. 105 13 3 1,600 297 3,281 96 2,422 214 121 7 "7 214 40 304 103 3 Arrowroot Tahiti 23 18 Bacon and hams New Zealand New South Wales United Kingdom 60 2 23 111 40 18 248 3 Bags and sacks 4 115 248 New Zealand Niue India U.S. America .. Tahiti 510 8 <;l> 755 966 1,081 81 1 143 153 9 1,243 Bamboo (hatmaking) Tahiti 100 519 347 836 1,109 271 100 347 270 72 11 48 47 270 271 Beer and stout New Zealand New South Wales United Kingdom Germany 83 112 6 210 Beverages, non-alcoholic .. 88 131 67 165 63 210 New Zealand New South Wales United Kingdom Tahiti 45 2 144 7 6 63 Bicycles and motors New Zealand Niue New South Wales U.S. America United Kingdom Tahiti 53 22 8 23 17 347 144 so 481 1,478 18 272 280 13 1,957 109 242 3,799 Biscuits and cabin bread .. New Zealand Australia U.S. America .. Maiden Island .. United Kingdom 2,067 114 50 106 2,844 365 5,125 2 3 1,033 4,622 1 4,622 Blue 3 I •• New Zealand I 2,231 2,845 5,133 10 10 743 Boots and shoes New Zealand New Son* 1 ' Wales 478 19 534 279 68

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Cook and other Islands Administration.-Port of Rarotonga.—Record of Imports— contd.

59

Article. Imported from 1906. Value. Total. 1910. 1914. 1918. r Value. Total. Value. Total. Value. Total. Boots and shoes — continued .. I 'I I U.S. America . . Tahiti United Kingdom Canada U.S. America Tahiti .. United Kingdo £ 27 12 £ 47 37 8 £ 448 2 212 92 £ 382 11 1 £ ( Building-materials n.o.e. .. 1 I I Canada New Zealand New South Ws U.S. America 536 699 10 31 835 354 5 63 1,288 721 741 New Zealand New South Wales U.S. America .. 159 34 2 38 Butter and cheese .. 1 1 1 u.o. America New Zealand Niue .. New South We 195 740 759 New Zealand Niue New South Wales Tahiti 408 3 9 8 1,545 1,453 422 1,411 1 Carriages, carts (parts) .. 1 1 I 1 New Zealand Niue New South Wales U.S. America .. Tahiti Tahiti .. New Zealand Niue .. New South We U.S. America 291 9 1 186 7 428 241 1,545 237 1,453 2 1,411 633 873 686 688 Casks, empty .. t New Zealand u.o. America Tahiti .. New Zealand 23 494 36 877 8 1,110 Cement .. .. .. I ? New Zealand New South Wales Tahiti New Zealand New South Wa Tahiti . . 578 6 23 447 36 359 3 8 927 584 1 448 927 J Cinema parts: films .. I 1 New Zealand United Kingdom Tahiti New South Wales i amti .. New Zealand United Kingdo Tahiti .. I 137 105 273 362 158 280 50 488 Coal J New Zealand New South Wa New Zealand 1 42 41 515 140 1 49 41 . 140 Confectionery .. 1* 1 I New Zealand New South Wales Tahiti U.S. America .. United Kingdom New Zealand Now South Wa Tahiti .. U.S. America 115 2 2 227 3 154 17 4 256 2 I Cordage and twine .. ft IS New Zealand Niue New South Wales U.S. America .. Tahiti United Kingdom u.o. America United Kingdo New Zealand Niue .. Mew South Wa U.S. America 189 6 53 33 17 119 230 480 175 258 357 529 274 164 6 2 133 30 692 1 TJ Cotton piece-goods .. B I I B G T New Zealand Unitod Kingdom India New South Wales Germany Tahiti Samoa U.S. America .. Maiden Island .. Tahiti .. United Kingdoi New Zealand United Kingdo India .. New South Wa Germany Tahiti .. 2,479 1,089 5 149 43 792 4 699 298 1,578 4,794 631 910 4,939 652 2,517 6,485 33 1,341 363 "3 183 12,911 S T. & Drapery n.o.e. .. .. B r i amn .. Samoa U.S. America Maiden Island New Zealand Niue .. 448 12 818 3,906 New Zealand Niue United Kingdom New South Wales Tahiti Maiden Island .. U.S. America .. Japan Germany France United Kingdoi New South Wa Tahiti .. 3,799 156 10 58 19 25 5,260 2,746 841 8,206 2,122 1,854 1.12 9 7,213 2,183 1,110 193 12 49 9 io A! TJ J Vlalden Island U.S. America lanan .. 10 72 10 678 o G F lapan . . Germany France.. 191 Drugs and chemicals .. N N TJ T New Zealand New South Wales U.S. America .. Tahiti United Kingdom New Zealand New South Wa U.S. America fahiti .. 174 10 6 2 4,067 401 5 27 18 113 3,850 347 31 17 10 187 4,189 719 145 138 3 o 4,175 i TJ Earthenware and glass .. N i ;i nil i . . Jnited Kingdoi New Zealand IT..-. 0-.-i.1- *I7_ 192 418 2 564 298 : 592 366 1,010 New Zealand New South Wales Germany U.S. America .. United Kingdom Tahiti Japan 99 7 2 10 37 22 2 83 65 87 21 453 118 481 467

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Cook and other Islands Administration.—Port of Rarotonga.—Record of Imports -contd.

60

Article. Imported from 1906. total. 1910. 1914. Value, j Total. 1918. I Value. 1 Total. ! I Value. i Value. Total. I _l Fancy goods and toys .. New Zealand Victoria United Kingdom New South Wales Germany Tahiti France U.S. America £ 101 2 24 55 20 15 £ £ 317 £ £ £ 481 £ £ 169 45 51 1.75 31 "9 '74 28 152 5 25 .,-.. 31 182 Fertilizers .. .. New Zealand 217 667 723 723 385 26 26 1,172 Fish, preserved .. .. New Zealand Niue New South Wales British Columbia U.S. America Tahiti United Kingdom 265 9 64 30 85 11 1,152 786 307 109 27 7 16 629 237 i I 316 922 1,602 89 1,549 39 437 458 464 1 1,757 1,757 2,410 Flour .. .. . . New Zealand .. New South Wales U.S. America Tahiti Victoria 2,972 684 120 3,018 ! 1,018 i 4,067 9 36 .. I 200 34 14 2 2,483 3,776 4,036 4,036 4,312 Fruits, preserved .. .. New Zealand New South Wales U.S. America Furniture .. .. New Zealand New South Wales U.S. America Tahiti .. United Kingdom 198 15 3 12 60 722 5 13 8 173 730 32 49 17 66 963 25 17 Hardware .. .. New Zealand Now South Wales Germany U.S. America .. Tahiti United Kingdom Maiden Island .. 764 147 1 26 28 228 1, <147 921 894 1,646 16 21 99 1.7 249 894 1,005 1,280 9 3 95 71 105 31 598 76 Hats and caps . . .. New Zealand Niue New South Wales Tahiti United Kingdom Victoria France U.S. America .. 21 79 6 1 966 414 1,952 2,048 133 2,048 1,963 200 25 44 14 6 10 120 5 24 41 Hops .. .. . . New Zealand i 107 503 268 268 265 8 14 14 111 111 18 90 6 85 8 118 Ill 219 47 18 Hosiery . . .. . . New Zealand New South Wales Tahiti United Kingdom U.S. America .. 147 375 47 467 181 687 733 733 Instruments— Dental .. . . New Zealand 33 75 Musical .. . . New Zealand New South Wales Tahiti United Kingdom Germany 78 1 15 113 33 75 62 10 75 140 140 11 13 140 28 Surgical .. . . New South Wales 94 137 100 100 40 40 Iron— Bar,; bolt, rod .. .. Now Zealand »., Niue Now South Wales 169 6 2 57 31 j 187 187 .... 177 57 " 31 187 141 Galvanized corrugated . . New Zealand New South Wales United Kingdom U.S. America .. 769 38 912 36 463 230 ; si 1,366 107 287 36 141 11— 141 807 1,641 1,796

A.—4.

Cook and other Islands Administration.—Port of Rarotonga.—Record of Imports— contd.

61

Article. Imported from 1906. Value. Total. 1910. 1914. Value. Total. 1914. 1918. Value. Total. Value. Total. ""! i . I 1 ron— continued. Wire .. ]■•■ £ 64 2 1 New Zealand U.S. America .. Tahiti £ 211 £ £ 119 6 £ I . £ 52 111 £ Pipes and fittings 211 125 •• 163 New Zealand 67 135 I ! 135 26 26 I Rails Victoria 260 i Jams New Zealand New South Wales 33 28 260 •• III i •• Jewellery New Zealand New South Wales Tahiti .. United Kingdom U.S. America . . 40 1 1 62 I 105 52 77 30 30 242 Machines, sewing New Zealand New South Wales U.S. America Tahiti United Kingdom 170 13 153 101 42 149 11 536 263 33 18 638 27 10 114 108 6 15 Machinery—N.o.e. 437 129 959 | 720 New Zealand New South Wales 299 52 351 Aerating New Zealand United Kingdom 48 75 Diving New Zealand Victoria 123 .50 109 Eleptfic Now Zealand New South Wales U.S. America 27 243 3 159 18 Freezing 273 18 New Zealand ' 787 Printing New Zealand France U.S. America 14 26 1 787 41 222 222 Manures New Zealand 71 71 Matches New Zealand New South Wales Germany Tahiti United Kingdom Sweden 126 6 95 1 235 247 16 502 225 17 10 725 Meats— Frozen 228 487 ! 157 420 223 New Zealand 224 224 274 274 565 565 37 37 Preserved New Zealand Niue New South Wales Tahiti United Kingdom U.S. America .. 3,016 2 236 5,744 8,078 7,706 25 6 1 Salted.. New Zealand New South Wales 568 8 3,254 532 5,769 511 8,085 672 7,706 Milk, preserved New Zealand New South Wales 145 4 576 311 532 477 511 395 672 149 311 477 395 Nails New Zealand Niue New South Wales Tahiti U.S. America .. 481 3 ! 9 4 ! 597 600 485 1 7 29 3 . New Zealand New South Wales Maiden Island . . 33 12 497 47 634 603 451 936 Oars ... .. . ,,,. "l3 OilKerosene and benzine .. 45 ! 60 Ncu Zealand New South Wales Tahiti U.S. America 613 45 809 9 6 771 184 2i2 1,708 824 I 344 2,014 658 1,115

A.-4.

Cook and other Islands Administration.—Port of Rarotonga.—Record of Imports— contd.

62

Article. 1906. Imported from — Valuo. Total. 1 Value. 1910. Total. Value. Total. 1914. 1918. Value, j Total. Oil— continued. Other kinds £ £ New Zealand . . 123 U.S. America .. 1 New South Wales 5 Tahiti .. .. 5 United Kingdom 134 £ 123 1 5 5 £ 97 3 4 11 84 £ 154 5 1 £ 268 78 £ £ 268 78 6 6 11— 352 Onions ld» New Zealand .. 25 New South Wales 2 Tahiti .. .. 1 os 25 2 1 134 199 160 Paints and varnish 28 New Zealand .. 161 New South Wales 21 U.S. America .. 4 Tahiti .. .. 19 United Kingdom Maiden Island .. 9ftJS 161 21 4 19 28 284 22 37 19 119 7 285 288 288 211 33 3 88 211 3 3 H— 502 Paper 205 New Zealand .. 169 Tahiti .. .. 3 United Kingdom Germany 179! 169 3 205 47 488 409 46 67 7 Perfumery n.o.e. 17Z New Zealand . . 57 Niue .. .. 4 United Kingdom 36 France.. .. S Tahiti U.S. America .. ins 57 4 36 S 172 31 160 19 7 37 34 4 Photographic 105 New Zealand .. 26 New South Wales 27 United Kingdom France U.S. America Tahiti .. S3 26 27 105 4 114 15 13 7 l 72 12 75 69 42 261 42 49 261 39 Plants, trees, and shrubs .. 149 9 3 9 3 273 42 53 New Zealand Victoria New South Wales Fiji 53 114 28 4 3 1 42 28 70 Potatoes 28 New Zealand .. 100 ,— loo 100 36 100 1,770 Provisions n.o.e. — — 100 New Zealand .. 702 Niue .. .. 3 New South Wales 57 Victoria .. 21 U.S. America .. 2 Tahiti .. .. 35 United Kingdom 820 702 3 57 21 2 35 1,448 6 33 63 92 174 1,960 10 116 174 3 160 1,770 20 14 247 20 14 247 Rice .. .. 8ZU New Zealand .. 435 New South Wales 96 U.S. America .. 81 Tahiti .. .. 114 820 1,816 2,423 H— 2,051 186 435 96 81 11.4 297 9 284 73 597 95 593 77 186 603 478 lOO 603 Rugs 726 *zo New Zealand 726 663 311 1,362 478 1,267 United Kingdom 7 311 Saccharine 311 7 79 Saddlery and harness New Zealand .. 99 New South Wales 2 U.S. America .. 16 Tahiti .. .. 12 I-Ml 99 2 16 12 162 41 173 82 79 155 6 155 6 240 Salt 129 New Zealand .. 19 Tahiti .. .. 7 19 7 129 514 255 Silks • ■— 26 New Zealand .. 165 United Kingdom 77 New South Wales 29 Tahiti .. .. 28 Japan U.S. America . . ii 90.0 165 77 29 28 26 271 84 42 6 7 152 60 60 'l5 533 33 93 1,600 33 Soap 590 24 2 819 * 299 New Zealand .. 590 New South Wales 24 Tahiti .. .. 2 U.S. America 299 1,132 1,209 291 1,600 2 9 1— 1,600 616 1,143 1,209

63

A.—4.

Cook and other Islands Administration.-Port of Rarotonga.-Record of Imports- contd.

Article. Imported from 1! 06. 1910. 1911. Value. Total. Value. I Total. 1918. Value, j Total. Value. Total. Specie— Gold £ 300 £ £ 13,231 £ £ 6,4011 £ £ £ New Zealand 300 13,231 6,400 Silver New Zealand 325 1,400 325 1,400 Spirits— Brandy New Zealand New South Wales Tahiti Victoria 8 1 2 12 6 49 25 I'lavouring II ■• New Zealand 11 23 23 li 74 i—i '— 23 Geneva and gin New Zealand New South Wales United Kingdom 10 49 20 14 •• Methylated 1 12 4 09 10 II 14 7 New Zealand U.S. America . . 1 4 1(1 Perfumed New Zealand United Kingdom New South Wales Tahiti 44 50 5 1 L'l '87 208 70 "a! 1 48 Rum .. .. New Zealand United Kingdom 3 100 21 18 90 20 209 — 118 118 3 20 Whisky .. 175 1 163 24 25 39 236 New Zealand New South Wales United Kingdom Canada 31 311 137 176 212 267 448 448 Stationery and books New Zealand New South Wales U.S. America .. Tahiti United Kingdom Tonga 114 14 4 16 314 22 381 19 19 36 348 936 35 116 8 8 Sugar 31 8 22 New Zealand Niue New South Wales Tahiti United Kingdom U.S. America 1,280 1 38 76 148 2,072 397 3,198 803 1,103 2,743 1,103 245 3 3 1 Tanks, iron 26 12 1,395 161 4 3 2,072 3,446 2.747 2.747 New Zealand New South Wales Tahiti .. 168 I Tea, coffee, cocoa New Zealand Niue New South Wales Tahiti U.S. America .. 38 i 296 76 o 6 5 117 330 Timber— Fruit-box ,. 1 3 ■ 89 117 331 — — 299 299 New Zealand 3,881 7,462 7,462 8,156 8,156 15,725 15,725 Sawn and dressed New Zealand New South Wales U.S. America .. Tahiti 3,881 1,167 1,464 90 3,854 I 15,725 600 19 210 1 1,032 .307 359 (i 1,698 Tobacco, cigars, cigarettes .. New Zealand New South Wales Tahiti United Kingdom South Africa 158 27 6 830 743 115 37 1,173 1,134 140 5,408 i 1,698 1.730 587 Tools 121 41 22 20 291 895 1.301 2,317 129 4 99 2,317 New Zealand New South Wales U.S. America Tahiti United Kingdom Maiden Island .. 192 4 133 29 48 201 41 105 6 62 426 96 ' * i I— 207 Trunks New Zealand Tahiti China New South Wales i 19 7 I 52 204 183 8 415 328 328 '"» 78 206 226 t t

A.—s

Cook and other Islands Administration. —Port of Rarotonga.—Record of Imports— contd.

Total Record of Imports for Years ending December, 1906, 1910, 1914, and 1918.

64

Article. Imported from I 3 Value. 19( 16. Total. 1910. Valuo. Total. i« Value. HI. Total. n 1918. Value. Total. i] Wine — Claret U.S. America New Zealand Tahiti Victoria £ 60 £ £ £ £ II 18 20 57 £ £ £ 66 69 4 1 15 73 Ginger New Zealand Kil -I 88 Mill 13; 135 18 18 Port New Zealand New South Wales Victoria U.S. America 31 1 1 8 22 14 Sparkling 28 New Zealand New South Wales 1 32 14 1 5f 8 58 1 i Wood ware New Zealand New South Wales Tahiti U.S. America . . I 6 77 I 311 i 203 5 j. 361 8 9 66 Miscellaneous, n.o.e. New Zealand Maiden Island .. U.S. America Tahiti United Kingdom New South Wales 202 8 84 116 3 311 ill 362 208 43(1 249 136 21 39 27 5 35 5 9 91 Total imports 210 I 170 83,795 I' 176 434 349 349 41,437 j ■ . — 91,132 96.632 96.632 .. 83 1,7! ".I;,

Imported from 1906. 1910. 1914. I 1918. New Zealand United Kingdom United States of America Tahiti New South Wales Niue £ 33,056 1.305 2,149 2,418 1,859 317 174 52 30 37 23 8 5 4 £ 64,958 8,252 4,259 3,990 410 £ 64,852 10,994 10,586 1,490 1,792 £ 70,773 8,474 15,324 2,504 1,331 Germany China British Columbia Maiden Island Victoria France India 328 65 307 106 405 126 81 629 184 43 316 323 194 Samoa Japan Tonga Canada Fiji South Africa Sweden Queensland 551 22 245 92 2 1 157 5 137 223 28 Totals 41,437 83,795 91,132 99,632 Total for 1919, £1 .2,925,

A.—4.

Cook Islands Administration. —Return showing Total Values of Imports and Exports for the Year ended 31st December, 1919. Imports. £ New Zealand . . .. ' .. .. .. .. . . 91,973 United Kingdom .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 15,500 New South Wales .. .. .. .. .. .. '.. 2,251 Victoria . . . . . . . . . . .. .. .. 727 Queensland . . ~ . . . . . . . . .. 27 Samoa .. . . .. . . . . .. ... .. 20 New Guinea . . .. .. . . .. . . .. 5 South Africa .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 2 France .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 10 Sweden .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 612 Tahiti .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 3,808 Japan .. . . .. .. . . .. .. .. 385 United States of America .. .. .. .. .. .. 27,605 Total. . .. . . .. . . . . . . £142,925 Exports. £ New Zealand .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 68,014 United Kingdom .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 9,050 United States of America .. .. .. .. .. .. 50,665 Total.. .. .. .. .. .. .. £127,729

Cook and other Islands Administration. —Port of Rarotonga.—Record of Exports for Years ending December, 1906, 1910, 1914, 1918.

9—A. 4.

65

Article. Exported to 1906. 1910. 1914. 1918. Quantity. Value. Quantity. Valuo. Quantity. Value. Quantity. Value. Bananas.. .. N.Z. .. 72,430 cases 13,954 bnehs. 86,220 cases 4,777 „ 65 „ 304 „ £ 9,050 1,395 10,975 590 6 40 106,568 cases 11,814 bnehs. 94,024 cases 5,128 „ £ 34,417 1,390 14,220 512 85,184 cases 1,348 bnehs. 114,336 cases 3,691 „ £ 28,749 190 18,579 460 60,646 cases 7,550 kits 84,061 cases 81 „ £ 16,677 940 21,015 24 Oranges .. • • N.Z. .. Pineapples » .. N.Z. .. Limes . . .. N.Z. .. Fresh fruit n.o.e. .. N.Z. .. . . .. N.Z. . . Tomatoes Kumoras and turn N.Z. . . Coconuts .. N.Z. .. U.S.A. Coffee .. .. N.Z. .. Tahiti Copra .. .. N.Z. .. | X.S.W. U.S.A. Tahiti U.K. .. Candlenuts . . N.Z. . . N.S.W. U.K. . . Lime-juice .. N.Z. .. N.S.W. Pearl-shell . . -N.Z. .. U.K. . . U.S.A. Tahiti Hats .. .. Tahiti Mats .. .. Tahiti (lotton piece-goods N.Z. .. Tahiti Copper, old . . N.Z. .. : Curios ... .. i U.K. .. Apparel N.Z. .. Cattle .. .. Tahiti Banana-plants .. Fiji Beeswax .. N.Z. . . Boots . . . . Tahiti Films, cinema . . N.Z. . . Hooey .. .. N.Z. .. Horses .. .. Tahiti Specie . . . . N.Z. .. Vanilla .. . . N.Z. . . U.S.A. Wagons . . . . Niue . . ('arriages . . Niue .. Instruments, musical N.Z. .. Ship-chandlery .. N.Z. .. 10,168 cases 61,440 „ 94,100 lb. 10,200 „ 386 tons 315 „ 51 „ 196 „ 10 tons 50 „ 6,580 gal. 600 „ 100 tons I 2,030 192 1,960 215 5,695 4,579 663 2,450 65 325 325 30 5,000 21 cases 103,780 cases 35,850 lb. 22,550 „ 276 tons 42 tons 1,217 „ 45 „ 20 tons 3 74 419 747 496 4,741 546 21,994 580 600 203 cases 1,201 cases 830 „ 247,000 „ 404,000 „ 20,800 lb. 10,800 „ 126 tons 360 tons 436 tons 8 tons 160 gal. 27 tons 37 600 145 760 2,019 570 307 1,775 5,400 7,455 70 10 1,350 48 cases 117 „ 6,320 „ 68 „ 150,800 „ 25,000 „ 17,920 1b. 5 tons 1,442 tons 305 „ 500 gal. 35 tons 15 46 2,528 20 1,130 170 390 95 31,724 5,405 39 2,450 6 tons ISO 98 33 123 86 16 25 63 40 2 4 9 40 6 80 9,560 40 3 240 8 i 8,642 15 229 tons 76 15 12 40 Totals 45,925 90,749 77,512 82.708

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66

Total Value of Exports..

Niue Island Administration.-Record of Imports.-Total Values.

Niue Island Administration. —Record of Exports.

Exported to 1906. 1910. 1914. 1918. New Zealand United Kingdom United States of America Tahiti New South Wales Niue Fiji £ 37,446 £ 66,832 22,619 £ 66,832 22,619 1,281 £ 60,820 8.875 7.495 307 £ 60,820 8.875 £ 42,919 £ 42.919 663 2.882 4,934 1.281 7.495 307 34,344 5,445 34,344 5,445 15 2 15 15 15 Totals 45,925 90,749 77.512 82,708 To ,1 for 1919, £1 17,729.

Imported from 1907. 1910. 1914. 1918. 1919. New Zealand United Kingdom Maiden Island New Guinea Australia Tiaro tonga Samoa Tonga United States of America . . Germany New Caledonia Cook Islands Fiji Other places £ 4,029 151 85 4 649 26 339 202 95 £ 7.576 61 701 36 405 313 62 23 5 £ 8.367 408 104 2,215 £ 14,781 555 £ 20.244 8 225 258 1,009 19 I ,477 25 26 23 13 445 39 Totals .. 5,580 9,182 11,200 17,258 21,783 Aggres igate total fo periods, £4: i,220.

1907. 1910. 1914. 1918. 1919. Article. Exported to Quantity. Value. Quantity. Value. Quantity. Value. Quantity. Value. Quantity. Value. Copra New Zealand . . Samoa Tonga U.S. America .. New Zealand . . Other places . . New Zealand .. Other places . . Total exported. , Total exported.. 217 tons 144 „ 75 „ £ 2,529 1,724 908 395 tons 112 „ £ 6,479 1,682 391 tons 4 ;, £ 6,892 93 £ 393 tons 9,265 206 „ 4,646 587 tons £ 17,327 Hats 2,933 doz. 322 „ 15,7831b. 6,753 „ 468 doz. 2,001 200 231 100 96 191 5,698 doz. 23 „ 13,6581b. 2,072 „ 2,872 19 228 34 3,172 doz. 100 „ 6,6561b. 1,976 47 115 2,752 doz. ! 1,731 26 „ I 18 2,8041b. 46 1,786 ,, 49 18 tons 505 „ 4,234 doz. 35 „ 1,7631b. 1,482 „ 549 13,153 3,341 26 35 37 Fungus Kits Miscellaneous 268 33 782 154} doz. 201 308 1,000 Specie New South Wales and Tonga ed to other ooun316 Goods reshipp tries 630 347 Totals .. 8,296 12,212 |9,503 16,537 35,977

67

A.—4

■Question (c) : The Best Means of Promoting and Encouraging an Increase of Trade between New Zealand and the said Territories. Having dealt in detail with this question in our reports on the conditions of trade between New Zealand and the territories under review, we propose to confine ourselves to pointing out briefly various matters which in our opinion would encourage and increase the trade. Fiji. 1. An increase in the area under sugar-cane is of the utmost importance to New Zealand. 2. At present New Zealand purchases one-third of the green bananas exported from Fiji. Better shipping facilities would without doubt increase this trade ; but in considering this question one must not overlook the fact that New Zealand is the only market open to the Cook Islands banana trade ; neither should it be forgotten that great development is possible in the fruit trade between Samoa and New Zealand. Fijian mandarins are not permitted to enter New Zealand. This bar should be thoroughly investigated. 3. The fact that New Zealand's export trade to Fiji is out of all proportion to the import trade from Fiji should receive the earnest consideration of your Government. Last year New Zealand sold to Fiji goods to the value of £151,662, and purchased goods to the value of £882,574 ; whereas Australia, on the other hand, sold to Fiji goods to the value of £536,974, and purchased from Fiji goods to the value of only £110.444. The exports to Fiji from New Zealand should and could be materially increased. Tonga. 1. Direct shipping facilities between New Zealand and Tonga would materially benefit both inward and outward trade. The question of admitting Vavau oranges to New Zealand should receive consideration. 2. It is claimed by Tongan officials that the opening of a branch of one of the New Zealand banks would have a beneficial effect on trade generally. 3. Alterations to the Awanui Wireless Station, so that messages might be received direct from Nukualofa instead of via Fiji, would doubtless assist in stimulating trade. 4. With a view to future fruit-trade developments it might be possible to make a more satisfactory tariff arrangement with the Tongan Government for goods wholly or partially manufactured in New Zealand. 5. The fact that imports to Tonga from New Zealand have decreased during the past few years calls for earnest consideration. Samoa. 1. The importance of dealing with the labour question is vital. 2. An improvement in the present shipping arrangements is necessary. 3. The greatest care should be exercised in the selection of medical officers in so far as it concerns the preservation of young life, for according to the rise or fall of the Native population trade will be affected. 4. The teaching of agricultural subjects in State schools should be emphasized. 5. The question of the formation of a tropical section of the New Zealand Agricultural Department having jurisdiction, through the Administrator, over the agricultural experts in Samoa is worthy of consideration. 6. A strict enforcement of the regulation in regard to keeping all plantations clean and free from weeds is essential. 7. The time in Samoa should be made to coincide with that of New Zealand. 8. If it is possible under the mandate, some concession in the matter of import duties should be made to goods manufactured entirely or largely mi New Zealand, and an increased duty should be placed on copra exported to non-British countries. 9. The importance of the Samoan trade should be brought before New Zealand merchants and manufacturers.

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68

Cook Islands. 1. Arrangements should be made in the fruit season for steamers to call regularly at islands other than Rarotonga. 2. The question of carrying Cook Islands fruit on the New Zealand railways at the same rate as fruit grown in New Zealand is of importance. 3. More attention should be given to a strict enforcement of the regulations for keeping plantations and orchards clean and free from noxious weeds. 4. Outside Rarotonga, where supervision is done by an agricultural expert, Native committees should take the matter in hand. In any case, the Resident Agent should visit all plantations and orchards once a year at least. 5. Agricultural subjects should be emphasized to a greater extent than they are now in the State schools, and education should to a large extent be centred thereon. 6. If a tropical branch of the Agricultural Department were inaugurated it would be of material assistance to the expert in Rarotonga. It would be advisable if, as suggested for Samoa, the agricultural expert in the Cook Islands were, through the Administrator, under the New Zealand Department. 7. It was suggested that the fencing laws, or a modification of them, should be introduced into the Group. 8. The sale of intoxicating liquor, except for medicinal, sacramental, or manufacturing purposes, should be prohibited. 9. To encourage the export of copra to Great Britain or her dependencies your Government should consider the question of increasing the export tax on all copra shipped to foreign countries. 10. A provision should be made that all mail-steamers subsidized by your Government calling at Rarotonga en route to San Francisco should reserve cargospace up to 100 tons. 11. New Zealand exporters and manufacturers should make themselves acquainted with the requirements of the Group, and so maintain and extend the existing trade ; moreover, everything possible should be done to replace the American trade in piece-goods, drapery, drugs, and hardware, which is increasing, by similar goods of British manufacture. Niue. 1. A better schooner service should be obtained ; if this is impossible, or if the subsidy demanded is too great, your Government should itself purchase a suitable auxiliary schooner and run it. 2. The export of copra should be made a State monopoly, and the export duty should be increased on all copra shipped to foreign countries. Panama-hat making by the Natives should receive every encouragement. 3. Agricultural education should be emphasized in all State schools. 4. The sale of intoxicating liquors, except for medicinal, sacramental, or manufacturing purposes, should be prohibited. 5. Labour contracts with Niueans for work on other islands should be prohibited. We have the honour to be. Your obedient servants, George Elliot, Chairman. W. R. Pearson, Member. Thos. Wilson, Member.

Approximate Cost of Pap#r.— Preparation, not given ; printing (550 copies), £97 lO*.

Authority : Marcus F. Marks, Government Printer, Wellington.—l92o.

Price Li. (id.]