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1924. NEW ZEALAND.
MANDATED TERRITORY OF WESTERN SAMOA (FOURTH REPORT OF THE GOVERNMENT OF NEW ZEALAND ON THE ADMINISTRATION OF) FOR THE YEAR ENDED THE 31st MARCH 1924.
Prepared dy Direction of the Minister of External Affairs for the information of the League of Nations, pursuant to Article 0 of tub Mandate.
Presented to both Houses of the General Assembly by Command of His Excellency.
Prime Minister's Office, Sir,— Wellington, N.Z., sth June, 1924. I have the honour to forward herewith the Fourth Annual Report on the; Mandated Territory of Samoa for the year ended the 31st March, 1924. This report has been prepared by His Excellency the Administrator of Samoa and adopted by the New Zealand Government as its report for the purposes of Article 6 of the Mandate. A copy of this report has been forwarded direct to each member of the Permanent Mandates Commission, and, as requested by the Council of the League at its meetings on the 12th and 13th December last, one hundred additional copies have been despatched to you direct under separate cover. I have the honour to be, Sir, Your obedient servant, F. H. I). Bell, The Secretary-General of the League of Nations, Geneva. For the Prime Minister.
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CONTBNT S. PAGE Administrator's Report . . . . ~ . . .. .. .. .. .. .. 3 Departmental Reports .. .. . . • • .. .. .. • • ■ • .. 9 Questionnaire .. .. .. . • . . .. . „ .. .. .. 37 rACIK I'AHE Administration .. .. .. 8 Liberty of Conscience .. .. 38 Agriculture .. .. .. 14 Marine .. .. .. ..17 Alcoholic Liquor .. .. ..38 Medical .. .. .. 10,11 Arms Traffic .. . . .. 38 Military Organization .. 39 Board of Trade .. .. .. 29 Moral, Social, and Material Welfare 41 Chinese Labour .. .. 7, 20, 37 Native Affairs .. .. . . 4,9 Crown Estates .. .. .. 8,30 Observatory .. .. .. 27 Customs .. .. .. ..17 Opium .. .. .. ..38 Demographic Statistics .. .. 42 Police and Prisons .. .. 20 Drug Traffic ... .. .. 38 Post and Telegraph .. 22 Economic Equality .. ..39 Public Health .. .. 11,40 Education .. .. 1?, 39 Public Trust .. .. .. 30 European Community .. .. 8 Public Works .. .. .. 8,25 Finance .. .. . . 31, 41 Radio .. .. .. .. 24 Justice .. .. .. 13 Slavery .. .. .. 37 Labour .. .. .. 8, 20, 37 Staff .. .. .. .. 35 Lands and Survey . , 24, 40 Supplies Purchase .. .. .. 26 Legislation .. . . .. 9 Trade .. .. .. .. 3, 30 Legislative Council .. .. 7 Vital Statistics .. .. .. 42
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ANNUAL EEPOET BY THE ADMINISTKATOB FOE THE YEAR 1923-24. I. TRADE. From the point of view of trade the past year has been one; of depression, and the revenue of the Administration has suffered heavily in consequence. The total trade figures were little more than half those of 1.920, which was a record year for trade in Samoa. In making comparisons with 1920 it must be borne iti mind that trade conditions were not then normal, owing to the high market values and to excessive imports that year to the extent of nearly £200,000, from the effects of which Samoa is only just beginning to recover. One interesting feature of last year's trade is that in spite of the depression the exports of copra were almost double those of 1920.
Total Trade Values (Calendar Years).
From the foregoing graph it will be seen that the trade returns have, been falling since 1920, and that last year's trade was the lowest since 1917, but higher than any previous to that date. The reduced volume of trade last year was not due to diminished production by the Natives, whose sole contribution to the trade of the Territory is copra, the Native output of this product for 1923 being 10,000 tons, which quantity has been exceeded only on two previous occasions in the history of Samoa—viz., 1919 and 1922. The principal causes which contributed to the reduced trade during the past year were — (1) Extremely low market, price of our products; (2) damage done to plantations by the heavy rains in March, 1923, causing a considerable reduction in the cacao crop ; (3) excessive imports over exports during the years 1920-21 to the extent of nearly £342,000, causing an accumulation of stocks by merchants and thereby reducing imports for the years 1922-23. At time of writing there are indications of increased trade and prosperity. The Natives are responding to the efforts being made to get them to utilize more fully the resources of their plantations. The visible crops are good, and market values are now higher than for the previous year, and other exports for the past two years have exceeded imports by £100,000. For the above reasons I feel justified in predicting greatly increased production, better economic conditions, and improved trade
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generally, in the near future, although I estimate only for a good average, year in 1921 owing to I he fact that Samoa is still suffering from the effects of the, aforementioned excessive importations, and consequently the import trade is likely to be below normal for probably the whole of the present year. 11. NATIVE AEEAIRS. Policy. The policy of the Government to give primary consideration to the interests of the Native race; in all matters of administration is being strictly carried out, and is evidently being appreciated by the Natives themselves, as shown by the report of the Secretary for Native Affairs. Without absolute confidence in their Government the; Natives will not readily respond to instructions given by its officials in their own interests. They prefer their Native: customs, and thereby retard their own development. Events comprising the history of Western Samoa have; not been conducive to promoting unity amongst the Natives in support of their Government. The confusion which reigned prior to the three Powers assuming control in 1889, the unsettled conditions prevailing during the latter regime (the change of Government in 1.899 and again in 1911), followed by four years and a half of uncertainty as to which flag this Territory would be; under after the war, also the change from military to civil administration under a mandate granted by the League ol Nations in 1920, have all had a disturbing influence on the minds of the Natives, making them feel that the Government was without any fixed policy on Native interests, and that changes might recur any day without their having any voice in their own affairs. The Native leaders have informed me that these past events in their history created a suspicion in their minds that their country was being exploited, and that the Natives —the real owners of the soil —were not receiving the consideration to which they wore entitled. Eecent experience in dealing with the Natives has shown that they desire permanency in the existing Government, and appreciate its sympathetic treatment of their problems. lam pleased to be able to report that they are responding gradually but surely to the gospel of self-help, which is being instilled into them by all Government officials. District Councils. The custom of the Natives in making appeals to the Government to do many things for them which they could do equally well for themselves, such as minor repairs to roads, sanitary improvements, &c, is a practice which, if allowed to continue, will retard the object of the Government to educate; the Natives to control their own affairs. To obviate this it is proposed to establish District Councils to deal with local matters in each district, such as sanitation, compulsory education of children, maintenance of roads and bridges, compulsory planting and development of plantations, allocation of land, increasing production, remodelling of villages, &c. Native Lands. Great satisfaction has been expressed by the representatives of the Native race (the Faipules) at the decision of the New Zealand Government not to sell ite Crown Estates lands, but to temporarily dispose of them by lease in order that these lands may be available in the future for the Natives should they increase in numbers to such an extent as to ultimately require additional land for settlement. In considering the future requirements of land by the Natives it must be borne in mind that the present generation of Samoans will not establish new villages inland, where there is plenty of room for settlement. They insist on living quite close to the sea-shore, and would ridicule as inferiors those, who lived in the bush. There are evidences of the previous existence of many old village settlements in the bush at some distance from the sea-coast, indicating that in their early history the majority of the Samoan Natives lived there, and not, as they do now, practically on the beach. From stories which have been handed down it is concluded that superstition and danger of being kidnapped by invaders were responsible for this custom. To-day it would be advantageous to some of the Natives to go and five inland near good watersupplies and within easy reach of their plantations, but their strong resentment to ridicule as " bush Natives " prevents me from effecting any change in this direction and thereby simplifying difficulties in providing land for expansion of some villages on the northern shores of Upolu. For a distance of twenty-five miles of the most thickly populated area of the north coast of Upolu—viz., from Letoga to Mulifanua —the boundaries of either European or Crown Estates land extend for practically fifteen miles either on the sea-front or so close; to the sea that villages have no room for expansion. As the Natives must, in accordance with their communal customs, reside in their own territorial or political district, and also will not live inland, provision must now be made by acquiring land for expansion for those, villages which require it, in the above-mentioned area. There are large areas of undeveloped land in Samoa, but every bit of it is owned communistically by a chief or district, and no Natives from one district where land is scarce can go to a district where it is plentiful and acquire it for their own use. Therefore, during the existing stage of social development of the Natives sufficient land for their plantations must be provided for each village in its own political territory. This would constitute a difficult problem for me in dealing with the request of
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some of the villages along the twenty-five miles of coast-line referred to previously, but for the decision of the New Zealand Government to " reserve power to the Administrator to define certain areas in any of the leased properties now forming part of the Crown Estates for use when required by the; Natives cither as village sites or for plantations." Reservations have now been made of small areas of Crown Estate land adjoining some of the villages which are now situated close to swamps, or whose malae (area in front of villages) is being rapidly diminished by the erosion of the sea. On these areas newly modelled villages will be constructed which will be, more sanitary and provide for many other improvements over existing Native villages. Also, limited areas of undeveloped land forming part of the Crown Estates have been reserved for Native plantations. Neither of these reservations materially affects the leasehold value of the estates, while they should add considerably to the health and contentment of the Natives concerned. In all parts of Samoa other than that portion of the northern shore of Upolu previously referred to the Natives have far more land than they will require, or be able, to cultivate for many years to ciime, and in some districts do not take full use; of those lands they now have; unde;r cultivation, either because there are too few Natives to work them or that they can obtain all their needs without doing so. There are great possibilities of further development by private enterprise of uncultivated land for coconut plantations, but Native, land for this purpose could only be, obtained by lease and under such conditions imposed by the; Government that the interests of the Natives would be safeguarded Native Agriculture. Copra. Although the; Natives' produce 75 per cent, of the copra exported, it is calculated that they could easily increase this amount considerably and so enhance their own wealth as well as the revenue of tins territory. That they are beginning to realize the; advantages to themselves from increased production will be seen from the following graph. I predict that the increase will be more marked in the near future :—
Copra-production by Natives, showing average for Three-year Period.
Faipules, The legislation enacted, by the New Zealand Parliament last session whereby the Fono (Council) of Faipules was legally constituted to deal with Native matters lias given satisfaction to the Natives generally, and has inspired the Faipules with confidence that under the, present Constitution no legislation affecting the welfare of the Samoan race will be; introduced without first obtaining the wishes of their people and the advice of their representatives, the Faipules. In the past the Samoans have not taken much interest in the work of the Faipule Fono, but now, through its newly acquired legal standing and the publication of its proceedings in the Native Press, they are gradually realizing its value as a national institution where the opinions of the people can be made known and where their interests will be safeguarded. That this Fono (Council) is an active institution will be realized from the following list, giving a few only of the many matters dealt with during the three sessions held during the past year : (1) Compulsory medical treatment of Natives for certain diseases ; (2) village sanitation ; (3) scheme for increasing production of copra ; (4) education matters, including compulsory education of children, &c. ; (5) scheme for roadmaking; (6) provision of Samoan labour in substitution of Chinese ;
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(7) change in land policy allocating a definite area of land to each taxpayer ; (8) establishment of District Councils to carry out the ad mi nisi ration of certain local Native matters in each district; (9) rearrangement of districts for Faipule representation ; (10) investments of money by Natives to be controlled ; (11) establishment of Museum for Samoa ; (12) Native regulations. The forthcoming visit to New Zealand of Faipule representatives will be greatly appreciated, and should result not only in cementing the; good feeling that now exists between the Natives and the Government, but should also be of educational value. Education op Natives. Generally speaking the Natives are; well educated in the vernacular, and there are very few who cannot read and write, while; not a few —particularly those who have been trained in the Mission theological colleges —arc; comparatively highly educated ; but very few Samoans have a, good working knowledge of the English language. Whether it is desirable to institute a system to provide for the teaching of English in all schools is a matter that requires most careful consideration as to its effect on the future development of Samoa and the race. I have received numerous requests from the Natives to establish Government schools in every district in Samoa, in order that all Native children may be taught English. There is a tendency for some of the Natives to think that the; mere learning to speak English will at once invest them with the; powers and knowledge of an educated European, and so enable them to obtain appointments as Government officials. Realizing that the future, prosperity and happiness of the Samoans depends largely upon their education being harmonized with their-future needs, their surrounding conditions, and the needs of these islands in which they will be compelled to reside no matter how highly they are developed, I have devoted a portion of my time to studying the present system of education and the future needs of the Native race. I have, ascertained the opinions of many chiefs, pastors, and teachers on this question. Some recommend confining the teaching of English to the sons of chiefs and orators ; others consider that Government schools should be established all over Samoa, and that English should be made the chief object of study ; while a few would eliminate entirely the English language from Native schools. I consider that Samoa's most urgent needs are— (1.) The education of the people in the laws of health and sanitation, so that the race may become healthy and multiply. (2.) To educate them in improved methods of cultivation, and to make them realize that their future lies in developing their lands, and so enhance their prosperity and the economic advancement of Samoa. (3.) 'Io train the younger generation in such arts, crafts, and vocations as will enable them to further their own development with less dependence upon European assistance than they are now compelled to receive. From past experience it cannot be said that those Natives who have learnt English are more keen to stay in their villages and use their knowledge to further the; interests of their people, their villages, or their plantations. Rather they tend to leave their homes and seek appointments as Government officials or vocations in Apia, where the vocational needs are so limited that only a small number of Natives can be absorbed. I am of the opinion that in all Native schools the first object should bo to harmonize education with the future needs of Samoa, and to teach pupils to thoroughly acquire the art of writing and reading their own language —a by-no-means small effort —and to insist upon attaining a high standard of efficiency in the mother-tongue as the spoken language. The teaching of English is to be confined to a limited amount of oral or very elementary instruction only, and to reserve the real study of English in written form to the small number of scholars who display special ability and show themselves worthy of assistance to undergo a prolonged course of training in a third-grade school to fit themselves for those vocations in which they could bo absorbed. There are now two Government third-grade schools in Samoa —one in Apia for Native boys of Upolu, and one in Savai'i. These; are; sufficient to give advanced instruction to selected pupils, and ought to fill all requirements for some years to come, providing the missions will carry on their good work and continue to teach children in their own mission schools ; but the work in these schools requires to be co-ordinated and carried out in accordance with the syllabus prepared by the Superintendent of Schools. To facilitate this co-ordination, and to provide for continuity of policy in education matters, a Board of Education has been appointed, including rcprese;ntatives' of all the missions. This Board has had several meetings, and has deliberated on various problems. Its functions are—(l) To co-ordinate the educational activities of various missions in. Samoa ; (2) to make recommendations to the Administrator on educational matters ; (3) to assist the Administration in carrying out its educational policy. This Board has recommended the establishing of second-grade schools, each one of which will serve one or more villages according to the number of children who have passed through the existing village schools, which in future will be for infants only. Second-grade or intermediate schools are to be controlled by the respective missions, but the Government will assist by inspection, and also provide and pay the salary of one Native teacher for each school. The salaries of Native teachers for these schools is to constitute the subsidy to missions, in lieu of the former system of subsidizing them for education on a capita basis without reference to the nature of the instruction given.
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A few of these schools are now being established, and it is hoped the number will be ultimately increased so as to provide; for every district, and so enable all children to have; the; opportunity of getting education beyond the standard they are now limited to in their village; schools. Health op Natives. On my arrival in Samoa during March of last year there was,an epidemic of dysentery, which extended throughout Western Samoa and continued for several months. Many deaths resulted therefrom, particularly among young children. This afforded an opportunity to make an object-lesson for the Natives in the matter of sanitation, which many villages .took steps to improve ; but the sanitation is still bad. It is the first and most important problem in Samoa, and will remain so until a thorough education is given in all schools on this subject, and makes its influence felt in the villages and home-life of the Natives. Another serious drawback to the increase of the Samoan race is the large number of deaths of infants due to improper feeding. These vital matters are receiving the attention of the Chief Medical Officer (vide his report herewith). It is satisfactory to note that, in spite of the large number of what may be; termed preventible deaths, the race has increased by 303 during the past year. lam hopeful of a greater increase in future, owing to the fact that Natives are undoubtedly realizing more and more the value of sanitation and medical treatment in preference; to their fa'a Samoa or ancient Native customs of treating sickness. They have cheerfully agreed to pay £1 per annum as a medical tax in order that their medical service may be a national one, and that all may receive treatment if required for any kind, of disability free of any further charge. A vast amount of good has been done by the Medical Department in treating thousands of Natives for hook-worm and yaws, and thereby effecting a great improvement on the health of the people. All these activities of the Medical Department could not be carried out were, it not for the; liberal subsidy granted by New Zealand, and which I trust will be continued in the interests of a splendid race of people, and so materially aid in a gradual and progressive increase in their numbers. Expenditure on Natives. It will be seen from the departmental report, under the heading, "Finance," that an endeavour has been made; to comply with the request of the Council of the League to show separately the revenue derived directly from the Natives and the amounts expended directly on them. These figures are only approximate, and those referring to expenditure do not include the moneys spent on the Medical and Education Departments, which are maintained almost exclusively for the benefit of the indigenous population. 111. CHINESE LABOUR. The reasons for employing Chinese labour in Samoa are well known. If Samoa is to progress it must supply its quota of tropical products to the world's markets. This it cannot now do with its comparatively small Native; population alone, and before we can dispense with imported labour we must hopefully await the time when the Samoan race has increased in numbers sufficiently to enable them to cultivate their own lands, and to furnish the necessary labour for those limited areas which are now (and which may be extended in future) cultivated by private enterprise. During the past year I assembled the employers of Chinese; labour and discussed with them the means whereby we could, in accordance with the; wishes of the New Zealand Government, place; the Chinese labourers on a better footing than the then-existing indenture system. I was impressed by the fair-minded spirit with which the employers dealt with this question, and their desire to be as generous as they could afford to be towards the labourer. As a result of our deliberations the indenture system was abolished and free labour instituted, whereby any labourer dissatisfied with his employment may give notice to terminate his services and be free to obtain other employment. The wages were increased, with provision for a minimum wage; of 3s. per diem for plantation workers. An Ordinance was enacted providing for the now conditions, and became law on the 4th December, 1923. Favourable reports have been received from employers and employees re the now conditions, which are; apparently giving greater satisfaction to both parties, and better economic results. During the past year 353 labourers have been repatriated to China —from whom many applications have been received to return here for another term of three years. It is our desire, to reduce the number of Chinese labourers in Samoa to the lowest possible number, and to replace them by Native labour where possible. This is being done successfully to a limited extent on some plantations, and will, I trust, be carried out still further as opportunities arise. Native labour for certain classes of work is very efficient, and does not cost more than Chinese. Some years previous to 1914 there were nearly 5,000 Chinese and Melanesian labourers in Samoa. In 1914 the number of Chinese was 2,184, and Me;lanesians 900 : total, 3,084. At the present time them; are only 938 Chinese labourers under agreement, 29 free Chinese, and 172 Melan,esians in Samoa. With scientific distribution of labour and esxpert supervision it is considered that the present areas of privately owned or leased plantations under cultivation can be properly maintained with a total of approximately 1,000 imported labourers, supplemented by Native labour whe;re possible, so that the so-called " Chinese labour problem " in Samoa should be less difficult to deal with in future; years than it has been in the past. IV. LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL. The first election of members to represent the European population of Samoa on the Legislative Council was held on the 23rd January, when the following gentlemen were elected, in the order given : 0. F. Nelson, Esq., G, E, W. L. Westbrook, Esq., A. Williams, Esq.
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At the opening ceremony on the sth March the following radiogram from His Excellency the Governor-General of New Zealand was read, and highly appreciated : — " On the interesting and historical occasion of the first meeting of the recently constituted Legislative Council of Western Samoa, I desire to convoy to you and to members of the Council my warmest congratulations. It must inevitably be a matter of satisfaction and pride to the people of Western Samoa that so noteworthy a step forward towards representative government as the institution of a Legislative Council, which is partly elective and partly nominative, should have been made in a period of a little in excess of three years. It is in the confident belief that the Administration will be supported and strengthened under changed conditions that I express, on behalf of the Government of New Zealand, the satisfaction with which the new departure is viewed and our heartiest good wishes for the future. " Jellicoe." V. PUBLIC WORKS. In 1922 a loan of £100,000 was granted by New Zealand for carrying out certain public works in Samoa. This loan has been. e;xpendcd on roads, hospital extensions, schools, and water-supply for Apia. Only a small amount was expended in out-districts, where many Native villages are in urgent need of good, water-supplies. It has therefore been decided to concentrate our efforts, as far as possible, on the latter, before considering any new developmental works. If no unforeseen emergencies arise it is hoped that in the interests of economy we shall be able to meet our normal public-works requirements out of revenue, and be able to avoid raising any further loans for some time to come, except for absolutely essential services which will be revenueproducing, such as the proposed new wharf for Apia Harbour. The two urgent needs which have been provided for on this year's estimates are —(1) A retainingwall along the Apia sea-front; (2) water-supplies in Native villages. New roads are being continually asked for by the Natives, but these cannot, for financial reasons, be constructed ontirely by the Government, and I am glad to say that this fact is being appreciated by the Natives themselves, as the Faipules have agreed, to use Native labour and make new roads where required at approximately Is. per foot. Recently the Natives have constructed an excellent road, 800 yards long, in the vicinity of Apia. This road was properly formed, metalled, and drained for £190. The same work in a European country would probably cost more than £3,000 per mile. This in itself shows the attitude of the Natives in their desire to help the Government, and has had a far-reaching effect throughout Samoa in showing them how they can help themselves. VI. CROWN ESTATES. The decision of the Government given in December of last year to lease the Crown Estates is being gradually given effect to. At the time of writing practically all the cacao plantations have been leased, and numerous inquiries are being made by applicants to lease the large copra plantations. I anticipate before the end of the present year all Crown estates —the property of New Zealand—will have been leased to private enterprise. As the Government has already generously agreed that revenues received from these estates shall be made available to the Samoan Administration, our local revenue will in future bo increased by their leasehold value ; but this has not been taken into consideration in the estimates for this year, as it is not known what expenses will have to be met in the closing of the accounts and transactions involved in the change over. VII. EUROPEAN COMMUNITY. I wish to gratefully acknowledge the help received by the Administration during the past year from individuals and organized bodies of the European community of Apia. Various committees have been set up from time to time to investigate and report on local problems for the guidance of the Administration, and I have had no difficulty in getting citizens to come forward and give their advice and assistance in any matter for the promotion of the interests of Samoa. The Welfare League has also willingly co-operated with the; Administration whenever called upon. Under these conditions the Administration and citizens have worked harmoniously together to further the prosperity of this Territory. VIII. A DMINISTRATIO N. I am indebted to a very efficient staff of Administrative officials, who, in most cases, are required to work harder than is generally realized, and under far more trying conditions than in New Zealand. Owing to climatic conditions, and the consequent necessity for maintaining efficiency where; the staff is depleted through sickness, also the essential provision for long leave of officials at the end of throe years' service, the Administration cannot be run as economically as it would otherwise bo possible to do. Owing to the diminished revenue it has been found necessary to reduce the costs of administration, and in order to do this I have had the unpleasant duty of dispensing with the services of officials in some Departments, and also curtailing Governmental activities where this could safely be done without prejudice "to the interests of the community. I regret that a number of the officials employed in Samoa are only recognized as " temporary " under the Now Zealand regulations, and therefore cannot contribute to the New Zealand Superannua
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tion Fund, or be absorbed in any other Government Department in the event of their being compelled through service in the tropics affecting their health, or through no fault of their own, to relinquish their appointments here. The remedy would appear to be in the establishment of a permanent service for those tropical islands administered by New Zealand. The longer an official stays in Samoa—providing he is able to keep physically fit —the greater the value of his services to the Administration ; therefore I strongly recommend that the officials of the Samoan Government Service be given a similar permanent status to members of the Civil Service in the Dominion. Legislation. In New Zealand. The, Samoa Act, 1921, was amended during the year ended 31st March, 1924, by the Samoa Amendment Act, 1923. (22nd August, 1923.) The British Nationality and Status of Aliens (in New Zealand) Act, 1923 (applied with nece;ssary modifications to Samoa by section 14). The following Orders in Council have been passed during the year ended 31st March, 1924 : — The Samoa Mortgages Extension Order, 1923. (23rd April, 1923.) The Samoa Customs Consolidation Order, 1923. (3rd September, 1923.) The Samoan Legislative; Council (Elective Membership) Order, 1923. (10th September, 1923.) The Samoa Customs Consolidation Amendment Order, 1923. (25th September, 1923). Appointment of Apia as Port of Entry for the Union (Tokelau) Islands. (25th September, 1923.) The Ex-enemy Absentee Property (Samoa) Order, 1923. (24th October, 1923.) Amending the Samoan Crown Estates Order, 1920. (29th October, 1923.) Amending the Samoa Public Trust Office Oreler, 1921. (Ist February, 1924.) The Samoa Immigration Consolidation Order, 1924. (Ist February, 1924.) The Samoa Freemasons' Trustees Order, 1924. (Ist February, 1924.) In Samoa. During the year ending the 31st March, 1924, the Legislative Council sat on four occasions, and has passed the following Ordinances':— 1923. No. 8. The Road Traffic Ordinance Amendment Ordinance;, 1923. No. 9. The Cacao Beans Export Ordinance, 1923. No. 10. The Chinese Free Labour Ordinance, 1923. No. 11. The Sale of Apia Native Land Ordinance, 1923. No. 12. The Samoan Women's Property Ordinance, 1923. No. 13. The Importation of Fruit from Fiji Prohibition Amendment Ordinance, 1923. No. 14. The Samoan Medical Levy Ordinance, 1923. 1924. No. 1. The Land for Quarantine Purposes Ordinance, 1924. No. 2. The Taxation Licensing and Revenue Amendment Ordinance, 1924. Copies of these several Acts, Orders, and Ordinances have been forwarded to the SecrotaryCenoral of the League of Nations and to oach member of the Permanent Mandates Commission. In Great Britain. The following Imperial Order in Council has also had effect in tho Territory during the year : — The Merchant Shipping (Administration in Mandated Territories) No. 1 Order, 1923. (25th May, 1923.) By the Samoa Amendment Act, 1923, provision was made for electivo membership of the Legislative Council in addition to official and nominated members as provided in the original Act. The Samoan Legislative Council (Elective Membership) Order, 1923, provided that the number of elected members should bo three, and also set up the machinery for the carrying-out of elections, as we;ll as defining the qualifications of candidates for election and qualifications of electors. The first election under the Order was held on the 23rd January last, when the following citizens were elected to the Council : 0. F. Nelson, Esq., G. E. W. L. Westbrook, Esq., A. Williams, Esq. DEPARTMENTAL REPORTS. NATIVE AFFAIRS. During the year two Fonos of Faipules were held, at which many matters of importance to the Samoans were discussed and much valuable, work done. At these Fonos the Faipules evinced a willingness to carry their share of the responsibility in the good government of these islands. The Faipules expressed their desire to proceed immediately with the medical tax as a means of bringing about a more comprehensive warfare against disease, and of educating the Samoans along the lines of hygiene and proper sanitation. The desire for better sanitation in villages was discussed, and plans were accepted for remodelling villages with this end in view. In discussing education tho Faipules were strongly in favour of compulsory education. They volunteered to personally insure this being carried out in their respective districts. The Government's policy of establishing three grades of schools and adopting as far as possible the present system to fit in with the policy was agreed to.
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In dealing with the matter of compulsory treatment of yaws the; Faipules were wholly in favour of an Ordinance whereby restrictions would be imposed on families neglecting. to have cases treated, even fining offenders for evading the doctor's inspection. When one thinks of what this convoys to the Samoan mind one is impressed, for the Samoan views yaws pretty much as white mothers view the measles—a necessary infantile ailment. But propaganda on the part of the Medical Department has shown them their error, and the Faipules are prepared to face their districts and enforce the observance of a law which they know is for tho people's welfare and health, although against popular belief. The above are a few only of the many matters discussed. The whole work of the Fonos was carried through in an atmosphere of confidence which augers well for the future of the Territory. Native Officials. During the year drastic alterations have been made in the organization of villages and Native Government officials. Some sixty Pulenu'us have been retired and villages united under one Pulenu'u where previously there were two or three. This reorganization has resulted not only in a saving in salaries but in an increase in revenue. It has also effected a general tightcning-up and increased efficiency. Another reduction in Native; officials was in the personnel of the Land and Title Commission, which has been for some years unnecessarily large. Ten members of the Commission were retired, leaving a total of fourteen instead of twenty-four. Samoan Offenders Ordinance. It has been necessary to apply this Ordinance to a few offenders during the year, notably to one chief who, through his knowledge of English, had for some years been able to more or less victimize his less enlightened brethern in money matters. His guilt was eventually sheeted home to him, and the effective punishment of divesting him of his title and subjecting him to local banishment was meted out to him and has given groat satisfaction. It has in a practical manner demonstrated that the Administration will see that justice is done alike to those of high or low degree. Medical. In dealing with the care of the health of the peoplo the example set by the Administration has had not only a beneficial result physically but it has been of psychological value to the Samoans. At the commencement of the year the medical tax was an ideal which, though desirable, presented many obstacles, and although acceptable to the majority of the districts there remained, some in which the suggestion was received under protest. Propaganda in those districts left the people without enthusiasm. The Medical Department, however, pushed forward the practical side of their work, and the result has been not only good from a physical point of view but it has, to a very large degree, cemented the feeling of confidence in the Administration, and has evoked a practical response from the districts where suspicion lurked, and given unanimous approval of the medical tax. As a result the people are taking a keener and more sensible view of sanitation and health matters. Moreover, they now have a more personal interest generally in the medical work, for they are materially helping towards its support. Malagas by the Administrator. His Excellency made very complete malagas round the islands of Upolu, Manono, and Savai'i, thus affording him an opportunity of meeting the Natives in their homes and gaining first-hand information as to their various needs and requirements. In all his meetings with the Samoans His Excellency endeavoured to instil the gospel of self-help.
Cases dealt with by the High Court (Native Department).
Land disputes Title disputes Enforcements of judgments Civil claims Insult Contempt of Court Wandering pigs Theft Failure to pay poll-taxes Unpaid dog-taxes Appeals Unpaid Pulenu'u and F.M.P. fines .. Miscellaneous Total -j,. ,, Referred to Number of j- Y , Law and Titles Cases. dls P° sed oi Commission. 20 11 4 19 1 8 188 140 47 39 • 9 8 8 8 27 24 6 4 110 74 17 11 4 2.. 146 105 51 33 20 19 188 4-7 9 8 27 6 110 17 4 146 51 Adjourned. 5 10 48 8 1 3 2 36 6 2 41 18 652 460 12 652 460 180
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Native Officials now in the Service. Clpolu. iSavai'i. Total. 1. Fautua .. .. .. .. .. ..2 .. 2 2. Faipule ... . . .. . . .. .. 19 14 33 3. Pule Fa'ato'aga . . .. .. .. .. 10 6 16 4. Komisi .. .. .. .. .. .. 8 6 14 5. Faamasino .. .. .. .. .. .. 15 12 27 6. Pulenu'u .... .. .. .. ..90 52 142 7. Failautusi .. .. .. .. .. ..16 .12 28 8. Leoleo .. .. .. .. .. .. 33 23 56 193 125 318 DEPARTMENT OP HEALTH. General. During the year the various medical out-stations and dispensaries mentioned in last year's questionnaire have been opened. On the 4th April, 1923, free medical treatment of Samoans was instituted. This was made possible by the Natives voluntarily agreeing to pay a medical subscription of £1 per adult male. The large increase in the number of Natives seeking medical advice this year as compared with former years is the result. Quarantine. During the year eighty-six visits of inspection were paid to vessels arriving from overseas, and in two cases, owing to the presence of influenza amongst those on board, quarantine was imposed. These are the only vessels it has been found necessary to quarantine since January, 1921.
Table showing Particulars of Vessels entering Port of Apia during the Year.
Food and Drugs. During the period under review 6,658 lb. of meat was condemned as unfit for human consumption, as compared with 7,393 lb. during the previous year. But whorcas during the previous year most of the meat condemned was canned meat, this year the amount of such condemned was much reduced. The following shows the proportion of this class of meat to tho total amount condemned :— lb. Canned meats .. .. .. .. .. 1,850 Meat in kegs .. .. .. .. .. 4,630 Cured and frozen meats .. .. .. .. 178 Total .. .. .. .. .. 6,658 Kice to tho amount of 18 tons 11 cwt. was condemned as unfit for human consumption. 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 compiled from the notifications received, of cases applying for treatment:—
Quarter 1923-24. of Vessels Pratique Passengers. inspected, withheld. Number of Vessels inspected. He £ Port Pratique Passe withheld. European. dth Inspection. ugers. Crew and Labour.* Native. European. Nat April-June .. .. .. .. 21 .. 232 2 July-September .. .. .. .. 26 2 443 2 October-December .. .. .. .. 22 .. 170 3 January-March .. .. .. .. 17 .. 226 2 21 26 22 17 232 2 443 170 226 202 243 333 245 673 868 898 909 Totals .. .. .. .. 86 2 1,071 1,0 86 1,071 1,023 3,348 *The monthly mail-boat carrrios Fiji labourers for work at the various island ports.
Nationality. ■il 3 h BrS w 1 a II «r9 9 3 II _4 OT 11 11 •i I t * S p* s ifi s 1 | 1 1 ±1 Si OB cu "3 I i 4 3 5 1 r—I g o u Pi r3 I 1 £ Th i i Europeans .. lamoans Chinese lolomon-islanders .. I 2 ..25 2 ■ 2 16 1 1 3 1 1 .... 70 2 4 3 8 L24 .. .. .. 7 .. 12 .. I .. 19 9 12 3 4J 4 4 1.. 2 1 .. 2 1
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Dysentery. An epidemic of dysentery, of which the causative organism was proved to be B Dysenteriaj (Shiga), was experienced during the year. The epidemic reached its maximum in July, and altogether was responsible for between four hundred and five hundred deaths. Dysentery is endemic in Samoa, but occasionally becomes epidemic, as occurred in 1907 and 1911, in both of which years it was responsible; for an actual decrease in the population. The births and deaths for the years mentioned are : — Mean Births. Deaths. Population. 1907 .. .. .. 33,442 1,389 1,564 1911 .. .. .. 33,826 1,453 1,827 1923 .. .. .. 33,685 1,701 1,398 Leprosy. Five cases of leprosy wore reported during the year. These patients will be removed to the Mokagai Leper Asylum, Fiji, shortly, so that they may receive tho benefit of the modern methods of treatment practised there. APIA HOSPITAL AND MEDICAL OUT-STATIONS. Apia Hospital— General attendances .. . . .. . . 37,279 European in-patients . . .. . . .. 184 Samoan in-patients . . . . .. .. 663 Chinese in-patients.. .. .. .. .. 512 - Operations, major .. .. .. _.. .. 225 Operations, minor .. .. .. .. .. 270 Chinese out-patients .. .. .. ..'].,320 Tuasivi District Hospital (nine months' returns) — General attendances .. .. .. .. 16,038 Samoan in-patients .. .. .. . . 151 All the dispensaries mentioned in last year's report were opened at various times throughout tho year, but as the returns are for incomplete periods they have not been included. The District Hospital at Aleipata was not opened until the end of the year under review, owing to delay in completion of the buildings. Note.—The figures for hospital attendances given above include 16,312 injections for yaws and 4,221 treatments for hookworm. In addition to these, 16,054 injections for yaws and 14,236 treatments for hookworm were given in outlying districts, making a total of 32,366 injections for yaws and 18,457 treatments for hookworm given during the year. EDUCATION DEPARTMENT. In former years education in Samoa was almost entirely in the hands of the missions, which have done splendid work in teaching practically every Native to read and write in the vernacular. As a consequence the Samoan race is probably the best educated of the Polynesian races. Formerly higher education was not attempted except for the training of pastors, whose duty includes that of teaching in the village schools connected with, their respective Churches. Latterly higher education has been carried out by the Government schools at Malifa and Vaipouli, and by the Marist Brothers at Apia. Higher education for girls has been given at Papauta (London Missionary Society), Faleula (Methodist), and Marist Sisters' School, Apia. The popularity of this higher education to many Native boys and girls has caused many requests to be made by the Natives for the establishing of Government schools in various parts of Samoa. These requests were made without regard to cost, and, more important still, without regard to the present and future occupational needs and opportunities in these undeveloped lands. Outside of Apia, with the exception of the pastors and Native officials, tho Natives are obliged to work on their plantations to produce food for their families, and to produce copra for the acquiring of money with which to furnish their individual and communal needs. It was necessary, therefore, to define clearly our policy in regard to the education of the Natives. There was a tendency in the past to set up an expensive system which would overeducatc, disturb their social conditions, and cause unrest. The present low rate of natural increase of the Samoan race, together with their communistic mode of life and the collective ownership of land, very large areas of which are still undeveloped, will keep the Samoans in a backward condition for many years to come, and it would be unwise to force the pace too quickly. The education policy of Samoa, therefore, should not aim too high. It should not educate the Samoan children too much in advance of their surroundings and social conditions, but should have for its object the making of good citizens, inspired with a love for their country and a determination to work for its advancement. A conference on education was held in August last, at which representatives from all the missions were present, as also was Mr. J. Caughley, Director of Education, New Zealand, who happened to be on an inspection visit to Samoa. The conference decided that it would be in the interests of the Samoans themselves if the teaching of English were curtailed at present. Europeanizing the Natives was unanimously condemned. It was considered that by concentrating in the main on instruction in the vernacular a better influence would prevail. It is not intended to give less knowledge to the Samoans, but a more comprehensive syllabus in their own language will be attempted.
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As a result of the conference the following classification of schools was made : —• Grade 1 (Missions' Pastor Schools). —These to be under the sole control of the missions, The instruction to be in Samoan. All children from five to ten years of age will attend. Grade II (Mission Schools). —These schools to be established gradually in each district. The Samoan teacher will be selected by the, missions and paid by the Administration. A common syllabus to bo followed, in which English will be a subject. In these schools the Samoan child will qualify for his Samoan proficiency certificate, and from these schools will bo selected the scholarship boys who will proceed to Grade 111 schools. Grade 111 (Government Schools — Malifa (Upolu) and Vaipouli (Savai'i) ). —These schools are under the direct control of the Administration, and are taught by white teachers with the assistance of Native teachers. The teaching is in. English only, and higher education is provided for. Technical instruction is given in plumbing, carpentcry, wireless, typewriting, and engineering. Work carried out during Year. Student and Pastor Classes. The travelling teacher devoted the whole of his time to these classes until the commencement of the vacation in December. The respective missions have expressed their appreciation of the assistance thus given them, and have expressed a desire for this form of help to be continued. Teachers' Classes for Grade II Schools. In January last a train ing-class was established at Malifa (Government) School for the purpose of giving special training to the recently selected Samoan teachers about to proceed to the Grade II Schools in Upolu and Savai'i. Thirty-two teachers attended and went through a course of training in the various subjects of tho syllabus decided upon, for these schools. Avele Agricultural School. This school was established during the year for the purpose of affording Samoan youths an opportunity of receiving instruction in agriculture. Boys before entering Malifa and Vaipouli Grade 111 Schools will be required to undergo a course of training at Avele. The site selected for this school is weill suited for the purposo for which it is intended, and comprises an area of some 120 acres. It is intended to carry out experimental work at the school with a view to testing the possibilities of introducing new products to the Natives. Examinations. During the year proficiency examinations were conducted by Mr. J. Caughley, Director of Education, New Zealand, at the Marist Brothers' School and at Ifi Ifi (Covernmont) School. At the former eight proficiency and one competency certificates were gained, and at the latter seven proficiency certificates.
Roll Numbers and Average Attendance at Government Schools during the Year ended 31st March, 1924. Roll Numbers.
Average Attendance.
JUSTICE DEPARTMENT. Staff. A redistribution of duties on the appointment of the present Chief Judge in September last, and the addition of a Samoan-born officer to the staff, has enabled the Department's work to be carried on efficiently with two officers from New Zealand, instead of three as previously.
3 3 3 3 Date. 30th-June, 1923 30th September, 1923 31st December, 1923 31st March, 1924 Ifi Ifi. Mai Boys. Girls. Boys. 100 94 182 99 95 222 94 94 228 105 103 218 Ufa. Vaipouli. Total. Grand Total. Girls. Roys. 59 84 60 182 60 128 65 89 Boys. Girls. 372 153 449 155 444 154 412 168 525 604 598 580
Date. Ifilfi. Malifa. Vaipouli. Total. .210 75 457-2 244 96 494 255 120 537 241 92 504 238 93 498 iOth June, 1923 iOth September, 1923 list December, 1923 list March, 1924 Lnnual average 172-2 154 162 181 167
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There has been no marked change in the number of cases as compared with last year, the slight decrease in civil cases being probably due to the temporary absence of one legal agent and the death of another. Speaking generally, the increased familiarity of the public with the present legal system, which has now been in vogue nearly four years, and the replacement of German law by Ordinances of the; Legislative; Council, has progressively lightened the work of the Department. The present cost of tho Department in salaries is now less than it has been at. any time since 1914. Administration of Justice. The Chief Judge at present deals with practically all cases in Apia, whether within the jurisdiction of Commissioners or -not, except those now, as heretofore, dealt with, by the Chinese Commissioner and the Secretary for Native Affairs. This frees the Crown Solicitor and Prosecutor (who is also a member of the Legislative Council, Begistrar of Court, and Begistrar of Land) from the necessity of sitting as a Commissioner, and enables him to give his whole time to his other duties. Samoan Lands and Titles Commission. —This Court dealt with eighty-eight cases during two sessions, as follows : — 13th to 29th June, 1923 : Number of cases dealt with, 47. How disposed of : Judgments, 13 ; reconciliations, 5 ; adjournments, 29. 6th November to 3rd December, 1923 : Number of cases dealt with, 41. How disposed of : Judgments, 32; reconciliations, 7; adjournments, 1; dismissed, I. Laws and Ordinances. —Nine local Ordinances drafted by the Department have been passe;d by the; Legislative Council during the year, and, having received the Administrator's assent, have become law. A number of amendments to the Samoa Act have been made law by the New Zealand Parliament. Ten Orders in Council have been made by the Governor-General in Council under the authority of section 45 of the Samoa Act. Land Begistration. The return attached shows the number of transactions put through the Land Begister : — Return of Documents registered for Period Ist April, 1923, to 31st March, 1924. Conveyances .. .. .. .. .. .. .. ...12 Mortgages .. . . . . . . . . . . 18 Discharges . . . . .. . . . . . . 12 Leases .. .. .. . . .. . . .. .. 2 Crown grants, including Crown leases . . . . .. . . 18 Miscellaneous .. .. . . . . ... . . . . . . 26 Total .. .. . . . . .'. .. .. 88 High Court of Western Samoa. Annual Return of Revenue for the Year, Ist April, 1923, to 31st March, 1924. Fees collected in stamps : — £ s. d. £ s. d. Begistrar's Office, High Court .. .. .. .. . . 277 13 0 Land Begistrar's Office .. .. .. . . .. 53 0 0 — £330 13 0 Bevenue received in cash :— Fines, costs, marriage fees, and Court grants .. .. .. 1,385 16 .10 Legal fees . . .. .. .. .. .. .. 600 3 0 1,985 19 10 £2,316 12 10 Annual Return of Criminal Cases for the Year, Ist April, 1923, to 31st March, 1924. Sitting-days . . .. .. . . . . . . .. .. 160 Persons charged .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 742 Convictions record .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 618 Dismissed on merits .. .. .. .. .. .. 54 Withdrawn by leave of Court .. .. .. .. .. .. 80 Annual Return of Civil Cases for the Year, Ist, April, 1923, to 31sl March, 1924. Sitting-days .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 93 Actions filed .. .. .. .. .. ... .. ■ .. 484 Actions heard . . . . . . . . . . .. .. 428 Judgment given .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 385 Withdrawn or struck out .. .. .. .. .. 55 AGRICULTURAL. Copra. This is by far the most important product of Western Samoa, representing last year approximately 90 per cent, of the total value of our exports. The far-reaching effect of anything that can be done to benefit this industry is therefore clearly apparent.
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Whilst the quantity of copra exported last year was somewhat less than the quantity produced during the year 1922, still it is pleasing to note that tho quality has very considerably improved. Tho coming into operation of the Copra Ordinance of 1923 has resulted n a gradual improvement in quality. This improvement will undoubtedly become more evident in tho near future, and cannot fail to react in a beneficial manner upon the price obtained in the world's markets. Tho decline in quantity is attributable to the exceptional gales experienced in March, 1923, and to the unfavourable weather conditions prevailing during that period of the year, which delayed the maturing of the nuts. The following table shows the quantity and value of the copra exported during the past three years : — Tons. Value. 1921 .. .. .. .. 7,428 £190,520 1922 .. ..' .. .. 16,956 £319,333 1923 .. .. .. .. 13,484 £269,995 Licenses to purchase Copra. —During the year 156 licenses were issued under the provisions of the Copra Ordinance, 1923 ; of this number 150 were issued to persons to purchase dried copra and six for the purchase of freshly cut undried copra. Latterly the number of applications for licenses to purchase freshly cut undried copra has increased, and it has been found necessary to divide the Territory into a number of districts. One license will be issued for each area, and the holder thereof will be required to erect and keep in regular use an efficient hot-air drier. To prevent the erection of an excessive number of driers in one district it has been found expedient, from previous experience, to give to the licensee the exclusive right to purchase undried copra within the area specified. The producer will, of course, be at liberty to dispose of his copra in any area he chooses, or to dry the copra himself should he so desire, thus affording ample safeguard against any exploitation on the part of the license-holder. It is hoped that the erection of these hot-air driers will further improve the quality of Samoan copra as well as aid in increasing production. Cacao. First-class Samoan cacao will always command an assured market, it having been found most valuable for blending purposes for manufacture of the best class of confectionery. Every effort, therefore, is being made to bring our cacao up to a high standard of quality, and with this object in view a modified system, of grading has boon instituted under the provisions of the Cacao Beans Export Ordinance, 1923, which came into force in November last. Under this Ordinance all cacao-beans prior to exportation have to be examined by a special committee appointed for the purpose. In the case of any parcel of beans which conforms to the standard required by the committee for good-quality cacao the bill of lading relating to such parcel is stamped with the words " Standard Quality Cacao." The committee has power to mark as " Inferior " all cacao which in its opinion would militate against the interests of producers, and also to prohibit exportation of any parcel of beans which in its opinion is unfit for export. Cacao which, cannot be classed as " Standard Quality " or " Inferior " is allowed to be shipped on its merits and bears no distinguishing mark as to quality. Up to the 31st March, 1924, 3,861 bags of cacao have been examined by the committee, and classified as follows : — Bags. Tons. cwt. qr. lb. Standard quality .. .. .. ..1,403 91 7 0 2 Below standard, quality .. .. .. .. 733 46 18 3 25 Native cacao . . . . .. .. .. 101 6 10 2 II Inferior cacao .. .. .. .. .. 1,581 102 10 2 12 Condemned .. .. .. .. 43 (Weight unknown) Totals .. .. .. 3,861 247 7 0 22 As time goes on this system of inspection will give confidence to outside buyers in regard to the quality of the Samoan produce and will bo reflected on the prices obtained. The prospects for 1924 as regards output are encouraging, the crops generally being above the average. With normal weather conditions prevailing tho export figure for the coming year should treble that of 1923. Cotton. This product has been the principal subject of discussion by the Native Lands Development Committee, a body recently set up to consider ways and means for promoting greater activity among the Natives in developing their lands. Many years ago cotton was successfully grown in Samoa, and, although the quality was undoubtedly equal to that produced elsewhere at the time, the competition from, other countries where cheaper labour was available, coupled with the low prices, forced the abandonment of this cultivation. The cost of labour should not be a factor in the present movement, however, which is for cultivation of cotton by the Natives themselves. Several varieties of cotton-seed have been planted for observation purposes, and a further supply is in order. When this comes to hand, it will be distributed to selected villages for trial. Beetle-destruction. Speaking generally, the beetle situation is entirely satisfactory, there being whole districts where very little trace of this pest can now be seen. Close control over beetle-searching is maintained by the Department's Inspectors.
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Beetles Collected on Native and European Plantations. in upolu.
in savai'i. Ist April, 1923, to 31st March, 1924. Native — j European — Beetles .. .. .. 100,527 | Beetles .. .. .. 2,840 Larvte .. 2,217,506 Larva; .. .. .. 16,943 Eggs .. .. .. 47,658 I Eggs .. '.. .. 1,109 Flying-foxes. The presence of this troublesome pest among the coconut-palms became very pronounced at the beginning of the year under review. There has, however, been a noticeable diminution in the number of flying-foxes seen lately in the; plantations and around Native villages. The reason for this is most probably that an abundance of food is now available for them in the bush. In the earlier part of last year, owing to tho severe weather, food must have been very scarce in the bush, in which case the famished foxes would be compelle;d to raid the coconut and othe;r cultivations, thus accounting for the e;xcessive numbers observed. With a view to combatting the flying-fox nuisance a competition was commenced on the Ist January, and is to close on the 30th June, carrying a prize of £10 to the person bringing in the greatest number of feet of flying-foxes during the period specified. In addition to the prize, payment is being made for flying-foxes destroyed at the rate of Is. for twenty-five. Native Food Besources. The accompanying return will show to what extent the planting of foodstuffs, &c, has been carried out by the Natives under the supervision of the Inspectors of the; Agricultural Department. On the whole, food has been plentiful throughout both islands during the year.
Schedule of Plantings of Native Foodstuffs, &c., for the Year ended 31st March, 1924. Upolu.
No account is taken of many thousand Lauio, Laupaogo, Laufala (for mats) and U'a (for tapacloth). savai'i. Coconuts .. .. .. 104,076 Taamu .. .. .. 2,806,893 Cacao .. .. .. 93,090 Yams .. .. .. 234,039 Bananas .. .. .. 1,240,339 Sugarcane .. .. .. 1,123,488 Taro .. .. .. 2,269,482 Kava .. .. .. 194,590
Quarter. Native Plantatioi Beetles. Larvae. IS. Euro; >ean Plantatii ins. Eggs. Beetles. Larvae. Eggs. 923 —April-Juno July-September October-December 924 —January-March 21,177 18,834 21,301 24,289 638,898 612,241 605,023 635,369 50,787 71,585 69,773 72,058 6,577 5,586 3,766 4,829 85,745 85,000 83,790 65,317 7,485 4,742 7,991 10,788 Totals for Year ended 31st March, 1924 85,601 2,491,531 264,203 20,758 319,852 31,006 Totals for Years 1922-23 101,203 2,945,253 316,397 29,909 504,315 24,530
Date. Coconuts Cacao. Bananas. Taro. Taamu. Tobacco. Yams. Sugarcane. Kava. Arrowroot. 1923. April-June .. July-Sept. . . Oct.-Dec. .. 1924. Jan.-Mar. .. 15,320 17,050 36,943 980 9,398 10,355 90,500 79,571 155,036 570,200 782,468 887,365 54,210 106,620 182,702 1,550 27,870 750 60,392 10,271 17,507 146,368 48,708 65,160 660 332,000 990 5,479 28,121 870 6,100 82,320 443,000 50,800 900 Totals .. 75,413 20,733 407,427 2,683,033 394,332 208,310 208,310 87,509 '415,417 35,490 870
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CUSTOMS AND MARINE DEPARTMENT. From, a trade point of view the financial year just closed has proved the quietest on record for the past seven years. The fact is strongly reflected in the revenue and trade returns for the period. Certainly the estimate of revenue was only £10 short of actual receipts, but the total sum collected was, £7,488 less than during the preceding year, whilst the total trade decreased by £90,894. Bevenue. The total moneys collected by the Department from all sources during the year amounted to £68,150, as compared with £75,938 for the previous year. The Customs import duties fell short of the estimate by only £552. Copra export duty was short by £1,269, and cocoa export duty by £546. Importations during the earlier quarters of the year gave promise of a larger Customs revenue than usual, but the subsequent falling-off in receipts in the December and March quarters more than justified the reduced estimate for the whole period. The additional tariff exemptions made in July last were also responsible for a certain loss of revenue. It is estimated that these concessions cost about £1,717 for the nine months. The export duties were affected by unforeseen circumstances such as devastating gales and a dry season. The shipping fees exceeded the estimate by about £500 ; taxes, &c, by £900 ; miscellaneous by £1,200, whilst lease of sheds, lighters, cfec, was £300 be;low the estimate. The receipts under the principal headings were as follows, the figures for the previous year also being'given for the sake of comparison : —
Customs. Statistic" s. The statistics dealing with the trade and shipping of the Port of Apia for the calendar year 1923 have already been compiled and published. The total trade for the period amounted to £557,655, as comparer! with £648,549 for 1922 —a decrease of £90,894. The exports exceeded the imports by £19,893. Imports. The total value of the imports during 1923 was £268,881, as against £282,939 for the preceding year, a drop of £14,000. No particular line of goods was responsible for the falling-off, but trade was very dull towards the end of the year, and the importations during the December quarter were considerably below the average. Exports. The exports for 1923 also showed a decided decline, being valued at £288,774, as compared with £365,610 for 1922—a decrease of £76,836. Cocoa was responsible for £32,000 of this amount. During the year the export of cacao-beans was only 221 tons, valued at £12,787, compared with 765 tons, valued at £44,513, for the previous year, the market abroad during the; year was very weak, and local planters found great difficulty in disposing of their stocks at payable prices. Also, the total production for the year was considerably less than in 1922. ' Copra. The copra export was 13,484 tons, valued at £269,995 ; for the previous year it totalled 16,956 tons, valued at £319,333. It must, however, be remembered that 1922 was a record year in this respect, and that the average; for the two previous years was only 7,400 tons. Moreover, weather conditions last year were unfavourable to a heavy production, the gales of March, 1923, and the subsequent dry weather militating against a large output. The bulk of the copra continues to go direct to the Continent of Europe, Germany last year receiving 8,377" tons out of the total export of 13,484 tons, and Holland 1,529 tons. But this does not necessarily imply increased trade with the Continent. Much of the copra is purchased by British firms, who have the" nut crushed in the mills in Germany and Holland, whilst the oil so expressed is sent to England for manufacture.
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1922-23. 1923-24. Decrease. Increase. £ 45,673 £ 41,948 £ 3,725 £ Import duties Export duties— Cocoa Copra Shipping fees Lease of export, sheds, lighters, &c. Taxes and Native travelling passes Miscellaneous, including sales of medicinal liquor 1,455 14,817 1,962 889 10,125 1,017 954 10,731 2,195 1,029 9,495 2.098 501 4,086 233 140 630 1,081 75,938 68,450 8,942 1,454 1,454 Decreases 7,488
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As regards trade from the different countries, the relative positions remain much the same as in 1922, except that the importations from the United Kingdom have increased by £5,000, whilst those from New Zealand and Australia have fallen by a similar amount. The importations from other countries not enumerated decreased by £8,000. The figures for the two years are —
Tariff Changes.- —ln July last a number of items were added to the free list, as already stated. It is estimated that the loss of revenue resulting from these concessions amounted to £1,717. The amount was distributed as follows : Animals (living), £72 ; meat and fish (frozen), £288 ; butter, £210 ; rice (unpolished), £260 ; honey, £5 ; infants foods, £10 ; manures, £50 ; sacks (copra), £756 ; shooks of undressed wood, £6 ; machinery (copra and cocoa drying), £60 : total, £1,71.7. Rice from Fiji. —The prohibition against importation of rice from Fiji was removed by an amending Ordinance in November last, importation now being allowed under certain precautionary conditions. Tins has already led to a fair amount of additional trade with our island neighbour. Harbour Section. Beacons and Lights. —The new Aga light on Vaea has proved very satisfactory and economical. Lower leading-light has been electrified from Alcazar supply. Apia lights are now reliable, and the authorities have been notified of the change and information inserted on charts. Small beacons around harbour are lit with oil-lamps. Buoys and Moorings. —All moorings lifted, cleaned, and relaid ; two old buoys replaced, and heavy 2\ in. cables laid on two buoys. These moorings are now safe for any size vessel. Passages. —This work was taken over from Public Works. New pins supplied to Safune, Salilua, and Palauli, and rocks in Palauli passage blasted, and a considerable amount of clearing-work done in and around Apia Harbour. Maintenance. —All plant regularly overhauled and kept in good order. Two old surf-boats and one towing-launch have been disposed of. S.s. " Lady Roberts." —This ship was brought over from New Zealand in June, 1923, and has proved a very valuable asset, considerably lightening the work of mooring and lifting the heavy anchors and chains in use in this port; also, it has very much improvesd the mail and passenger service to Pago Pago.
1922. 192: Value. Per Cent. Value. Per Cent, United. Kingdom New Zealand Australia United States of America Other countries £ 14,202 5-0 82,596 29-0 104,663 37-0 63,345 22-5 18,133 6-5 £ 19,788 77,782 98,301 62,717 10,293 7-3 28-9 36-4 23-4 4-0 282,939 100-0 268,881 100-0 I
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Overseas Merchant Shipping, Port of Apia, for Year ended 31st March, 1924.
Quarter ended No. Steam Tons. I i Sailing. Cargo. No. Tons. Cargo. Total. No. Tons. Cargo. I IN' 'AR-DS. une quarter, 1923 .. British 16 Foreign 1 14,936 3,125 2,550 110 i 389 283 10 2 14,936 3,514 2,550 393 icptember quarter,1923 17 17 18,061 18,061 2,660 389 283 is 18,450 2,943 British 15 Foreign 4 19 ' I:') 4 13,513 8,958 22.471 13,513 8,958 2,270 .1 482 200 15 5 13,513 9,440 2,270 200 )ecomber quarter,1923 19 22,471 2,270 482 200 20 22,953 2,470 i» British 18 Foreign 2 20 18 2 22,'±11 18,936 3,408 22.344 18,936 3,408 3,106 is 2 18,936 3,408 3,106 larch quarter, 1924.. 20 22,344 3,106 20 22,344 3,106 2U British 15 Foreign 2 17 15 2 22, 0'tt 17,633 6,490 24.123 17,633 6,490 1,701 78 15 2 17,633 6,490 1,701 78 fear ending 31st March, 1924 17 24,123 1,779 17 24,123 1,779 ii British 64 Foreign 9 ! 64 9 24,12,} 65,018 21,981 65,018 21,981 9,627 188 64 II 65,018 22,852 9,627 671 2 871 483 73 86,999 9,815 871 483 75 87,870 10,298 OU' WARDS. June quarter, 1923 . . British Foreign 15 1 16 17,395 3,125 20.520 , 4,493 1,227 1 389 15 2 17,395 3,514 4,493 1,227 September quarter,1923 10 20,520 5,720 389 17 20,909 5,720 British Foreign io 13 4 17 13 4 2U, CJ2U 10,902 8,958 19.860 10,902 8,958 213 2,144 I.". 4 10,902 8,958 213 2,144 December quarter, 1923 17 19,860 2,357 17 19,860 2,357 British Foreign 11 19 2 21 19 2 1»,OOU 21,456 3,408 24.864 21,456 3,408 1,555 1,131 1 482 19 3 21,456 3,890 1,555 1,131 March quarter, 1924 .. 21 24,864 2,686 482 22 25,346 2,686 British Foreign 21 14 2 16 II 2 24,004 17,283 6,490 23.773 17,283 6,490 3,178 275 I! 2 17,283 6,490 3,178 275 Year ending 3st March, 1924 L6 23,773 3,453 16 23,773 3,453 British Foreign 10 61 9 7fi 61 9 20, t to 67,037 21,981 act ni7 67,037 21,981 9,439 4,777 2 871 (il 11 67,036 22,852 9,439 4,777 70 89,017 »9,U17 14,216 871 72 89,888 14,216 In addition 4 British and 4 foreign warsh: ips and 2 yachts entered and clea: sd the pi ►rt.
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Total Receipts at Customhouse, Apia.
CHINESE DEPARTMENT. During the year, 353 time-expired Chinese labourers were repatriated. So far it has not boon found necessary to replace them. The new conditions under which the bulk of the Chinese labourers are now working are giving general satisfaction. The; increase in wages, combined with the elimination of the penal clauses for labour offences, has had a marked effect on the labourers. They are doing more and better work now that they are being paid by results. Moreover, illness during working-hours is fast disappearing, and malingering is greatly reduced. Although the new labour terms have been in operation for nine months only of the year, the number of labourers required to report to the Chinese Commissioner for various reasons has grently reduced, as the following figures will show : — o Year ended Year ended eason - 31st March, 1923. 31st March, 1924. Medical examination .. .. .. .. .. . . 569 56 Complaint by employer .. .. .. .. .. 1,037 578 Complaint by labourer .. . . . . . . . . .. 276 201 Wanted by police .. .. .. .. .. .. 50 45 Discharged from hospital .. .. .. . . . . 189 13 Left work without permission .. . . .. . . .. 470 189 The number of Chinese labourers in Western Samoa at the 31st March, 1924, was 967, as compared with 1,328 at the end of the previous year and 1,591 at the 31st March, 1922. The relations existing between the Chinese Consul and the Administration during the year have continued to be most cordial. Savings of wages totalling £4,422 16s. were remitted to China by Chinese labourers during the year. POLICE AND PRISONS. The criminal statistics set out below show that the number of offences reported during the year was 652, as compared with 752 for the previous year. The proportion of offences to the population was 1-76 per cent, as against 1-98 per cent, for 1922. The percentage of arrests or summonses resulting from the offences reported was 96-93 per cent., the figures for the previous year showing 96 per cent. On the 31st March the strength of the Police Force was thirty-three of all ranks, being made up of five Europeans and twenty-eight Native police. This shows a reduction of three during the year. Proportion of police to population, 1 to 1,122-6. Prisons. The total number of prisoners received at the Gaol during the year was 420, and the total discharged 433.
To nearest j nmd sterlinj Period 1923-24. Import Duty. Export Duty. Shipping Fees. Stevedoring and Lease of Sheds and Lighters, j Taxes and Native Travellingpasses. Other Receipts, including Sale of Medicinal Liquor. Total Receipts. June quarter September quarter December quarter March quarter ., ., £ 12,737 11,837 10,617 6,757 £ 3,536 2,199 2,478 3,472' £ 658 437 551 549 £ 301 138 368 222 £ 3,538 3,630 1,350 977 £ 370 443 548 737 £ 21,140 18,684 15,912 12,714 Year 1923-24 41,948 41,948 11,685 2,195 1,029 9,495 2,098 68,450 June quarter September quarter December quarter March quarter 10,649 9.087 16,939 8,999 10,649 9,087 16,939 8,999 3,052 3,053 4,454 5,713 467 403 577 516 267 261 220 141 3,889 4,701 765 770 203 240 274 300 18,527 17,744 23,229 16,438 Year 1922-23 45,673 45,673 16,272 1,962 889 10,1.25 1,017 75,938 Year 1921-22 Year 1920-21 Year 1919-20 Year 1918-19 56,824 79,567 43,022 33,787 56,824 79,567 43,022 33,787 14,395 9,563 8,035 7,376 1,779 1,383 746 407 1,209 4,661 (a) 235 787 9,540 9,524 11,268 (b) 13,156 (b) 653 3,053 448 528 84,400 107,751 63,754 56,041 (a) Incluc (6) Incluc des lighter des Native ides lighteraj: ides Native I ;e charges whe 'fago now colli ;n Administr ected by Nai •ation did ste tive Departn ivedoring. aent.
21
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During the year the prisoners have been employed cleaning and keeping clean Government lands and grounds, and in keeping the Hospital grounds clean in return for medical attendance. The health of the prisoners has been good : the Gaol Surgeon visits the Prison regularly and attends to all cases of sickness. Mental Patients. The number of patients at the end of the year was the same as at the 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, the Number of Persons convicted or dismissed, and a Comparison of Crime during the Year ended 31st December, 1922, and the Year ended 31st December, 1923.
1922. Offences reported. ... „ Number reported. Summone(L .023. Num convii nber ietcd. Nui disn nber lissed >r Irawn. Olfi repe 45 to I E B tfices .rted. 4r C V R i withe Misleading justice— Bribery, attempted Perjury Perverting course of justice Escape from custody— Escape from legal custody Offences against morality— Adultery Abduction to carnally know Aiding abduction Bigamy Offences against the person — Assault, common Assault, causing bodily harm Assault, indecent Carnal knowledge Rape Rape, attempted Rape, aiding Manslaughter Threats to kill Offences against the rights of propertyBurglary .. .. .. Thefts from dwellings .. Unlawful entry Theft Receiving stolon property False pretences Forgery Shop-breaking Trespass Gaming offences Arms Ordinance— Unlawful transfer Unlawfully in possession Having unlicensed firearm Presenting a gun at another Police offences.— Breach of the peace Disorderly conduct Drunkenness Cruelty to animals indecent acts Stone-throwing Damaging property Insulting language Converting animals or vehicles to own use Taking part in an affray Taking part in a riot ■ .. Opium offences— Opium-smuggling Opium-smoking In possession of opium Liquir offences — Manufacturing liquor Liquor found on occupied premises In possession of liquor Importing liquor Concealing liquor .. Selling liquor Breach of Distillation Act Consuming methylated spirits Samoans consuming liquor Supplying liquor to Samoans 1 1 2 13 i 69 10 3 1 4 2 4 5 8 113 1 4 3 15 12 1 7 40 5 19 2 io 6 9 1 I 4 2 3 2 2 (i 5 7 H. F. r. M. F. 1 I 1 1 1 i 1 1 1 1 15 15 30 30 4 4 8 27 3 7 1 1 7 1 1 2 2 30 4 1 72 72 4 4 3 3 1 1 3 3 61 3 3 1 1 4 4 6 1 1 3 (j 3 3 I 1 3 3 2 3 1 2 'l 2 1 i ■• 1 3 12 8 18 15 2 2 88 75 7 7 6 9 2 45 5 8 8 2 5 22 2 7 10 2 25 7 2 2 2 I 2 3 20 20 2 2 15 2 3 3 2 5 10 2 2 1 1 1 1 2 1 5 i i 1 i 30 30 11 11 14 14 9 9 18 8 14 S 2 3 2 3 10 ii 9 10 1 10 2 5 5 3 3 1 1 3 3 5 3 I 3 5 3 9 3 (i 9 2 2 1 1 1 I 2 1 1 1 3 21 21 3 3 4 4 0 6 1 1 4 4 2 2 30 30 l(i 2 3 5 1 3 2 29 2 1 1 1 2 1 i 1 i 2 19 3 1 4 1 2 i i 4 25 7
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Return showing the Number of Offences reported, etc. — continued.
POST AND TELEGRAPH DEPARTMENT. Savings-bank. —The Savings-bank Branch shows a decline. The deposits are £21,850 Bs. Bd., withdrawals £25,795 os. sd. The total amount (including interest) at credit of depositors is £36,740 Is. Id., a decrease of £2,513 12s. 4d. on the previous year's total. Although there has been an excess of withdrawals, new accounts are still being opened. During the year 137 accounts were opened and 103 closed, leaving a total of 415, an increase of 34 for the year. Private Boxes. -The boxes have been all let, and arrangements have been made for the erection of additional boxes. The amount of revenue derived from this item is £91 Bs. sd. Money-orders. —The money-orders issued numbered 1,310 for a total of £1.0,233 15s. 7d. ; commission on moii(;y-orders amounted to £95 2s. Id. Money-orders paid were 199, totalling £1,102 13s. Id. Postal Notes and British Postal Orders. —Sales in this branch amounted to —Notes, £683 ss. sd. ; orders, £98 Bs. 2d. Post-office. —Mail-matter delivered and posted in Samoa during the year, estimated from a genera) average : the numbers were as follows : — Delivered — Letters .. .'. .. .. .. .. 113,000 Other articles .. .. .. .. .. 81,141 194,141 Registered letters delivered .. .. .. .. .. 2,635 Parcels .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 2,331 Posted— Letters .. .. .. .. .. .. 95,513 Other articles .. .. .. .. .. 16,068 111,581 Registered articles posted . . . . .. .. . . 3,053 Parcels .. .. .. .. .'. .. .. 902 Customs duty amounting to £776 6s. lid. was collected on parcels. Stamps. —Stamp sales amounte;d to £1,287 3s. 9d., a decrease of £2,000 compared with last year. This decrease is due to the reduction in postal rates. Telephones. —The foes amounted to £1,206 7s. 10d., as compared with £1,321 lis. 3d. last year. The telephone system is far from being satisfactory. The Telegraph Engineer from Auckland has inspected the system and reported accordingly. In the near future, perhaps, something may be done to bring about a more suitable; system. Work performed for other Departments. —Accounts collected for other Departments of the Administration amounted to £5,766 18s. lOd. On behalf of the New Zealand Government, for "miscellaneous receipts" the sum of £994 12s. Id. was collected, and "miscellaneous payments" amounted to £982 4s. Id. For the; Customs Department, Samoa, £776 6s. lid. was collected.
1922. .-..v Number Offences Oftene.:s arrcsted 01 . reported, reported, summoned. 1923. Number convicted. Nun: disml n fiber iased >r Irawn. 6 a I Oife: repo nces >rtcd. Ot O el> & 0 withd 3y-law breaches— Cattle trespass .. .. .. .. 62 6 Ii Wandering pigs .. .. .. .. .. 10 10 Insanitary pigsties .. .. . . . . . 5 .. Negligent driving .. .. .. .. 43 27 27 Negligent riding .. .. . . .. .. 7 7 Driving without lights .. . . .. 23 36 36 Driving without license .. .. .. 7 60 66 Unattended vehioles .. .. . . .. .. 1 1 Furious driving .. .. .. .. 3 Public nuisance .. .. .. .. . . 1 I Miscellaneous— Restricted immigrants, unlawfully landing . . 4 Concealment of birth .. . . . . 2 Land-weeding Regulations .. .. .. 4 Dynamiting iish .. . . .. . . 4 Shooting pigeons out of season .. .. 1 Breach of Chinese Contract Labour Ordinance .. 180 Breach of Pacific Island Contract Labour Ordinance .. 44 44 Breach of Permit Regulations .. .. 2 2 2 Breach erf Harbour Regulations .. .. 8 Bathing without lavalava .. .. .. .. 2 2 Unregistered dog .. . . .. . . . . 1 1 Keeping vicious dog . . .. . . . 1 I Failing to have collar on dog . . . . .. I I M. F. 0 (j 2 M. F. 56 2 10 5 Hi 20 1 5 33 1 (56 1 2 2 7 13 59 1 1 ■} 1 '.. 4 2 4 4 1 180 2 43 41 8 1 1 1 2 2 1 1 1 Totals .. . . .. .. 752 652 032 170 42 170 117 3 304 404
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Post and Telegraph Department Statistics for the Year ended 31st March, 1924.
Mail-i matter del livered. Mail-matter posted. Year 1923-24. ■a 2 as o 1 ? H e| * ,_ r3 O || .23 bo rt _ Parcels. ./' 01 w a — — T, £ _ _ O fl OS — TJ -r « ¥ % £" SI a -3d 1 rl o Pi Hi No. Duty. April-June July-September October-December .. January-March 25,900 16,800 30,114 19,296 34.570 25,320 22,410 19,725 409 605 1,026 505 £ s. d. 513 133 11 3 550 205 19 7 707 207 15 0 561 ,169 1 1 23,700 2,100 825 189 21,903 3,816 837 188 33,560 7,200 525 370 16,290 2,952 866 155 Totals 113,000 81,141 2,635 2,331 776 6 11 . 95,513 16,068 3,053 902 Totals for previous year 115,056 80,104 2,229 2,420 649 9 0 102,838 | 16,559 3,069 1,212 'oney-ordi >,rs and Savings-bank. Year 1923-21. Money-order* issued. Mono; y-orderspald. B ~- Amount. Issued. otes and stal-orders. • . No. Commission, Amount. No. Paid. ! April-June July-September October-December .. January-March ! 356 427 480 319 £ s. d. 21 4 11 26 19 10 26 2 7 20 14 9 £ s. d. 2,262 11 4 2,959 19 7 2,706 0 8 2,305 4 0 42 56 63 38 £ s. d. £ s. d. 217 12 5 152 15 10 433 8 0 200 5 11 288 8 .11 181 16 3 163 3 3 148 7 5 £ s. d. 21 11 4 20 15 7 33 14 4 22 6 11 Totals 1,582 95 2 I 10,233 15 7 199 1,102 13 1 683 5 5 98 8 2 Totals for previous year 1,628 ' 97 1 2 10,396'17 8 190 1,248 14 6 660 19 0 101 11 3 Recei ipts due io Samoan Adn linistrat lion Y'car 1828-24. o„i„ „ f MiscolStamp Sales. Radio Fees. ,,, A,™ laneous ciazcttes. Beo( , i])taTelep] Be eel hone Private ipts. Boxes, Code Addresses. Collected for other Departments. April-June July-September October-December January-March £ s. d. 419 12 8 337 1.1 9 310 6 10 219 12 7 £ s. d. 479 2 2 502 0 7 486 1.7 2 537 19 9 £ s. d. 2 0 6 0 19 0 0 3 6 1 4 0 £ s. d. 2 13 10 0 15 0 1 0 0 £ s. d. 397 6 0 299 0 5 158 0 11 352 0 6 £ s. d. 5 5 1 0 10 0 1 0 0 69 13 4 £ s. d. 0 14 4 0 10 0 £ s. cl. 1,205 14 2 1,511 13 8 2,089 12 4 959 18 8 1.2 6 0 Totals 1,287 3 9i 12,005 19 8 4 7 0 4 8 10 1,200 7 10 76 8 5 13 4 4 5,766 18 10 Totals for previous year 3,316 16 2 ! 1,605 11 10 0 0 5 5 0 1,321 11 3! 98 11 3 11 12 4 0,738 14 9 avings-bank. I Year 1923-24. J3 a) a a o p. a §4 <1 Deposits. Wltadrawals. Amount at Credit of Depositors. Invested, In Hand. to Bags ■"f April-June July-September October-December January-March 30 38 16 47 22 30 25 20 £ s. d. 6,708 1 8 5,830 5 3 4,374 10 2 4,931 5 7 £ s. d. 5,073 10 5 7,151 14 4 0,926 7 8 6,643 8 0 £ s. d. 40,888 4 8 38,572 15 7 36,921 4 I 36,740 1 1 £ s. d. 31,189 0 0 35,698 0 0 35,698 0 0 35,698 0 0 £ s. d. 4,494 10 3 4,443 10 4 1,244 12 3 1,130 12 8 395 403 394 415 Totals 137 103 21,850 8 8 25,795 0 5 Totals for previous year 151 73 30,484 17 0 21,781 1 7 381 Trans< xlw w on Account of the New Zealand Gove '/mmenl. Bcceipts. Payments. Year 1923-24. Superannuation, Government National Insurance. Provident. Miscellaneous.! Pensions. Sup^ Ua - Miscellaneous. April-June July-September October-December January-April .. £ s. d. 229 9 7 263 13 0 124 3 10 207 17 1 £ s. cl. £ s. cl. 30 0 3 4 0 6 36 17 4 9 10 11 25 7 9 6 7 2 37 6 0 10 4 3 129 11 4 30 2 10 £ s. cl. 2 13 10 5 0 0 2 0 1 .£ s. d. 121 4 3 91 1 8 81 2 11 139 18 9 £ s. d. 52 19 6 105 19 0 79 9 3 123 4 0 £ s. d. 13 8 10 148 8 5 12 15 0 12 12 6 Totals .. 825 3 6 9 14 5 433 7 7 361 11 9 187 4 9 Totals for previous year 592 7 10 I [ 131 9 9 3 17 2 448 10 11 ! I 513 1 5 I 305 16 7 81 15 8
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Radio Station. The station has maintained, without interruption, communication with New Zealand and those island stations for whose radio traffic it is responsible. A 70 horse-power " Allen " engine and generator to replace the German one which broke down in February, 1923 —as referred to in the last report —has now been installed, and has been running for two months. It is proving quite; satisfactory, and the station is now complete. A more comprehensive scheme of weather reporting to shipping was commenced on the Ist October, 1923. Apia-Radio now collects reports from Tonga, Tahiti, Rarotonga, Fiji, Norfolk Island, New Hebrides, and, together with Apia's report, broadcasts the information twice daily during the hurricane season and once daily in the non-hurricane season. Radio-telegraph communication with Savai'i was inaugurated on the Ist October, 1923, since which date reliable daylight communication has been maintained. With a view to ascertaining if Samoan boys can be trained to fill positions as operators, a training class has been recently formed. Sufficient time has not yet been spent in training to be able to report on progress.
Return of Traffic handled by Apia-Radio for the Year April, 1923, to March, 1924.
Details of Engine-running, Oil-consumption, &c.
LANDS AND SURVEY DEPARTMENT. During the year the plan of the business portion of Apia was completed, and the lithographs of same have now been published. Compass surveys of Native; villages, a hydro-electric scheme, and Crown Estates land for Native cultivations were undertaken. Theodolite surveys of isolated Court grants were made and based on true meridian from stellar and solar observations, and others, as enumerated on the accompanying schedule, connected to the standard coast traverse. The standard coast traverse was extended four miles to the east of Apia, and all surveys within the scope of the work connected up. Preliminary engineering, road surveys, and of Native water-supplies were undertaken for the Public Works Department,
Month. ! Messages. Words. Amount earned by ApiaRadio. 1923. April May June . . July .. August September Oetober November December 1924. 1,352 1,261 1,207 1,202 1,392 1,324 1,275 1,228 1,240 14,616 15,329 13,907 14,279 16,610 16", 026 14,753 14,090 13,400 £ s. d. 288 0 6 287 16 10 268 6 9 267 18 3 322 17 4 307 13 7 275 18 2 270 4 6 255 16 2 January February Marcli 1,182 1,250 1,485 13,517 13,931 16,720 255 6 6 275 2 4 336 7 5 Total . . 15,398 177,178 3,414 8 4
' Total Enginerunning Time. Monthly Consumption Crude Oil. Consumption per hour. High-power-Transmitting Time. Month. 1923. April May lune luly .. August .. September October .. November December 1924, Hrs. min. 120 30 144 45 138 30 136 45 137 15 137 45 142 30 141 15 140 45 Gallons. 300 455 350 340 361 389 360 271 374 Oallons. 2-5 2-9 2-6 2-5 2-6 2-5 2-5 1-9 2-6 Hours. 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 lanuary February* March! ".. 14.5 15 120 00 96 45 393 658 255 2-7 5-5 2-6 2 2 2 * Now Allen engine installed and tested this month. t Allen startei at 24 times, Swiderski 3 times.
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Work for the Year.
PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT. Maintenance of Buildings. The usual maintenance of residences and other Government buildings has been attended to. Four residences have been completely renovated, and partial renovations have been effected to five others. New Construction and other Improvements. Valima. —Additions were made to the kitchen and laundry, new stoves fitted, with hot-water service, new drying-room constructed, drainage extended, new W.C. fitted, and improvements effected to the ballroom. Residence of Secretary to Resident Commissioner, Savai'i. —A new kitchen and fittings were erected, and the residence thoroughly renovated. Schools. —Sanitary arrangements for the whole of the schools have been completed, and a shelter was fitted up as a school-room and completely renovated. New/afes were erected as follows : Two at Vaipouli, Savai'i; one at Malifa; three at the Avele Agricultural School (completed); one at the Avele Agricultural School (in course of erection). One of the class-rooms at Malifa was completely renovated, painted, and minor repairs carried out. Central Hotel. —All guest-rooms were mosquito-proofed, renovated internally, and fitted with electric light. Hospital, Afta. —Repairs were effected to all the Native fales, to the ventilators in the researchroom, and minor repairs executed to the main building. The operating-room was also fitted up. Medical Out-stations, Tuasivi. —A pig-proof fence was erected around the hospital, and an 8,000--gallon redwood tank was constructed. Aleipata. —The new medical out-station at Lalomanu has now been completed, comprising a new residence for the doctor, outbuildings, dispensary, three Native hospital fales, nurses' fale, two cookhouses, and. W.C. for the use of Native patients. The compound, consisting of about 3J acres, was fenced in, and provision for water was made by the erection of a cistern of concrete, with a 3,000-gallon capacity. Wireless Station. —A new engine-bed was laid down, and extensions and repairs to the engine-room building were effected. Customs. —Extensive repairs to verandahs and gutte:ring were carried out, and a new car-shed was erected. Observatory. —A hut for atmospheric electrical observations was erected on the reef near the; Observatory, and the residences were painted and renovated. Native Office, Mulinu'u. —The offices at Mulinu'u were completely renovated, partitions and counters were fitted, and a records-room and new offices for the Native clerks were erected. New Cemetery. —A portion of the new cemetery was fenced in, and new gates have been erected. Old Cemetery. —The fence was thoroughly repaired, and headstones for the graves of fallen soldiers were erected. Copra-drier, Malic. —A new copra sun-drier for the Natives at Malic was constructed. Gaol, Vaimea. —New posts and rails were fitted around the compound fence, making the latter thoroughly secure. S.s. " Lady Roberts." —The whole of the internal accommodation-way was remove;d, hatchings cut forward and aft, and space for 70 tons of cargo provided. A new deck-house, with two W.C.s, was fitted up aft, and one W.C. for Natives was constructed on the port side forward. A new forecastlehead was fitted, a new funnel made for the galley-range, and all wash-ports and scuppers overhauled. The false dock forward was removed, beams cut out, two gusset plates fitted to hold stanchions and keelson. Two new rooms were also fitted up for the mate and engineer. Maintenance of Roads. Stone-crushing was carried out intermittently during the first quarter, after which the plant was closed down, brought into Apia, and thoroughly overhauled,
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Field-M'ork, Office-work. Class of Work. Acres. Miles. Total CostPlans placed on Instruments of Title. 's o S 0) -a ed P P-i & a. d s "3 s 01) o H U H to ft P<T3 « « « B)S 3 O rT S 2 r FreeLieases. , ,. Topographical Rural 199-75 240-50 82-25 3-05 1-60 0-10 £ 7-10 84-78 8-60 7-85 3 3 48 II 1 28 1 10 9 2 5 5 12 9 23 Town Native; Standard traverse — Rural boundaries .. Rural roads Miscellaneous 0-80 4-85 10-00 5-85 27-70 63-85 3 31 20 1 778-25 5 31 70 66 Totals 1,303-80 17-35 205-73 6 65 65 :il 17 120 66
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The following statement shows the principal work carried out: — Apia io M.ulifanua Road. —The road from Vaiusu was repaired as far as Malic, 100 chains being rolled, blinded, and tarred, while the balance was re-formed and surfaced with rotten rock. Sixty chains of road at Faleasiu were re-formed by the Samoans under supervision, and. a deviation of the road was also completed. Apia to Falefa.- Repairs to part of this road were carried out by the Samoans at Letogo, under contract and supervision, and very satisfactory work was done, including re-forming and metalling. Slips on the road, at Letogo and Lotoanu were also cleared by the Samoans. New Faipule Road. — The clearing, formation, and metalling of .this road was undertaken by the Natives, arid completed under the leadership of Fonoti and the supervision of the Public Work's Department. The new road is 50 chains long and 25 ft. in width. No difficulty was experienced in getting the; Natives to do roadwork, and inquiries for work similar to tho Faipule Road continue to come from all districts. Malololelei Road. —Repairs to the Vailima-Malololelei Road have been carried out. Flood-damage. —A considerable amount of extra work on roads has been necessitated by the damage done by the heavy floods in March, 1923, and this has caused the new work done to be limited. Bridges. Five new bridges were erected in Australian hardwoods at tho following places : Apia (Mulivai), Afega, Vaivase, Fagali'i (two). Tuaefu. —This steel bridge was chipped and painted. Lufi Luft. —A small footbridge for the use of the Natives was erected, the Natives building the stone approaches. Solo Solo. —This steel bridge was chipped and painted. General. —All bridges in Upolu have received minor repairs, but several built in Oregon pine will require to be renewed. Roads and Beidges, Savai'i. Minor repairs to roads and bridges have been carried out intermittently, and all urgent repairs attended to. Apia Waterworks. A 2| in, and a 2 in. main was extended from Papascoa Road to Vaiusu for a distance of about 60 chains. The intake to the water-supply was improved, and fifty-two connections were made to the mains during the year, making a total of 306 connections to date. Native Water-supplies. Several minor repairs to native water-supplies were dealt with, and a number of schemes investigated, and the Natives informed of the amounts of money they would be asked to collect if the schemes were proceeded with. Improvement of Passages. Savai'i. —Tho blasting of passages has now been taken over by the Harbour Department. A number of beacons and pins were made, the passage at Palauli was blasted out, and pins were erected at Safune and Salailua. Workshops. The joinery, blacksmiths', plumbers' and painters' shops have been carried on continuously during the year. Cleaning Government Grounds, Street-cleaning, and Rubbish Collection. The above services in the Town of Apia have all been carried on continuously during the year by tho Department, Arrangements weire made locally for an electric supply for street-lighting from tho Vaisigano Bridge to the; lower leading-light near the Mulivai Stream. This supply has proved to be eminently satisfactory. The lower leading-light has also boon electrified. The rubbish-dump has been considerably improved, loop tram-lines have been installed over the swamp), and the rubbish is now being utilized for reclamation purposes; Surveys. A road over the cliffs at Saleapaga, in Lepa, was surveyed for tho Natives, in order to give them a better entrance to their plantations. SUPPLIES PURCHASE DEPARTMENT. The accompanying return tabulates the work carried out by this Department during the year. On account of generally falling markets, purchases have been made more favourably than heretofore. The policy of concentrating under the control of the Supplies Purchase Officer the whole of the purchasing required by all departments of the Administration has continued to give satisfactory results, especially from, an economy point of view. Every effort is made to forecast the Administration's requirements in stores and supplies sufficiently early to enable competitive quotations to be obtained in every possible market, and so avoid the loss that must necessarily occur if rush orders have to be placed without competition,
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Statistical Figures for the Year ended 31st March, 1924.
OBSERVATORY. I The work of the Apia Observatory embraces the observation of terrestrial magnetism, se;ismology, atmospheric electricity, investigation of the upper air, meteorology, determination of time, and the general supervision of the stations in the South Pacific weather-reporting system. Magnetism. Continuous photographic records of the magnetic elements, declination, horizontal and vertical force have been obtained during the past year. Absolute, observations for declination and horizontal intensity were taken about once every ten days* and for inclination about once every three; days. The magnetic values were reduced to absolute units, and the following table gives the summarized results : — 1922. 1923. Declination (oast) .. .. .. .. .. 10° 13-6' 10° 16-3' Dip (south) .. .. .. .. .. .. 30° 5-6' 30° 6-6' Horizontal force, C.G.S. unit . . .. .. .. -35241 -35248 Vertical force, C.G.S. unit .. .. .. .. -20423 -20440 Total force, C.G.S. unit .. .. .. .. -40731 -40746 These values have been communicated to the British Admiralty and to the leading hydrographic offices of the world. Tho magnetic character of each day, and tho hourly values for those days, decided upon by the Commission de Magnetism Terrestre et d'Electricite Atmospherique, have been sent regularly each quarter to the proper authorities at De Bilt, Holland. At the time of the eclipse of the sun on tho 10th September, 1923, special control observations were taken, and reductions were carried out in compliance with the request of Dr. Bauer, Director, Department Terrestrial Magnetism of the Carnegie Institution of Washington, who is collecting information from all piarts of the world for determining the effect of the eclipse of the sun on the earth's magnetism. Seismology. Complete records have been obtained for the past year on both the 1000 kg. horizontal component Wiechert seismograph, and. the 180 kg. vertical seismograph, except for the; period August October, when the clock mechanism for tho former instrument was being repaired in New Zeajand. A monthly repiort of all seismic disturbances has been sent to Professor 11. 11. Turner, of the British Association Seismology Committee, and to Dr. C. E. Adams, Government Astronomer for New Zealand, to whom also special wireless reports were sent in regard to earthquakes occurring on the Ist September (Japan) and the 2nd November (off coast New Guinea).
First Quarter. Second Quarter. Third Quarter. Fourth Quarter. Total. (a.) Indents received from Departments.. (b.) Orders placed Locally— For the Administration For Samoa Crown Estates (c.) Indents despatched overseas— For the Administration For Samoa Crown Estates (el) Orders placed by agents for indents, included in (c)— In New Zealand In Australia, &c. (e.) Overseas invoices dealt with (/.) Reejuisitions issued for stores from Samoa Crown Estates for other Departments (e/.) Requisitions issued for stores from Public; Works Department, &c, for other Departments (h.) Value of local purchases — For the Administration For Samoa Crown Estates (i.) Value of goods imported — For the Administration For Samoa Crown Estates (j.) Value of goods transferred — Between Departments From Samoa Crown Estates 287 310 50 131 21. 235 107 316 58 277 285 22 76 34 160 68 374 64 218 213 2 59 16 .100 48 231. 37 283 191 1 48 5 103 3! L83 36 1,065 999 75 314 76 598 254 1,104 195 174 133 108 • 105 520 £ 1,145 460 £ 1,574 425 £ 736 60 £ 759 60 £ 4,214 1,005 6,597 3,933 6,477 5,944 5,354 3,173 4,404 1,688 22,832 14,738 1,640 214 985 170 812 81 645 223 4,082 688 Total, turnover of Supplies Purchase Department for Year ending 31st March, 1924 52,759
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Throughout the year 172 earth-movements were recorded, of which sixteen were remote or distant shocks, the; remainder being purely local or having their origin within six hundred miles of Samoa. Thirteen shocks were sufficiently strong at Apia to be reported as felt by individuals. Meteorology. Continuous records have been obtained throughout the year of the; barometric pressure;, temperature, sunshine;, wind direction and force, and rainfall. The; following table gives a summary of the data for pressure, temperature, and rainfall: —
The year was unmarked by any outstanding e,vents. The Samoan Islands have continued their good fortune to be free from any cyclones or gales. The; pirccipitation during May and June, 1923, was slightly under the normal, and the precipitation during the present rainy season, NovemberMarch inclusive, lias been 62-04 in., which is 7-53 in. less than the average of the past thirty-four years. The; mean temperature for the year 1923 was 78-9° F., tho highest temperature, of 91-1° F., occurring on the 24th February, and the lowest, of 65-3° F., on tho 16th September. The moan barometric pressure was 29-84 in., with the maximum value of 30-03 in. on the 14th June and 9th October, and minimum value of 29-57 in. on the 7th March. Atmospheric Electricity. —Continuous records of the electrical potential of the atmosphere have been obtained at the; land station in the grounds of the Observatory. These records have been reduced and the results analyzed and abstracted. Tho records and computations have been forwarded monthly to the; Department of Terrestrial Magnetism of the Carnegie Institution of Washington. A special reinforced-ooncrete observation-house has been constructed in the shallow water inside the reef, about one-third of a mile from the shore. This building has been equipped with a Benndorf electrometer giving a second record of potemtial-gradient, free from the disturbing land agencies which are present at the station in the Observatory grounds. There are, however, small changes in the electrical conditions in the vicinity of the house, introduced through the rise and fall of the tides. In order to obtain a measure of these effects a tide-gauge of the most modern type has been obtained. Upper-air Work. —During the past year an investigation has been started on the currents existing in the upper air. Beginning in June, 1923, pilot balloons have been set free on every opportunity in which there seemed a reasonable possibility that the sky would be clear for thirty minutes, in which time a free balloon would reach an altitude of three miles. Up to the 31st March 104 balloons had been inflated and released, but for various reasons it had been only possible to follow fifty to the; heights desired. The; greatest observed altitude reached by a balloon was 13-1 miles, on the; .15th December. Results of the observations of the upper-air currents for those days selected by international agreement have been forwarded to the Commission International pour l'Exploration do la Haute Atmosphere, Kristiania, Norway. The United States Weather Bureau has given the. Observatory on indefinite loan a special balloon plotting-board and accessory scale, a special balance; which indicates as well as weighs the amount of hydrogen necessary to inflate a balloon, and a complete and generous supply of the Weather Bureau reduction form. The Canadian Meteorological Service has given a theodolite to enable observations to be taken at a second station. This will allow the rate of ascent to be determined by triangulation and make possible a determination of the vertical air currents. South Pacific Weather-reporting System. —During April, 1923, and from the Ist November to the present, weather reports have been sent twice daily to the Apia Wireless Station for broadcasting. In the trade-wind season, from May to October, only one report a day, at 9 a.m., has been forwarded to the station. The; following stations transmit their reports to Apia, and are under the general supervision of the Observatory : Tahiti, Rarotonga, Nukualofa, Suva, Norfolk Island, and New Hebrides. The Observatory has compared and furnished standardization certificates for eleven aneroid barometers, and rated six ships' chronometers. Time-service. —Correct time has been supplied regularly at 9 a.m. every morning throughout the year to the Post Office, and twice a week to the pilot-station for firing the noon gun.
1923. Pressure : Mean Daily Value, in Inchos. Temperature: Mean Daily Value, in Degrees Fahrenheit. Rainfall, in Inches. January February March April 29-78 29-80 29-76 29-86 29-86 .29-87 29-88 29-92 29-87 29-90 29-82 29-82 80-6 80-2 79-8 79-5 79-3 77-9 78-4 78-1 77-9 78-3 78-1 78-9 18-71 18-20 51-08 9-24 6-97 6-61 3-98 6-04 4-37 3-12 7-89 12-33 May June July August September October Novemiber December Year 29-84 78-9 148-54 l (
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Astronomical observations aro made once a week to check the Observatory standard clock. A small radio receiving-set has been installed, in January, to obtain tho Honolulu time-signals. BOARD OF TRADE. The second year of its existence has proved one of considerable activity on the part of the Samoa Board of Trade. The; functions and general piolicy of the Board were briefly set out in last year's report, and. on those lines work has since been carried out, prominence being given to the encourage ment of industry. Agricultural Show and Fair. The first Samoan Agricultural Show and Fair was held on the 2nd and 4th June,' 1923, and, considering that this was the first function of the kind promoted in Samoa, it was very successful. Especially was this so in the Industrial Section, where the number of exhibits far exceeded the expectations of tho most sanguine. The; show was undoubtedly of great educational value and benefit to the community generally, and, it is hoped, will prove the forerunner of similar and larger displays in future. Copra. There was a steady decline in London -values during the first few months of the year under review, the price touching bottom in July, when it stood at £22 15s. per ton. From that date the market gradually recovered, until in January last copra stood at the very satisfactory figure of close upon £30 per ton. Local buying-prices moved in sympathy, reaching as high as 3| cents per pound in Apia. London values receded somewhat subsequently, and at the end of March the price stood at £27 ss. Witli a view to increasing the; quantity antl quality of the copra produced by the Samoans, a district competition was commenced on the Ist January last. The islands have been divided up into a number of copra districts, and it is proposed to award a cash prize of £50 to the district showing for the year — (a) the largest increase in output, (b) the most marked improvement in quality, (c) the; greatest improvement in care of plantations. In addition to the cash prize, shields will be awarded to the best district in Savai'i and the .best district in Upolu. These shields will be competed for annually. As a further aid to inoreased production, the Samoans are being encouraged to erect small hot-air driers, especially in districts where the weather is more or less uncertain. Competitive; designs for a small hot-air drier to be erected at the expense of and for the use of Samoan families wore invited. A suitable, design was eventually accepted, and a sample drier erected at the Agricultural Farm. This was duly demonstrated, and proved so acceptable that a number are now on order for different parts of the Territory. The drier is a very small, compact affair, with a capacity of about 1,000 lb. weight of green copra. Cacao. For the first nine months of the year just closed the outlook for local cacao-growers was most depressing. Not only were the market piriees bad and the demand for this product very shbrt indeed, but the crop itself was an exceedingly poor one owing to adverse weather conditions. In January last, however, prices abroad impjrovod appreciably, as did demands. At first inquiries were slow, but eventually demand for supplies poured in from London, San Francisco, Australia, and New Ze;aland, until the stocks in hand were almost completely disposed of. Further, the new year's crop was an exceedingly good one : tho exports for tho March quarter, 1924, totalled 296 tons ; or 75 tons more than the total expjort for the preceding twelve months. Mat and Basket Making. The; possibilities of finding a market abroad for Native-made mats and baskets is be;ing investigated. It is feared, however, that on account of the comparatively high prices asked by the Natives for their labour, and the irregularity of manufacture and supply, the prospects of success are poor at present. Balance of Trade. The total trade for the calendar year ending 31st December last amounted to £557,655, of which imports contributed £268,881 and exports £288,774. Tho balance of trades has bee;n well maintained, the exports keepring ahead of the imports, in spite of the excessive; impiortations of 1920-21. The following summary of the figures for the past ten years shows the pjosition : — Imports. Exports. Total Trade. £ £ £ 1914 .. .. 236,239 220,519 456,758 1915 .. .. 267,091 262,389 529,480 1916 .. .. 180,340 235,415 415,755 1917 .. .. 301,173 320,444 621,617 1918 .. • .. 309,396 306,640 616,036 1919 .. .. 291,368 532,500 823,868 1920 .. .. 561,153 386,587 947,740 1921 .. .. 408,892 241,539 650,431 1922 .. .. 282,939 365,610 648,549 1923 .. .. 268,881 288,774 557,655 £3,107,472 £3,160,417 £6,267,889
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Trade Outlook. With regard to the outlook for 1924-25, the year is commencing well. The price of copra is comparatively good, and if cacao prices continue to improve it should enable the, planters to get upon their feet again. Both copra and oacao promise to be in fair supply. A fair average year is looked forward to. PUBLIC TRUST OFFICE. Tho Samoan Public Trust Office, which was constituted under the; Samoa Public Trust Office Order of 1921, became a Department of the Administration as from the Ist January last. Public Trust Office Work. During its existence the Office has handled about fifty estates, of an approximate value; of £40,000. Though small in number, the estates represent every class of asset imaginable;, and the difficulty of administration is frequently quite out of proportion to the value of the property. The establishing of the Office has filled a real need here, as it will ensure the proper administration of all deceased estates. In a number of cases in the past no such, proper steps were taken. As an instance, an estate is now in course of completion where a period of fifty-four years had elapsed between the date of death and the granting if letters of administration. The fact that deceased estates can now be handled by fully qualified and impartial persons is a matter of considerable public importance in itself, and the Department has the; full confidence of the local community. Clearing-office Work. An important function of Public Trust Office has been to act as a clearing-house lor the settlement of real property of Germans which was vested in the New Zealand Government under the Samoan Crown Estates Order and for the personal property of German absentees or repatriatees. In addition, the books of all the former German oonxpanies have been completed, and these businesses are now being finally liquidated. Official Assignee Work. The Public Trustee also holds the appointment of Official Assignee, but, owing to the extraordinarily lenient credit system in vogue in Samoa, there has been little work in this direction so far. General. The Public Trust Office now also carries out the functions of local auditor of Administration accounts. The fact should be emphasized that the Department is entirely self-supporting. Moreover, by advancing on mortgage some £6,250 of its funds to local planters and others it has been of some assistance during the last year or two of financial stress. CROWN ESTATES. During the year the cost of maintenance of the Crown estates has been reduced by approximately £21,500. This reduction is due mainly to an all-round reduction of labour and decreased cost of recruiting and repatriation charges for Chinese. The average monthly total of labour employed throughout tho year was 952, as compared with 1,168 for the previous year. Unfortunately there has also been a drop in revenue amounting to some £14,000, due to the. reduced output of copra and cocoa. During March-April, 1923, very heavy and prolonged gales were experienced over the whole; island, and it is considered by most experienced planters in Samoa that these conditions were responsible for the heavy loss of copra as compared with the previous year. Added to this factor was the very dry spell following after the gales, resulting in a very poor fall of nuts, and the inclusion of a very large percentage of immature nuts right up to November-December. Whilst the immediate results of the March gales have shown up) in a considerable reduction of the copra output, it is thought that the ultimate; result may be of considerable benefit to the palms, by producing a stimulating effect upion the root-growth and so producing a more vigorous growth of nuts during the succeeding years. The poor crop of cocoa-beans may be attributed almost entirely to the March gales. March, April, and May of 1923 were the months when the crop was expected, and reports indicated that a fair crop could be looked for. The harvest proved to be the poorest ever experienced, and the beans of very poor general quality. This year's crop commenced earlier than usual, and reports indicate that same will continue for a longer period than is usual. Every indication points to an exceptionally good crop. The end of this financial year marks the practical end of this Department as constituted in the past. The change of policy decided upon, and which has been put into effect, now leaves this Department practically free from most activities other than the four plantations —Mulifauna, Vaitele, Vailele, and Magia. It is thought that the recent advertising and activity carried on in New Zealand and elsewhere should result in these plantations being disposed of, thus leaving for the following period only such work as is necessary to finally record the arrangements and liquidate the remaining assets.
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FINANCE. Revenue. The statement hereunder shows the revenue for the financial year ended 31st March, 1924, including a subsidy from the; New Zealand Government; also, for comparative piurposes, the revenue for tho preceding financial year. 1922-23. 1923-24. £ s. d. £ s. d. 1. Native taxes .. .. .. .. ~ .. 9,412 1 6 9,899 2 6 2. Customs, taxes and marine .. .. .. .. 75,468 16 4 68,24.1. 15 11 3. Foes and charges (Court, hospital, &c), (includes' Native medical subscriptions, £7,327) .. .. .. 11,604 14 10 16,969 6 0 4. Post Office and Savings-bank .. .. .. .. 6,42111 3 5,206 5 1 5. Wireless station .. .. .. .. .. 4,973 14 5 3,211 19 0 6. Miscellaneous .. .. .. .. .. .. 7,369 5 0 6,388 14 1 7. Subsidy from New Zealand Government . . .. .. 16,000 0 0 24,000 0 0 Totals .. .. .. .. ...£131,250 3 4 £133,917 2 7 Note. —The subsidy to the; Samoan revenue from the New Zealand Government is based on the additional cost due to the extension of the; medical and educational services in tho inte;rosts of the Native population. New Zealand contributed an extra £6,000 this year in order to cover abnormal losses to roads and bridges caused by the severe and prolonged bad weather at tho beginning of the year. Kxpenditure. The; ordinary expenditure for the year ended 31st March, 1924 (excluding special public-works programme as noted below) is as follows, a comparison being shown with, the prrevious year : — 1922-23. 1923-24. £ s. cl. £ s. d. 1. I'eninanont charges on account of public debt .. .. 5,323 14 6 4,916 6 7 2. Administrator and Legislature .. .. .. .. 4,833 18 6 7,084 10 2 3. Secretariat .. .. .. .. .. .. 2,837 18 6 2,4,18 0 8 4. Native Department — (a.) Head Office and general.. .. .. .. 8,626 14 8 9,546 3 5 (6.) Savai'i section . . .. .. .. .. 5,999 4 7 5,702 4 10 (c.) Aleipata section .. .. .. .. 854 1,5 2 608 1 6 5. Treasury, Audit, and Supplies Purchase Office .. .. 3,732 610 ' 3,925.15 3 6. Customs, taxes, and Marine — (a.) Customs and taxes .. .. .. .. 2,264 0 5 2,500 12 11 (b.) Harbour Department .. .. .. .. 4,364 7 1 4,106 0 1 (c.) Transpiort, s.s. " Lady Roberts".. .. .. .. 3,102 5 4 7. Justice Department .. .. .. .. .. 3,816 0 10 3,599 0 2 8. Police and Prisons .. .. .. .. .. 9,422 2 1 8,508 17 4 9. Medical Department .. .. .. .. .. 25,715 8 4 23,994 10 2 10. Agricultural Department .. .. .. .. 3,786 12 6 5,748 6 10 11. Chinese Department .. .. .. .. .. 2,207 1 4 1,609 7 6 12. Post Office and Pavings-bank .. .. .. .. 5,717 13 6 5,669 5 3 13. Wireless station .. .. .. .. .. 4,789 0 10 5,329 18 0 14. Education Department .. .. .. .. 6,846 9 9 6,556 0 7 15. Miscellaneous .. ... .. .. .. 15,479 19 11 14,780 10 9 16. Lands and Survey .. .. .. .. .. 3,492 14 2 2,113 13 8 17. Public Works Department (general and maintenance) .. 11,452 14 3 16,648 13 1 18. Public Works Department (new works) .. .. .. 1,096 0 10 4,54119 6 Totals .. .. .. .. .. £132,658 18 7 £143,010 3 7 Direct Native Revenue and Expenditure. The revenue derived directly from the Natives, and the amounts expended directly on them, during the year may be stated approximately as follows : — Revenue deprived direct from Natives .. .. .. .. £18,358 Expenditure directly on Natives .. .. .. .. .. £30,000 These amounts are arrived at as follows : — Revenue derived directly from Natives. 1923-24. £ s. d. Native; taxes .. .. .. .. .. .. 9,899 2 6 Native medical levy .. .. .. .. .. .. 7,327 0 0 Travelling passes . . .. .. .. .. .. 30 8 0 Survey, land, and titles fees .. .. .. .. .. 564 3 1 Court "fees (say) . . .. .. .. .. .. 500 0 0 Water-rates . . ~ ■ ~ .. .. .. .. 37 10 0 £18,358 3 7
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In addition to the above tho Natives indirectly contribute their quota of import duty received owing to Native purchases of goods, but it is almost impossible to arrive at a figure which could be considered as correct. There are also such fees as motor licenses, boat licenses, and shipping fees to be considered.. The second, item, above (medical levy) represents an annual subscription of £1 per head, payable by each adult male Samoan, in return for which medical treatment is free for all Samoans. The Natives themselves are entirely in agreement with the medical levy, and keenly avail themselves of the increased facilities for medical treatment. Expenditure, directly on the Natives. (a.) Payments directly to Natives : — 1923-24. (Salaries and wages (approximate)— £ Native Department, Samoan staff and officials .. .. .. 8,500 Other Departments, Samoan officials .. .. .. .. 8,500 Casual labour employed by Public Works, Harbour Department, &c. (say) .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 1,000 (6.) Payments directly on behalf of Natives : — Salaries, European staff, Native Department .. .. .. .. 4,200 Cost of printing Savali (Native Gazette) .. .. .. .. 350 Fono sessional expenses .. .. .. .. .. .. 700 Expenses Land and Titles Commission .. .. .. .. 670 Publishing Samoa Act in Samoan language .. .. .. .. 110 Travelling-expenses, Native Department .. .. .. .. 850 Entertainment of Samoans .. .. .. .. .. .. 400 Native dog-collars .. .. .. ~ .. .. .. 60 Clothing Native police and messengers .. .. .. .. 250 Rations, Police and Prisons .. .. .. .. .. 600 Upkeep of Samoan lepers at Fiji .. .. .. .. .. 650 Upkeep Samoan pupils at Auckland .. .. .. .. 240 Educational grant to missions .. .. .. .. .. 500 Native water-supjplics .. .. .. .. .. .. 300 Native pensions .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 60 Rents of Native houses .. .. .. .. .. .. 40 Rations, Samoan patients and staff at Hospital . . .. .. 600 Transport and travelling-expenses, Health Department, in carrying out malagas for treatment of hookworm and yaws (say) .. .. 500 First Samoan Agricultural show and fair .. . . .. .. 400 Erection of copira-driers .. .. .. .. .. .. 320 School food-supplies .. .. ... .. .. .. 200 £30,000 Note.'—ln addition to the above the Medical Department and Education Department exist mainly for the bene;:fit of Samoans, and largo sums have been spent in these directions. Practically the whole of the expenditure of the Agricultural Department is on behalf of the Samoans generally, while that of the Police Department is mainly incidental to the Natives. Public Works Department Loan Account Expenditure. Expenditure hereunder is paid for out of a loan account fund of £125,000 provided by the New Zealand Government. Of this amount £25,000 has been donated as a gift free of charges, while £100,000 is on loan at 5 per cent, interest and at a sinking-fund rate to repay in thirty years. Since the commencement the expenditure has been as follows : — • £ s. d. 1919-20 .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 14,902 0 4 1920-21 .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 29,434 3 10 1921-22 .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 49,229 1 2 1922-23 .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 20,776 16 8 1923-24 .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 5,657 18 0 Total to 31st March, 1924 .. .. .. £120,000 0 0 This leaves the sum of £5,000 yet to be expended, and this amount has been set aside to be used on Native water-supplies only. The schedule hereunder gives particulars of the total loan expenditure to 31st March, 1,924, showing the various heads : — Expenditure against Loan Account ~ .. ~ ~ £125,000
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Actual Expenditure to 31st March, 1924. £ s. d. 1. Dairy, buildings, (fee. 2. Stook quarantine 3. Hospital extensions — (a.) Apia Hospital .. .. .. .. .. 15,810 15 8 {!>.) Tuasivi Hospital .. .. .. .. 3,285 6 4 (c.) Aleipata .. .. .. .. ... 4,687 0 3 (d.) Leper Station, Fiji .. .. .. .. 1,051 19 1 4. Hotel extension 5. Post-office additions .. .. .. .. .. 996 6 8 6. Ice and cold storage 7. Steam-laundry.. .. .. .. .. .. 6,169 17 7 8. Electric light, Vailima .. .. ... .. .. 767 18 0 9. Customs buildings .. .. ~ .. .. ] ,016 14 2 10. Motor transport park .. .. .. .. .. 1,945 0 1 11. Public Works plant .. .. .. .. .. 2,419 0 2 12. Central Hotel purchase .. .. .. .. .. 10,000 0 0 13. Hotel equipment and improvements .. .. .. 3,520 11 8 14. Apia drainage and waterworks .. .. .. .. 22,136 4 8 15. Hydro-electric scheme 16. Channel and passage improvements 17. Harbour-dredging .. .. .. .. .. 377 3 4 18. Native water-supplies .. .. .. .. .. 4,747 17 10 19. Nurses' quarters 20. Wireless quarters .. .. .. .. .. 2,616 11 1 21. Quarters (renovation) .. .. .. .. .. 3,945 14 4 22. Quarters (construction) .. .. .. .. .. 5,266 0 8 23. Police headquarters .. .. .. .. .. 400 0 0 24. Sea-road protection .. .. .. .. .. 1,486 11 1 25. Roads and bridge;s .. .. .. .. .. 22,182 11 1 26. Sanitation 27. Central Office; additions.. .. .. .. .. 750 14 5 28. District schools .. .. .. .. .. 1,420 14 10 Total .. .. .. .. £120,000 13 0
Table showing a Comparison between Revenue and Expenditure over Five Years.
Note. —In expenditure figures above are included considerable sums set aside as reserves (see balance-sheet) ; while further sums have been devoted to writing off losses incurred during military occupation, and as a result of aotual financial losses in connection with trading concerns carried on for the general benefit of the, community. Figures for 1924-25 are according to estimates only.
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Year. Revonue (including Subsidy from New Zealand Government). Expenditure. Ordinary. Loan Account. Total. 1920-21 1921-22 1922-23 1923-24 1924-25 £ s. d. 149,026 16 5 135,569 6 10 131,250 3 4 133,917 2 7 127,350 0 0 £ s. d. 147,163 2 2 137,180 18 9 132,658 18 7 143,010 3 7 127,350 0 0 £ s. d. 29,434 3 10 49,229 1 2 20,776 16 8 5,657 18 0 , 5,000 0 0 £ s. d. 76,597 6 0 186,409 19 11 153,435 15 3 148,668 I 7 132,350 0 0
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A. Statement of Current Assets and Liabilities on 31st March, 1923. Assets. Liabilities. £ s. d. £ s. el. Cash in hand and at bank .. .. 6,269 19 5 Reserves .. .. .. .. 10,549 1 0 Imprests .. ~ .. .. 57 13 4 Deposits .. .. .. .. 10,910 16 7 Advances .. .. .. .. 1,435 0 5 Currency notes .. .. .. 45,000 0 0 German currency .. .. .. 95 i) 3 Loan Account, N.Z. Government — (Stores unallocated .. .. .. 21,088 010 (a) Provided at 5 per Loan Works Account—• £ s. d. cent, interest and Drainage and water 22,136 4 S 1 per cent, sinking £ s. d. supply fund .. .. 87,000 0 0 Other works .. 02,205 17 4 (b) Provided free of 114,342 2 0 interest (gift) .. 25,000 0 0 Suspense— _____ 112,000 0 0 Chinese Accounts .. 1,966 13 II Suspense .. .. .. .. 380 5 <i Trading Accounts 2,189 18 7 Surplus and deficit account— • 4,150 12 (i Balance 31st March, 1024 .. .. 24,308 16 4 Investments—■ N.Z. Government debentures and inscribed stock .. .. .. 55,704 1 8 £203,148 19 5 £203,148 19 5 Samoan Post Office Savings-bank.—Statement of Assists and Liabilities on 31st March, 1923. A ssets. Liabilities. £ s. d. £ s. el. Cash—-Postmaster .. . . .. 100 0 1 Balance at credit of depositors inclubing Cash—Treasury .. .. .. 2,184 G 8 interest to date (£1,102 18s. 9d.) .. 39,255 2 5 Amount due by N.Z. Post Office .. 1,272 15 8 Investments—■ N.Z. Government inscribed stock .. 35,698 0 0 £39,255 2 5 £39,255 2 5 B. Statement of Current Assets and Liabilities on 31st March, 1924. Assets. £ s. d. Liabilities. £ s. d. Cash in hand and at bank .. .. 2,543 10 8 Rosorves .. .. .. .. 12,058 3 I Imprests .. .. .. .. 50 0 0 Deposits .. .. .. .. 7,418 4 (i Advances .. .. .. .. 4,703 5 7 Currency note-issue .. .. .. 45,000 0 0 Unallocated stores .. .. .. 12,903 2 0 Loan Account, N.Z. Covernmcnt .. 120,000 0 0 Loan Works Account —Drainage, water- Chinese Account — supply, &c. .. .. .. 120,000 0 0 Repatriation costs, &.o. .. .. 2,903 14 0 ■Plant .. .. .. .. 78(i 0 0 | Surplus and Deficit Account— S.s. "Lady Roberts" —-Preliminary ex-. Balanoe at 31st Maroh, 1924.. .. 15,215 15 4 penses and improvements (ship on loan from N.Z. Government) .. .. 1,460 0 0 Trading Accounts .. .. .. 3,005 19 1 Suspense Accounts .. .. .. 553 16 7 Public Works Loan Redemption Fund Investment Account (N.Z. Government sec urities) .. .. .. 1,420 1 4 Investments— N.Z. Government debentures and inscribed stock .. .. .. 55,704 1 8 £203,255 10 11 £203,255 10 11 Note. -Regarding assets, these accounts do not include value of land, buildings, and other real property under the control of the Administration, or book de;bts, department's stocks (except Public Works), furniture and fittings (office and house), horse, trap, and motor transport, &c, paid for out of revenue in previous years. Nor are the assets and liabilities of the Samoa Crown Estates included herein, these being the; property of the New Zealand Government. Revenue is increased by £6,000 extra subsidy from the New Zealand Government, making total subsidy £24,000 for the year.
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STAFF. Careful attention continues to be given to the question of the stalling of the various Departments, as will be seen from the subjoined table;. The increase in number of two as compared with last year is more than accounted for by the increase of five in the number of officers engaged in the Medical Department.
Department. Boport for 1921. lleport for 1922. Staff as at 31st March, 1023. Stall' as at 31st March, 1924. Administrator's .. Administrator A.D.C. Administrator A.D.C. Administrator A.D.C. Administrator A.D.C. Number .. 2 2 2 2 Secretariat Secretary Assistant Secretary Clerk Typist Typist Typist. Secretary Assistant Secretary Clerk Typist Typist Billeting and Relieving Officer Secretary Assistant Seoretary Clerk Typist Typist Billeting and Relieving Officer Seoretary Assistant Seoretary Typist Typist Number .. 4 (i (j (1 Agriculture Director Clerk Farm-manager Inspector 1 nspector Inspector Director Clerk Inspector Inspector Inspector Director (:lerk Inspector Inspector Inspector Direotor Clerk Inspector Inspector Inspector Number .. 0 5 5 S Chinese Commissioner Assistant (lommissioncr 2 Commissioner Assistant Commissioner 2 Commissioner Commissioner Clerk Number .. I 2 Customs and Harbour (lolleetor Examining Officer Clerk Clerk Fumigation Officer Harbourmaster 6 Collector Examining Officer First Clerk Clerk Fumigation Officer Harbourmaster 6 Collector Examining Officer first Clerk Clerk Fumigation Officer Harbourmaster 6 Collector Examining Officer First Clerk Clerk Fumigation Officer Harbourmaster 6 Number .. Education Direotor 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 Supt. of Schools H eadmaster Headmaster, District School Mistress Assistant Master Assistant Teacher Assistant Teacher Assistant Teacher Travelling Teacher Supt. of Schools Headmaster, District School Headmaster, I listrie-t School Assistant Master Assistant Teaoher Assistant Teacher Travelling Teacher Pupil-teacher Pupil-teacher 9 Number . . 8 9 9 Justice Chief Judgo Crown Solicitor Assist. Crown Solicitor Registrar, High Court Registrar, Lauds 5 Chief Judge Crown Solicitor Assist. Crown Solicitor and Registrar of Court and Lands 3 Chief Judge Crown Solicitor Assist. Crown Solicitor and Registrar of Court and Lands 3 Chief Judge Crown Solicitor Registrar of Court and Deputy Registrar of Lands Number .. 3 Lands and Survey Chief Surveyor Chief Draughtsman field Surveyor Assistant Surveyor Assistant Surveyor Chief Surveyor Field Surveyor • Computing Draughtsman Assistant Surveyor Assistant Surveyor 5 (Ihief Surveyor Computing Draughts man Assistant Surveyor Assistant Surveyor Chief Surveyor Field Surveyor Computing Draughts man Assistant Surveyor (Samoan) 4 Number .. 5 4 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 10 Engineer in Charge Draughtsman Chief'Clerk Clerk and Ledgerkeeper Storeman Buildings Overseer Road Overseer Foreman Joiner Foreman Plumber Foreman Painter foreman Mechanic Foreman Shipwright Sanitation Foreman 13 Engineer in Charge Draughtsman Chief Clerk Clerk and Ledgerkeeper Storeman Buildings Overseer Road Overseer Foreman Painter Engineer in Charge (included in Lands and Survey Dept.) Draughtsman and Engineer's Assist. Buildings Overseer Road Overseer Chief Clerk (llerk 8 6 Number ..
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STAFF— continued.
Department. IteiK>H lor 1921. llcport for 1922. Stall' as at 31st March, 1923. Stall' as at 31st March, 1924 ealth Chief Medical Officer Chief Medical Officer Chief Medieval Officer Hospital Supt Hospital Supt. Hospital Supt. Medical Officer Medical Officer Medical Officer Medical Officer Medical Officer Medical Officer Medical Officer Medical Officer Medical Officer Health Officer District Medical Officer District Medical Officer Dispenser Dispenser Dispenser Assistant Dispenser Assistant Dispenser Assistant Dispenser Secretary and Steward Secretary and Steward Secretary and Steward Storekeeper Storekeeper Storekeeper Matron Matron Matron Sister Sister Sister Sister Sister Sister Sister Sister Sister Sister Sistor Sister Sister Sister Sister Sister Sister Sister Sister Sister Sister Sister Sister Sister Inspector of Health Chief Medical Officer Hospital Supt. Medical Officer Medical Officer Medical Officer District Medical Officer Dispenser Assistant Dispenser Secretary and Steward Storekeeper Matron Sister Sister Sister Sistor Sister Sister Sister Sister Chief Medical Officer Hospital Supt. Medical Officer Medical Officer Medical Officer District Medical Officer I listrict Medical Officer Dispenser Assistant Dispenser Secretary and Steward Storekeeper Typist (lerioal Cadet Matron Sister Sister Sister Sister Sistor Sister Sister Sister Assistant Pathologist Health Inspector Asst. Health inspector 25 19 19 20 19 Number .. Native Affairs .. Secretary (also Chief Secretary Secretary Surveyor) Clerk of Court Assistant Secretary Assistant Secretary Accountant Clerk of Court Clerk of Court Chief Translator Accountant Accountant Chief Translator (.'hief Translator 5 4 B Secretary Clerk of Court Accountant Chief Translator Secretary Assistant Secretary I nspector I Ihief Translator Number .. 4 4 Police Commissioner Commissioner Commissioner Inspector Inspector Sub-Inspector Sid)-Inspector Sub-Inspector Detective SergeantSergeant Sergeant Sergeant Acct. and Storekeeper Acct. and Storekeeper Acct. and Storekeeper Caoler Gaoler Gaoler Constable Constable Constable Constable Interpreter 9 7 7 Commissioner Inspector Sub-Inspector Sergeant Acct. and Storekeeper Gaoler Constable Commissioner Sub-Inspector Detective Sergeant Sergeant Acct. and Storekeeper Gaoler Constable Number .. 7 7 Postal Postmaster Postmaster Postmaster Clerk Clerk Clerk Clerk _ Clerk Clerk Line Foreman Line Foreman Line Foreman 4 4 4 Postmaster Clerk Clerk Line Foreman 4 Postmaster Clerk Clerk Line Foreman 4 Number .. Resident Commissioners At, Aleipata At Aleipata At Aleipata At Fagamalo At Fagamalo At Fagamalo Secretary at Fagamalo Secretary at Fagamalo Secretary at Fagamalo Agricultural Inspector, Beetle Inspector, Faga- Beetle Inspector, FagaFagamalo malo malo 4 4 4 At Aleipata At Fagamalo Secretary at Fagamalo Beetle Inspector, Fagamalo At Fagamalo Secretary at Fagamalo Dist. [nspector, Savai'i Dist. Inspector, Savai'i Number .. 4 4 Stores Stores-manager Supplies Purchase Supplios Purchase Storekeeper Officer Officer Clerk Clerk Clerk Typist Clerk Supplies Purchase Officer Clerk Stores-manager Clerk Number .. 2 2 6 2 1 Treasury Treasurer Treasurer Treasurer Accountant Accountant Accountant Assistant Accountant Assistant Accountant Assistant Accountant and Audit Officer and Audit Officer and Audit Officer Clerk Clerk Clerk Treasurer Accountant Assistant Accountant and Audit Officer Clerk I ieputy Treasurer Senior Clerk Cashier Number .. 3 4 4 4 4 Radio-station .. Superintendent Superintendent, Superintendent Sonior Operator Senior Operator Senior Operator Operator Operator Operator Operator Operator Operator Operator Operator Operator Operator Operator Operator Operator Engineer Engineer Engineer Second Engineer Second Engineer 9 8 7 Superintendent Senior Operator Operator Operator Operator Operator Engineer Second Engineer Superintendent Senior Oporator Operator Operator Operator Oporator Engineer Second Engineer Number .. 8 8 Miscellaneous Labour Agent Billeting and Relieving Officer. Number .. 1 1 Grand totals for Ac tration Departme a*-} no 103 98* * Includes 1 Samoan occupying Kuropean graded position.
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QUESTIONNAIRE. I. SLAVERY. (re.) 1. What measures arc being taken with a view to insuring the suppression of the slave trade { 2. What results have; been obtained ? (b.) 1. Is slavery recognized legally ? 2. Does domestic or other slavery still exist ? Give statistics. 3. What are the principal causes of slavery (gambling, drink, (fee.) ' 4. Is the pledging of a person recognized le;gally 1 5. Under what conditions can a slave get his freedom ? 6. What measures have been taken, or are being taken, to provide for the emancipation of slaves and to put an end to all slavery, domestic or otherwise 1 1. Is there any time-limit fixed for the emancipation of slaves ? if in the affirmative, how long is the period ? (a.) 1. Slavery does not exist in the 'Territory. (b.) 1-7. Slavery is not recognized h;gally. 11. LABOUR. (re.) 1. Have measures been taken to insure, in accordance with Part XIII of the Treaty of Versailles, the taking into consideration of conventions or recommendations of International Labour Conferences ? 2. Are these conventions or recommendations being carried into effect ? 3. By what other provisions is free labour protected ? (b.) 1. What are the measures intended to insure the prohibition of forced labour for purposes other than essential public works and services, and what are the effective results of these measures ? 2. For what public works and services is forced Native labour required ? How is this regulated ? 3. Are there any other forms of forced labour, such as labour in lieu of taxation, maintenance of highways, <fee. ? If in the affirmative, how are these regulated ? (<?.) 1. How is the recruiting of labour required by private enterprise organized and regulated ? Does Administration participate in this recruiting ? 2. Does the Administration allow recruiting in the mandated area of labour for another territory ? If so, under what conditions \ 3. Is there any system of indentured (Chinese or other) labour in the Territory ? If so, what are the conditions of indenture, and what steps are being taken to provide for the; moral and material well-being of the Natives of the Territory, vis-a-vis the indentured labourers ? 4. What compulsory and disciplinary measures are authorized with respect to Native labour ? 5. What powers has the; Administration for controlling labour contracts in order to insure their loyal fulfilment both on the part of the employer and employed, and what powers does it possess to prevent any abuses in this respect 1 (a.) 1-3. Those conventions or recommendations are not applicable, in the Territory. Labour has the same protection that similar labour enjoys in the Dominion of New Zealand. (b.) 1, 2. No measures are necessary, as there is no forced labour. 3. There is no form of forced labour in lieu of taxation. As to maintenance of highways, the weeding and keeping clean of the sides of roads and streets is required of all landowners, Native and non-Native. Suppression of rhinoceros-beetle by collection of beetles, larvae, and eggs is required of all male Natives, who own most cf the coconut-palms, and of all other owners of plantations. (c.) 1. There is no recruiting of Samoans for definite periods under contract, and no organization exists. Native Samoans are employed as day labourers by private enterprise and by the Administration. Samoans are also encouraged to take contracts for roadmaking, c&c. 2. No. 3. Chinese labour is imported by the Administration under the terms of the Chinese Free Labour Ordinance, 1923, for work mainly on the European plantations. A copy of the Ordinance referred to lias already been forwarded to the Librarian of the League of Nations. The labourer undertakes to serve in Samoa for a period of three years, and the Administration undertakes to pay the cost of passage to and from Samoa and that the labourer shall receive a wage of not less than 3s. per diem so long as he complies with the terms of the Ordinance. If he is dissatisfied with his employer the labourer is free to seek another employer. Whilst serving in Samoa the labourer is subject only to the statute law of the Territory. The moral well-being of the Samoan Native is not affected by the presence of the Chinese under the conditions existing. Neither is their material well-being affected, except beneficially, through the maintenance of trade and revenue by means of this labour. Further, without this labour the cultivated plantations would soon be devastated by the rhinoceros-beetle, and become breeding-grounds for this pest, and so a real menace to the existence of all Native plantations. 4. None. 5. Chinese labour can be imported by the Administration only, and therefore the allocation of such labour is entirely in the hands of the Administration. An officer called the Chinese Commissioner has been appointed to watch the interest of the labourers. Further, the labourer is free to leave an employer if not satisfied with his treatment, and in case of illtreatment can invoke the protection of the statute law of the Territory. As regards prevention of abuses by the labourer, he is entitled to a day's wages for an honest day's work, and the principle "No work, no pay " applies. The employer is entitled to dispense with the labourer's services if the latter does not carry out his work satisfactorily.
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111. ARMS TRAFFIC. 1. What measures are being adopted to control the traffic in arms and ammunition ? 2. What are; the statistics relating to imports of arms and ammunition of different categories ? 1. Tho Arms Ordinance, 1921, prohibits the importation or sale of arms, guns, or ammunition except under permit and license. All owners of guns must hold a license. There is no smuggling or illicit sale of arms or ammunition. Only single - barrelled muzzle - loading shot-guns are being supplied to the Natives for pigeon-shooting for food-supplies. The; number is, in addition, restricted. 2. Following are the; details of importations of arms and ammunition : Arms —Fifteen doublebarrelled breech-loading sporting shot-guns, No. 12 and 16 gauge; sixteen single-barrelled breechloading sporting shot-guns, Nos. 12, 16, 20, and 410 gauge. Ammunition —2,000 rounds No. 22 pearifle cartridges; 67,500 rounds sporting-gun, No. 12, cartridges; 37,(X)() rounds sporting shot-gun, No. 16, cartridges ; 59,000 rounds sporting shot-gun, No. 20, cartridges ; 7,500 rounds sporting shotgun, No. 410, cartridges ; 3 cases sporting shot-gun powder ; 39 cwt. sporting gunpowder ; 243,500 percussion-caps. IV. TRADE AND MANUFACTURE OF ALCOHOL AND DRUGS. 1. What steps are being taken to assure the prohibition of abuses of tho liquor traffic ? 2. How is the campaign against alcoholism organized ? 3. What are the effects of these measures ? (Statistics relative to the import and to the local manufacture of alcoholic liquors, <&c). 4. What are the countries of origin of alcoholic liquor, other than wine and beer, imported into the Territory ? 5. What measures have been taken to assure the prohibition or regulation of the importation, production, and consumption of dangerous drugs ? 1. The importation and manufacture of all liquor containing more than 3 per cent, of proof spirit is absolutely prohibited by the Samoa Act, 1921, sections 336 to 341, except importation by the Adminisstration for medicinal, sacramental, or industrial purposes (section 340). Such importation and the; disposal of liquor so imported is controlled by the Samoa Sale of Intoxicating Liejuor Regulations, 1920. Sale to both Europeans and Natives is prohibited except when prescribed, by a duly qualified Government Medical Officer and for medicinal purposes only. 2. All liquor on board visiting ships must be declared in writing on arrival, and is at once placed under Customs seal. Such se;al must be unbroken when tho ship sails. The police and Customs maintain a watch over every overseas vessel. Ships are frequently searched. 3. In all, twenty-two cases were brought before the Court, resulting in twenty-two convictions. Thirteen of these cases were for manufacturing beer from a preparation known as " All-in-one " and by adding sugar, resulting in the liquor being over 3 per cent, proof spirit. Five cases of manufacturing liquor distilled from fermented cocoa-juice were also before the Court, and six cases of smuggling liquor ashore from ships, involving eleven bottles of Chinese whisky, one bottle of brandy, and three bottles of whisky. Smuggling is, by the vigilance of the police and Customs, kept within very small compass, and local manufacture is kept well in hand. There were fourteen convictions for drunkenness during the year. The majority became intoxicated by consuming methylated spirits, and were men who work on the water-front and have acquired a taste for liquor. This class of person is to be found in every community. Imports of intoxicating liquors during the year were;: For medicinal purposes —Brandy, 70 gallons ; whisky, 459 gallons ; port wine, 59 gallons ; claret, 11 gallons ; ale, 42 gallons ; stout, 556 gallons. For sacramental purposes —Wine,, 113 gallons. For industrial purposes —Rectified spirits of wine, 22 J gallons. 4. Whisky —United Kingdom ; brandy —France. 5. The New Zealand Opium Act, 1908, and Amendment, 1910, and regulations made thereunder, are in force 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. All precautions are taken by the Police and Customs Departments to prevent illegal traffic in prohibited drugs. All baggage is searched, and all invoices closely scrutinized by the Customs. With the exception of one reputable chemist, all dispensing and sale is done by Administration doctors. V. LIBERTY OF CONSCIENCE. 1. What measures are being taken to guarantee liberty of conscience and religion ? 2. What restrictions have; been laid down for the maintenance of public order and morality ? 3. Is there free exercise of religious worship and instruction ? 4. If not, what restrictions are there to limit such exercises ? 5. What are the results of such restrictions ? 1. Missionaries in Samoa pursue their calling without restriction. There is absolute freedom of conscience. 2. In general, the restrictive laws for the maintenance of public order and morality are the same as those of the Dominion of New Zealand. 3. Yes. 4-5. There are no restrictions.
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VI. MILITARY CLAUSES. 1. Are there any fortresses or military or naval bases ? 2. What arc, the forms of Native military organization and instruction ? 3. Are there any police forces, independent of the military, charged with the defence of the Territory ? What is the respective importance of these two forces, and the; amount spent on each ? 4. In what respect is the military organization of the Mandate;d Territory fiifferent from that in force in the neighbouring possessions of the Mandatory Powe;r ? 1-2. There are none. 3. There is no military organization in the Territory. VII. ECONOMIC EQUALITY. 1. What derogations are there to the principle of economic equality as regards—(a) Concessions, (b) land tenure, (c) mining rights (in particular, prospecting), (d) fiscal regime (direct and indirect taxation), (c) Customs regulations (imports, exports, transit) ? 2. What immigration laws arc there '{ 1. (re), (6), (0), (d). None;. (c.) An import duty of 22J per cent, on non-British goods, as against 15 per cent, on British goods. German and Austrian goods have not been allowed to be; imported without a license from the executive, authority, but this restriction is being removed as from the Ist April, 1924. 2. See Samoa Immigration Consolidation Order, 1924. VIII. EDUCATION. 1. What steps are being takem 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 ? 2. What steps are being taken to provide for higher education of the Natives, such as medical, veterinary, and technical ? 3. In what languages is instruction given in the different categories of schools ? 4. Are mission schools compelled to submit to certain conditions ? If so, what ? 1, In the past the elementary education of the Natives has been almost entirely in the hands of the missions, and in the interests of the Natives themselves it is intended that it should remain so. The; London Mission Society, the Methodist Mission, and the Roman Catholic Mission principally, and to a lesser extent the Church of the Latter Day Saints and Seventh-Day Adventists, have for many years past carried on the work of education in the Territory, and the proof of the sterling work accomplished by them is in the fact that few, if any, Samoans are; unable to read and write in the vernacular. The organization of the schools is referred to under the heading of " Education Department " earlier in this report. The numbers being educated by the various missions during the past year were —London Missionary Society, 7,002; Methodist Mission, 2,021; Roman Catholic Mission, 1,874; Latter-day Saints Mission, 485. There are also the Marist Brothers and Marist Sisters' Schools in Apia, with a roll number of 320 and 200 respectively. The Administration, in addition to a school for white and half-caste children (roll number 208, made up chiefly of half-caste children) has a school for Native boys and girls in Apia, with a roll number of 283, and a school for boys at Vaipouli (Savai'i), with a roll number of 89. Education in purely Native schools is free, but a small charge is made at schools established for whites and half-castes. 2. Medical. —The Education Department arranges for tuition, in English only, for selected halfcaste nurses and Native cadets employed by the Medical Department, which is responsible for the l following course of training organized by the; Medical authorities. Samoan nurses : Twelve 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 Europe;an and Samoan) under the supervision of the white; Sisters. They receive theoretical instruction from the; Matron and Superintendent. The; lectures are devoted to general medical principles, to the special diseases prevalent, in Samoa, and to the easels of children and infants. At the end of two years they are examined and, if suitable, are sent to out-stations for a further year's service under the District Meelical Officer. They are also sent to the mission dispensaries, where they reside;. The missionary supervises them, and the service rendered by these trained nurse;s is much appreciated. The contract terminates at the end cd' three years, but they may re-engage if they so desire for a further period. Samoan Medical Cadets : This movement, though in its infancy, has increased steadily during the year. Ten suitable youths are engaged as cadets at the hospital. They help in tho practical work in the wards and the- out-patient department. They receive theoretical instruction 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 serious eases beyond their capabilities. Operative work is confined to the opening of superficial abscesses. More serious cases are sent to the hospital. The;
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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, he is sent to an out-station to work under the District Medical Officer. ' At the end of that time, if he is suitable, he is given the rank of Native Medical Assistant, and is sent on visits to a district whore sickness is unduly prevalent. They all receive laboratory training, assist in the operating-theatre and in the dispensing of medicines. During the year two cadets satisfied the requirements as Native Medical Assistants. Splendid service has been given. Technical. —At the district and high schools conducted by the missions practical instruction is given in carpentery, cabinetmaking, smithery, and practical agriculture. The London Missionary Society also has its own printing-office staffed by mission boys under the supervision of a trained European printer, where most excellent work is done. At all Government schools instruction is given in woodwork, plumbing, wireless operating, type wri ting, and elementary engineering. IX. PUBLIC HEALTH. 1. What stops are being taken in the Territory to provide for public health, sanitation, and to combatendemic and epidemic diseases ? 2. What provisions are made for medical assistance ? 3. What is the actual situation as regards prostitution, and what steps are being taken in this matter ? 4. What public-health organization for the investigation, prevention, control, and treatment of diseases exists in the Territory ? 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. 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. 7. Describe the measures in force for the collection of vital statistics in the Territory ? 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, cfec, where this information does not come within the scope of question 5 above. 1. («.) Organization and administration : Last year's answer applies. (b.) Sanitation : Last year's answer applies. (c.) Endemic diseases : Systematic treatment of yaws and ankylostomiasis has been instituted, and during the year 18,000 Native Samoans have been treated for hookworn with carbon tetrachloride, and. 33,000 injections of novarsenobillon have been given for yaws. (d.) Epidemic diseases : See last year's answer. 2. The organization outlined in last year's answer has now been completed. 3. Section .139 of the Samoa Act, .1921, deals with the suppression of brothels and section 189 of the same enactment deals with, common prostitutes loitering and importuning passers-by in a public place. There are no brothels or common prostitutes in Samoa. 4. See 1 and 2 above. 5. Last year's answer applies. 6. See Appendix A. 7. This information was set out in detail in last year's answer. 8. Not applicable. X. LAND-TENURE. 1. What system of land-tenure and forest law exists? How are they legally recognized? What lands are considered as belonging to the State, and what are regarded as oommunially owned ? 2. What measures arc being adopted for the registration of landed property ? 3. What other regulations lor the alienation of land in which Natives or Native; communities exercise rights by virtue of heredity, or use ? 4. What other measures are being taken to protect the rights and interests of Natives and Native; communities in respect to land, (usuary, forced sale, cfec.) ? 1. All land is either—(a) Crown land, being the land of former German Government and land expropriated from Germans; (6) European land, being all the other land of which the title is individualized (this is hold as by grant from Crown); or (c) Native land, being the land hold by Samoans under tho usages of the race (these lands are vested in the Crown in trust for tho Samoans). (Sec Part IX of the Samoa Act, 1921). 2. The titles to Crown and, European land are registered under an efficient system by the Government. Tho titles to Native land are, when in dispute, adjudicated on by a Commission, whoso proceedings are on record. (See Samoa Land. Registration Order, 1920.) 3. Alienation of Native land by sale, lease, or mortgage, other than alienations in favour of the Crown, are prohibited. Leases up to forty years may be granted if in the; interests of the Native;s. (See Part IX, Samoa Act, 1921, section 280.)' 4. Usurious contracts with Natives are unenforceable (see section 366, Samoa Act, 1921). Native land is not capable of being taken in execution, nor in payment of debts of the owner on his disease or insolvency (see, section 280, Samoa Act, 1921). No security over property of a Samoan is enforceable without the leave of the High Court (see section 367, Samoan Act, 1921).
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XI. MORAL, SOCIAL, AND MATERIAL WELFARE. What are, generally speaking, the measures adopted to ensure the moral, social, and material welfare of the Natives ? (Measures to maintain the interests, rights, and customs of the Natives, their participation in public service, Native tribunals, &c.) The moral welfare of the Natives has been the care of the missions for nearly one hundred years, and to the missions is due the fact that the whole of the Native people are Christianized and possess elementary education in the vernacular. The missions are the London Mission Society, the Methodist Church if Australasia, the Roman Catholic Mission, the Latter-day Saints' Mission, and the Seventhday Adventists. Every endeavour is made by the Administration to assist and co-operate with the missions, and it is in complete harmony with them. Since New Zealand, assumed the mandate for the Territory it has instituted equal incidence of the criminal law for Europeans and Natives. The social system of the Natives is based upon the family, at the head of which is a Matai, who is appointed to use the family name or title and to rule over the family. Families arc gathered, together in villages, and the village is presided over by a Pulenu'u, or Town Ruler, who is chosen by the Matais and appointed by the Government. Every endeavour is made to maintain the authority of the Pulenu'u and Matai, and to preserve beneficial customs whilst eliminating undesirable ones. The material welfare of the Natives, as well as their moral and social welfare, receives the most sympathetic- consideration of the Administration —indeed, the progress and advancement of the indigenous inhabitants are always the first consideration. The land of the Natives is held under their customs and usages, and is preserved to them by the prohibition of alienation (see Samoa Act, 1921, section 278 to 283). The energies of the Natives are directed to the production of copra from their coconut-palms, and to the production of foodstuffs from their plantations. They produce the greater part of the copra exported. The local price of the copra is regulated by the competition of buyers, and their sales of copra produce to the Natives a sufficiency of money for their needs. They are protected from exploitation in the purchase price of goods required by them, by the provisions of the Samoa Board of Trade Order, 1921. Tho administration of the Government of tho Natives is entrusted largely to themselves through their own officials. The Fono of Faipules, or Native Parliament, has been given statutory recognition by the Samoa Amendment Act, 1923, and all matters affecting the welfare of the Natives are discussed by the Administration with the Faipules at their Fono, which assembles twice yearly. The following table will indicate the extent to which the indigenous inhabitants participate in the public service ; — Summary oi? Staff, showing Extent to which Native Samoans participate in Public Service. Europeans. Half-castes. Native Samoans. Departmental officials .. .. .. .'. ..83 14 149 Samoa Crown Estates .. .. .. .. ..8 3 2 Samoa Public Trust Office; .. .. .. .. 2 Part-time Native officials .. .. .. .... .. 318 Temporary officers .. . . . . .. .. 7 1 4 100 18 473 Note.—ln addition to the above, some thirty-eight Samoans and half-castes are engaged as casual employees of the Harbour, Lands and Survey, and Public Works Departments, and as such receive instruction in trades or other useful occupations. XII. PUBLIC FINANCES. The, general schedule of receipts from, and expenditure on, the Territory, Budget system, indication of the nature and assessment of taxes. (a.) See particulars on pages 31 to 34 for receipt from and expenditure on the Territory. (b.) Bwiget System. —Estimates of revenue and expenditure for the ensuing year, are issued on or prior to the first day of the financial year. Under the Samoa Act (section 32) the Administrator, subject to the control of the Minister of External Affairs, New Zealand, directs expenditure from the Samoan Treasury. " (c.) Nature and Assessment of Taxes: — Customs : See Samoa Customs Consolidation Order, 1923. Building-tax, salary-tax, store-tax, and business licenses : See Taxation Licensing and Revenue Ordinance, 1921. ' . Personal tax: See-Taxation Licensing and Revenue Ordinance, 1921. Personal tax is payable as follows : Every male Samoan seventeen years of age and over — (a) If a Matai, £1 4s. per annum ;, (b) if a Taulealea, £1 per annum. Every male person over eighteen years of age not being a Samoan,, £1 ss. per annum. Medical subscription : Every male Samoan seventeen years of age and over pays a medical subscription of £1 per annum, in exchange for which universal free medical treatment, medicines, and attention are given to all Samoans. The levying of this subscription was asked for by the Samoans themselves. All persons other than Samoans have to pay for whatever medical treatment and attention they receive.
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XIII. DEMOGRAPHIC STATISTICS. Births, Marriages, Deaths, Immigration, and Emigration. Return showing the Births, Deaths, and Marriages, also Immigration and Emigration, for the Year ended 31st March, 1924.
APPENDIX A. VITAL STATISTICS (SAMOAN). (In answer to Question IX, 6, of Questionnaire.) The Native population of Western Samoa at the census of 17th April, 1921, was 32,601. By the 31st December, 1922, the population had increased to 33,685 (estimated). During 1923, 1,701 live births were reported, and 1,398 deaths, giving an excess of births over deaths of 303. The departures from Western Samoa (982) exceeded the arrivals (794) by 188. The population at the 31st December, 1923, was therefore 33,800, a net increase of 115 for the year. The mean population for the year was estimated to be 33,685. Births. The births of 1,701 living children (Samoan) were registered in Western Samoa during 1.923, as .against 1,622 in 1922. The birth-rate is thus 50-49 per 1,000 of mean population, as against 48-52 per 1,000 for 1922. The number of live births in 1923 is the second highest recorded, the highest being 1,792 for 1912, with a population of 34,239. (Note : Still-births, of which twenty-one were registered during the year, are not included either as births or deaths in the various number and rates given in this report.) Sixteen pairs of twins were registered, of which both were males in seven instances, both females in six, and in three instances one male and one female. Births of Samoans, Western Samoa, 1923. Males. Females. Total. Savai'i .. .. .. .. ..301 296 597 Upolu .. ... .. .. .. 557 547 1,104 85S, 843 1,701 Births by Months. Males. Females. Total. Males. Females. Total. January 71 71 142 August 69 61 130 February .. 58 55 113 September ..71 76 147 March " ..84 73 157 October ..78 56 134 April .. ..67 66 133 November .. 86 65 151 May .. ..79 82 161 December .. 52 67 119 June .. .. 66 81 147 July .. ..77 90 167 858 843 1,701 Deaths. The number of deaths registered during the year was 1,398, as compared with 899 in 1922. The relatively large increase was due to an epidemic of dysentery, referred to elsewhere in this report. The crude death-rate was 41-50 per 1,000 of mean population. The new system of registration of deaths of Samoans, fully described in last year's report, and introduced on the Ist January, 1.923, has made it possible to tabulate the deaths under one year of age with a reasonable degree of accuracy, with the exception of deaths occurring during the twelfth month. The difficulty will not appear in future, as it will be possible to check records of deaths at twelve months of age by reference to the Births Register. In the table given below, deaths at twelve months of age have been included in the totals given under heading " One Year."
Births. Deaths. Marriages. Immigration. Emigration. Native Samoans Europeans and lialf-castes Chinese labourers Melanesian labourers .. 1,701 107 1,398 20 6 8 153 21 794 448 982 505 434 Totals 1,808 1,432 174 1,242 1,921
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Deaths of Samoans in Western Samoa during 1923.
Of the thirty-four deaths shown as occurring during the first week after birth, the majority occurred during the first few hours of life, and must be regarded as the natural result of Native methods of midwifery in cases of difficult labour. It will be noticed that of the 1,398 deaths, 719 were of children who had not reached the age of two years. This is again referred to elsewhere in this report. Nine women died in childbirth. Epidemic Years. —A comparison of the returns for 1923 with other years when the country suffered from epidemics may be of interest: —
Approximate Cost of Paper. —Preparation not given ; printing {700 copies, including graphs), £52 10s,
Authority : W. A. G. Skinner, Government Printer, Wellington.—l 924.
.Price Is.]
Place. Male or | StillFemale. ; births. Ige in Weeks. Age in Months. Total, 1 to 11 Months. ; i 1. 2. 3. 3. 4. 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 11. [ Savai'i Male.. 4 Female 5 4 1 2 4 2 4 3 3 2 5 2 3 2 13 4 8 2 9 12 9 8 5 3 6 7 09 47 1 1 Total 4 9 1 3 6 7 17 10 17 8 13 116 7 5 21 Upolu Male.. 10 Female 7 17 8 2 3 3 4 1 8 5 5 5 8 6 11 14 14 7 13 15 10 10 19 17 12 13 26 14 127 106 3 Total 17 25 3 7 I 13 10 14 25 21 28 20 36 25 40 233 5 Total Western Samoa i Male.. 14 Female 7 22 12 3 2 4 4 6 5 2 12 8 8 7 13 8 14 16 27 11 21 17 19 22 28 25 17 16 32 21 196 153 Total 21 34 3 6 10 7 20 15 21 30 38 38 41 53 33 53 349 Place. Mali Fern eor lale. .geli i Yean i—l 'ear ti 10 'ears. Tots 1 to Yeai 10 rs. Death! over 0 Ycai )f Age, Total Number of Deaths. Agi sta 3 not ited. 1. 2. 3. I *. ! 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. Savai'i .. .. Male .. 73 18 5 2 1 Female .. 42 15 14 5 1 Total .. 115 33 19 7 2 Upolu .. .. Male .. 119 30 9 10 4 Female .. 82 33 15 5 7 18 15 33 5 II 2 5 7 5 1 4 4 3 3 2 2 4 2 109 88 197 171 91 80 12 S 4 283 226 509 30 33 10 5 8 11 4 8 3 9 3 2 2 3 192 . 175 124 106 7 II 472 416 Total .. 201 63 24 15 11 63 19 888 18 12 12 5 367 230 IS Total Western Male .. 192 48 14 12 5 Samoa Female .. 125 48 29 10 8 Total 317 96 43 22 13 48 48 12 10 9 16 8 11 (i 5 2 301 215 15 755 9 4 5 264 180 15 643 5 4 2 5 301 264 215 180 15 15 755 643 96 24 19 15 9 7 505 401 30 1,398 r i DEATHS BY ] MON^ THS. Jan. Feb. Mar. j April. May. June. I Jul; Aug. Sept. Oct. Nov. Dec. Total. Males .. 72 07 54 58 71 104 Females.. 56 51 62 44 63 91 71 63 104 91 2 12 68 51 41 32 II 31 37 40 27 30 755 643 Total .. 128 118 116 102 134 , 195 204 119 73 75 77 57 1,398
Year. Population. i Births. Deaths. Excess of Births over Deaths. Excess of Deaths over Births. Epidemic. 1907 .. .. .. 33,354 1911.. .. ■• 33,039 1915 .. .. ■• 35,554 1918 38,093f 1923 .. ... .. 33,685 1,389 1,453 1,611 1,509 1,564 1,827 1,451 8,437f 160 175 374 Dysentery. Dysentery and measles.* Measles. Influenza. 6,928 1,701 1,398 303 Dysentery (shiga). * Measles first visited Samoa in 1893, ai figures are available. Its second appearance was t As far as can be Judged from the r being approximately 1,300. nd caused a la] sin 1911. :ecords availab :ge humber of deaths, but as records were no' kept at that time, no definite Ie, both these figures are coi istdorably ovcre itimated, the figure for deaths
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Bibliographic details
MANDATED TERRITORY OF WESTERN SAMOA (FOURTH REPORT OF THE GOVERNMENT OF NEW ZEALAND ON THE ADMINISTRATION OF) FOR THE YEAR ENDED THE 31st MARCH 1924., Appendix to the Journals of the House of Representatives, 1924 Session I, A-04
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27,121MANDATED TERRITORY OF WESTERN SAMOA (FOURTH REPORT OF THE GOVERNMENT OF NEW ZEALAND ON THE ADMINISTRATION OF) FOR THE YEAR ENDED THE 31st MARCH 1924. Appendix to the Journals of the House of Representatives, 1924 Session I, A-04
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