MANDATED TERRITORY OF WESTERN SAMOA (THIRD REPORT OF THE GOVERNMENT OF NEW ZEALAND ON THE ADMINISTRATION OF) FOR THE YEAR ENDED THE 31st MARCH, 1923.

Appendix to the Journals of the House of Representatives, 1923 Session I-II, A-04

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Session 11. 1923. NEW ZEALAND

MANDATED TERRITORY OF WESTERN SAMOA (THIRD REPORT OF THE GOVERNMENT OF NEW ZEALAND ON THE ADMINISTRATION OF) FOR THE YEAR ENDED THE 31st MARCH, 1923.

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

Sir,— 26th June, 1923. 1 have the honour to forward herewith the third annual report of the Government of New Zealand on the administration of the Mandated Territory of Western Samoa. Copies of the Orders in Council and Ordinances referred to in the report have been forwarded to you under separate cover. A copy of this report has also been forwarded direct to each member of the Permanent Mandates Commission. I have, &c, F. H. D. Bell, The Secretary-General, League of Nations, Geneva. For the Prime Minister.

Memorandum for the Right Hon. the Prime Ministeb. 31st May, 1923. I forward herewith the third annua] report on the administration of Western Samoa, which has been prepared by my direction, pursuant to Article (i of the Mandate for that Territory. There is again attached to this report certain of the questions in the questionnaire which was submitted by tho special Mandates Commission of the League of Nations, and the answers thereto as at the 31st March, 1923. In future the information particularly desired by the Commission will, unless the Commission otherwise requests, be incorporated in the, annual report. During the year ended the 31st, March last, Colour:! R. W. Tate. C.M.G., C.B.E. the first Administrator of Western Samoa under the civil constitution, completed his term of service, covering in all a period of four years, and was succeeded by Mujor-Oeneral (1. S. Richardson, C.8., C.M.G., C.B.E. I desire to take this opportunity of placing on record my appreciation of the faithful and excellent service rendered by Colonel Tate in Western Samoa. His was the onerous and difficult task of changing over from a military Administration to Civil Government, of meeting all the problems and troubles which are ever the legacy of war, and of carrying on through a period of great commercial and financial depression. The conditions in the mandated territory to-day testify to the success of his work. I have reoeived from Major-General Richardson, the new Administrator, a short statement of the impressions he lias formed since assuming the duties of Iris office, and this will be laid on the table of both Houses of the General Assembly of the Parliament of New Zealand with the third Mandate report for the information of honourable members. F. H. 1). Bull, For the Minister of Externa] Affairs,

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Memorandum for the Hon. Minister of External Affairs. Apia, Samoa, 10th May, 1923. I took over the, duties of Administrator on the 16th March last, and during the intervening eight weeks I have been able to meet the citizens of Apia, to visit some of the outlying villages, and also to make a superficial inspection of the various Government Departments. I have also met and conferred with the Faipules. The impressions and opinions that I have formed from my observations are— 1. European Residents. —The Europeans of various nationalities are very loyal, and most anxious lo assist the Administration to promote the welfare of Samoa. Applications have been received for British nationality from residents who object to being " British protected persons " and desire to become straight-out British subjects. Their applications should be granted. 2. Electoral Representation. The citizens of Western Samoa, are most anxious to be granted direct representation on the Legislative Council as a first, step towards self-government,. There are many matters which concern the welfare of Samoa now requiring attention, but which I would prefer should be dealt with by a Council on which the people concerned are directly represented. For the above reasons I recommend that the necessary legislation to give effect to the wishes of the local citizens be passed into law at an early date. 3. Administration Officials. —I have frequently met most of the officials in conference, and am satisfied that Samoa is fortunate in having men of their type. They are for the most part very efficient, hard-working, and have ideals beyond their own personal interests. The future welfare of Samoa and its people is constantly in their minds, and governs their actions in all their administrative duties. The future welfare of officials who serve for long periods in the tropics, and suffer in consequence impairment to their health, is the responsibility of the Government. At present these Samoan officials, who are not permanent members of the New Zealand Civil Service, have a very poor outlook. If they break down in health as a result of their service in Samoa they must leave their employment, whereas a permanent New Zealand Civil servant employed in Samoa can return to his Department in the Dominion. Furthermore, while the New Zealand Civil servant can be superannuated, the purely Samoan official has no Government provision made for his old age or premature retirement through ill-health arising from his duties in the tropics. Some of the most valuable officials here are not Civil servants. They are, however, doing their very best for Samoa, and I feel sure the Government will in return do its best for them by establishing a permanent service for officials serving in the tropics and the outlying possessions of New Zealand, and also permit them to become contributors to the New Zealand Superannuation Fund. 4. Natives. —The Natives are loyal, happy, and contented; they are proud to be associated with the British Empire. In all my official visits I have been received with extraordinary enthusiasm and expressions of loyalty. The Samoan has, however, no thought for to-morrow, and no vision as to the future of these islands. He does not realize that in the economic progress of Samoa he must play a greater part in future for its development if he is to remain the dominant race. The excellent education that is now being given to the young will change the psychology of the Samoan of the next generation. It will be my duty to co-operate with all who have the future welfare of Samoa at heart, the leading teachers, missionaries, citizens, and officials, with a view to formulating some policy for the inculcation of a true, loyal, and national spirit into the minds of the young Natives, and promoting aims and ideals to guide them in their future lives. Here in Samoa is a splendid but backward Native race whose development to their present stage has been solely carried out by the wonderfully good work and self-sacrificing efforts of the missionaries, which are in evidence everywhere in this Territory. The further development of the Natives has been made a sacred trust for the people of New Zealand, who will, I feel sure, avail themselves of the, ample opportunities to render it portion of the financial and other assistance which they now so readily give for similar activities further afield. 5. Medical. —At each village I visited on my official malagas I arranged for all the children to be inspected, and I formed the opinion that the health of the Natives is generally very good, but that more attention is necessary in the outlying districts to provide medical treatment for the two most common tropical diseases here yaws and hookworm. I am pleased to report that the Medical Department is now organizing a complete national medical service, so that treatment will be within easy reach of all Natives in any part of this Territory. The effect of this scheme will not be fully shown for twelve months. I cannot speak too highly of the doctors in the Samoan service, and ! urge that they be made permanent official of the New Zealand Public Health Department, so that, should they break down in health through service in the tropics, they can get a change of employment in New Zealand. Medical work in the tropics is of a special nature, and doctors should be encouraged to remain in the Samoan or other tropical islands when they have acquired a knowledge of tropical diseases ; but we shall never be, able to build up an efficient tropical medical service if provision is not made for the future of those who sacrifice their ordinary profession and bodily health by serving on a temporary basis in Samoa. 6. Improvements in Apia. —There is an urgent need for better wharf accommodation in Apia Harbour. It is also necessary for the health and comfort of the, residents, and particularly the Europeans, that electric lighting should be installed. Both these matters are being carefully gone into, and it is hoped that the New Zealand Government will give the necessary initial assistance for the carrying-out of these essential public works, which I am confident will pay more than an adequate revenue to provide for interest, sinking fund, and upkeep.

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7. Communications. — Both sea and land communications arc bad, but your approval of the Government steamer " Lady Roberts " being transferred to Samoa will supply a great need and give satisfaction to the residents. Wireless telephonic communication between the islands is an urgent necessity, but it is hoped that a wireless set will be, installed between Savai'i and Apia this year. The Apia telephonic system is extremely bad, but the provision of a new system must wait till the more important public works have been carried out and the financial position improves. 8. Finance. —Every effort is being made to reduce expenditure and to carry out the Administration as economically as possible. The outlook for the present year is good, but lam of the opinion that New Zealand will not be able to carry out its obligation under the Mandate, particularly in regard to improving the education and medical services for the Natives, without granting financial assistance to Samoa for some time to come. 9. Crown Estates. —Samoa has weathered the post-war period of financial adjustment and depression remarkably well. To a considerable extent this is due to the determination of the New Zealand Government to maintain and improve the Samoan Crown Estates. These estates, representing German plantations assumed under the Treaty of Peace, are scattered all over Samoa, and had been allowed to become " run down "in condition. Their assumption and management in the early stage was an expensive matter, and in addition the prices for tropical produce have been, and in the case of rubber and cocoa still are, considerably below cost of production. Inevitable loss hits occurred, but there is some compensation for this loss in the consideration that the economic structure of Samoa would have been seriously impaired had they been abandoned. A considerable amount, of development has been carried out, and should produce rates return to a profitable figure their value should prove to have increased. The future of these plantations is receiving my consideration. George S. Richardson, Administrator.

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REPORT. The following report has been compiled from information and data furnished by the Permanent Heads of the several Departments concerned with the administration of the Territory: — LEGISLATION. In New Zealand. Tho following Orders in Council have been passed during the year ended 31st March, 1923: — Amending the Samoa Treasury Regulations, 1920. (26th September, 1922.) Amending the Samoan Crown Estates Order, 1920. (4th October, 1922.) Amending the Samoan Crown Estates Order, 1920. (24th October, 1922.) Amending the Samoan Sale of Intoxicating Liquor Regulations, 1922. (30th October, 1922.) Samoa Bankruptcy Order. (4th December, 1922.) Samoa Death Duties Order. (4th December, 1922.) Samoa, Post and Telegraph Amendment 1 Order, 1923. (12th February, 1923.) Additional Regulations relating to Samoa Treasury and Samoan Crown Estates Aocount. (12th February. 1923.) Samoan Public, Service and Treasury Regulations. (9th March, 1923.) In Samoa. During the year ending the 31st March, 1923, tin- Legislative Council has sat on twelve occasions, ami has passed the following Ordinances: — No. 1, 1922: Water-supply Offences Ordinance, 1922. No. 2, 1922 : Taxation Licensing and Revenue Amendment Ordinance, 1922. No. 3, 1922: Building Alignment Ordinance, 1922. No. 4, 1922: Land Surveys Regulation Ordinance, 1922. No. 5, 1922 : Police Offences Ordinance, 1922. No. 6, 1922 : Samoan Offenders Ordinance, 1922. No. 1, 1923 : Dog Registration Ordinance, 1923. No. 2, 1923: Arms Amendment Ordinance, 1923. No. 3, 1923: Copra Ordinance, 1923. No. 4, 1923: Merchandise Price List Ordinance, 1923. No. 5, 1923: Horse-racing Ordinance, 1923. No. 6, 1923: Chinese Contract Labour Control Amendment Ordinance, 1923. Copies of these Orders and Ordinances have been fin-warded to the Secretary-General ol the League of Nations and to each member of the Permanent Mandates Commission. NATIVE AFFAIRS. In the month of April, 1922, an extraordinary Fono of the Faipules was called to consider the Samoa Act. The Samoan translation of the Act was distributed among the Faipules, and three days were spent, in explaining its meaning clause by clause. There is no doubt that this work, which was enthusiastically entered into by the. Faipules, laid the foundations for a better understanding of New Zealand's desires for Samoa. The regular Fono of Faipules was held in the following June, when much good work was accomplished. The tone throughout evidenced a desire to " let the past be the past," and to present a more consolidated front for the future. At the conclusion of the Fono, speeches of loyalty to New Zealand and confidence in the Government and Administration were made by the Faipules. In November an official Malaga, occupying twenty days, was undertaken by the Administrator. The districts of Manono, Falelatai, Lefaga, Falealili, Lepa, Lotofaga, and Aleipata were visited, and demonstrations of loyalty -were general throughout the tour. The second ordinary Fono of Faipules was held in December, when several Ordinances affecting the Samoans were considered. The most important measure discussed, however, was the proposed medical tax. In exchange for this tax it is proposed to institute free medical attention for the Samoans, with dispensaries and Medical Officers at certain centres throughout the Group. After discussion, the Faipules agreed that a tax was preferable to individual payment, and, while suggesting that the tax should not exceed £1 per head of the present taxpayers, they left the matter in the hands of the Administrator. In agreeing to this tax the Faipules have shown their confidence in the Government. It is gratifying to record that any discontent or dissatisfaction that may seem to have existed at the commencement of the year has entirely disappeared, and to-day, as the Faipules said in their farewell address to Colonel R. W. Tate, C.8.E., C.M.G., the retiring Administrator, on the 13th Maroh, 1923, " The flame of loyalty to New Zealand, our guardian, burns brightly." The attitude of the Faipules and of the Samoan people to-day augurs well for the future. The coming year should show the results of a settled condition and contented mind by a closer attention to local industries on the part of the Natives and a greater unity between all classes of the community.

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DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH. Administration. During the greater part of the year this Department consisted of two separate divisions : — (a.) Clinical, medicine, and hospitals, under the control of the Chief Medical Officer; (/;.) Public hygiene, under the control of the Medical Officer of Health. In February, on the departure of the Chief Medical Officer, the two divisions were amalgamated, the Medical Officer of Health becoming Chief Medical Officer. In May, 1922, an Inspector of Health was appointed. The duties of this officer have been somewhat varied. In addition to his ordinary duties he has supervised the Apia water-supply, and prepared plans and specifications for, and supervised the work of installation of, a number of household drainage schemes. During the year the Board of Health made the following regulations : — No. 4: Regulations as to rubbish and refuse containers. No. 5 : Regulations as to the prevention of the breeding of mosquitoes. No. 6 : Regulations in respect of buildings, drainage, and the structure and cleansing of privies. In January, 1923, dysentery (bacillary and amoebic) was added to the list of notifiable infections diseases. Quarantine. During the year KM visits of inspection were paid to vessels arriving tit Apia, from overseas, including two which stopped at the entrance to disembark passengers. In no case was it found necessary to withhold pratique. As Sydney was not declared a clean port (as regards plague) untill the Ist March, 1923, precautionary measures against the introduction of this disease into Western Samoa were continued throughout the year. The restrictions imposed have now been removed. Western Samoa is kept in constant touch with the outside world in the matter of infectious diseases by means of weekly wireless messages from New Zealand, givitt" existing conditions, in so far as they are known, in New Zealand, Australia, and the various island groups of the South Pacific. In these weekly messages is also included any information of immediate value to Samoa contained in the fortnightly health abstracts cabled from London. The abstracts are also forwarded every month by mail-steamer. This up-to-date knowledge of conditions existing in those countries with which Samoa is in communication is an added safeguard against the introduction of epidemic diseases. The new quarantine site at Mulinu'u has been definitely decided upon, and preparations for the erection of the necessary buildings are now in progress. The following table shows the particulars of inspection of vessels for the year under review :—

Food and DRtKts. The activities of the Department under the Sale of Food and Drugs Act have been for the most part confined to inspection of canned meats. During the year considerable trouble was caused by the importation of canned meats which became badly blown within a, week or two of landing. As the result of action by this Department and the Apia Chamber of Commerce the position has improved. This improvement is not shown in the quarterly returns of meats condemned, but this is due to some meats imported in the quarter October-December being condemned in the following quarter, and also to the condemnation of other brands of meats than those originally at fault. During the year, 32J sacks of rice were seized. The seizure was confirmed by the Court. Particulars are given in the, next table :- -

Port Health Inspections. Quarter. Vessels inspected. Pratic Passengers. ique ' Crew. granted. European. Native. 922 April-June .. July September ((otober December 923—January-March 27 30 26 21 I 27 Returns no 30 26 I (i. r ) 2] 114 t available 189 152 573 470 Totals .. 104 104 279 341 1,043

Quarter. Meats condemned. Rioe seized. 922—April-June July-September October-December . . 923 —January-March lb. 2531 900 3,330 2,9091 Sacks. 32i Totals 7,393 32i

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Infectious Diseases. The figures given in the table below cannot be taken as an accurate return of the prevalence in Western Samoa of the diseases listed. They are the figures compiled from notification of cases which have applied for treatment to the, Hospital at Apia or the medical out-station in Savai'i. During the first half of the year notification was unsatisfactory, but has now improved. The extension of the medical service throughout the Territory, as outlined in the answers to the questionnaire of the League of Nations, will result in more satisfactory control of infectious diseases.

Medical Report.-Public health Division.

At'iA Hospital and Tuasivi District Hospital. The numbers of in-patients, as indicated in the attached return, show a slight increase over the numbers of last year, and it is gratifying to note that more cases have remained in hospital until the completion of their treatment. It is the exception nowadays for a patient to be removed by relatives before a cure is completed. The increase is really greater than is shown by the figures. Formerly it was the custom to admit many cases of ankylostomiasis for treatment, which necessarily lessened the percentage of serious cases. These cases were admitted primarily because thymol was the treatment of choice, and this drug is too dangerous for domiciliary treatment. Recently the practice of admitting hookworm cases has been discontinued, and, with the introduction of carbon tetra-chloride, they are now treated as out-patients. Consequently this year's figures include a greater proportion of serious cases. Apia Hospital. Tuasivi District Hospital. General attendance .. .. .. 5,093 Attendance, .. .. .. .. 1,509 European in-patients.. .. .. 196 Samoan in-patients .. .. .. 231 Samoan in-patients .. .. .. 569 Samoan out-patients .. .. .. 922 Chinese in-patients .. .. .. 569 Operations .. .. .. .. 45 Chinese out-patients .. .. .. 4,504 Operations* .. .. .. 144 * Under the heading of " Operations " at the Apia Hospital are included only major operations requiring a general ansesthetic. The records of minor operations are incomplete, but would average about twenty-five per month. Lepers. —As indicated in last year's report, the lepers in Samoa were safely transferred to the excellent leper hospital at the island of Makogai, in the Fiji Group, where they are maintained and medically treated under an agreement between the Government of Fiji and the Government of New Zealand at the cost of the Samoan Administration. TRAFFIC IN OPIUM AND DANGEROUS DRUGS. The following information has been included in the annual report at the special request of the League of Nations (vide letter received from the Secretary-General dated Genoa, 30th May, 1922) and in t he form drawn up by the Advisory Committee on Traffic in Opium and other Dangerous Drugs. 1. General. —On the 31st July. 1922, new regulations made under the New Zealand Opium Act became law in Western Samoa. These regulations are in furtherance of the terms of the Opium Convention, and in particular provide for the introduction of the " imports certificate " system, and this system is now in operation.

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2. Regulation of Imports and Exports. —The importation of opium in a form suitable for smoking was during the year under review entirely prohibited, and that of opium in a form which may be made suitable for smoking was subject to the " imports certificate " system. There was only one importer apart from the Government, and quantities imported were negligible. 3. Internal Regulation of the Manufacture, Sale, Distribution, Use, &c, of the Drug. —There is no general prevalence of the drug habit. Isolated instances occur among Chinese indent tired labourers. There is a small illicit traffic with Fiji, where raw opium is believed to be obtainable by illicit purchase from Indians. One European was convicted of smuggling, and fined £50. 4. Particular Drugs: Raw Opium.- (a) Not produced in the Territory; (6) none imported; (c) none imported ; (d) none imported ; (c) none exported. 5. Prepared Opium- The. import, manufacture, and use is prohibited. There has never been any smoking among the national population. Among the alien population the Chinese only are addicted to smoking, and that in isolated cases only. There were six convictions for being unlawfully in possession of opium. All the offenders were Chinese. Fines from £1 to £50 were inflicted. Effectual co-operation with Fiji continues. 6. Morphine. —No imports, manufacture, or exports. 7. Heroin. —No imports, manufacture, or exports. 8. Medicinal Opium. —Medicinal opium is imported by the Administration for use in the Public Hospital by its medical officers. There is only one other importer, a local chemist, and the amount of medicinal opium imported by him was negligible. 9. Cocaine. —No imports, manufacture, or exports. 10. Other Drugs. —No imports, manufacture, or exports. 11-14. Miscellaneous. There is nothing to communicate under these heads. EDUCATION. Government Schools. There has been a very large increase in the number of pupils attending the Government schools during the past year, as the following table will show : —

Subjects of Instruction. —At Ifi Ifi School (for white and half-caste children) the subjects of instruction have remained much the same as during the previous year, excepting that less time has been devoted to drawing and music and more time given to English and arithmetic. It may be unfortunate that more time cannot be allotted to handwork and nature-study, but the struggle with pjnglish demands extra time and attention. At Malifa School (for Native children) there is still greater need for more time and attention to be given to English, and during the past year it was deemed advisable to curtail the syllabus of instruction in the other subjects of the curriculum to enable the teachers to devote greater attention to this all-important subject so far as Native children are concerned. At Malifa School also an endeavour is being made to foster Samoan handicraft, and instruction is now being given in basketmaking and mat-weaving. With this end in view the services of a Native expert weaver and basketmaker have, been secured. Proficiency Examination.- —Fifteen pupils presented themselves for this examination, the, principal papers for which were set in New Zealand. Of this number thirteen passed with proficiency, one with competency, whilst only one failed. Scholarship Boys at St. Stephen's School, Auckland. —The reports received from the headmaster of St. Stephen's School on the work of the four Samoan scholarship boys are most encouraging. Two more, scholarship boys from the mission schools wore sent up to St Stephen's School in February last. Continuation Classes. —In order to meet the desire of students who are at work during the day, continuation classes to prepare candidates for the Proficiency Examination were held in the afternoons from 4to 6 p.m. during the year. These classes were well supported by ambitious pupils, chiefly from offices in Apia. Five of these pupils sat for the Proficiency Examination, of whom four were successful in passing. Secondary Classes. —Secondary classes have now been established at Ifi Ifi for the benefit of those pupils who have passed the Proficiency Examination and who desire to further their education. The work in these classes is practically on the lines of a junior high school in New Zealand. Commercial Classes. —Classes in typewriting and shorthand have been commenced both at Ifi Ifi School and at Malifa. Tuition is given by two local pupil-teachers who have undergone a course of training.

Number on Roll at Ifi Ifl School. Boys. Girls. Malifa School. Vaipouli School. Ten ;al Grand Hotel. Boys Girls. Boys only. Boys. Girls. J -1st March, 1923 -1st March, 1922 Increase during year 112 108 180 63 84 376 172 171 124 547 296 204 47 251

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Mission Schools. The missionary bodies have done, and continue to do, great work in the education of the Native children of these islands, through the establishment of village schools. These village schools are under the charge of Native pastor teachers. The Administration is assisting the missions in the beneficient work which they have undertaken, by furthering the training of these pastor teachers in English and modern school methods. With this end in view classes are held during the afternoons, at which the Government-school teachers are required to instruct the pastor teachers in English, school method, writing, drawing, and singing. These classes are well attended, and the work is enjoyed by both pastors and teachers. A travelling teacher has also been appointed who visits the pastor teachers remote from Apia and imparts instruction in their own districts. The most harmonious relations exist with the loaders of all the, Samoan missionary bodies, of whom one and all are most anxious to assist in co-ordinating as far as possible the work of educating the young Samoans POST AND TELEGRAPH DEPARTMENT. Savings-bank. —The Savings-bank Branch again shows an increase of business. During the year 151 accounts were opened and 73 closed, leaving a total or 381 accounts —an increase of 80 for the year. Deposits amounted to £30,484 17s. and withdrawals to £21,781 Is. 7d. The total amount (including interest,) at credit of depositors is £39,253 13s. 5d. —an increase of almost £10,000 on the previous year's total, The opening of branches of the, bank at Fagamalo, Savai'i, and Aleipata should result in a large increase of deposits. Private Boxes. —The boxes are all let and arrangements have been made to have additional boxes erected. The fees from this source amounted to £98 lis. 3d. Money-orders. —The money-orders issued numbered 1,628, for a total of £10,396 17s. Bd. The commission on money-orders amounted to £97 is. 2d. 190 orders, totalling £1,248 14s. 6d., were paid. Postal Notes and British Postal Orders. —Sales in this branch amounted to £660 195., and notes to the value of £101 lis. 3d. were paid. Post Office. —Mail-matter delivered in Samoa during the year shows a marked increase, and it is estimated from a general average that the numbers were as follows : — Delivered — Letters .. .. .. .. .. .. 115,056 Other articles .. .. .. .. ..80,104 195,160 Registered letters .. .. .. .. .. .. 2,299 Parcels .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 2,426 Posted — Letters .. .. .. .. .. .. 102,838 Other articles .. .. .. .. .. 16,559 119,397 Registered articles .. .. .. .. .. .. 3,669 Parcels .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 1,212 Stamps. —Stamp sales amounted to £3,316 16s. 2d., an increase of over £600 on last year's total. Telephones. —The fees amounted to £1,321 14s. 4d., as compared with £1,193 10s. 9d. last year. Work performed for other Departments. — Accounts collected for other Departments of the Administration amounted to £6,738 14s. 9d. On behalf of the New Zealand Government, for miscellaneous receipts, the sum of £1,196 ss. Bd. was collected, and miscellaneous payments amounted to £900 13s. Bd. The amount collected for the Customs Department was £649 9s. RADIO STATION. The working of the wireless station has been well maintained during the past twelve months. During the year a permanent daylight schedule with Rarotonga was inaugurated, this being rendered possible by improvement in reception at Apia. An interesting event during the year was the reception by Apia Radio Station of wireless concerts sent out by the Honolulu broadcasting station. As the distance between the stations is 2,223 miles, the achievement ie very satisfactory, and in this connection the following extract from a communication from Honolulu might be quoted : " The reception of radio telephone broadcast signals at a distance over 1,500 miles from the Honolulu broadcasting stations is indeed a very remarkable achievement; therefore the reception of speech and music at Apia, Samoa, reflects great credit upon the personnel operating the radio equipment at that, station." A serious accident occurred in February, when the flywheel of one of the engines burst, wrecking the engine and charging-set, but fortunately work continued uninterruptedly by the use of the second set.

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The following is a summary of the traffic handled during the year :—

Traffic handled by Apia Radio, 1st April, 1922, to 31st March, 1923.

The amount earned by Apia was £3,372 Is. Bd. Agricultural Department. A survey of the events of the past year as affecting the agricultural interests of Samoa affords ground for not a little satisfaction, inasmuch as distinct progress has been achieved in several directions, while there has been a steady reaction from the depressed market conditions of the previous year. Copra. Quite the most remarkable feature, of the past twelve months has been the extraordinary increase in the copra export, as revealed in the trade statistics supplied by the Customs Department. The advance could hardly have been anticipated in view of the depressed state of the market and the consequent low price received by the producer throughout the first nine months of the year. Although in the early part of the year values were at their lowest, the Department did everything in its power to encourage the increase of output, both the European Inspectors and the Pulefaatoagas (Native Land Inspectors) bringing all possible influence to bear on the Samoans to clear their plantations of fallen nuts and to cut the copra. Nevertheless, much of the crop goes to waste through nuts being left to rot on the ground. In order to further increase the export of copra to any considerable extent it is necessary to (1) increase the number of coconut palms, and (2) ensure that that part of the crop which is now wasted shall be utilized. As regards (1), the Department is closely concerning itself with the encouragement of new cultivations (as far as is consistent with the duty required from the Samoans of keeping their lands clean) with very gratifying results, as will be seen from the figures as to new plantings contained in the accompanying table. As to (2), the Inspectors—Native and European- endeavour to impress on the Samoans the desirability of removing all fallen nuts from their plantations. This is also necessary to ensure clean cultivation, for if the nuts are allowed to remain where they fall they take root and grow,-choking up the neighbouring palms, with the result that the trees affected by this negligence do not bear as they should, or at all.

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Month, Total Engine-running Time. Monthly Consumpl Crude Oil. >tion Consumption per Hour. 1922. April May June July August September .. October November .. December Hrs. jMins. 44 45 58 30 60 0 54 15 50 45 57 30 72 0 72 0 67 45 Gallons. 228 251 292 259 244 316 345 360 470 Gallons. 5-0 4-3 4-8 4-8 4-7 5-3 4-8 5-0 6-9 1923. 64 30 63 30 63 15 422 436 420 6-5 6-8 6-6 January February March

Month. Forwi Messages. irded. Recei Messages. ived. Words. ] Tram Messages. imits. Words. Words. 1922. April May June July August September October November December 212 244 192 270 304 256 244 250 329 2,103 2,725 1,911 2,908 3,428 2,808 2,642 2,488 3,102 232 255 226 259 278 238 259 263 273 2,286 2,659 2,116 2,601 2,856 2,210 2,721 2,653 2,489 658 724 795 757 794 624 763 735 651 6,503 7,325 8,319 7,136 8,021 5,972 7,140 6,621 6,579 11)2.'3. 2,392 1,808 2,762 235 222 235 2,079 1,747 2,508 643 610 752 5,303 5,465 7,615 January February March 224 176 246 Totals.. 2,94,7 2.9-17 31,077 2,975 28,925 8,606 81,999 _l_

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Cacao. Following on the stagnation of trade experienced throughout 1921, the year just ended has shown a period of slow but steady recovery in the cacao industry. The Natives, too, appear to be taking more, interest in the cultivation of this crop than previously, but as a rule their plantings are intended to meet their own requirements only. There has been no outbreak of canker during the past year to justify alarm. Sporadic appearances of the disease occur from time to time, but on the whole the general situation may be considered as satisfactory. Native Food Resources. Formerly, plantings by the Samoans were carried out in a more or less haphazard fashion, but an attempt is now being made to place this work on a regular and systematic basis. According to the procedure now adopted, the Inspector and the Pulefaatoaga on their quarterly inspection meet the chiefs of each village, and the question of new plantings for the ensuing quarter is discussed and details agreed upon. Care is taken to see that the work required is fixed on a reasonable scale. In this way friction is avoided, while the substitution of regularity and method in place of haphazard cultivation should react beneficially on the Samoan character by inculcating habits of foresight and method in providing for the people's needs. A tabulated statement is appended, showing that under this scheme, in addition to the provision of Native foodstuffs, 229,436 coconuts and 28,997 cacao-trees have been planted during the past year. The past year has in fact constituted something of a record in planting operations, and latterly it has been found necessary to curtail the work to enable weeding and cleaning up to be performed about the new cultivation. In former years it has occasionally happened that the Administration has received applications from the Samoans for assistance owing to a shortage of food, but, there should be no need for applications of a like nature in the future. The two European Inspectors have done much useful work by instructing the, Samoans in proper methods of planting. Special attention has been given to the method of planting coconuts and cacao. Beetle-destruction. Reviewing the work of the past twelve months it can confidently be reaffirmed that the beetle is completely under control. The work of beetle-destruction has been carried on with undiminished vigor and there are now whole districts where very little trace of the beetle can be seen. This gratifying state of affairs has been achieved by the single method of clean cultivation combined with the weekly search. The Samoans now search at their own convenience, bringing in their weekly quota every Monday forenoon. The quota is fixed by the Department according to the state of the plantations in each area, and in some cases has had to be lowered almost to the vanishing-point on account of the scarcity of beetles in certain localities. In every country where I he coconut-beetle is found it is recognized that the sovereign remedy for the pest is clean cultivation, and experience shows that the pest increases in proportion as this precaution is neglected. Flying-fox. This formidable nuisance, so destructive to the fruit crop (especially to mangoes) shows no sign of abatement. During the year the Department has interested itself in the question of coping with ■the pest. In Queensland and in New South Wales, where its ravages are very pronounced, experiments have been made with liquid fire and mustard-gas, but it is understood that these dangerous expedients gave no adequate results. For the present the Department is relying on shooting as the most practical method of dealing with the flying-fox in Samoa, and issues of ammunition are allowed in exchange for a certain number of flying-fox feet. Although this method was tried only during the hist few months of the year, it has so far achieved a fair measure of success, and will be continued. Agricultural Farm. Increased efforts have been made to supply the public of Apia with fresh vegetables, so desirable in the tropics in the interests of the health of the community. As evidence of the increased output of the farm it is interesting to note that the receipt from the sale of vegetables, &c, amounted to £921 ss. Bd. for the year just closed, as against £552 19s. 6d. for the previous year. It has been demonstrated tit the Agricultural Farm that most vegetables usually associated with more temperate climes can, with a little trouble, be successfully cultivated in Samoa, even on the lower lands approximating sea-level. Experiments with herbs and flowers are now under way. The citrus-trees imported from California for experimental purposes nearly two years ago are making healthy headway, with the exception of one or two varieties of limes and pomoloes. Future Prospects. The prospects for the future are bright, as the possibilities of agricultural development in the Territory have by no means been exhausted. A promising field for enterprise lies in the cultivation of pineapples and bananas and in the promotion of a pineapple-canning industry. Statement of Revenue derived from the, Government Farm at Tulaele for the Year ended 31st March, 1923, compared with that for the. Preceding Year. £ s. d. 1922—April to June .. .. .. .. .. ..200 15 11 July to September .. .. .. .. .. 304 15 10 October to December .. .. .. .. 234 15 5 1923—January to M arch .. .. .. .. 180 18 6 Total for 1922-23 .. .. .. .. .. £921 5 8 Total for 1921-22 ~ ~ .. .. .. £552 19 6

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11

Beetles collected on Native and European Plantations in Upolu for the Year ended 31st March, 1923.

Native Plantings in Upolu (including replanting of Old Areas) for the Year ended 31st March, 1923.

CUSTOMS AND MARINE. Revenue. Although the total receipts slightly exceeded the estimates, there was a falling-off as compared with the previous year, the receipts from all services amounting to £75,938 for 1922-23, as against £84,400 for the year 1921-22. This fall can be attributed to the falling prices of goods being reflected in an ad valorem tariff, and to the more cautious importing by merchants in their fear of being <'aught with large stocks on a falling market. Imports. The most noticeable feature in 1922 was the comparative rise in imports from the United States of America and Australia and the fall from the United Kingdom and New Zealand. The figures are : — 1922. 1921. £ Per Cent. £ Per Cent. United Kingdom .. .. .. 14,202 5 56,032 13| New Zealand 82,596 29 132,830 32£ Australia .. .. .. .. 104,663 37 109,226 27 U.S.America .. .. .. .. 63,345 22f 73,310 18 Other countries.. .. .. .. 18,133 6J 37,494 9 Totals.. .. .. .. 282,939 100 408,892 100 The United States have always had an advantage in oils, timber, motor-cars, and certain machinery, but in 1922 they improved their position in drapery and tinned fish, while Australia has held its position with regard to flour and biscuits. The importation of soap, sugar, paper, stationery, and motor-car parts from that country have increased. Tin; large importations of drapery from England in 1921 were not repeated in 1922 —in fact, many of the lnies were re-exported under drawback when prices dropped. New Zealand is still supreme in tinned and keg meat and in butter, though the falling prices are reflected in the value of imports. Exports. The outstanding feature has been the shipping of the bulk of the copra direct to Europe instead of to San Francisco. The figures are :— 1922. 1921. £ Per Cent. £ Per Cent. United Kingdom.. .. .. .. 72,856 23 15,635 8 New Zealand .. .. .. .. .. .. 915 J J'agoPago .. .. .. .. .. .. 850 J U.S.America 29,044 9 173,120 91 Holland 24,678 8 Denmark 118,562 37 Germany 74,193 23 Totals .. .. .. .. 319,333 100 190,520 LOO

5564

4

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12

Shipping. The main feature has been the replacement of sailing-vessels loading for San Francisco by steamers bound for Europe. The figures in detail are set out in the acccompanying tables. Port Facilities. —Improvements effected during the year include the installation of an " Aga " light as a leading-light on Vaea Hill, and the laying-down of an Admiralty-type buoy at the mail-boat moorings. Statistics. —The accompanying tables set out the position in detail for the past year : —■

Receipts at Customhouse, Apia.

Overseas Shipping, Port of Apia.

8914

Quarter ended Steam. Sailing. No. Tons, j Cargo. No. Tons. Total. Cargo. No. Tons. Cargo. INWARDS. P ARDS. June, 1922 .. 1922 .. ..IB British Foreign >ritish 22 15,585 2,272 1 229 2,272 1 229 323 323 23 15,814 2,59 23 15,814 2,595 icreigrj l .. September, 1922 22 15,585 2,272 ] 229 2,272 I 229 323 323 23 15,814 2,59 23 15,814 2,595 fiber, .1922 .. B Fi British Foreign Sritisli foreign 24 11,048 2,293 .. i 3 5,488 7 .. 2,293 7 24 11,048 2,29 3 5,488 24 3 11,048 5,488 2,293 7 December, 1922 27 16,536 2,300 .. 16,536 2,300 27 16,536 2,30 27 16,536 2,300 iber, 1922 .. B Fh British Foreign British foreign 22 15,385 2,746 .. i 1 136 1 496 15,385 136 2,746 1 496 262 22 15,385 2,74 262 2 632 26 22 2 15,385 632 2,746 262 23 15,521 2,746 1 496 15,521 2,746 1 496 262 262 24 16,017 3,00 24 16,017 3,008 March, 1923 , 1923 .. B British Foreign Sritish 18 14,386 1,459 .. 14,386 1,459 1 496 18 14,386 1,45 18 1 14,386 496 1,459 foreign i .. .. .. 1 496 1 496 Year ended 31/3/1923 British Foreign 18 14,386 1,459 1 496 19 14,882 1,459 86 4 56,404 5,510 8,770 7 1 2 229 992 323 262 87 6 56,633 6,502 9,093 269 Year ended 31/3/1922 90 61,914 8,777 3 1,221 585 93 63,135 9,362 British Foreign 72 5 71,594 2,822 11,155 59 4 2,465 72 9 61,594 5,287 11,155 804 745 77 74,416 11,214 4 2,465 745 81 66,881 11,959 June, 1922 OU' 'WARDS. British Foreign 21 15,955 2,884 1 229 25 16,184 2,884 24 15,955 2,884 229 25 16,184 2,884

13

A.—4,

Overseas Shipping, Port of Apia —continued.

LANDS AND SURVEY. During the year the resurvey of the whole of the former municipal district of Apia has been practically completed, and it is hoped to be able shortly to issue detailed plans of the area. About eleven miles of the standard coast traverse westward from Apia was also completed, together with about, two miles of connecting traverse, thereby linking up various isolated surveys in the plantation district. The practical result of this is that some 12,000 acres of former surveys have now been tied on a common meridian, which will prove, to be of great value for future adjacent surveys and reference purposes. Surveys in connection with water-supply schemes for Vailcle Plantation and for the Fasifo'o District were also undertaken for the Public- Works Department. The enclosed schedule sets out in tabulated form the various other worlcs carried out by the Department.

Return of Work completed by Lands and Survey Department for the Year ended 31st March, 1923.

a Inoludes 14 for Land and Titles Commission. 6 Inoludes 31 for Land and Titles Commission. c Also 2J miles pipe-line traverse, Fasito'o, and 1 mile Vailele. [Note : 17 plans of circuit surveys oompleted, but internal work not yet finally oomplete.] d Includes 6 for Land and Titles Commission. c Includes 52 for Land and Titles Commission. / Two miles connecting traverse linking up about 12,000 acres of plantation area. Internal work resurvey of Apia complotod connection of about 447 sections. <j Ktiiny season, practically no field work done. Owing to absence of staff, internal work to coruplotc circuit surveys was not finished in circuits 16-23.

Quarter ended Steam. Sailing '■ Total. No. Tons. Cargo. No. Tons. Cargo. No. i Tons. Cargo. i September, 1922 British Foreign i 23 2 outwards — contin ted. 9,413 2,766 1,220 1,753 9,413 1,220 2,766 1,753 23 2 23 2 25 12,179 2,973 25 25 12,179 2,973 December, 1922 British Foreign 23 1 14,542 1,639 2,717 2,880 1 496 23 2 23 14,542 3,213 1,639 2,880 2 24 17,259 4,519 1 496 25 25 17,755 4,519 March, 1923 British Foreign 19 19 19 14,404 3,935 1 496 19 I 19 14,404 496 3 935 19 14,404 3,935 I 496 20 20 14,900 3,935 Year ended 31/3/1923 British Foreign ta 89 3 92 89 3 54,314 5,483 9,678 4,633 1 2 229 992 90 5 90 54,543 6,475 9,678 4,633 5 92 59,797 14,311 3 1,221 95 95 61,018 14,311 Year ended 31/3/1922 British Foreign 70 5 70 71,224 2,822 5,664 6,410 4 2,465 2,660 70 9 70 9 71,224 5,287 5.664 9,070 5 75 74,046 12,074 4 2,465 2,660 79 79 i 76,511 14.734

L. <S Coi Surv tT. m. 'eys. icial Surveys. Privi ite Surveys. Uesurvey of Apia. Stan Co Trai idard last rerse. Quarter ending ■3 ■ IJ II P ft u -1 B (9 4 Towi Su ™ ni Rural. Town and Sub. Rural. ■s. i ■•Si 3 Ss • 1*1* \ a i 'o u S S B y 8 ?! t-. * s ° go n i S O a s s a P s i 2 H ~ I o S, Fees g ; Earned 8 by £ Department. hS t 2 <3 • Ij P fl «i d . «g -si =i to a* -- « If ii a . ag M 1 -S » jo.2 «£ ii £•! 30/0/22 .. 30/9/22C .. 15 15 1:1 2 65 1 942 1 1 200 6S I I I 21 3 66 21 7 f28 i 1 70 280"] 1,250 [ 100 [ 16 J 100 48 309 040 21581 5 17 33a Ud\ 20 18 e s. a. 426 271 5 3 04c 193 10 0 426 04c 31/12/22 .. 2 5 12 1 8 16 143 5 8 16 III 11/ II li) 31/3/239 .. 2 91 19 0

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FINANCE. Revenue. The revenue for the financial year ended 31st March, 1923, including a subsidy of £16,000 from the New Zealand Government, is as follows : — £ s. d. Native taxes .. .. .. .. .. .. 9,412 1 6 Customs and Marine .. .. .. .. .. .. 75,468 16 4 Fees of Court, &c. .. .. .. .. .. .. 11,604 14 10 Post Office and Savings-bank .. .. .. .. .. 6,421 11 3 Wireless .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 4,973 14 5 Miscellaneous .. .. .. .. .. .. 7,369 5 0 Subsidy from New Zealand Government .. .. .. 16,000 0 0 £131,250 3 4 Note. —The subsidies to the Samoan revenue from New Zealand are based on the additional cost of the Medical and Education Departments expended since the New Zealand Government accepted the Mandate, and on the cost in excess of revenue of the wireless station. Expenditure. Ordinary Expenditure (excluding Special Public-works Programme, paid for out of Loan). permanent charges. £ s. d. Permanent charges on account of public debt .. .. .. 5,323 14 6 Administration and Legislature .. .. .. .. 4,833 18 6 Secretary .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 2,837 18 6 Native Department .. .. .. .. .. .. 8,626 14 8 Savai'i section .. .. .. .. .. .. 5,999 4 7 Aleipata section .. .. .. .. .. .. 854 15 2 Treasury .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 3,732 610 Customs and Marine .. .. .. .. .. .. 2,264 0 5 Harbourmaster's section .. .. .. .. .. 4,364 7 1 Justice Department .. .. .. .. .. .. 3,816 010 Police Department .. .. .. .. .. 9,422 2 1 Medical Department— (a.) Clinical Division .. .. .. .. ..24,044 13 10 (b.) Public Health .. .. .. .. .. 1,670 14 6 Agricultural Department .. .. .. .. .. 3,786 12 6 Chinese Department .. .. .. .. .. .. 2,207 1 4 Postal Department and Savings-bank .. .. .. .. 5,717 13 6 Wireless Department .. .. .. .. .. 4,789 010 Education Department .. .. .. .. .. 6,846 9 9 Miscellaneous .. .. .. .. .. .. 15,479 19 11 Lands and Survey Department .. .. .. .. 3,492 14 2 Public Works Department— Maintenance .. .. .. .. .. .. 11,452 14 3 Non-recurrent .. .. .. .. .. .. 1,096 010 £132,658 18 7 Extraordinary Expenditure of Public-works Programme. This programme is being paid for out of a " Loan Account " of £125,000 provided by the New Zealand Government. Of this amount, £25,000 is a gift, and the remaining £100,000 is lent at 5 per cent, interest and a rate of sinking fund to repay in thirty years. Since the commencement of this programme expenditure has been as follows : — £ s. d. Prior to March, 1920 .. .. .. .. .. .. 14,902 0 4 1920-21 .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 29,434 3 10 1921-22 .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 49,229 1 2 1922-23 .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 20,776 16 8 Total extraordinary expenditure to 31st March, 1923 ..£114,342 2 0

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Expenditure. Expenditure from Details of Public Works extraordinary expenditure are : — 1922-23. Commencement. £ s. d. £ s. d. Hospital, Apia, out-stations and leper station.. .. .. 2,648 12 10 20,148 1 1 Post Office additions .. .. .. .. .. .. 996 6 8 Steam-laundry .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 6,169 17 7 Electric light, Vailima .. .. .. .. .. .. 767 18 0 Customs extensions .. .. .. .. .. 165 8 8 1,016 14 2 Motor-transport work .. . . . . .. .. ~ 1,945 0 1 Public Works plant .. .. .. .. .. 15 15 0 2,419 0 2 Hotel purchase ..■ .. .. .. .. .. .. 10,000 0 0 Hotel equipment and improvement .. .. .. .. 855 7 6 3,520 11 8 Apia Waterworks .. .. .. .. .. 2,665 4 0 22,136 4 8 Harbour and channel-work -Plant and improvements .. 231 15 8 231 15 8 Harbour-dredging .. .. .. . . .. 219 2 145 7 8 Native water-supplies .. .. .. .. .. 1,992 5 2 4,597 12 10 Wireless quarters .. .. .. .. .. .. 1,764 4 11 2,262 3 2 Quarters (renovations) .. .. .. .. .. .. 3,945 14 4 New quarters .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 5,266 0 8 Police-station headquarters .. .. .. .. .. 400 0 0 Reclamation for protection of roads .. .. .. .. 491 14 0 1,486 11 1 Roads and bridges .. .. .. .. .. 6,454 19 0 22,182 11 1 Additions to central office .. .. .. .. .. .. 750 14 5 District schools .. .. .. .. .. .. 3,488 10 9 3,953 17 0 Totals .. .. .. .. £20,776 16 8 £114,342 2 0

Revenue and Expenditure compared since Commencement of Civil Government, 1st May, 1920.

Note. —As against the amounts shown as deficits, revenue funds totalling £10,549 Is. have been set aside out of revenue during these periods (principally during 1920-21), and considerable stuns devoted to the writing-off of losses incurred during the military occupation. Table A. —Statement of Liabilities (Liquid) and Assets on the 31st March, 1923. Assetx. £ s. d. £ s. (I. Litibilitiey. £ s. d. £ s. d. Cash in hand .. 576 2 5 Reserves .. .. .. 10,549 1 0 Cash at bank .. 5,693 17 0 Deposits .. .. .. 10,910 l(i 7 6,269 19 5 Currency notes .. .. 45,000 0 O Imprests .. .. .. 57 13 4 Loan Account, New ZeaStores unallocated .. .. 21,088 0 10 land Government — tier man currency .. .. 95 9 3 (a.) Provided at 5 per Advances .. .. .. 1,43505 cent, interest Loan Works Account — and 1 percent. Drainage and water- sinking fund .. 87,000 0 0 supply .. .. 22,136 4 8 (/;.) Provided free of Otherworks .. 92,205 17 4 interest as a gift 25,000 0 0 114,342 2 0 — 112,000 0 0 Suspense— .Suspense .. .. .. 380 5 6 Chinese accounts .. 1,966 13 11 Excess assets over liaTrading accounts .. 2,189 18 7 bilities .. .. .. 24,308 16 4 4,156 12 6 Investments — New Zealand Government debentures and inscribed stock .. .. 55,704 1 8 £203,148 19 5 £203,148 19 5

Year. Hevenue, including Subsidy. Expenditure, Ordinary. Expenditure against Loan Account of £125,000. Total Expenditure. Surplus: Ordinary Expenditure over Kovenue. I )eficits: Ordinary Expenditure over Hevenue. £ s. d. 149,026 16 5 135,569 6 10 131,250 3 4 126,310 0 0 £ s. d. 147,063 2 2 137,180 18 9 132,658 18 7 126,878 3 4 £* s. d. 29,434 3 10 49,229 1 2 20,776 16 8 10,657 18 0 £ s. d. £ s. d. 1,963 14 3 £ s. d. 1920-21 1921-22 1922 23 1923-24 (estimate) 176,497 6 0 186,409 19 11 153,435 15 3 137,536 1 4 568 0 0 1,611 11 11 1,408 15 3 568 3 4 \

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16

Table B. —Statement of Assets (Liquid) and Liabilities on the 31st March, 1922. Assets. £ s. d. £ s. d. Liabilitiesi £ s. d. Cash in hand .. .. 212 9 8 Reserves .. .. .. 9,211 8 0 Cash at bank .. .. 1,689 19 2 Deposits .. .. .. 11,354 10 9 1,902 810 Suspense .. .. .. 10,003 14 2 Imprests .. . . .. 118 7 5 Loan Account— Unallocated stores .. .. 12,476 17 2 Provided under EiGerman currency .. .. 95 9 3 nance Act (N.Z.), Advanoes .. .. .. 21,424 15 4 1921-22, section 26 Loan Works Account,— (a uthority for Water-supply .. 19,471 0 8 £100,000 loan), at 5 Other works.. .. 74,094 4 8 per cent, interest and Stores .. .. 18,000 0 0 1 per cent, sinking £ s. d. 111,565 5 4 fund .. .. 77,000 0 0 Investments —N.Z. (Jo- Providod by N.Z. Government debentures \ eminent free of inand inscribed stock .. .. 55,704 1 8 terest and sinking fund .. .. 25,000 0 0 102,000 0 0 Currency notes .. .. 45,000 0 0 Kxccss of assets over liabilities .. .. .. 25,717 11 7 £203,287 5 0 £203,287 5 0 Both revenue, and expenditure slightly exceeded estimates, a deficiency of £1,408 15s. 3d. ordinary expenditure over revenue resulting. The Stores Department has been finally closed up, and a considerable quantity of their holding in stores was charged against revenue, thus throwing a heavier charge on certain expenditure than was estimated. Practically all revenue items showed an improvement except import duties ; these showed approximately an 18 per cent, decrease, due rather to decreasing values of goods than to any falling-off of business. As regards expenditure, practically all Departments show a considerable decrease except the Medical and Education Departments. The latter are being expanded continually, the finance being supplied by the New Zealand Government subsidy, which is approximately assessed to cover the increased expenditure of these services since the assumption of the Mandate. Strict economy has been enforced, and all Administration services have been thoroughly overhauled and numerous economies effected. Taxation. Reductions in taxation have been effected. Apart from the fall in ad valorem import duty referred to above, postal rates have been reduced, and the cocoa-export tax, while not remitted, has been returned to producers in the form of a bonus on all other than absolutely inferior cocoa produced. Further reduction in taxation is being considered for the next financial year. A death-duty tax was brought into effect for the first time in 1923, but no revenue has yet resulted from that source. Trade Prospects. These are good. The unfavourable trade balance against Samoa has been more than righted, and the price of copra, which is the mainstay of Samoan prosperity, is, at the moment, remarkably good. European plantations are having a hard struggle to carry on owing to the long depressed price of cocoa and the high cost of the 1920-21 Chinese immigration. The Government has extended financial assistance to these plantations, and they are for the most part being maintained in good order. Lower labour costs are in sight, but cocoa-prices must rise if these plantations are to become really profitable. Further references to Samoan trade prospects will lie found in the Board of Trade report. SUPPLIES PURCHASE DEPARTMENT. The accompanying return tabulates the work carried out by this Department during the past year. Whilst carefully guarding against any undue accumulation of stocks, every effort has been made to maintain sufficient reserves of such stocks as are essential to the efficient working of the service, On account of falling markets it was not deemed advisable to enter into contracts covering periods of spread delivery except in the case of rice. So far as the contract for this commodity was concerned, it proved, as in the previous year, to be extremely advantageous, in that our purchase price was lower than the market rate at any time during the currency of the contract, and in addition continuity of supply was secured. Competitive quotations were obtained for all local purchases, and quotations were invited from New Zealand, Australia, the United Kingdom, and the. United States of America for all overseas purchases. The advent of a direct steamer service between London and Apia, with reasonable freight rates, offers the advantage of securing supplies direct from manufacturers in the United Kingdom at low cost, and the benefits thus derived more than compensates for the extra time required to effect

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delivery after the placing of orders. As an instance of the saving to be effected by purchasing certain lines in the United Kingdom, cement might be quoted as an example : — Per Ton. £ s. d. Price schedule by New Zealand Stores Control Board .. .. 512 6 (at Auckland). Freight, Auckland-Apia .. .. .. .. .. 217 6 8 10 0 Price quoted, United Kingdom .. .. .. .. 2 17 0 Freight, London Apia, .. .. .. .. .. 210 0 / £5 7 0 The latter is best English, packed in casks, which, on account of the local climate, is much more satisfactory than the method of packing in bags. JUSTICE. The work of the Department has been satisfactorily carried on by the existing staff, which is the same in number and personnel as it was last year. There has been a big increase in the number of cases since 1921, and consequently in the work of the staff. The increase is more on the civil than on the criminal side, the number of cases in the former class (principally small debt cases) showing a marked advance on the previous year, probably owing to the prevailing bad times. Conditions having improved, there will no doubt be a falling-off in the number of civil cases during the coming year. Administration of Justice. Returns. -The returns attached show the number of civil and criminal cases dealt with by the Court. The Chief Judge dealt with the more serious criminal cases and the more important civil cases, and the Commissioners with all the lesser offences and with the civil claims up to £20. There have been no appeals either from the Chief Judge to the Supreme Court of New Zealand or from the Commissioners to the Chief Judge. A reference to the report of the Police Department will show that most of the offences in the returns are of the usual lower-Court class, and the number of convictions for serious offences during the year comparatively small. Samoan Land and Titles Commission. —This important Court, presided over by the Chief Judge, with three European Assessors versed in the Samoan land customs to assist him, and with twenty Samoan Commissioners, also chosen for their knowledge of such customs, to advise the Court, dealt with forty-two cases —some being very important ones. There have been only four applications for rehearings, which fact indicates that this system of settling disputes between Samoans over their communal lands and their names or titles (which are highly valued and jealously guarded by the Samoans) is a satisfactory one. Imws anil Ordinances. —Fourteen Ordinances have been drafted, of which thirteen have received the Administrator's consent. The number tends to decrease now that the former German local Ordinances are largely replaced by the Legislative. Council Ordinances. There has been no amendment to the Samoa Act, 1921 (Constitution Act), but several important Orders in Council have been made in New Zealand by the Governor-General on the advice of his Executive Council. Land Registration. —The return attached shows the number of transactions put through the land register, which is kept by the Registrar of the High Court. Companies Registration. —During the year the Companies Act of New Zealand, with certain modifications, was brought into force, and as a result private companies have been incorporated to carry on the business of merchants and island traders. The Registrar of the Court undertakes the duties of Registrar of Companies in addition to his other duties. High Court of Western Samoa at Apia.

Return of Civil Cases for the Period 1st April, 1922, to 31st March, 1923.

3—A. 4.

Quarter ending Sitting Bays. Actions filod. Actions hear.!. P~ V\ ithdrawn and struck out. 1922. June September .. December .. 27 24 26 281 172 118 101 117 139 137 91 105 130 116 10 12 9 1923. 22 119 21 March Totals 99 590 494 442 52

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Return of Criminal Cases for the Period 1st April, 1922, to 31st March, 1923.

Hich Court of Western Samoa, Ai.eipata Division. In respect of Civil Procedure for Period covering Ist April, 1922, to 31st March, 1923. Number of days on which Court sat .. .. .. .. ..35 Number of actions commenced .. .. .. .. .. .. 100 Number of actions heard .. .. .. .. .. .. 100 Number of judgments given .. .. .. .. .. .. 100 In respect of Criminal Proceedings for Period covering Ist April, 1922, to 31st March, 1923. Number of days on which Court sat .. .. .. .. 14 Number of persons chargec I .. .. .. .. .. ..17 Number of cases heard .. .. .. .. .. ..17 Number of judgments given .. .. .. .. .. ..17 Number of cases dismissed .. .. .. .. .. .. 8 Land Registior, Western Samoa, at Apia. Return of Documents registered for the Period Ist, April, 1922, to 31st March, 1923. ('onveyances .. .. . . . . . . .. .. 31 Mortgages .. .. .. .. .. . . .. 15 Discharges of mortgages .. .. .. .. .. ..24 Leases .. .. .. .. . . . . .. 21 Miscellaneous.. .. .. .. . . .. 19 Total .. .. .. • .. .. ..113 High Court of Western Samoa, at Apia. Return of Fines and Fees for the Period Ist April, 1922, to 31st March, 1923. £ s. d. Fines and costs, criminal cases .. .. .. .. .. 1,254 9 0 Fees in civil cases collected by means of stamps, including land registration .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 535 6 0 Total .. .. .. .. .. .. £1,789 15 0 N.B.—Does not include fees collected at Saviai'i, Aloipata, Native Department, and Chinese Department. POLICE AND PRISONS. The criminal statistics accompanying this report deal with all offences reported during 1922, and show an aggregate net increase of 188 on the figures for 1921. This increase, as will be seen from the tables, is mainly in minor offences. The proportion of offences to the population was 1-98 per cent, as against 1-52 per cent, for the previous yea i. The percentage of arrests or summonses resulting from the total offences reported dining the year was 96 per cent. —the figures of the preceding year being 95 per cent. So far there are no confirmed criminals here of the type known in New Zealand and other countries. The communal customs and habits of the Samoans are responsible! for many of the petty thefts committed. During the year advantage was taken of the, resignation of the Inspector (for health reasons) to reduce the commissioned officers of the Police Department to two —viz., a Commissioner of Police and a Sub-Inspector. As the Force lacked a man trained and experienced in the investigation of Clime and offences, a detective-sergeant was secured on loan from the New Zealand Police Department.

Sitting Days. Persons charged Convictions recorded. Dismissed Withdrawn on by leave of Merits. Court. Quarter ending I I 1922. 32 37 40 238 141 181. 208 126 139 June September .. December .. ..I 32 .. t 37 40 22 8 10 5 32 10 1923. March Totals 50 159 50 162 122 29 II 722 595 93 34

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19

The European members of the Force are and have been fully occupied in general police work and extraneous duties, which are increasing as time goes on. With few exceptions the Native police do not understand or speak English, consequently instruction and direction has to be given in their own tongue. They are loyal, and obedient, and useful. Prisons. The total number of prisoners in gaol on the 31st March, 1923, was 35 as against 40 on the 31st March of the previous year. The daily average of prisoners in gaol during the year was 37-83. During the year the prisoners have been employed clearing Government lands in and about Apia, procuring all firewood required at the prison, and keeping the prison and premises clean and sanitary. Their health has been good. The gaol surgeon attends the prison regularly and deals with all cases of sickness. Mental Patients. The number of patients at the end of the year was the same as at its commencement —viz., two male and two female Samoans.

Return showing the Number of Offences reported, the Number of Offences for which Persons were apprehended or summoned, and Comparison of Crime during the Year ended 31st December, 1921, and Year ended 31st December, 1922. Apia, Samoa.

1921. I 1022. Offt rilii mces irtcd. Offences. Numb of Offcne Number Number ■*■«*«* Offences Offences reported, reported «2*3g£" Nt con Nun convi iber icted. Ntt: disn i nber lissed »r Ira wit. 0j i £ Si 2 6 I i withi report I i I I Misleading j ustice — Bribery Bribery, attempted .. Contempt of Court Obstructing course of justice Fabricating evidence Intimidating witn ssos Perj ury Escapes and rescues — Esoape from legal custody Offences against morality— Adultery Bigamy Offences against the person— Wounding with intent Assault, conspiring to Unlawfully inflicting wounds Assault, bodily harm. . Assault, common Manslaughter Threatening to kill Carnal knowledge Murdor, attompted Suicide, attempted Murder, conspiring to commit Itape, attempted Rape Rape, aiding Indecent assault Offences against, the rights of property — Theft from dwelling .. Theft false pretences Burglary House and shop breaking Forgery Fraud Receiving stolen property Fraud, attempted Trespass Embezzlement Gaining offences Arms Ordinance — Unlawful transfer Unlawfully in possession Arms, failing to register Police offences — Breach of the peace Cruelty to animals .. .. Drunkenness Indecent acts Insulting language Taking part in an affray Taking part in a riot .. I ;; 1 2 2 2 1 2 4 12 3 42 2 3 2 8 1 1 5 4 5 128 2 2 27 0 0 7 1 2 2 16 3 4 54 14 1 2 3 M. F. M. F. 1 i i 1 2 2 2 2 2 1 2 1 i i 2 2 2 2 1 l 4 13 13 1 1 13 1 10 1 3 9 l 12 I 1 I 1 11 3 3 1 1 8 8 42 09 03 1 8 69 7 52 2 l i 9 l 8 27 2 3 2 1 1 8 .. .. i 1 2 3 1 8 1 1 3 1 1 5 2 2 4 4 4 4 4 3 : 3 2 4 4 3 3 2 1 2 2 1 4 4 2 i 5 8 ! 4 128 118 97 2 1 1 2 5 4 8 113 1 5 3 4 4 78 1 2 4 14 2 i 3 3 15 1 27 3 0 4 4 8 .. 3 i 24 2 0 7 1 7 i 1 2 15 15 15 15 i:i 2 16 12 12 12 9 3 2 4 1 1 3 7 7 1 7 1 0 i 1 4 4 4 54 40 40 14 19 19 1 5 5 2 2 2 3 10 10 6 6 .. I 9 9 40 19 5 2 10 6 9 30 0 5 2 0 6 7 l 7 13 2 5 4 14 3 1 7 (I 0 2

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Return showing the Number of Offences reported, etc.—continued. Apia, Samoa —continued.

PUBLIC WORKS. 1. Buildings. Maintenance of Buildings. The usual maintenance of residences and other Government buildings has been attended to. Nine residences have been completely renovated. New Construction and other Improvements. The following statement, shows the most, important constructional work carried out :■ — Government House, Vailima. —The dining-room and adjacent veranda have been mosquito-netted. Schools. —The interiors of the Government schools, Apia, were renovated throughout. Two open-air class-rooms were constructed. Sanitary accommodation for the whole of the schools litis been almost completed. A large double-compartment septic tank to provide for seven hundred pupils, together with a modern system of drainage to serve both the schools and three teachers' residences, has been installed. Central Hotel. —New fences have been provided and ;t garage built. The kitchen has been altered and renovated. Hospital, Apia. —The isolation compound, including sanitary annexes, double fencing, drainage, &c, has been completed. All buildings, new and old, have been connected up with the new sewerage scheme. A complete system of concrete paths has been constructed, to serve every portion of the hospital. Sisters' Quarters. — The whole building, including verandas, has been mosquito-netted and exterior-painted. Wireless Station. — A new residence, provided with septic tank, fencing, &c, complete, was erected for the Superintendent. The single men's quarters were painted. Customs Sheds. —The roofs of all the Customs buildings were painted. The area used for landing and sorting cargo was paved with 6 in. of reinforced concrete. The passenger-landing was also concreted, and a concrete path provided to the Customs Office. Malololelei Rest-house. —A gravitation water-supply scheme was installed. Epidemic Memorial.— -A memorial, consisting of a marble cross on a concrete substructure, was erected at Vaimea Cemetery. Substantial fences were constructed and concrete kerbs provided around all graves.

Offences. 1921. 1922. Number Number offences m NuIr Offences Offence!-! nr a,„ mnnnq convicted. o reported, reported. "£%£$? miM Offences reported. nber j isaed g § ir g 82 Irawn. 6 SJ m n Intoxicating-liquor offences — Samoans consuming liquor Supplying liquor to Samoans Smuggling liquor Breach of Distillation Act In possession of intoxicating liquor Selling intoxicating liquor Manufacturing intoxicating liquor Consuming methylated spirits.. Lunacy Offences re opium— Opium-smoking Opium-smuggling Opium, unlawfully in possession Miscellaneous — Indentured labour unlawfully entering Samoan house Stills, unlawfully having Restricted immigrants, unlawfully landing - Concealment of birth Land-weeding regulations Dynamiting fish Shooting pigeons out of season Breach of Chinese Contract Labour Ordinance . . Breach of Harbour Regulations Breach of Permit Regulations By-law breaches — Cattle trespass Obstructing thoroughfare Negligent driving Furious driving Driving without lights Defective pig-fences Driving whilst unlicensed Insanitary pig-sty M. F. M. 17 7 7 .. .. !■'. 1 7 7 8 6 2 2 2 .. .. 0 0 (i 2 .. 4 1 :i s 3 .. .. 2 2 2 .. .. 2 2 2 .. .. ..5 5 3 .. 2 0 0 1 2 0 3 2 2 5 2 (i 3 2 2 5 4 2 2 2 5 1, 1 .. .. 1 6 1 1 I 2 1 1 I 18 4 4 4 .. .. 6 2 18 1 1 4 1 1 4 5 1 14 7 .. .. 7 7 3 .. .. 9 4 4 3 .. 1 3 9 4 2 4 4 1 180 8 2 4 2 4 4 I 180 8 2 3 5 2 2 ..2 2 4 4 2 2.. 4 4 4 .. .. 1 1 I 48 180 180 166 .. 15 8 8 8 2 2 2 .. .. 18 2 4 4 1 2 4 4 I 132 8 2 .. 132 8 2 .. 41 02 02 40 16 4 1 .. .. 17 43 43 36 7 3 8 3 12 23 23 20 1 2 41 1 17 02 43 3 23 02 43 3 23 10 2 21 21 20 3 11 26 12 2 1 I 3 11 2 2 .. .. 17 7 7 .. .. 5 5 3 2.. 7 5 7 5 2 6 6 5 5 Totals 564 752 722 589 37 98 7 353 166 353

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Clock-lower, Apia. —This work was completed. Lands and Survey Office. —A new office was fitted up for the Lands and Survey Department. Bench-mark, Apia. —A permanent bench-mark was constructed in front of the Public Works Office, and its level relative to mean sea-level as determined from tide-gauge readings ascertained. Vaipouli School, Savai'i. —A hydraulic ram and redwood cistern was installed and the watersupply completed. Leper Station, Nuutele. —The buildings outside the actual leper compound were dismantled, and are being transported to Apia as circumstances permit. Crown Estates. —A considerable amount of painting-work has been carried out for the Crown l&tates. 2. Roads. Stone-crushing was carried on intermittently during the year. For several months the plant was loaned to the ('town Estates. The following statement shows the principal work carried out: — Apia to Mulifauua Road. —The metalling of this road was completed to the vicinity of Vaiusu Village. The new work received one coat of restar during the year. Between Toamua and Faleula 90 chains of the road lias been metalled and rolled. 44 chains of the road in Vaiusu Village has been re-formed, surfaced with rotten rock, and rolled; 49 chains of similar work has been carried out in the vicinity of Malic. A repair gang traversed the whole road during the dry season and carried out general repairs, the most important, work being in Fasitootai. Apia to Falefa Road. —Formation work was continued on this road until the end of the dry season. Work was so advanced on the 4th August that motor-cars reached Falefa Falls, a distance of Is£ miles from Apia. Malololelei to Siumu Track. —A considerable amount of improvement work was carried out to this track. Sea Erosion. —At many points, particularly in the vicinity of Apia, continual attention is required to prevent sea erosion. A considerable amount of such minor protective work was carried out. Flood Damage. In February and March, 1923, considerable damage was done to all roads and bridges in the Territory, not only by Hoods but also by high seas. On the 13th February there occurred in Apia a precipitation of B'7 in. in three hours. Between the sth and 16th March a cyclonic storm occurred, accompanied by excessively high tides, rough seas, and very heavy rainfall. At Aleisa, a, few miles from Apia, a precipitation of 95-9 in. in thirteen days was recorded. It is estimated that the damage to roads and bridges in March amounted to £3,000. 3. Bridges. Fuluasou Bridge. —The decking of this steel bridge has been completely renewed in Australian hardwoods. Moataa Bridge. —This bridge has been raised and repaired. Mulivai Bridge, Apia. —This steel bridge is unsafe, and a commencement has been made with Ihe erection of a new bridge in Australian hardwoods. To deal with the traffic during construction a temporary bridge has been erected. General. —Practically all the bridges in Upolu received minor repairs during the year. The floods of February and March, 1923, washed away three small structures which have been replaced with temporary structures until materials arrive for reconstruction. The Fagali'i and, Vaivase bridges, built of Oregon pine, will shortly be replaced by new structures in Australian hardwoods. 4. Roads and Bridges, Savai'i. Oagaemalae to Faia'ai Road. —Extensive repairs to this road were carried out by the Natives by contract. Salailua to Lata Road. —Formation of this road was completed. Samalau Bridge. —This bridge was reconstructed. Gataivai Footbridge. —A new bridge in Australian hardwoods has been completed. Safune Footbridge. —A new light footbridge has been erected. Safotu Bridge. —This bridge was repaired. Saleaula Bridge, near Mataulu. —This bridge was repaired and the approaches re-formed with coral. 5. A ima Waterworks. The 2 in. main in Matautu Street was completed. A 4 in. main into the Customs yard, to furnish a good water-supply for the waterfront and give fire - protection to the Customs buildings, was completed. A. 6 in. main, 63 chains in length, was laid from Tivoli Road to Taufusi Road. Ninetythree connections were made to the mains during the year, making a total of 306 connections to date. 6. Native Water-supplies. Fasitootai Scheme. —This scheme was carried out to completion. It involved the laying of 18,700 ft. of pipe, varying in size from 2| in. to 1 in. in diameter, and the construction of an 8,000--gallon concrete reservoir. Other Schemes. -A number of other schemes were investigated, and the Natives concerned informed of the amounts of money they would be asked to collect if the schemes were proceeded with.

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7. Concrete Cisterns. Tufutafoe, Savai'i. —A 12,000-gallon reinforced-concrete cistern was completed. Similar circular reinforced-concrete cisterns, all of 12,000-gallons capacity, have been constructed at the follvvoing villages in the Island of Manono : Faleu, Salua, Apai, Lepuiai. 8. Improvement of Passages. Upolu. —This work was prosecuted with vigour until there occurred an unfortunate accident in which the foreman in charge was killed by an explosion of gelignite. The following passages and channels received attention during the year : Puipaa, Faleula, Vaitele, Maltta, .Le Auva'a, Saanapu, Siumu, Saniatau No. 1, Samatau No. 2, Siafaga to Falelatai, Matautu, Savaia, Vaiee. A large number of pins were installed in the channels inside the reef between Vailele and Mulifanua. 9. Workshops. Joinery-shop, blacksmiths' shop, shipwrights' shop, garage, and mechanical workshop were carried on continuously until the Ist October, when, on account of reduction in public-works activities, the shipwrights' and mechanical workshop were handed over to the Crown Estates. The joinery-shop is still carried on in a minor way. 10. Street-cleaning, cleaning Government Grounds. Sanitation, Street-lighting, ami Rubbish collection. —The above services in the Town of Apia, have all been carried on continuously during the year by the Department. 11. Surveys. A preliminary survey for a hydro-electric, scheme for the Town of Apia has been carried out. New Wharf, Apia. The construction of a small wharf near the Customs sheds is under consideration, and preliminary plans have been prepared. 12. Staff. Further ted net ions have, taken place during the year, the number of the classified stall' at the beginning anil end of the year being twelve and eight respectively. CHINESE DEPARTMENT. The number of Chinese labourers in Samoa at the 31st March, 1923, was 1,328, as against 1,591 at the end of the previous year, 255 having been repatriated and 8 died during the year. In the case of those who died Leaving relatives in China, compensation equivalent to one year's wages was remitted to the latter through the Chinese Consul. On the plantations the task-work system continues to be followed as far as practicable, and appears to give satisfaction to the labourers, as they arc thus free to attend to their own affairs as soon as the standard task has been completed, instead of being compelled to work for a specified number of hours each day. The relations existing between the. Chinese Consul and the Administration during the past year have been most cordial, which would indicate that the Consul appreciates that the Administration honestly endeavours to deal fairly by the labourers.

Return of Labourers reporting to the Chinese Department during the Year ended 31st March, 1923.

Reason. AprilJune. July- I October- January- , September. Decomber. March. Total. Medical examination Complaint by employer Complaint by labourer To sign contract Sent by employer —no complaint Wanted by police .. .. Seeking new employment Wanted by Commissioner Discharged from hospital Discharged from custody of police Repatriation affairs Remittances Deferred pay Private affairs Left work without permission 130 263 35 9 71 1 213 324 58 5 92 19 203 21 54 152 20 209 270 98 1 49 5 135 29 17 167 69 10 18 201 154 17 180 85 8 28 25 31 21 8 129 25 2 29 60 46 569 1,037 276 23 240 50 544 111 189 550 205 12 47 448 470 175 10 110 102 91 75 91 112 179 Totals 1,193 1,452 1,432 694 4,771

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23

It will be noticed that there is a largo decrease in the number of labourers calling at the office of the Commissioner during the last quarter compared with the previous quarters of the year. This is accounted for in the following manner : (1) Coolies for medical examination now report direct to the Crown Estates hospital, and are not recorded in this department except under special circumstances ; (2) practically all the unemployed have either been repatriated or have secured employment. BOARD OF TRADE. As a result of the abnormal trade conditions of 1920 suspicion and considerable ill-feeling was engendered between the Samoan people and the traders, leading to the institution by the Samoans of a boycott. The boycott was carried out with vigour, and resulted in considerable losses to the mercantile community. A Cost-of-living Commission was set up to investigate the position, and one of the recommendations made by the Commission in its finding was the formation of a Board of Trade to deal with complaints of exploitation and overcharging. As a result the Samoan Board of Trade Order was passed by Order in Council, and the Board of Trade came into being in June last. The Board consists of a Chairman nominated by the Administrator, a member elected by the Apia Chamber of Commerce, and a representative of the Native race nominated by the Faipules. Functions and General Policy. The functions and general policy of the Board are, briefly, as follows: (a) Investigation of industries, the making of regulations as to their control and maintenance, the suppression of victimization, unfair competition, overcharging, &c. ; (b) the assembling and publishing of data and statistics of value to commerce, industry, and planting ; (c) the encouragement of industry, the revival of neglected industries, and the promotion of new where practicable. While taking steps to combat exploitation, the Board has endeavoured to avoid becoming too preoccupied with the many " trader grievances " indicated in (a) above, but to deal with these in some proportion to the progress achieved in those functions included in (b) and (c). In this way it is hoped to secure a constructive policy, and enlist the interest, confidence, and co-operation of the whole community. Copra. Much time and thought has been devoted to a thorough investigation of the copra industry, which is the very life-blood of Samoa's commerce. It is essential that the producer should receive as fair a price as the market permits if output is to be increased and industry and prosperity built up. With the data collected in the course of its investigations the Board hopes that, it may succeed in the not-distant future in having copra placed beyond the possibility of exploitation, in the same manner as primary products are sometimes placed in other countries, such as butter and cheese in New Zealand, for instance. Cocoa. The plight of the European cocoa-planters in July, 1922, was extreme. Not only had the quality of Samoan cocoa fallen, but the financial condition and the unorganized state of the cocoa-; planters was forcing them to sell at any price they could get. The price in July, and for some months prior, ranged from £35 to £45 per ton- a price much below the cost of production. Proposals from the Board of Trade whereby a price per ton was guaranteed of £50 for unwashed and £55 for washed cocoa, and in addition the planter was given a bonus of £2 a ton for all cocoa that passed a quality test, were agreed to by the Administration. As a result the local price for cocoa immediately rose by from £15 to £20 a ton. This increased price, if not yet really profitable, enables the planter to carry on. It can therefore be claimed that the action of the Board of Trade has for the present saved the independent planters from bankruptcy, and, by encouraging improved quality in cocoa by offering a bonus for beans up to a specified standard, is restoring the standing of Samoan cocoa-beans to that of some of the foremost in the world. Agricultural and Industrial Show. With a view to encouraging Samoan arts and crafts and industries, and ascertaining exactly what these are and what are of commercial value, the Board of Trade has organized an agricultural and industrial show, which is to be held in June, 1923. The Samoans have entered into the project enthusiastically, and it is anticipated that from six to eight thousand exhibits will be housed. The show will result in a considerable temporary addition to the population of Apia, and should provide a great stimulus to business, and will be. of great educational value by providing an opportunity of ascertaining the possibilities of various industries and branches of agriculture. Balance of Trade. Prior to 1919 the value of the exports for the Territory balanced the value of the imports. From the beginning of 1919, however, the relation between the exports and the imports became upset, as also occurred in other countries than Samoa during the post war period. It is gratifying to record that trade in Samoa has already recovered its equilibrium, as will be seen from the following figures : — Imports. Exportw. £ £ L 919 .. .. .. .. .. .. 291,368 532,500 1920 .. .. .. .. .. .. 561,153 386,587 1921 .. .. .. .. .. .. 408,892 241,539 1922 .. .. .. .. .. .. 282,939 365,610 March quarter, 1923 .. .. .. .. 54,113 115,505 £1,598,465 £1,641,741 The price of copra is good, and business is reviving on a, solid foundation.

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APIA OBSERVATORY. The work carried out at Apia Observatory embraces a study of the earth's magnetism, earthquakes, meteorology, and atmospheric electricity. Each of these four main branches requires subsidiary activities, including the determination of time, tide-observation, and storm-forecasting. During 1922 continuous records were obtained of temperature, barometric pressure, rainfall, humidity, and sunshine. The monthly maximum and minimum of temperature and of barometric pressure, and the monthly rainfall, are, given in the following table :—

The rainfall work has been extended in co-operation with the Crown Estates Department, so that rainfall records are now taken at thirteen stations on Upolu. These records are of use not only to the Crown Estates management in a study of products suitable for their plantations, but also to the Department of Public Works in determining the quantity of water available for hydro-electric development. The stations with the greatest and least rainfall are Aleisa and Vaitele. For the past three months their rainfall is as follows : Aleisa —January, 29-17 in.; February, 16-41 in. ; March, 117-82 in. Vaitele—January, 17-28 in. ; February, 17-02 in. ; March, 49-02 in. On account of the heat and humidity of the tropics the meteorological instruments corrode rapidly. It has been necessary to make large replacement orders for 1923, including a new anemometer, thermograph, hygrograph, sunshine-recorder, and thermometers. These instruments will place the meteorology work on a better basis. An important branch of the weather work consists in the preparation of daily reports which are broadcasted by the wireless station. In addition to this broadcasting by the Apia Radio by the courtesy of the Hon. the Postmaster-General of New Zealand, all storm-warning messages sent from the Apia Observatory to the Awanui Radio-station will be broadcasted by the latter for the: benefit of shipping outward bound from the Dominion to the Pacific. During the hurricane season, November to April inclusive, statements are sent out at noon and 10 p.m. of the barometric pressure, wet-and-dry bulb thermometer, wind direction and force, and cloudiness. During a cyclone messages are sent out as circumstances dictate. In the cyclone of March, 1923, wireless statements were broadcasted in regard to the position of the storm-centre and direction of its path. The Apia Observatory lias been made Ihe station for the receiving, analysing. and publishing of the weather data from Suva (Fiji), and Nukualofa (Tonga), Norfolk Island, Vila, (New Hebrides); Tutuila (American Samoa), Papeete (Society Islands), and Noumea (New Caledonia). If a, vessel's stay in the harbour permits, barometer comparisons are made with the Observatory standard, and certificates given to the. ship's officers. Chronometers are rated. Both these services are done free of charge. In connection with both seismic and magnetic work it is necessary to have time observations correct to 0-3 second. Observations are made bi-weekly on the sun. and the correction on the standard clock determined. The clock is used in rating ships' chronometers, in answering telephone requests for correct time, and in giving the signal for firing the noon gun. The atmospheric electric work is carried out under the direction of the Department of Terrestrial Magnetism of the Carnegie Institution of Washington. The results are of importance in a study of the earth's magnetism and in obtaining a knowledge of static disturbances in wireless telegraph. A laboratory was built in April, 1922, for this work, and since I hen records of potential gradient, have been obtained. In order to get away from the effects of land and of uneven surfaces, a special laboratory has been built by the Public Works Department in the shallow water inside the reef. The observations should be of unique importance in giving the electrical conditions of the atmosphere as they exist over the great ocean areas. The Observatory has its great importance and use in giving information in regard to the vast areas of the South Pacific Ocean. The Observatory, started in 1904 by the University of Gottingen, and continued with increasing ardour until the war cut off its financial support, has been guided through a critical period of transfer of ownership by the New Zealand Scientific Honorary Board of Advice to the Department of External Affairs. Attention is drawn to the seventh resolution of the World's Scientific Conference held in May, 1922, at Rome, namely : " 7. That the steps already taken

Temperature. i Prei mre. i 1922. .Maximum. Minimum. Maximum. Minimum. Rainfall (Inches). January February March April May June July A ugust September . . October November .. December .. 33-7 23-9 33-2 21-2 32-3 23-6 32-9 23-7 31-4 22-8 32-0 21-6 31-1 19-1 32-2 22-2 310 21-9 31-4 22-2 32-5 22-8 31-5 23-0 60-5 60-2 62-9 62-0 61*8 62-9 62-2 63 1 63-2 63-3 610 62-9 50-5 53-9 54-4 5-1-4 56-2 560 56-3 56-8 57-3 55-1 530 49-4 2706 8-38 11-68 504 13-71 4-81 1 -58 5-24 9-81 10-11 14-57 23-92 1

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by the New Zealand Government regarding the continuation of the Apia Observatory in Samoa are highly commended, and it is hoped that the New Zealand Government may find it possible to provide for the continued full activities of the Observatory." Full reports of the magnetic, meteorological, and seismological work of the Samoan Observatory are being printed separately, and copies will be sent to the, Secretary-General of the League of Nations. Rainfall for the Year 1922, as recorded at the Observatory, Mulinu'u. ~, ~ Rainfall. ~ ~ Rainfall. Month. /T . . Month. , T . . (Inches). . (Inches). .January .. .. .. 27-16 August .. .. .. 5-24 February . . . . . . 8-38 September . . . . . . 9-81 March .. .. .. 11-68 October .. .. .. 10-81 April .. .. .. 5-44 November .. .. .. 14-57 May.. .. .. .. 13-71 December .. .. .. 23-92 June .. .. ' .. 4-81 July .. .. .. 1-58 Total .. ..137-11 STAIfrY. Careful attention continues to be given to the question of the stalling of the various Departments and, as will be seen from the subjoined fable, a further reduction has been effected during the year making a total reduction of twenty during the past two years.

4—A. 4.

Department. Report for 1921. Report for 1922. Stall' :is at 31st March, 1923. Administrator's Administrator A.D.C. .. Administrator A.D.C. .. Administrator. A.D.C. Number 2 2 2 Secretariat Numbc r Secretary Assistant Secretary (ilerk Typist Typist Typist Secretary Assistant Secretary Clerk Typist Typist Billeting and Relieving Offici r 6 Secretary. Assistant Secretary. Clerk. Typist. Typist. Billeting and Relieving Officer. 6 6 Agriculture Director . . Clerk Farm-manager Ins | lector Inspector [nspeotor. Director .. I 'Icrk Inspector Inspector [nspeotor Director. Clerk. Inspector. Inspector. Inspector. Nun ber 0 5 5 Ihinese Commissioner Assistant Commissioner 2 Commissioner Assistant ('ommissioncr. o Commissioner. Number 1 Justoms and Harbour Collector.. Examining Officer. . Clerk Clerk Fumigation Officer Harbourmaster 6 Collector Examining Officer. . First Clerk Clerk [fumigation < tfflcer Harbourmaster 0 Collector. Examining Officer, [first Clerk. Clerk. Fumigation Officer. Harbourmaster, (i Number )ducation.. N11 in ber Director Master Assistant Master . . Assistant Teacher .. Assistant Teacher . . Assistant Teacher .. Organizing Teacher Organizing Teacher Director Headmaster Headmaster, District School Mistress Assistant Master Assistant Teacher Assistant Teacher Assistant Teacher Organizing Teacher 9 Superintendent oi Schools. Headmaster. Headmaster, District Sohool. Mistress. Assistant, .Master. Assistant Teacher. Assistant Teacher. Assistant Teacher. Travelling Teacher. 9 8 ustice (Ihief Judge ( iiraii Solicitor Assistant Crown Solicitor Registrar, High Court Registrar, Lands. 5 Chief Judge Crown Solicitor Assistant Crown Solicitor and Registrar of Court and Lands (Ihief Judge. < Irown Solicitor. Assistant Crown Solicitor and Registrar of Court and Lands. Number :: 3 Lands and Survey .. Chief Surveyor (inoluded in Native Department,) Chief Draughtsman [field Surveyor Assistant Surveyor Assistant Surveyor 5" Chief Surveyor [field Surveyor Computing I iraughtsman Assistant Surveyor Assistant Surveyor (!hief Surveyor. (lomputing Draughtsman. Assistant Surveyor. Assistant Surveyor. Number 5 4

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STAFF— continued.

Department. Report for 1921. Report for 1922. Staff as at 31st March. 1928. Public Works Engineer in Charge Engineer Cadet Draughtsman Chief Clerk Clerk and Ledger-keeper Storeman Buildings Overseers (2) Road Overseers (2) Foreman Joiner Foreman Plumber.. Foreman Painter .. Foreman Mechanic Foreman Shipwright Sanitation Foreman. 16 Engineer in Charge Draughtsman Chief Clerk Clerk and Ledger-keeper Storeman Buildings Overseer Road Overseer Foreman Joiner Foreman Plumber .. Foreman Painter .. Foreman Mechanic. Foreman Shipwright. Sanitation Foreman. Engineer in Charge. Draughtsman. Chief Clerk. Clerk and Ledger-keeper. Storeman. Buildings Overseer. Road Overseer. Foreman Painter. 8 Number 13 .Medical Chief Medical Officer Hospital Superintendent Medical Officer .Medical Officer Medical Officer Health Officer Dispenser Assistant Dispenser Secretary and Steward Storekeeper .Matron Sister Sister Sister Sister Sister Sister Sister Sister Chief Medical Officer H ospital Superintc ndent Medical Officer Medical Officer Medical Officer District Medical Officer Dispenser Assistant Dispenser Secretary and Steward Storekeeper Matron Sister Sister Sister Sister Sister Sister Sister Sister Chief Medical Officer. Hospital Superintendent. Medical Officer. Medioal Officer. Medical Officer. Disl riet Medical Officer. Dispenser. Assistant Dispenser. Secretary and Steward. Storekeeper. Matron. Sister. Sister. Sister. Sister. Sister. Sister. Sister. Sister. Inspector of Health. 20 Number 19 19 'ative Affairs Secretary Assistant Secretary Clerk of Court Accountant Chief Translator .. 5 Secretary ( fork of (Hiurt Accountant Chief Translator Secretary. Assistant Secretary. Clerk of Court. Accountant. Chief Translator. 5 Number 4 Police Commissioner [nspeotor Sub-Inspector Sergeant Accountant and Storekeeper Gaoler Constable Constable. Interpreter. Commissioner Inspector Sub-Inspector Sergeant Accountant and Storekeeper Gaoler Constable Commissioner. Sub-Inspector. Detective Sergeant. Sergeant. Accountant and Storekeeper. Gaoler. Constable. Number 7 7 9 Postal Postmaster Clerk Clerk Line Foreman Postmaster Clerk Clerk Line Foreman Postmaster. Clerk. Clerk. Line Foreman. 4 Number 4 4 Resident Commissioners At Aleipata At Fagamalo Secretary at Fagamalo Agricultural Inspector, Fagamalo At Aleipata At Fagamalo Secretary at Fagamalo Beetle Inspector, fagamalo.. At Aleipata. At Fagamalo. Secretary at Fagamalo. Beetle Inspector, Fagamalo. Number 4 4 4 Supplies Purchase .. Stores-manager Storekeeper Clerk. Clerk. Typist. Clerk. Supplies Purchase I Iffioer . . Clerk. Supplies Purchase Officer. Number 2 1 li Treasury .. Treasurer Accountant Assistant Accountant Audit Officer Clerk and Treasurer Accountant Assistant Accountant Audit Officer Clerk and Treasurer. Accountant. Assistant Accountant Audit Officer. Clerk. and Number 4 4 4

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STAFF— continued.

WESTERN SAMOA. SUPPLEMENT TO KEPORT TO LEAGUE OF NATIONS. For Period Ist April, 1922, to 31st March, 1923.

QUESTIONNAIRE. It has been considered desirable to again attach to this report certain of the questions in the special questionnaire (and the answers thereto) as at the 31st March, 1923, which appeared as a supplement to the Second Mandate report of last year. In future, the information particularly desired by the Special Mandates Commission will be incorporated in the annual report under the respective Departments. I. SLAVERY. Last year's answers apply. 11. LABOUR. Last year's answers apply. 111. ARMS TRAFFIC. 1. What measures are being adopted to control the traffic in arms and ammunition ? See last year's answer. 2. What are the statistics relating to imports of arms and ammunition of different categories ? Firearms imported during the year ended 31st March, 1923: two double-barrelled B.L. No. 12 gauge sporting shot-guns ; one. No. 16 gauge sporting shot-gun, 5.8., B.L. ; 11,500 No. 12 gauge sporting shot-gun cartridges ; 4,000 No. 16 gauge sporting shot-gun cartridges ; 3,500 No. 20 gauge sporting shot-gun cartridges ; 500 No. 24 gauge sporting shot-gun cartridges ; 500 No. 22 pea-rifle sporting cartridges ; sixty empty brass shot-shells ; 3,000 percussion caps; 1,000 felt wads ; 1,000 cardboard wads. IV. TRADE AND MANUFACTURE OF ALCOHOL AND DRUGS. 1. What steps are. being taken to assure the prohibition of abuses of liquor traffic ? See last year's answer. 2. How is the campaign against alcoholism organised ? See last year's answer. 3. What are the effects of these measures (statistics relative to the import and to the local manufacture of alcoholic liquors, &c.) ? Smuggled liquor is scarce and dear—as high as £5 per bottle. "Home brew" is difficult to stamp out, but the severe, simtences are having a salutary effect, and. the sale of such liquor is kept in small compass. In all, four cases of smuggling wore taken to Court, two for liquor and two for opium. All were successful. Imports during tho year : For medicinal purposes —Whisky, 164 gallons ; brandy, 40 gallons ; port wine, 50 gallons ; stout, 122 gallons. For sacramental purposes, nil (fresh supplies come in April, 1923). For industrial purposes —Rectified spirit, 10 gallons.

5—A. 4.

Department. Report for 1921. Report for 1922. Staff as at 31st March, 1923. Radio-station Superintendent Senior Operator Operator Operator Operator Operator Operator Chief Engineer Second Engineer. 9 Superintendent Senior Operator Operator Operator Operator Operator Engineer Second Engineer. Superintendent. Senior Operator. Operator. Operator. Operator. Operator. Engineer. Number 8 7 ,abour Number Agent. Grand totals Administra Departmen for ition its Ill', 103 96

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4. What are the countries of origin of alcoholic liquors, other than wine and beer, imported, into the Territory ? Whisky — United Kingdom via New Zealand and Australia; brandy—France via Australia. 5. What measures have been taken to assure the prohibition or regulation of the importation, production, and consumption oj dangerous drugs ? See last year's answer. V. LIBERTY OF CONSCIENCE. Last year's answers apply. VI. MILITARY CLAUSES. Lust year's answers apply. VII. ECONOMIC EQUALITY. Last year's answers apply. VIII. EDUCATION. 1. What steps are being taken for the elementary education of the Natives of the Territory (organization and, statistics) ? Is this education free to all Natives, and, if not, in what cases is it free ? These islands owe the deepest debt of gratitude to the missions, to which almost altogether Ihe work of education litis been left in the past. The London Mission Society, the Methodist, Mission, and the Roman Catholic Mission, principally, and to a lesser extent the Church of Latter-day Saints and Seventh-day Adventists, have for years past carried on the work, and to their efforts must be attributed the fact that few if any Samoans are unable to read and write in the vernacular. The work, however, is carried on by separate entities, and is unco-ordinated and cannot reach as far as they themselves would wish. Our policy is to encourage and supplement their work and to take it further, in the hope that a satisfactory national system of education may be built up. The pastors of the London Missionary Society and the Methodist Missions are not only pastors, but also school-teachers, and it is part of the pastor's duty to carry on a school in his village. So it arises that in every village there is at least one school, and in some two or three. The subjects taught are reading (Samoan), writing, arithmetic, scripture. English, and geography, and also, in some schools, history. There are also the Marist, Brothers' and Marist Sisters' Schools in Apia. In both schools, boys and girls, as the case may be, of all classes are admitted —white, half-caste, Native. The roll number of the Marist Brothers' School is 300, and of that number 140 are pureblooded Natives. The roll number of the Marist Sisters' School is 170, and of that number about fifty are pure-blooded Natives. The Administration has also schools, and these schools are being developed. In Apia, in addition to the school for white and half-caste children (roll number 220—attended for the most part by half-caste children) there is a, school for Native boys and girls, with a roll number of 243. The District School at Vaipouli, on the Island of Savai'i, has opened with a roll number of eighty-four. White, half-caste, and Native children are, admitted. Number being educated by missions at village schools, district, schools, high schools, and colleges : L.M.S. Mission, 7,671 ; Methodist Mission, 2,030 ; Roman Catholic Mission, 1,800 ; Latter-day Saints Mission, 460. All education by the missions is, generally speaking, free, but in the Government schools (for Natives) education is free to till those who have been selected by examination, or by privilege as in the case of the Government School, Laumua, a school built in German times by several villages according to certain agreements which are still respected by I he Administration. A charge is made at the Marist Brothers' School, the Marist Sisters' School, and the Government School (for whites and half-castes). At the Mormon schools no charge in money is made, but help in kind is expected. 2. What steps are being taken to provide for higher education of the Natives, such as medical, veterinary, and technical ? Samoa has not yet reached the stage for higher education, but a beginning has been made at Government School, Ifi Ifi, where secondary classes have been established to prepare candidates for the Public Service Entrance and the Matriculation Examination, New Zealand. It is gratifying to report that one candidate, from the Medical Department, is preparing for the Medical Preliminary Examination, two from the Lands and Survey Department for Surveyor's Examination, and several from I he Education Department for the Teacher's Examination, Medical. —The Education Department arranges for tuition, in English only, for selected half-caste nurses and Native cadets employed by the .Medical Department, which is responsible for the following course of training organized by the medical authorities. Samoan nurses : Suitable girls, drawn largely through the missionary societies, but not •restricted to these sources, are engaged as probationer nurses at the Apia Hospital. They do the work of a probationer nurse in the ward (both European and Samoan) under the supervision of the white sisters. They receive theoretical instruction from the Matron and the Superintendent. The lectures are devoted to genera] medical principles, to the special diseases prevalent in Samoa, and to the cases of children and infants. At the end of two years

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they are examined and, if suitable, are sent to out-stations for a further year's service under the District Medical Officer. The contract terminates at the end of three years, but they may re-engage, if they so desire, for a further period. Samoan cadets : This is in its infancy. Suitable youths are engaged as cadets at the hospital. They help in the practical work, in the wards and the out-patient department. They receive theoretical instructions in elementary anatomy and physiology, materia medica, and therapeutics. They receive lectures —theoretical and clinical—in medicine and surgery as it applies to Samoa. No attempt is made to give them a comprehensive knowledge of medicine ; only such diseases as are likely to be seen in Samoa are dealt with, and the aim is to make them thoroughly conversant with the common ailments. They are not encouraged to undertake senior cases beyond their capabilities. Operative work is confined to Ihe opening of superficial abscesses. More serious cases are sent to the hospital. The course at the hospital lasts two years, and the instruction is carried out by the medical staff. At the end of the third year, if the cadet has made sufficient progress. In; is sent to an out-station to work under the District Medical Officer. At the end of that time, if lie is suitable, he is given the rank of Native Medical Assistant, and is sent on visits to a district where sickness is unduly prevalent. They all receive! laboratory training, assist in the operating-theatre and in the dispensing of medicines. Veterinary. —No arrangements have been made for training in this particular work, but up to the present the services of experienced white officials cm ployed by the Agricultural Department and Crown Estates have been availed of. Technical. —Leulomoega High School : At this school the London Missionary Society have had for years a carpenter's shop where instruction is given in carpentery and cabinetmaking ; training is also given in smithery and instruction in practical agriculture. Methodist High School and College, Luli Lufi : Practical instruction in carpentery and cabinet,making has been given in these and other Methodist district schools, and it is hoped to extend the work. Government schools: At all Government schools instruction in woodwork is given. Scholarships. —Six boys have been sent to New Zealand to attend St. Stephen's College, Auckland, for a period of three years' general education. It is proposed to send four boys every year. 3. In what languages is instruction given in the different categories of schools ? In all Government schools instruction is given entirely in English. Instruction in English is also given at the Marist Brothers' and Sisters' Schools, Apia, likewise tit all Mormon schools. The Administration has recently appointed a travelling teacher lo assist in the teaching of English at, Malua L.M.S. College ; at Piula Methodist College ; at Moa Moa Roman Catholic College. The only other language in which instruction is given is the Native tongue —Samoan. 4. Are Mission schools compelled to submit to certain conditions ? If so, what ? Mission schools are not compelled to submit to certain conditions as yet, but in the near future it is hoped that registration of all schools in Samoa will take place. This will enable the Superintendent of Schools to enter all village schools. Compulsory attendance at these schools will then follow. IX. PUBLIC HEALTH. 1. What steps are being taken in the Territory to provide for public health, sanitation, and to combat endemic and epidemic diseases ? (a.) Organization and Administration. A preliminary survey of Western Samoa in 1920 showed the necessity for the establish ment of a Division of Public Hygiene in addition to the Division of Clinical Medicine and Hospitals already established. By the Samoa Health Order, 1921 (New Zealand Gazette Extraordinary, No. 17, of 16th February, 1921), a Department of Health was formed, consisting of the two divisions mentioned above. Under this order a Board of Health was also set up, with power to make regulations for the conservation and promotion of the public health. The Samoa Act, 1921, section 34, altered the constitution of the Department of Health, and in February, 1923, the two divisions were amalgamated, the Medical Officer of Health becoming also Chief Medical Officer. Since its inception in 1921 the Board of Health has made the following regulations : — No. 1 : Regulations for the Sale of Intoxicating Liquors. No. 2 : Regulations for the Purpose of Preventing and Checking the Spread of Infectious Diseases. No. 3 : Regulations providing for the Registration of Births and Deaths of Samoans. No. 4 : Regulations as to Rubbish and Refuse Containers. No. 5 : Regulations in respect of Buildings, Drainage, and the Structure and Cleansing of Privies. No. 6 : Regulations as to the Prevention of the Breeding of Mosquitoes.

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The Administrator, on the advice of the Board of Health, has, by notice in the Gazette, added the following diseases to the infectious-diseases schedule of the Samoa Health Order: — (1.) Venereal disease (gonorrhoea, syphilis, soft chancre, venereal warts, venereal granuloma). (2.) Dysentery (bacillary dysentery, amoebic dysentery). Beriberi has been made a notifiable disease. (b.) Sanitation. (1.) Water-supplies. —ln Apia and several of the Native villages gravitation water-supplies have been installed. In a few villages where such supplies are not possible storage tanks have been constructed. The Natives appreciate the advantage of a permanent and good water-supply, and the number of villages desiring such is increasing. (2.) Disposal of Excreta. —In Apia the crude sanitation of the past is being gradually replaced by modern installations of septic tanks, &c. In the Native villages propaganda is necessary in order that the enlightened co-operation of the Natives may be obtained. This matter is again referred to under (c) (1) Uncinariasis. (3.) Disposal of the Dead. —In the past the Native burial customs have not been interfered with to any marked extent, but the question of enforcing the use of common burial-grounds situated in selected areas is under consideration. (4.) Food Sanitation. —The New Zealand Sale of Food and Drugs Act, 1908, with all regulations made thereunder, is in force in Western Samoa. (c.) Endemic Diseases. Of the more important tropical diseases only three are prevalent in Western Samoa, viz.—(1) Uncinariasis ; (2) frambcesia tropica ; (3) filariasis. Influenza, of the ordinary inter-epidemic type, and measles must be considered as endemic in the Territory. Uncinariasis. —-It is estimated that over 90 per cent, of the Natives harbour hookworms. Although the percentage of infected individuals is high, the degree of individual infection is comparatively low ; but, notwithstanding this, the almost universal infection has without doubt a debilitating effect. The worm most commonly found is the Necator americanus, the Ankylostoma duodenale being rarely found. The work of the International Health Board (Rockfeller Foundation) has been closely studied, both in their reports and in the field in Queensland and Fiji, and the work of bringing hookworm under control in these islands is being carried out on the same lines. The Board has kindly supplied lanterns, slides, charts, and a hookworm film at cost price. The work has already commenced in Savai'i, and a second unit will take the field in a few weeks. The islands are being taken systematically, village by village, the procedure being an illustrated lecture in the evening followed by treatment with carbon tectrachloride early the next morning. It is anticipated that this systematic campaign will be completed before the end of the year. Preventive measures —the installation of sanitary latrines —will be carried out in conjunction with this campaign as far as possible. (2.) Frambcesia tropica. —This disease is very prevalent, especially amongst the younger members of the community. The Samoans, however, now recognize the value of treatment by arsenical injections, and are freely offering themselves for treatment. (3.) Fihriasis. —The report of the special investigation of this disease carried out by Dr. O'Connor, of the London School of Tropical Medicine, will give an exhaustive survey of the whole question. Its publication is awaited with interest. (d.) Epidemic Diseases. There are ample powers for dealing with an outbreak of epidemic disease. On the appearance of any infectious disease the Medical Officer of Health, on the authority in writing of the Administrator, may exercise any or all of the wide powers conferred on him by sections 19 and 20 of the Samoa Health Ordinance, 1921. Under the Samoan Quarantine Order, 1920, ample powers are given for dealing with shipping from overseas, both as to infectious diseases and any other disease the introduction of which into Western Samoa might constitute a danger to the public health. Weekly radiograms as to health conditions in New Zealand, and, when occasion arises, as to conditions in the other island groups in the Pacific, are received from New Zealand. The fortnightly health bulletins received in New Zealand from London are also forwarded for our information. 2. What provisions are made for medical assistance ? The provisions made for medical assistance during the year under review were the same as those reported in last year's questionnaire. Reorganization of medical finances, and also of the Medical Service, has made it possible to extend the activities of the Department, and therefore it is advisable to give not an account of the organization of the past, but what is now being carried out and will be completed in a few months. The accompanying map shows the position of the various stations.

Map showing Portion of Medical Stations, and Population served by them

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(a) Apia Hospital : Established about 1904. Consists of European, Samoan, and Chinese sections, operating-theatre, laboratory, and offices. It has a staff of three medical officers, eight qualified nursing sisters, with Samoan cadets and nurses in training. (b.) Tuasivi Out-station, Savai'i : Opened in 1921. Stafl —one medical officer, one Samoan cadet, and two trained Samoan nurses. (c.) Aleipata Out-station : To be opened as soon as the buildings have been erected. Staff—as for Tuasivi out-station. (d.) Fagamalo Out-station, Savai'i: To be opened in .May, 1923. Staff —a Native medical practitioner who has had eleven years' experience in the Apia Hospital. (c.) Dispensaries at the mission stations at Malua and Lufi Lufi (Upolu), and Salaelua (Savai'i) : A trained Samoan nurse will be allotted to each of these stations. These mission stations have been provided with drugs in the past, and have done splendid service. Now that Samoans are being given free treatment the work of these stations will be increased. (/.) Dispensaries at the mission stations at Falealupo and Satupaitea (Savai'i), and in the Falejetai, Falealili, and Safata districts (Upolu). (g.) Dispensary at Mulifanua : Worked in conjunction with the Crown Estates' Mulifanua Plantation, All these dispensaries will be visited at regular intervals by a medical officer. 3. What is the actual situation as regards prostitution, and what steps are being taken in this matter ? Section 139 of the Samoa Act, 1921, reads as follows : — " 139. (I.) Every one who keeps a brothel is liable to one year's imprisonment. " (2.) A brothel is a house, room, or place of any kind whatever kept or used for purposes of prostitution. " (3.) Any one who acts as a person having the management, care, or control of a brothel shall be deemed to be a keeper thereof whether he is in fact- a keeper thereof or not. " (4.)-The owner or occupier of any house, room, or place who knowingly permits the same to be used as a brothel shall be deemed to be a keeper thereof whether he is in fact, a keeper thereof or not. Additional Questions submitted by the Permanent Mandates Commission (see League of Nations). —Document C 550, M 332, 1922, page 5, paragraph 3. The questions there numbered 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5 are here renumbered 4, 5, 6, 7, and 8, to preserve sequence. 4. What public health organization for the investigation, prevention, control, and treatment of diseases exists in the Territory ? See 1 and 2 above. 5. What endemic diseases are responsible for the greatest morbidity and mortality in the Territory ? Please supply as complete statistics as possible regarding the morbidity and mortality attributable to such diseases, where possible by months and age and sex. Owing to the scattered condition of the population, the presence of only two medical stations in the Territory, and the conservatism of the Native as regards medical treatment, it has been impossible in the past to obtain even comparatively accurate statistics. Too many of the deaths are of young children, chiefly from gastro-intestinal disorders. A study of the tabulated statistics of patients treated in Apia Hospital (as given in the annual report for 1922-23) gives an indication of the chief conditions requiring attention in Western Samoa. 6. Please indicate the birth-rate, the death-rate from all causes, and the infant-mortality rate for those portions of the Territory, if any, for which such information may be available. The estimated Native population as at the 31st December, 1921, was 33,068. The births for the year numbered 1,622 and the deaths 899. Calculated on the average population for the. year, the birth-rate was 48 - 52 per thousand and the death-rate 26*89; The method of registration of deaths, introduced in 1905, only enables statistics according to age to be grouped as under : — Tamameamea .. .. Infant boy .. Birth to six months. Tama .. .. .. Boy .. .. Six months to adult (16-18). Taule'ale'a .. .. Adult .. .. From 16 to 18 years onward. Teinemeamea .. .. Infant girl .. From birth to six months. Teine .. .. .. Girl .. .. From six months to marriage (17-20). Fafine .. .. .. Adult .. .. From marriage onwards. So far as can be estimated from the returns available, one-third of the deaths are of " adults," and two-thirds are " infants," " boys," and " girls." 7. Describe the measures in force for the collection of vital statistic* in the Territory. As a result of the unsatisfactory conditions existing regarding the registration of births and deaths of Samoans, the Board of Health introduced new regulations in 1922 : " Regulation No. 3—Regulations providing for the Registration of Births and Deaths of Samoans." As the Native officials responsible for the notifications of births and deaths had to be instructed in their duties and the necessary forms had to be obtained, the regulations did not operate until the Ist January, 1923. Each year accurate statistics of the births and deaths of all those born after that date will be available. A copy of the regulations is appended.

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8. Please, supply such other information of epidemiological interest concerning the Territory as may be available, with special reference to the incidence of such serious diseases as sleeping-sickness, &c, where this information does not come within the scope of question 2 above. See 1 and 5 above. REGULATIONS PROVIDING FOR THE REGISTRATION OF BIRTHS AND DEATHS OF SAMOANS. The.Administrator, acting on the advice of the Board of Health, and in pursuance of the powers and provisions of the Samoa Health Order, 1921, doth hereby make the following regulations providing for the registration of births and deaths of Samoans, and doth declare such regulations come into force on the day of , 1922. 1. These regulations may be cited as the Board of Health Regulation No. .'!. 2. (1.) The Administrator may from time to time appoint such persons as he thinks fit to act as Registrars of the Births and Deaths of Samoans. (2.) Until such time as the Administrator may determine, the Pulenu'u in each village, and the Fa'amasino in each district, will act as Registrars of the Births and Deaths of Samoans. Registration of Births or Samoans. 3. (1.) Within seven days after the birth of any Samoan child born on or after the Ist day of April, 1922, the following particulars shall be furnished to the Pulenu'u of the village, and to the Fa'amasino of the district, in which flic child was born :—r (a.) Date of birth. (b.) Place of birth, (c.) Christian or first name. (d.) Sox of the child. (c.) Condition of child (whother alive or dead when born). (/.) Name of the father. (g.) Residence of father (village and district in which fathor resides). (h.) Name of mother. («'.) Residence of mother (village and district in which mother resides). (j.) Signature of informant. (k.) Residence of informant. (I.) Date of registration. (m.) Signature of official registering the birth. (2.) The father and the mother of the child shall be responsible for duly furnishing to the Pulenu'u and to the Fa'amasino the particulars hereinbefore referred to in respect of the birth of any Samoan child. 4. (1.) On receipt of the particulars of the birth of any Samoan child as aforesaid the Pulenu'u and the Fa'amasino shall enter the same in the Register of Births, and on a duplicate sheet to be supplied for the purpose by the Native Allah's Department. (2.) On receipt of any particulars of the birth of any Samoan child, notwithstanding that the full particulars required by these regulations have not been furnished, the Pulenu'u and the Fa'amasino shall enter the particulars Famished in the Register of Births and on the duplicate sheet as aforesaid. (X) The said register shall be in tin; form No. 1 in the First Schedule hereto, or to the effect thereof. (4.) Upon completing the entries in the register and on the duplicate sheet aforesaid the Pulenu'u and tho Fa'amasino shall request the informant to sign the same. Registration of Deaths of Samoans. 5. (1.) Within seven days from the date of the death of any Samoan occurring on or after tho Ist day of April, 1922, the following particulars shall be furnished to the Pulenu'u of tho village and to the Fa'amasino of the district in which the death occurred :— (a.) Date of death. (A.) Place of death. (ft) Name of dec-cased. (d.) Residence of deceased (village and district in which deceasod resided). (c.) Ago of the docoased (if known). (/.) Sex of the decoased. (g.) The name of the father of the deceased. (h.) Rosidence of tho father of tho deceasod. (i.) The inline of the mother of the deceased. (j. ) Residence of the mother of tho doeeased. (k.) If deceasod married, name of husband or wifo. (l.) Number ami sex of children living (if any). (in.) Cause of death. (n.) Signature of informant. (o.) Rosidence of informant. (p.) Such other particulars as the Administrator may from timo to time determine. (2.) Every person present at the death is responsible for tho notification of such death, and they shall choose one of thoir number to furnish to the Pulenu'u of the village and to the Fa'amasino of the district the particulars hereinbefore referred to. (I. (1.) On receipt of the particulars of the death of any Samoan as aforesaid, the Pulenu'u and the Fa'amasino shall enter tho same in the Register of Deaths and on a duplicate sheet to bo supplied for the purpose by the Nativo Affairs Department. (2.) On receipt of any particulars as to the death of any Samoan, notwithstanding that the full particulars as required by these regulations have not been furnished, the Pulonu'u and the Fa'amasino shall enter the particulars furnished in the Register of Deaths and on the duplicate sheet aforesaid. (.'!.) The said register shall be in the form No. 2 in the First Schedule hereto, or to the effect thereof. (4.) Upon completing the entries in tho registor and on the duplicate sheet aforesaid tho Pulenu'u and the Fa'amasino shall request the informant to sign the samo. 7. (1.) On the death of any Samoan who has been attended in his last illness by a registered medical practitioner, that practitioner shall sign and deliver, or cause to be delivered, to the Secretary for Native Affairs a certificate on a form to be provided lor the purpose by the Secretary for Native Affairs, stating to the best of his knowledge and belief the causes "f death (both primary and secondary), the duration of the last illness of the deceased, and such other particulars as may be required by the Secretary for Native Affairs. (2.) 'flic immediately preceding subclause of this regulation does not absolve any persons mentioned in subclause (2), clause ;">, of these, regulations from the duty of reporting such death to the Pulenu'u of the village and the Fa'amasino of tin; district in which the death occurred.

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(3.) The particulars set forth in the certificate required under subclause 1 of this regulation shall be entered, together with the namo of the cortifying medical practitioner, in the Register of Deaths kept by the Secretary for Native Affairs. General. 8. (1.) Every Pulonu'u shall forward at once to the Fa'amasino the duplicate sheets of all registrations of the births and deaths of Samoans effectod by him. (2.) Every Fa'amasino shall forward, by tho first available Government messenger, the duplicate sheets of all registrations of tho births and deaths of Samoans effectod by him and by the Pulenu'u of his district, to the official mentioned below :— Savai'i —Tho Rosident Commissioner, Fagamalo ; Aleipata—The Rosident Commissioner, Aleipata ; Upolu (other than Aleipata)—The Secretary for Native Affairs, Apia ; who will forward such duplicate sheets to the Secretary for Native Affairs at monthly intervals. 9. The registers kept in pursuance of theso regulations by the Secretary for Native Affairs shall at all reasonable times be open to the public on payment of the search fee set forth in tho Second Schedule hereto, and the Secretary for Native Affairs shall, on application by any person, and on payment of the fees set forth in tho said schedule, issue certificates of any entries in the said registers. 10. Every person required by these regulations to furnish particulars in respect of any matter who, without sufficient causo, fails to furnish such particulars, and every Pulenu'u and Fa'amasino who fails to comply with the requirements of these regulations, shall be liable for a first offence to a fine not exceeding two pounds (£2), and for a secjjnd offence to a fino not exceeding five pounds (£5); and any porson who knowingly furnishes false particulars shall be liable to a fino not exceeding twenty pounds (£2O). 11. Tho fees set out in the Second Schedule hereto shall bo payable to the Socrctary for Native Affairs in respect of the matters therein specified, and shall bo accountod for by him to the Treasury in Apia. X. LAND TENURE. Last year's answers apply. XL MORAL, SOCIAL, AND MATERIAL WELFARE. Last year's answers apply. XII. PUBLIC FINANCES. See particulars of revenue and expenditure for year ended 31st March, 1923, on pages 14 to 16 of the report : otherwise last year's answers apply. XIII. DEMOGRAPHIC STATISTICS. Births, Deaths, Marriages, Immigration, and Emigration.

Return showing the Births, Deaths, Marriages, Immigration, and Emigration for the Year ended 31st March, 1923.

Approximate Cost of Paper. —Preparation, not given ; printing (550 copies), £35.

Authority : W. A. G. Skinner, Government Printer, Wellington.—l 923.

Price Is.]

Births. Deaths. Marriages. Immigration. Emigration. Native Samoans Europeans and half-castes Chinese indentured labourers Melanesian and Polynesian labourers indentured 1,602 90 2 1,000 19 6 2 128 23 807 517 18 1,194 414 261 4 Totals 1,694 1,027 151 1,342 1,873