MANDATED TERRITORY OF WESTERN SAMOA (SIXTEENTH REPORT OF THE GOVERNMENT OF NEW ZEALAND ON THE ADMINISTRATION OF, FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31st MARCH, 1936).

Appendix to the Journals of the House of Representatives, 1936 Session I, A-04

A.—4.

1936. NEW ZEALAND.

MANDATED TERRITORY OF WESTERN SAMOA (SIXTEENTH REPORT OF THE GOVERNMENT OF NEW ZEALAND ON THE ADMINISTRATION OF, FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31st MARCH, 1936).

Presented to both Houses of the General Assembly by Leave.

a Prime Minister's Office, Wellington, N.Z., 27th July, 1936. I have the honour to forward herewith the Sixteenth Annual Report on the Mandated Territory of Western Samoa for the year ended 31st March 1936 This Report has been prepared by the Administrator of Western Samoa, and adopted by the New Zealand Government as its report for the purposes of Article 6 of the Mandate, and m conformity with Article 22 of the Covenant of the League of Nations. . . A copy has been forwarded direct to each member of the Permanent Mandates Commission, and 120 additional copies have been despatched to you under separate cover. I have the honour to be, Sir, Your obedient servant, M. J. Savage, Prime Minister. The Secretary-General League of Nations, Geneva.

TABLE OF CONTENTS.

PAGE 2 I.- —Introductory .. • • • • • • • • • • " 9 ll,— Status of the Territory .. • • • ■ • • • • „ 111. —Status of the Population .. • • • ■ • • ■ • g IV. —International Relations . ■ • • • • • • "' V. —General Administration .. • • • • • • • • g VI. —Public Finance ~ • • ■ • • • • • • • " 12 VII. —Direct Taxes .. • • • • • • • • "' 12 VIII. —Indirect Taxes .. • • • • • • • • • • 12 IX. —Trade .. • • • ■ • • • • • * ' * 13 X. —Judicial Organization .. • • • • • • • • 17 XI. —Police and Prisons .. • • • • ■ • • • '" 17 Xll,— Defence of the Territory .. • - • • • • • • "17 XIII. —Arms and Ammunition .. • • • • • • • • . _ XlV.—Social Condition of the Natives .. • • ■ • • • "18 XV. —Labour .. • • • • • • • • • • " " 18 XVI- —Freedom of Conscience .. • • ■ • • • • • "18 XVII. —Education .. .. • • • • • • • • '" " 20 XVIII. —Liquor and Drugs .. .. • • • • • • • • 21 XIX. —Health .. • • • ■ • • • • " "' *24 XX.—Land Tenure .. ■ • • • • • • • *" "24 XXl.—Forests and Agriculture .. • ■ • • • • • • "25 XXll,— Mines .. • • • • • • • • • • '' "25 XXIII. —Population .. .. • ■ • • ■ • • • '' "05 XXlV.—Public Works APP Values of Import, Export, and Total Trade of Western Samoa, 1910-35.. .. 26 Details of Quantities of Exports, 1921-35 .. .. • • • • "28 Copra Production, 1910-35 Mal> Western Samoa, with Inset showing Geographical position of the Territory.

I—A, 4,

A. —4.

I.—INTRODUCTORY. In the preparation of this report due attention has been paid to the various points raised by the Permanent Mandates Commission during the examination in its twenty-eighth session of the report for 1934-35. Information required by members has been indexed, and particulars are shown in the following table : —

Western Samoa is comprised of two large islands, Upolu and Savai'i, and the islets of Apolima, Manono, Fanuatapu, Namua, Nu'utele, Nu'ulua, and Nu'usafe'e. The geographical boundaries are latitudes 13 degrees and 15 degrees south, and longitudes 171 degrees and 173 degrees west. Upolu and Savai'i are each forty-seven miles long and separated by Apolima Strait, eight miles wide, in the centre of which is situated Apolima Islet; the remainder of the islets are found within the fringing reef surrounding Upolu. The islands of the Group, which cover an area of 1,133 square miles, are mountainous in character, rising to elevations of 6,094 ft. in Savai'i and 3,608 ft. in Upolu. As a result the great majority of Natives live in coast villages, there being eleven inland villages only out of a total of 192 in the whole Territory. The climate is mild and equable, the average temperature during the last ten years being 79-4 degrees, and the average rainfall for the same period 120-75 in. per annum. At the 31st March, 1936, the Native population was 51,094, and the non-Native population 3,639. 11. STATUS OF THE TERRITORY. The Territory is administered pursuant to a mandate conferred upon His Britannic Majesty, to be exercised on his behalf by the Government of the Dominion of New Zealand, and confirmed by the Council of the League of Nations on the 17th December, 1920. lII.—STATUS OF THE POPULATION. The Natives of Western Samoa are described in documents of travel as " British protected persons, Natives of the Mandated Territory of Western Samoa." Pursuant to a resolution adopted by the Council of the League of Nations on the 23rd April, 1923, provision for individual inhabitants of the Territory voluntarily to obtain British naturalization was enacted. These provisions are now contained in the British Nationality and Status of Aliens (in New Zealand) Act, 1928. Since 1923, certificates of naturalization have been granted to sixteen Native Samoans and to fourteen others. The Samoan Status Ordinance (No. 1 of 1934), which came into force on Ist April, 1935, became necessary principally because by virtue of the Samoa Act all legitimate descendants of European fathers remain Europeans in law ad infinitum, irrespective of the number of generations of admixture with Samoan blood. Thus in successive generations many persons under this heading become practically Samoans in everything save legal status, and the new Ordinance was designed to enable them to obtain the benefits of legal status as Samoans, including their rights in Native lands, should they so desire. The Ordinance was received with nothing but commendation ; though promoted by the Administration, it was moved through the Legislative Council at his own request by an elected member who is himself of part Samoan blood. There has been no opposition from pure-blooded Samoans ; their rights are protected by the provision in the Ordinance whereby the Secretary of Native Affairs is a party to all proceedings. His duty is to oppose any application which may be contrary to the interests of the Samoan family or village concerned, though in the majority of cases the applicant is welcomed as a useful member.

2

Minutes of SelltSnent Subject. Mandates Commission. Page. Chapter. Page. Banana exports .. .. .. . . . . . . 156, 7, 9 IX 12 Chinese labour . . .. .. .. .. .. 160, 161 XV, XIX 18,22 Demographic statistics.. .. .. .. .. .. 163 XXIII 25 Education .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 162 XVII 20 Export duties .. .. .. .. .. .. 157 VI 10 Finance .. .. .. .. .. . . .. 158 VI 6,9,10 Judicial organization .. .. .. .. .. .. 159 X 13 Missions .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 161 XVI 18 Native administration .. .. .. .. .. .. 156 V 4 Native Courts .. .. .. .. .. .. 159 X 13 Native officials .. .. .. .. . . .. 155 V 4 Persons of part Samoan blood .. .. .. .. .. 150 V 4 Political . . .. .. .. .. . . .. 152 V 3 Public Health .. .. .. .. .. .. 162, 163 XIX 22,23 Public Trust Office .. .. .. .. .. .. 158 V 5 Samoan Status Ordinance .. .. . . .. .. 150 III 2 Samoan titles .. .. .. .. .. .. 156 V 4 Trade .. .. .. .. . . . . . . 159 IX 12,13

A.—4.

During the first year of operation of the Ordinance seven applications were granted involving twenty-nine persons (including children), one application was refused, one adjourned sine die, and three more now await hearing. , -n There is nothing to prohibit a Samoan from acquiring both Samoan and Grown (or European), land, and this has actually occurred in several cases. IV,— INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS. (a) International Conventions. The General International Conventions that have been applied to Western Samoa were described in the report for 1931-32 (page 24). In addition, the International Load Line Convention, signed at London on the sth July, 1930, which comes into force on the Ist July, 1936, has been applied to Western Samoa. • . A list of Bi-lateral Agreements extended to the Territory was published m the minutes of the twenty-second session of the Permanent Mandates Commission (page 72), and a list of additions was "iven in the report for 1934-35. During the year under review the Extradition Treaty between the United Kingdom and Poland and the Supplementary Extradition Convention between the United Kingdom and Austria were extended to apply in Western Samoa, (b) Economic Equality. Save as to the protection afforded to Native Samoans in the inalienability of Native land and their exemption from personal tax, there are no derogations from the principle of economic equality as regards concessions, land-tenure, or direct or indirect taxation ; the question of mining-rights does not apply. There is a preference in Customs import duties of 7| per cent, in favour of British goods, but no restrictions as regards countries of origin of goods imported, export trade, or shipping. Immigration is governed by the Samoa Immigration Order, 1930, as amended in 1935. V.—GENERAL ADMINISTRATION. The executive government of Western Samoa is vested in His Majesty the King pursuant to a mandate confirmed by the League of Nations. The Administrator is charged with the administration of the Territory, subject to the control of the Minister of External Affairs of New Zealand. The laws of the Territory are made by Act of the New Zealand Parliament or regulations issued thereunder, or by Ordinances passed by the local Legislative Council, which now consists of the Administrator, five official members, two unofficial members, elected by the taxable male adult European community, and two nominated Native members. One session of the Council was held during the year. In November the triennial election of two European members to the Council took place, .tour candidates were nominated, and the Honourables A. G. Smyth and I. H. Carruthers (the latter reelected for a second term) secured election. The Administrator records his appreciation of the assistance willingly given on all occasions by the members of the Legislative Council. The following legislative measures have been brought into force since last report: — In New Zealand — The Samoa Companies Order, 1935. The Samoa Registration of Europeans Regulations Amendment, 1935. The Samoa Law Practitioners Order, 1935. The League of Nations Sanctions (Enforcement in Samoa) Order, 1935. The Samoa Treasury Regulations Amendment Order, 1935. In Samoa — No. 1/1935. —The Companies Repeal Ordinance. No. 2/1935. —The Land for Water Supply Purposes Ordinance. Copies of all these measures have been furnished to the Permanent Mandates Commission. Brigadier-General Sir Herbert E. Hart, K.8.E., C.8., C.M.G., D.5.0., v.d., retired from the position of Administrator on the 25th July, 1935, after a meritorious service of a little over four years in the Territory. Since that date Mr. A. C. Turnbull, Secretary to the Administration and Deputy Administrator, has been Acting Administrator. During the year under review government has functioned normally, there having been no unusual occurrence to record. With increased price and export of copra, trade revived, and the additional spendmg-power was reflected in increased merchants' turnovers and general Government Revenue. A heavy blow experienced in January caused a setback to crops, particularly bananas, which will take some nine months to fully recover. . A high standard of efficiency and loyalty characterized the services of both the European ancl Samoan staffs throughout the year. The co-operation of all Missionary Societies, the Chamber of Commerce, Planters Association, and various other representative sections of the community is cordially acknowledged. It is the manifestation of such helpfulness that assists administration, brings contentment, and promotes interest in the mutual welfare of the people. The profound expression of respect and loyalty shown by all sections of the Territory on the occasion of the death of His late Majesty King George Y was marked.

3

A.—4.

Native Affairs. Statutory recognition is given to the Faipule, Native representatives who meet in Fono and confer with the Administrator in an advisory capacity. For the purposes of this representation the Territory is divided into thirty-three districts, each district is invited by the Administrator to submit the name of a representative, and the person so selected is then confirmed in the appointment of Faipule for a term of three years, when further nominations are invited. Until recently the Administrator had the benefit, also, of the advice of two Native Chiefs of the highest standing, the Honourables Malietoa, 0.8. E., and Mataafa, 0.8. E., who were the nominated Native members of the Legislative Council. In this connection it is with regret that the death of the Hon. Mataafa on 29th February, 1936, is announced. All matters concerning the Samoan people are placed before the Fono of Faipule, and no action regarding legislation or procedure affecting the Samoans is taken without its concurrence. Native administration is effected through representatives of the Native Affairs Department in Apia and Tuasivi, three district officers, and through district and village Native officials, who are paid small salaries by the Administration. The European staff of the Department has recently been augmented by the arrival of a second University graduate who is being trained in Native administration. The services of the few remaining Pulefa'atoaga (Lands Inspectors) have been dispensed with, and their duties are now carried out by the Pulenu'u and village chiefs. The change has resulted in the number of Pulenu'u being increased by twelve to 127. The new system appears to be functioning satisfactorily. The Samoan race is divided like a clan into families, aiga, which again are split into groups or branches. At the head of every family is the matai, or head of his branch of the family, which may include his younger brothers, dependent relations by marriage, and adopted children. The word " chief " is synonymous with matai, although not bearing the same meaning as in Fiji and Tonga. A Samoan " title " is the family name to which a matai succeeds upon assuming his matai position. This is conferred upon him usually by the immediate members of his family, though the ramifications of those possessing the power of conferment differ in almost every case. Succession is not always hereditary ; it is often bestowed as a reward for good service to the preceding holder. The matai receives service from the members of his family, whom he controls in patriarchal style, conferring with them in all matters, and in particular he may not deal with the family land without their consent. Every matai is admitted as an elder into the ruling body of the village, which may include from four to perhaps eighty matai, although there are accepted positions of precedence among them. The Pulenu'u of the village is appointed by vote of the matai and confirmed by the Administration of which he becomes a paid servant; he may be removed from his office at any time by request of the chiefs, and this is done occasionally. The terms " village ruler " and " village headman " have passed out of existence, for experience has shown that the Pulenu'u should not supersede but rather cooperate with the ruling body of matai; he is Government representative in the village, to make known to the people any Government activities or laws they should know, to notify births, deaths, and appointments of matai, and to provide accommodation for Government officials, European or Native, who may be travelling in his district. He does not rule the village, nor is he the head of it except where his chiefly rank in his own right entitles him to that position. Trade. The trade turnover for 1935 shows a total of £325,055, as compared with £220,901 for the previous calendar year, an increase of over 47 per cent. This satisfactory condition is due mainly to a decided increase in the price of copra. Exports during the year exceeded those of 1934 by 3,500 tons. Banana shipments created a new record, 109,000 cases being exported, while the price to growers remained at 4s. 6d. per case. Finance. The financial year closed with a surplus for the year of £11,130, detailed particulars being given in the chapter on Public Finance. Persons of Part Samoan Blood. Every endeavour is made by the Administration to safeguard the interests of that comparatively large portion of the community which is of part Samoan blood. Considerable use is made of such persons in the Administration Service, and in private employment, while a special endeavour has been made to throw open for settlement by this class of citizen suitable areas of Crown land, of which there is ample available, and as the value of tropical products improves it may be expected that this avenue of activities will become increasingly popular. Those part Europeans who possess land are assured of a home and food, and in that respect become as independent as the Samoans, while Samoan custom ensures that even those without land are supplied with all the necessities of life by their Samoan relatives. To meet the case of those whose blood is predominantly Samoan, provision has been made in the Samoan Status Ordinance, 1934, for reversion to Samoan status where they so desire, for instance, to resume their rights to Native lands. There is no special problem concerning women of part Samoan blood. Visits. A visit was paid to the Territory on the 4th June, 1935, by His Imperial Japanese Majesty's ships " Asama " and " Yakumo," under the command of Rear-Admiral K. Nakamura. Calls were made at Apia by H.M.S. " Dunedin " in June, and by H.M.S. " Diomede " and H.M.S. " Leith " in August, while on their annual cruises through the islands of the South Pacific.

4

A.--4.

Postal and Radio. There have been three overseas mails, both inward and outward, each four weeks, providing two connections with New Zealand and one each with Fiji, Australia, and the rest of the world. A fairly large increase in the volume of mail-matter was recorded during the year. The value of money-orders paid at Apia was £6,527 Bs. 10d., as compared with £5,185 for the previous year. Deposits in the Post Office Savings-bank exceeded withdrawals by £9,711 2s. lid., while the amount held on the 31st March, 1936, at the credit of 1,715 depositors was £51,738 2s. sd. (including interest £1,330 Is. 7d.). A slight increase was shown in radio traffic, 8,041 messages being handled, as compared with 7,535 during 1934-35. Receipts amounted to £1,613, an increase of £66 over those of the previous year. Lands and Survey. Field work and other miscellaneous duties kept the staff of this Department fully occupied during the period covered by this report. Work in connection with the Apia Beautifying Society, in which the Administration takes a keen interest, was also performed under the direction of the Chief Surveyor, and has resulted in a decided improvement in the appearance of the beach front, parks, and reserves. Public Trust Office. The expenditure of this office for the year was £628 19s. 2d., and the revenue £796 6s. Bd., leaving a credit balance of £167 7s. 6d., as compared with the surplus of £334 16s. 3d. for the previous financial year. Funds invested now total £9,648 19s. 2d., and the office reserve was increased to £800 by the transfer of £150 from the year's surplus. The balance of the surplus, £17 7s. 6d., was added to the accumulated office profits, which now stand at £4,698 lis. Id. The revenue of the office is derived mainly from interest on the invested portion of the accumulated profits of £4,698 lis. Id. and from commission. The largest item of expenditure is salaries of staff. The office is self-supporting, and its accounts are separate from those of the Administration ; but, as a matter of convenience, all expenditure is made through appropriation of the Samoan Treasury, which is reimbursed at the end of each quarter. Hence the Treasury figures include Public Trust Office expenditure (which is also shown as deduction from the total), but do not show receipts, which are credited direct to the Public Trustee. The Samoa Public Trust Office was established by the Samoa Public Trust Office Order, 1921, and is separate from the New Zealand Public Trust Office. Poet and Harbour Services. Pilotage and harbour services, and maintenance of lights, beacons, and plant continued to function very satisfactorily under contract with the Harbourmaster. The only serious accident to shipping was the capsizing of the motor-boat " Tiafau " on the 17th January, 1936, while proceeding with passengers and mail to Pago Pago, American Samoa. The accident occurred about ten miles from Aleipata, the easternmost point of Upolu, and although there were twenty persons on board not a life was lost; in order to secure help the Captain and three others rowed ashore in a dinghy through heavy seas, and the remainder were picked up by the motor-ship " Hauraki " after having clung to the wreck for almost thirty-six hours. Six bags of mail for southern ports were lost. The accident is the subject of the usual inquiry. Staff. Particulars are given in the following table, as at 31st March for each year :• —

The staff is organized on the basis of having a European official in charge of each Department, with the minimum number of other Europeans with specialist or other essential qualifications required for the work. The remainder of the staff is engaged in Samoa from Native Samoans or persons of part European and Samoan blood, according to the nature of the service.

5

T-, , -\T a* Native Samoan Jrersons 01 irart Native tv + • + a \r-n Europeans. SamoanBlood . 8amoans . Itatnd^dlpillage Services. 1935. | 1936. 1935. 1936. 1935. 1936. 1935. j 1936. Classified departmental staffs— ■ Education .. .. .. 4 4 6 6 82 95 Health 10 11 2 3 53 69 Native Affairs (including Savai'i) .. 3 4 1 1 11 11 164 163 Police and Prisons .. 10 10 2 2 48 49 Other services .. .. 22 24 17 18 21 23 49 53 28 30 215 247 164 163 Casual employees .. . . .. 1 6 15 18 50 21 Totals .. .. ..50 59 43 48 265 268 164 163

A.—4.

VI.—PUBLIC FINANCE. The accounts of the Territory for the year ended 31st March, 1936, show a surplus of receipts over expenditure of £11,130, the accumulated surplus at that date being £22,885, not including investments totalling £8,000 specially set aside for replacement of assets. The total accumulated surplus is therefore £30,885, held as shown below : — £ Cash ■■ •• 18,906 Investments and advances in Samoa .. .. . • ■ • ■ • 629 Investments in New Zealand .. .. .. •• 11,350 £30,885 Of the investments held in New Zealand, £8,000 has been appropriated for replacement of assets. It is not available for general purposes, but will be utilized to renew bridges,. wharves, buildings, &c. When the estimates were framed early in 1935 it was necessary to exercise caution in providing expenditure for the year, as it was then doubtful whether the price of copra, which had advanced during the last quarter of 1934-35, would be maintained at the higher level. Improved prices obtained throughout the year, however, and in addition production was high, with the effect that increased revenue was collected not only from export duty, but also by reason of greatly improved trade. It was found desirable to extend expenditure in order that necessary work, which had been reduced to a minimum on account of curtailed revenue, could be proceeded with when funds were available, and the approval of the Honourable Minister was obtained to supplementary estimates. Details of revenue and expenditure for the year, together with corresponding figures for the previous year, are shown in the following statements :

Revenue.

Health Department revenue includes £5,424 for sales of medicinal liquor, an increase of £656 over the previous year. The remainder of the increase of £1,094 in the revenue of the Department is accounted for by a slight improvement in fees collected and an increase of £375 in sales of stores. In the Postal and Radio Department, interest on savings-bank investments was some £400 higher, deposits having increased during the year. During the year new stamp issues accounted for an increase of approximately £2,000 in revenue from postages. Improvement in trade brought about greater revenue under almost every item of the heading Treasury, Customs, &c., resulting in an increase of £28,957 over the previous year. Principal increases are set out below (in round figures) £ Export duty —Copra .. •• -• ■■ •• 14,400 Import duty .. ■ • • • • ■ • ■ • • 5,300 Port and Customs service tax . . • ■ • ■ ■ • • 1,800 Stamp duties .. . • ■ • ■ ■ • • 5,300 £26,800

6

Head of Revenue. 1934-35. 1935-36. £ £ I. Education . • ■ • • • ■ • 823 823 II. Health 7,621 8,715 III. Justice .. • • • • • • 794 836 IV. Lands and Survey .. .. • ■ 179 260 V. Native .. • • • • • • 713 608 VI. Police and Prisons .. .. •• 2,490 2,916 VII. Postal and Radio •• 5,246 7,824 VIII. Public Works .. ■■ •• 4,519 4,504 IX. Treasury, Customs, &c. .. •. 56,423 85,381 £78,808 £111,867

A.—4.

Expenditure.

( a ) '- Ilorease Section IV, Health, of £3,860 is mainly due to greater expenditure under the following items : Salaries, £1,159 : instruments, drugs, and stores, £1,874 ; maintenance and transport ol lepers, £402 ; rations, £260. r (b) Section IX, Postal and Radio, increased by £616 ; the principal items under which additional expenditure was made were Salaries, £114; interest to depositors savings-bank, £250; payment to ew Zealand Post and Telegraph Department for services, £56 ; cost of new stamp-issue, other than printing, £131. (c) Total increase under Section X, Public Works, is £11,111, the principal items showing additional expenditure being the following :— £ Salaries .. .. .. , . _ _ _ Maintenance of buildings .. . . . . , . 2 950 Maintenance of roads .. . . . , .. _ _ ' 350 Maintenance of sea walls .. . . . . .. 272 Purchase of stores .. . . .. . . ~ g jgQ Workshops running-expenses .. .. .. '275 Repair of storm damage .. .. .. ~ . 2 009 New buildings .. .. . . . . _ _ ' gg^ New bridges .. .. .. ~ _ 2 545 Plant and motor-vehicles .. . . . . .. _ _ _ _ '553 Roads (new work) . . .. . . . . _ Sea walls (new work) . . . . . . _ 372 Hydro-electric standby plant .. .. .. . _ • • 1,204 17 439 Less additional credits-in-aid .. .. .. .. 6'568 £10,871 (d) Section XI, Secretariat, increase £3,091, is due to payment of some £4,000 on account of landpurchases, offset by the expenditure of some £674 during last year on the visit of the Duke of Gloucester. (e) An increase of £6,905 in section Treasury and Customs is substantially accounted for by the following expenditures in excess of the previous year : — Salaries .. .. .. .. .. _ # Insurance premiums.. .. .. .. ~ 261 Cost of printing stamps .. .. 1 411 Refunds of taxes and license-fees .. .. .. ~ New water barge .. .. . . . . 373 New engine for " Pilot " launch . . .. . . 530 Assets replacement reserve .. .. .. ~ _ _ 4 000 7,269 Less decrease in expenditure on new launch built in 1934-35 .. .. 448 £6,821 N \ B -~~ lnsurance P remiums were formerly collected from Departments, but it is considered that the adjustment does not warrant the work entailed.

7

Head of Expenditure. 1934-35. j 1935-36. ; __l_ £ £ I. Permanent charges on public debt .. 9,800 9 727 II. Administrator and Government House .. 2,880 2'485 III. Education .. .. .. .. 4 910 4^877 IV. Health .. .. .. .. 13,937 17,' 797 V. Justice, Labour, and Public Trust .. .. 3,071 2,554 VI. Lands and Survey .. .. 1 047 1'<W\ vm 5:385 5 '' 539 Vlil. foiice and Prisons .. .. .. 8,784 8 380 IX. Postal and Radio .. .. .. 4 779 5 'qok X. Public Works .. .. .. ., 9'lll 20 222 XI. Secretariat .. .. .. .. g 531 9' 572 XII. Treasury, Customs, &c. .. .. .. 7,078 13^983 ,— — 77,363 101,726 Less Public Trust and Labour 858 990 Departments recovered £76,505 £100,736 . -

A.—4.

A comparative statement of revenue and expenditure each year from 1925-26 is shown below : —

The following comparative table shows the total cash receipts each year, together with the amounts expended on certain public services : —

8

Actual Revenue Deficit Subsidy Final Surplus Year obtained in the P n f or from or Territory. Territory Surplus. New Zealand. Deficit. £ £ £ £ £ 1925-26 .. .. 128,638 145,687 -17,049 21,400 +4,351 1926-27 .. .. 113,812 141,710 -27,898 20,000 -7,898 1927-28 .. .. 106,038 143,421 —37,383 20,000 —17,383 1928-29 .. .. 121,904 157,829* -35,925* 47,374* +11,449* 1929-30 .. .. 131,416 150,728* -19,312* 39,448* +20,136* 1930-31 .. .. 130,385 140,288* - 9,903* 21,000 +11,097* 1931-32 .. .. 109,040 128,936* -19,896* .. -19,896 1932-33 .. .. 105,920 98,166 + 7,754 .. + 7,754 1933-34 .. .. 90,613 89,955 + 658 .. + 658 1934-35 .. .. 78,808 76,505 +2,303 .. +2,303 1935-36 .. .. 111,867 100,736 +11,131 .. +11,131 J * Includes expenditure on extra police : £27,374 in 1928-29, £19,448 in 1929-30, £16,561 in 1930-31, and £10,412 in 1931-32.

Revenues from Revenue . „ , External Sources. other than m sp n on Financial Year j jr on . from - Loans and External , , Agri- Public Public Advances. ; re<^ >ver f' e Sources. 0 culture. Health. Works. ! Grants. To £££££££ 31st March, 1931 .. .. 44,336 .. 149,027 3,176 5,405 15,840 13,796 1921-22 .. •• 49,229 16,000 119,569 5,237 4,444 22,690 15,418 1922-23 .. .. •• 20,777 16,000 115,250 6,846 3,787 25,715 12,549 1923-24 . .. .. 5,658 24,000 109,917 6,556 5,748 23.995 21,191 1924-25 . .. •• •• 19,140 111,774 7,609 3,030 24,4-25 24,737 1925-26 .. .. .. 5,000 21,400 128,638 9,131 3,187 25,761 26,555 1926-27 .. .. .. 31,000 20,000 113,812 9,688 3,760 25,911 20,016 1927-28 .. •• 16,500 20,000 106,038 10,222 4,990 25,597 16,842 1928-29 .. .. 25,700 20,000 121,904 7,738 4,285 24,367 13,606 1929-30 . .. ■■ •• 39,448 131,416 6,955 .. 18,016 17,005 1930-31 .. •• •• •• 21,000 130,385 7,439 .. 18,224 15,726 1931-32 .. .. 6,000 .. 109,040 6,794 .. 17,824 15,797 1932-33 .. •• 105,920 5,459 .. 21,819 11,908 1933-34 .. .. •• 90,613 5,097 .. 17,150 10,632 1934-35 .. .. .. .. 78,808 4,910 .. 13,937 9,111 1935-36 .. .. •• 111,867 4,877 .. 17,797 20,222 £ £ Total .. ■■ 204,200 Less amount of loan subsequently treated as a gift by New Zealand Government (not in respect of any specific year) .. 25,000 Less repayment of temporary advance .. 6,000 Less repayment of principal — 1928-29 .. .. 8,000 1932-33 .. .. 26,155 1933-34 .. .. 3,000 1934-35 .. .. 4,335 72,490 Public debt .. .. £131,710

A.—4.

Loan Account. No loan-money was raised during the year. Statutory payment to sinking fund of £4,037 15s. 6d. was brought to charge against the Administration in June, 1935, but no amount was utilized for redemption of debt. The balance of sinking fund at 31st March, 1936 was £4,037 17s. Id. Permanent Charges. With reference to M. Rappard's inquiry, on page 158 of the minutes of the Twenty-eighth Session of the Commission, as to the reason for the increase in the permanent charges, the following explanation is supplied : — The original authority for making loans to the Samoan Administration by the New Zealand Government provided for the establishment of a sinking fund designed to liquidate the loans within thirty years. At that time it was considered probable that interest on investments would not fall below an average of 4£ per cent., the rate on which the life of the loan was based. As a result of the severe fall in the rate of interest obtainable on investments, however, it was found that the sinking fund contributions orginally provided for would not liquidate the loans in the required time. Consequently, in 1932 the New Zealand Government by legislation altered the basis of the contributions to sinking fund. Under this new legislation it is provided that, so long as any portion of the debt remains unpaid, the following annual contributions will be paid to sinking fund (1) An amount equal to IJ§ per centum on £165,200—that is, the sum outstanding at the date of the amending legislation. (2) An amount equal to 4f per centum, on such portions of sinking fund utilized for debt redemption. The first item remains constant throughout the period of the loan, but the second depends upon repayments of principal. The New Zealand Government have reduced interest payable on loans to the Samoan Administration to 4J per centum, and it will be apparent that on each repayment of principal the Administration save interest at the rate of 4J per centum but have to pay an additional sinkingfund contribution under (2) above at 4-J- per centum, and it is this | per centum that accounts for the slight increase in the permanent charges. As will be seen from the table on"page 8 the public debt of the Territory has been reduced by £33,490 since the year 1932, but under the scheme of liquidation outlined above the annual permanent charges remain substantially the same until the loan is completely repaid. The method adopted is that now used for redemption of the public debt of New Zealand. It will be apparent that, while this method entails with each repayment of principal a small increase in the annual contribution to sinking fund, the life of the loan will be materially shortened, and there will ultimately be a considerable saving on the part of the Administration. Customs Revenue. The total amount collected on account of duties and taxation during the financial year ended 31st. March, 1936, was £98,254, as compared with £76,076 for the financial year 1934-35, an increase of £22,178. Following are the receipts under the principal headings :—

2—A. 4.

9

1934-35. 1935-36. Increase. Decrease. £ £ £ £ £ Import duties (including port and service 26,652 .. 33,777 7,125 tax) Export duties — £ Copra .. • ■ •• 14,284 21,632 7,348 .. Cocoa 2,042 1,835 .. 207 Rubber .. . . ■ • 67 353 286 Bananas .. .. •• 12,697 13,454 29,090 37,274 757 Shipping fees .. .. .. • • 2,863 .. 3,809 946 Wharfage dues and royalties .. .. 1,903 .. 2,567 664 Taxes .. . ■ •■ •• 9 >509 .. 8,986 .. 523 Miscellaneous, including medicinal liquor .. 6,059 .. 11,841 5,782 76,076 98,254 22,908 730 730 — £22,178 Net increase. Less refunds (see below) .. .. 19,653 .. 12,873 56,423 85,381 ■ Net increase after making refunds of export duty .. £28,958

A. —4.

It has now been found possible to include the amounts collected by the Resident Commissioner, Savai'i, and District Officers, in the above totals, hence the apparent discrepancy in the 1934-35 figures as compared with those for that period shown in the previous report. The amount of £8,626 shown on page 8 of the 1934-35 report against the item " Taxes " also includes licenses and other fees. More details of these items are included below under the heading " Taxation and Licensing."

Refund of Export Duties.

With regard to M. Rappard's inquiry as to the decrease in revenue in 1934-35 through refunds of copra export duty, the following explanation is made : — From Ist April, 1934, to 28th February, 1935, a refund of £1 per ton on Native and £1 ss. on European copra was made with the object of assisting planters during a period of low prices. Towards the end of that period overseas markets improved to such an extent that it was decided to reimpose the duty on copra, although so late in the financial year that the benefit to the Samoan Treasury was not very apparent. The original copra duty of £1 10s. per ton is set out in the Samoa Customs Consolidation Amendment Order, 1929, and, although this can only be varied by Order in Council, the Minister of External Affairs has power to order refunds to be made when circumstances warrant. Owing to the fact that periods of low prices are of indefinite length, it has been found more convenient to utilize the Minister's authority for such temporary refunds. Cocoa : Refunds of cocoa export duties are made in the same way as copra duty refunds. The cocoa-market has not yet improved sufficiently to warrant the duty being reimposed. Taxation and Licensing. The following amounts under the different headings were collected during the financial year 1935-36, including receipts by the Resident Commissioner, Savai'i, and District Officers :■ —

10

1934-35. 1935-36. Collections. Refunds. Net Duty. Collections. Refunds. Net Duty. [ I ; ££££££ Copra .. .. .. 14,283 9,669 4,614 21,632 2,618 19,014 Cocoa .. ., .. 2,042 2,042 .. 1,835 1,835 Rubber .. .. .. 67 67 .. 353 353 Bananas .. .. .. 12,697 7,875 4,822 13,454 8,067 5,387 Total refunds .. .. £29,089 £19,653 £9,436 £37,274 £12,873 £24,401 4 ;

—-— 1934-35. 1935-36. Increase. | Decrease. (a) Personal tax .. .. .. .. 1,009 966 .. 43 (b) Lighter .. .. .. .. .. 22 44 22 (c) Boat and launch licenses .. .. .. 96 91 .. 5 (d) Building-tax .. .. .. .. 2,524 2,596 72 (e) Store-tax .. .. .. .. .. 2,719 2,180 .. 539 (/) Copra-house tax .. .. .. .. 355 .. .. 355 (g) Salary tax .. .. .. .. .. 405 363 .. 42 (h) Other licenses and taxes .. .. .. 798 1,113* 315 (i) Water rates .. .. .. .. .. 1,581 1,633 52 9,509 8,986 461 984 Less .. .. 461 Net decrease .. .. £523 * Includes amusement-tax, petroleum magazine licenses, and sundry minor license fees, not included in 1934-35.

A.—4.

ADMINISTRATION OF WESTERN SAMOA.—BALANCE-SHEET AS AT 31st MARCH, 1936. Liabilities. £ s. d. Assets. £ s. d. Capital Account .. .. .. .. 186,916 12 4 Land and buildings .. .. .. .. 135,951 6 0 Loans: Public Works general purposes .. 131,710 0 0 Roads and bridges .. .. .. .. 139,000 0 0 Sundry creditors: Ordinary .. .. .. 5371311 Plant and machinery .. .. .. 33,868 010 £ s. d. Launches, boats, &c. .. .. . • 1,890 15 0 Samoan currency notes .. 32,000 0 0 Buoys, beacons, moorings .. .. .. 1,141 0 0 Less unissued notes .. .. 2,000 0 0 Motor and other vehicles .. .. .. 2,733 1 4 30,000 0 0 Arms and accoutrements .. .. .. 807 3 0 Coolie Labour Account— Fire-fighting appliances .. .. .. 335 13 3 Transportation Fund .. 8,199 1 6 Furniture and fittings .. .. .. 10,110 511 Sundry creditors .. . . 2 7 8 Mechanical office appliances .. .. .. 499 1 0 Sundry deposits held .. 815 3 Medical and technical instruments and equipment 1,940 1 2 Reserve for bad and doubtful Libraries .. .. .. .. .. 640 19 8 debts .. .. . ■ 1,647 4 2 Loose tools .. .. .. .. 629 511 9,857 8 7 Saddlery and harness .. .. .. 122 1211 Post Office Savings-bank: Sundry Live-stock . . .. .. .. .. 335 7 6 depositors .. .. .. .. 51,745 8 5 Consumable stores .. .. .. .. 10,712 14 7 Sundry deposits— Goods in transit .. .. .. .. 2,392 4 8 Held by Treasury .. .. 1,474 3 7 Investments— In departmental trust accounts 2,160 18 3 New Zealand Government £ s. d. 3,635 110 Public Debt Sinking Fund .. 4,037 17 1 Reserve for depreciation of assets .. 49,125 11 7 Inscribed stock Loans Sinking Fund .. .. .. 4,037 17 1 Samoan currency notes .. 32,000 0 0 Reserve for bad and doubtful debts .. .. 3,404 15 8 Assets replacement .. 8,000 0 0 Reserve for writings-off in suspense .. . • 1,277 9 0 Ordinary revenue .. .. 3,350 0 0 Balance of Revenue Account .. .. .. 12,748 19 6 Mortgage over freehold in Samoa 356 16 4 Post Office Savings-bank, Apia : Deposits .. .. .. 464 2 10 48,208 16 3 Coolie Labour Account — Investments — New Zealand Government Inscribed Stock .. .. 3,150 0 0 Fixed deposit, Bank of New Zealand .. .. 2,500 0 0 Mortgage over freehold property in Samoa .. 789 7 6 6,439 7 6 Cash in Bank of New Zealand, Apia .. .. .. 116 18 5 Sundry debtors .. .. 3,294 8 4 Interest on investments accrued but not due .. .. 6 14 4 9,857 8 7 Post Office Savings-bank — Investments in New Zealand .. 51,363 0 0 Cash in Bank of New Zealand, Apia .. .. .. 382 8 5 51,745 8 5 Sundry debtors — Ordinary .. .. .. 7,672 7 7 Tulaele Farm : Deferred principal .. .. .. 562 13 0 8,235 0 7 Sundry advances .. .. .. 272 11 7 Payments in advance .. . . .. 8 10 Interest on investments accrued but not due .. .. .. 205 10 2 Writings-off in suspense .. .. 1,277 9 0 Cash and bank balances— Cash in hand, Resident Commissioner, Savai'i .. . . 54 11 1 Cash in Reserve Bank of New Zealand .. .. .. 110 13 8 Cash in Deposits Account, New Zealand Treasury .. .. 14,212 11 11 Bank of New Zealand, Apia, £5,096 10s. 9d. ; less Coolie Labour Account above, £116 18s. sd. .. .. .. 4,979 12 4 Imprest Account, London .. 506 2 4 Deposits held in departmental trust accounts .. .. 2,160 18 3 Remittances in transit .. 52 10 0 22,076 19 7 £484,996 17 11 £484,996 17 11

11

A.—4.

VII,— DIRECT TAXES. The direct taxes are —

In addition there are the usual motor-vehicle licenses, water rates, and other similar fees. VIII—INDIRECT TAXES. The principal revenue of the Territory is derived from Customs duties (see the annual reports on " Trade, Commerce, and Shipping "), store, copra house, and other taxes as set out in the Revenue Ordinance, 1929, and the port and shipping fees defined in the Port Control Ordinance, 1932. The law as to stamp duties was brought up to date in the Stamp Duty Ordinance, 1932. Imports in 1935 were 71-72 per cent, of the value of exports as compared with 724 per cent, in 1934. IX,— TRADE. The trade figures for the calendar year 1935 showed an increase of 47-15 per cent, over those of the preceding year. Imports increased by £42,973 and exports by £61,181, largely due to the improved prices obtained for copra in the overseas markets. During 1934 the average price on the London market for Samoan copra was £7 17s. 6d. per ton, but at the end of 1935 it was being quoted at £13 10s. per ton. Shipments amounted to 12,501 tons, exceeding the total for 1934 by 3,553 tons. Cocoa improved somewhat during 1935, the price per ton on the London market increasing from £32 10s. in January to £45 at the end of the year. Bad weather conditions, however, affected the local crop to such an extent that 576 tons only were exported, as compared with 1,027 tons for 1934. Banana shipments totalled 109,000 cases (3,893 tons), valued at £38,146, being the largest number yet exported from the Territory in any one year since the inception of the scheme. The price to growers remained at 4s. 6d. per case as in the previous year. Eull details of the banana scheme are being supplied to the Commission separately. After being out of production since 1932, rubber was again exported during 1935, the total shipped being 25 tons, valued at £1,372. With the improved prices now being obtained this total should be considerably exceeded during the present calendar year. Owing to the comparatively low prices being received by cocoa-planters, the export duty on cocoa has not yet been reimposed. The following return shows the principal exports, and the total values of the exports, imports, and total trade of the Territory for recent years : —

12

Received 1934-35. 1935-36. £ £ (a) Personal tax of £1 5s. payable by male adult European of eighteen 1,009 966 years of age or over (b) Graduated salary-tax, from £1 on £200-£300 to £30 over £1,500 .. 405 363 (c) Building-tax, 1 per cent, per annum of capital value of European 2,524 2,596 buildings

Exports. Imports. Calendar Year Copra. Cocoa. Bananas. Total Total rr . . „ . Trade - I Value. rotal Value - Tons. Value. Tons. Value. Tons. | Value. £ £ £ £ £ £ 1927 .. 11,665 242,672 792 48,216 .. .. 335,978 304,369 640,347 1928 .. 15,989 319,259 959 69,507 815 11,219 422,175 326,553 748 728 192 12,941 205,330 677 46,286 1,916 24,640 293,938 288,849 582^787 1930 .. 12,285 166,221 1,007 61,294 3,424 44,259 284,515 275,355 559 870 1931 .. 11,062 109,220 620 35,284 3,044 39,022 194,447 164,950 359 397 1932 .. 10,879 108,'698 825 49,712 2,383 20,016 183,028 150,902 333,930 1933 .. 11,526 101,347 899 41,813 2,928 26,999 173,837 150,856 324 693 1934 .. 8,948 60,654 1,027 29,498 3,437 35,796 128,117 92,784 220 901 1935 .. 12,501 108,695 576 19,639 3,893 38,146 189,298 135,757 325,055

A.—4.

Imports. The following is a table of the principal countries of origin : —

The main items imported are as follows : Tobacco, drapery, hardware, iron and steel, benzine and kerosene, butter, preserved fish, tinned meats, rice, sugar, provisions, soap, timber, motor-vehicle parts. Complete details will be found in " Trade, Commerce, and Shipping of the Territory of Western Samoa for the Calendar Year 1935." Exports. Copra, cocoa, rubber, and bananas are dealt with in the reports on Trade and Agriculture. Further details relative to trade are given in " Trade, Commerce, and Shipping of the Territory of Western Samoa for the Calendar Year 1935," and in the graphs appended to this report. Shipping.

Overseas Merchant Shipping entering Port of Apia.

Four British and two Japanese warships and one Polish and two American yachts entered and cleared the port during the year. X,— JUDICIAL ORGANIZATION. The Samoa Act, 1921, prescribes the judiciary for the Territory. The functions of a Chief Judge are now performed by a Magistrate from New Zealand, who makes periodical visits. While he is absent from the Territory minor cases are dealt with by one of the resident Commissioners of the High Court. The Land and Titles Commission is a special branch of the High Court constituted under the authority of the Native Land and Titles Protection Ordinance, 1934, and previous enactments. It is the only Court having jurisdiction to hear and adjudicate upon all claims or disputes between Samoans relating to Native land, Samoan names or titles, or succession to any property or rights in accordance with Native custom. This Court of special and final jurisdiction is unhampered by any set form of procedure or legal code ; its constitution requires it to give decisions only in conformity with Samoan usages and custom, as to which it is assisted by the presence of eight Native Commissioners in addition to such evidence as may be adduced. During the year the Commission was occupied for thirty-one sitting-days, involving the attendance of 1,260 Natives. The District Native Magistrates (Fa'amasino) were discontinued early in 1929, and experience since then has shown that the central Courts which function at Apia and Tuasivi are sufficient in a territory containing a population of a little over 54,000 and which has no distance greater than sixty miles from one or other of those centres. Preliminary work and inquiries in the outer districts are simplified by the services of the District Officers. The question as to whether the Fa'amasino should be re-established was discussed at the last Fono of Faipule, but no conclusion was reached, the general feeling being that as the present judiciary system is functioning well it would be unwise to disturb it. In civil disputes as between Samoans, it is the policy of the Native Department to do everything possible towards settlement without recourse to litigation. To this end the influence of individuals, families, and villages is enlisted, oratory being an accepted suasive force in Samoan affairs, and of course for the exercise of this form of assistance no statutory appointments are necessary. Out of some hundreds of Native civil disputes, the majority are settled by reconciliation, and in 1935-36 only twenty-one cases proceeded to the Land and Titles Commission. In its civil jurisdiction the High Court recorded judgments in 187 cases ; 38 cases were struck out. The total amount sued for amounted to £1,005 9s. lOd. Two divorces were granted. Particulars of criminal cases are given in the tables on the following pages.

13

1933. 1934. 1935. Countries. Value. Percentage. Value. Percentage. Value. Percentage. £ £ £ United Kingdom .. .. 30,762 20-4 14,457 15-6 22,855 16-84 New Zealand .. •• 51,034 33-8 33,171 35-7 51,384 37-85 Australia .. .. .. 33,643 22-3 20,562 22-2 22,032 16-23 United States of America .. 12,117 8-0 8,949 9-6 14,151 10-42 Otter countries .. .. 23,300 15-5 15,645 16-9 25,335 18-66 Totals 150,856 100-0 92,784 100-0 135,757 100-00

Financial Year ended 31st March, 1935. 31st March, 1936. British, i Other, j Total. British. | Other, j Total. Number of vessels .. • • • • 68 28 96 72 40 112 Tonnage vessels .. ' . ■ •• 83,725 35,960 119,685 93,026 35,732 128,758 Tons cargo, inwards .. •• 6,324 1,860 8,184 8,605f l,975f 10,581f Tons cargo, outwards . . ■ ■ • • 13,025 7,134 20,159 I3,729f 12,223j- 25,953^

A.—4.

Criminal Offences in the Period 1st April, 1935, to 31st March, 1936.

14

1934-35. 1935-1936. j — —— ——— ® & Offences. 8 | ■§ Number Arrested or Summoned. Convicted in High Court. Dismissed or Withdrawn. | 2 at5 . 2 © © o ® o I i 'ii £ o 5a & 5t3 p, /-.I ' O ® C ® Samoans. Chinese. j Europeans. Samoans. j Chinese. Europeans. Samoans. Chinese. j Europeans. Misleading justice — J m. f. m. f. m. f. m. f. m. f. m. f. m. f. m. f. m. f. Contempt of Court .. .. .. .. 1 .. 1 .. .. .. .. .. 1 .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 1 Escape from lawful custody .. .. 4 3 .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 1 Conspiring to pervert course of justice .. 3 .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 3 Offences against morality — Adultery .. .. .. .. 1 6 4 1 .. .. 1 .. 4 1 .. .. 1 .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 5 Abduction .. .. .. .. 9 14 14 .. .. .. .. .. 14 .. .. . . .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 5 Carnal knowledge .. .. .. .. 4 2 .. .. .. .. .. 2 .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 4 Rape .. .. .. .. 8 .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. . . .. .. .. .. .. . . .. .. .. .. 8 Offences against the person — Assault, common .. .. 51 88 83 1 .. .. 4 .. 69 1 .. . . 2 .. 14 .. .. .. 2 .. 37 Assault, indecent .. .. .. 1 1 Actual or grievous bodily harm .. 7 3 1 .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 1 .. .. .. .. .. .. 4 Murder .. .. .. .. 2 . . .. .. . . .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 2 Manslaughter .. .. .. .. 1 .. .. .. .. 1 .. .... .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 1 .. 1 Offences against property rights — Theft .. .. .. ..131 151 112 12 3 .. 6 ..102 12 2 .. 6 .. 10 .. 1 20 Trespass .. .. .. 49 44 42 1 1 .. .. .. 41 1 1 . . . . .. 1 .. .. .. .. .. .. 5 Wilful damage .. .. .. 9 23 23 .. .. .. .. .. 22 .. . . .. .. . . 1 . . . . . . .. .. 14 Unlawful entry of dwelling .. .. 2 3 1 .. .. .. .. .. 1 .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 1 Burglary .. .. .. .. 3 4 .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 1 Breaking and entering .. .. .. 6 .. .. 1 .. .. .. .. .. 1 .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 6 Receiving stolen property .. .. 3 1 1 .. .. .. .. .. 1 .. .. .. .. .. . . .. . . .. .. .. .. 2 Forgery .. .. .. .. 12 1 .. .. .. .. . . 1 .. . . .. .. . . 1 .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 11 False pretences .. .. .. 14 1 .. .. .. . . .. 1 .. . . .. .. .. 1 .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 13 Fraud .. .. .. .. 1 .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. . . . . .. .. .. 1 Unlawful conversion .. .. .. 6 1 .. .. .. .. 1 .. .. .. .. .. 1 .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 5 Obstruction, public place .. .. .. 2 2 .. .. .. .. .. 2 .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 2 Polluting water .. .. .. .. 2 2 .. .. .. .. .. 2 .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 2 Police offences — Threatening behaviour .. .. 1 . . . . .. .. .. . . .. .. .. . . . . .. . . .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 1 Riding horse without reins .. .. 54 78 74 .. .. .. 4 .. 70 . . I 4 .. 4 .. .. .. .. .. 24 Disorderly conduct .. .. 34 84 71 6 .. .. 7 .. 69 6 .. .. 7 .. 2 .. .. .. .. .. 50 Failing to clean roads .. 72 74 56 .. .. .. 15 3 51 .. . . . . 12 3 5 .. .. .. 3 .. 2 Throwing stones .. .. .. 7 8 8 .. .. .. .. .. 8 .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 1 Witchcraft .. .. .. .. 3 3 3 .. .. .. .. .. 3 Cruelty to animals .. .. .. 23 4 4 . . .. .. .. .. 4 .. .. . . . . .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 19 Casting offensive matter .. .. 8 1 .. 1 .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 1 .. .. .. .. .. 7 Drunkenness .. .. .. 2 6 3 .. .. .. 3 .. 3 .. .. .. 3 .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 4 Obstructing police .. .. .. 2 1 1 .. .. j .. .. 1 .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 1 Indecent act in a public place .. 1 4 4 .. ' .. 4 t .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. ..I 3

A.—4.

15

Affrays .. .. .. .. 7 20 18 I 2 .. 17 2 .. 1 13 Breach of the peace .. .. .. 3 24 17 3 .. .. 4 .. 16 3 .. .. 2 .. 1 .. . . .. 2 .. 21 Insulting language to an official .. 1 .. .. .. .. . . . . . . .. .. .. . . .. .. .. .. . . .. .. .. . . 1 Depriving parent of child .. .. 1 .. .. .. .. .. . . .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. •. .. .. 1 Vagrancy .. .. .. .. 20 12 .. .. 12 .. . . .. .. .. 12 .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 8 Furiously riding horses .. .. 2 5 5 .. .. .. .. .. 5 .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 3 Aiding and abetting offence .. .. .. 1 1 .. .. .. .. .. 1 .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. •• •• 1 Using words to intimidate .. .. .. 4 4 .. .. .. .. .. 4 .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 4 Using threatening words .. .. .. 1 1 .. .. .. .. .. 1 .. •• .. .. .. .. .. .. .. •• •• 1 Stowing away on ships .. .. .. 1 .. .. .. .. 1 .. .. .. .. .. 1 .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 1 Placing rubbish in public place .. •• 1 .. .. .. .. 1 .. .. .. .. .. 1 .. .. .. •• .. .. •• 1 Killing fish with explosives .. .. .. 4 4 .. .. .. .. .. 4 .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 4 Opium offences .. .. .. 21 .. .. . , .. .. .. . . .. . . . . .. .. .. .. .. . . .. .. .. .. 21 Liquor offences .. .. .. 6 9 5 1 2 .. 1 .. 4 1 2 .. 1 .. 1 .. .. .. .. .. 3 Breach of Arms Ordinance .. .. 8 20 15 . . .. .. 5 . . 15 .. .. .. 5 .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 12 By-law offences — Driving, unlicensed .. .. 15 23 8 . . .. .. 13 2 7 .. .. .. 13 2 1 .. . . .. .. .. 8 Overloading public vehicles .. .. 46 31 15 . . .. .. 16 . . 15 .. .. .. 15 .. .. .. .. .. 1 .. . . 15 Driving without lights .. .. 19 9 4 . . .. .. 5 .. 3 .. .. .. 5 .. 1 .. .. .. .. .. . . 10 Using unlicensed vehicle .. .. 7 31 .. .. .. 2 .. .. .. .. .. 2 .. 1 .. .. .. .. .. .. 4 Driving without number-plates .. 2 2 2 .. .. .. .. .. 2 Failing to stop when called upon .. 3 1 1 .. .. .. .. .. 1 .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 2 Negligent driving .. .. .. 3 1 .. .. .. .. 1 .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 1 .. .. 2 Failing to equip public vehicles .. 10 .. .. .. .. .. .. . . .. .. . . . . .. .. .. .. . . .. .. .. . . 10 Parking outside parking-area .. .. 12 2 .. .. .. .. 2 .. .. .. .. .. 2 .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 10 Failing to keep to right .. .. .. 35 28 .. .. .. 7 . . 28 .. .. .. 7 .. .. .... .. .. .. 35 Driving without rear light .. .. .. 7 4 .. .. .. 3 .. 3 .. .. .. 3 .. 1 .. .. .. .. .. 7 Carrying passengers without a license .. 2 6 2 .. .. .. 4 .. 2 .. .. .. 3 .. .. .. .. .. 1 .. 4 Bicycles with no lights .. 52 58 21 . . 1 .. 36 . . 19 .. 1 .. 35 .. 2 .. .. .. 1 .. 6 Parking on wrong side .. .. 1 4 2 .. .. .. 2 .. 1 .. .. .. 2 .. 1 .. .. .. .. .. 3 Driving while intoxicated .. .. 1 .. .. .. .. .. . . .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. . . .. .. .. .. . . 1 Dangerous driving .. .. 11 6 1 .. .. .. 5 .. 1 .. .. .. 4 .. 1 .. .. .. 1 .. .. 5 Parking without lights .. .. 18 5 3 .. .. .. 2 . . 3 .. . . .. 2 .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 13 Riding on mudguards of vehicles .. 2 .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. . . . . .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 2 Driving without brakes .. .. 1 2 .. .. .. .. 2 .. .. .. .. .. 2 .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 1 Dangerous riding .. .. .. 7 3 3 .. .. .. .. .. 3 .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 4 Obstructing traffic .. .. .. 2 1 .. 1 .. .. .. .. .. 1 .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 1 Driving so as to cause injury .. .. 1 .. .. .. .. .. .. . . .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 1 Allowing animals to wander .. 29 44 30 3 2 .. 8 1 30 3 2 .. 8 1 .. .. . . .. !. .. 15 Allowing animals to obstruct .. .. .. 2 .. .. 1 .. 1 .. .. .. 1 .. 1 .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 2 Driving omnibus on wrong route .. .. 1 1 .. .. .. .. .. 1 .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. ..... 1 Failing to give way to traffic .. .. .. 2 1 .. .. .. 1 .. 1 .. .. .. 1 .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 2 Breaches of Dog Regulations .. .. 109 83 73 3 .. . . 4 3 72 3 .. .. .. 3 3 .. . . .. 1 .. . . 26 Breach of Labour Ordinance .. .. 17 .. .. . . .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 17 Miscellaneous — Breach of Immigration Order .. .. 2 .. .. .. .. .. .. . . .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 2 Breach of Shops Ordinance .. .. 5 1 .. .. .. .. 1 .. .. .. .. .. 1 .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 4 Overseas Permits Ordinance .. .. 4 10 2 2 .. .. 6 .. .. 2 .. .. .. .. 2 .. .. .. 6 6 Oversea Labour Control Ordinance .. 1 .. . . . . .. .. .. .. . . .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 1 Breach of Building Regulations .. 2 .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 2 Unlicensed butcher .. .. .. 2 .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. . . 2 Breach of Water-supply Ordinance .. 4 .. .. .. . . .. .. .. . . .. .. .. , .. .. .. .. | .. 4

A.—4.

Criminal Offences in the Period 1st April, 1935, to 31st March, 1936— continued.

16

1934-35. 1935-36. — ® © i «3 «§ Offences. g-d g-a Number Arrested or Summoned. Convicted in High Court. Dismissed or Withdrawn. £ 2 oj£ oS j o o at, flt I a ® £ o j£ ® i A jog O g Samoans. Chinese. Europeans. Samoans. Chinese. Europeans. Samoans. Chinese. Europeans. Miscellaneous —continued. m. f. m. f. m. f. | m. f. m. f. m, f. m. f. m. f. j m. ■ f. Killing protected game .. .. 2 1 1 ... .. .. .. i 1 .. .. .. .. .. .. .. . . . . .... . . 1 Breach of Ordinances Amendment Ordinance, 1 .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .... .. 1 1934 Breach of Market Ordinance . . .. 8 15 14 1 .. .. .. .. 10 1 .. .. .. .. 4 .. . . . . ! ! 7 Breach of the Revenue Ordinance, 1929 .. .. 12 5 .. 1 .. 5 1 5 .. 1 .. 5 .. .. .. .. .. .. 1 12 Breach of General Laws Ordinance, Clause .. 2 .. .. .. .. 1 1 .. .. .. .. 1 1 .. .. .. .. .. .. 2 22 (2), 1931 Breach of the Copra Ordinance, No. 5, 1929 .. 30 26 .. .. .. 4 .. 22 .. .. .. 3 .. 4 .. .. .. 1 .. 30 Removing dead body without permission .. .. 2 2 .. .. .. .. .. 2 .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 2 Breach of the Post and Telegraph Order .. .. 2 .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 2 Totals .. .. .. 993 1,131 831 37 24 .. 187 13 772 36 23 163 12 62 1 1 .. 21 1 392 254 Net increase .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. . . .. .. .. .. .. . . .. .. .. .. 138 ! I

A. —4.

XI.—POLICE AND PRISONS. Establishment. The total European strength (including one clerk) was eleven on 31st March, 1936, the same number as at the end of the previous year. Native uniformed strength remained at thirty-six, exclusive of two Native clerks and eleven messengers under control of the Inspector of Police. There are four police posts in the outside districts, three being under the control of_ District Officers, and the fourth, at Tuasivi, Savai'i, under direct control of the Resident Commissioner for Savai'i. Prisons. On the Ist April, 1935, the total number of prisoners was 82. During the year 327 prisoners were admitted and 322 discharged, 87 remaining in custody on 31st March, 1936. General. Statistics for 1935-36 given in the preceding chapter show an increase in crime in the Territory, although it will be observed that the type of case in which this occurs is not very serious. Warrants held for execution on Ist April, 1935, were—For arrest, 3 ; for commitment, 15 ; and on 31st March, 1936, the figures were 1 and 5 respectively. XII.—DEFENCE OF THE TERRITORY. No military forces or defensive bases are maintained in the Territory. XIII.—ARMS AND AMMUNITION. Transactions in firearms and ammunition are controlled by the Arms Ordinance, 1921. There is no suggestion of illicit traffic in Samoa, and the subject is of no special significance. Importations during 1935-36 were as follows :— Arms — Smooth-bore shotguns, 16. Rifles (-22), 3. Ammunition — Shot cartridges, 53,000. Rifle cartridges (-22 calibre), 15,000. Rifle cartridges (-303 calibre), 5,000. All these quantities were imported by private firms, with the exception of 5,000 rounds of -303 calibre rifle cartridges, which were imported by the Administration to replenish police supplies and issue to the Apia Rifle Club. The increase in importations by private firms as compared with 1934-35 is explained by the improved economic position of the Territory, which allows the inhabitants to indulge in game-shooting much more than in the past few years. The following table gives the total of registered firearms in the Territory as at 31st March, 1936 :

XIV.—SOCIAL CONDITIONS OF THE NATIVES. The social system of the Samoan people is such that poverty cannot exist. All families (or more correctly " clans ") are well endowed with land, and as the soil is very fertile they have little difficulty in growing all food-supplies required. Their wants in the way of clothing are few, and although the lavalava, or kilt, is now of European material, it is for all general purposes the only clothing worn by adult men and children in the ordinary village life, an additional upper garment usually being worn by the women. On formal occasions, more particularly when Europeans are present, the men wear shirts, and in some cases even collars, ties, and jackets. The Samoans are conservative in the matter of housing, in that they have shown no tendency to adopt European ideas as to design and construction, as has been done by other peoples of the Pacific having the same commercial contacts. This is due no doubt to the fact that Samoan Native houses are of particularly good design, being large, well ventilated, and cool. Floors are composed of pebbles, which are covered with mats when required. They have no walls, and are quite open to the air on all sides, resembling a beehive roof of cane thatch raised on posts, but are fitted with heavy blinds of coconut-leaves which when lowered, on the Venetian principle, give full protection from wind and rain. In the matter of housing, as in other directions, the economic aspect has played a part m postponing change, as all materials for a Samoan dwelling are grown by the people on their own land. The Native people are well and suitably housed, and it is in their interests that there be no change.

3—A. 4.

17

European. Samoan. Total. Revolvers .. . • • • 7 • • Rifles . . • • • • 32 .. 32 Shotguns .. .. . • 188 490 678 717

A.—4.

The production of food-supplies is well attended to, and the cultivation and planting of new areas for future supplies is kept up to date. The village areas are clean and well cared for, the grass being cut frequently and all rubbish burned. A strong conservatism has retained observance of the best Native customs as to general village life and employment. The men still spend their time in fishing and the cultivation of food-supplies, and the women in the manufacture of Native cloth and mats, arts in which they are expert. Further remarks on the social condition of the Natives will be found in Chapter V, under the heading " Native Affairs." XY.—LABOUR. Engagement by Samoans in regular employment for wages is quite extraneous to the style of living of the bulk of the Native population. Plantation work when availed of, is usually arranged by contract with the heads of the families engaged. The work is not over arduous, being mainly weeding or cutting of copra, and the total number of Samoans so employed at any time would not exceed a few hundred. These conditions apply to the Reparation Estates equally with other plantations, but there is no economic or other compulsion 011 Native Samoans to accept them. On the Ist April, 1935, there were 503 Chinese in the Territory. No changes of any kind took place during the twelve months under review, the total at 31st March, 1936, remaining the same. The conduct of the labourers during the year has been satisfactory ; and the number of visits to the Commissioner's office was 1,495, as compared with 1,560 for the previous year. Melanesian labourers in the Territory totalled 94 on the Ist April, 1935, all being in the employ of the New Zealand Reparation Estates.' During the year one death occurred, leaving a total of 93 as at 31st March, 1936. The following replies are made to questions asked by Mr. Weaver of the Permanent Mandates Commission :— (1) Chinese Coolies who become unemployed are placed in other positions as soon as possible by the Commissioner of Labour, or given permits by him to seek other employers of their own accord. During such unemployment period labourers receive no wages, but if they are workless through no fault of their own their cases come within the scope of the Benevolent Fund, and relief therefrom is given after due investigation. (2) The wages reduction to Is. 9d. per diem applies to all indentured labour in the Territory. Those labourers who were in Samoa prior to the arrival of the new transport from Hong Kong in July, 1934, were given the option before its arrival of signing on for a further period at the new rate of wages, or being repatriated to China, their original contract period in all cases having expired. The reduction was mutually agreed upon and legally confirmed in the Ordinances Amendment Ordinance, 1934, dated 6th December of that year. The wages rate fixed is in all cases concurred in by the Hong Kong Government. In the above connection it may be mentioned that although the minimum wage is Is. 9d. per diem a fairly large number of coolies earns much higher amounts by contract work or higher wages by reason of experience and greater efficiency; Is. 9d. per day is merely a set minimum. XVI,— FREEDOM OF CONSCIENCE. All Samoans profess Christianity. There is complete freedom of conscience, and Article 5 of the Mandate is observed entirely. Mission work in education is referred to in the next succeeding chapter of this report, and in health services in Chapter XIX. Relations between the Missions and the Administration are entirely harmonious, and there is nothing of particular interest to refer to in this connection. It has not been the practice for periodical reports to be furnished to the Administration by the various Missions, and they have never been required to furnish such. XVII. —EDUCATION. The general scheme of progressive education is as follows

Grade I Schools ( Village, Pastor, or Catechist Schools —Missions).

18

A.—4.

Mission Schools. Grade I Schools (for boys and girls).—These are village schools taught by the village pastor, who is supplied by the mission concerned. Girls' Schools (Resident).— The girls of these schools are prepared for a higher standard of village life than is the lot of the average village girl. Samoan life is affected by the marriage of these girls with members of their villages. Being mission schools, Christian education is one of the principal subjects. Boys' Schools (Resident).— Boys here are prepared as pastors or teachers or for artisan work m the missions. . Girls' Schools (Day).—These are found in the more densely populated districts. Religion, music, typewriting, and sewing are important subjects of the curriculum. Marist Brothers' Boys' School (Day).— This is an old-established school, situated in Apia. It is an undenominational primary school which educates boys to the New Zealand proficiency standard, and also prepares them for a commercial life in the business houses of Apia. The Grade II Schools (which are partly Administration and partly mission) are dealt with below. In the following table, relating to purely mission schools, the attendance figures for the more elementary schools are approximate : —

Table showing Number of European and Native Teachers in respective Schools.

General. —The majority of teachers in mission schools are Samoan, but a number of Europeans belonging to the various missions are also engaged in the work, especially in resident schools. The school-age varies from three to four years (in pastors' schools) to thirty years (in colleges). Grade II Schools. These are to be found in the chief villages. The school buildings (Native fales) are made available by the respective missions, while the teachers are paid, trained, and supplied by the Administration. All teachers are Samoan, and instruction is given in that language, only a limited amount of English being taught. Samoan teachers are considered more suitable for teaching the vernacular and more capable than Europeans of imparting their knowledge in their own tongue. All these schools are under the direction and close supervision of the Superintendent of Schools ; the Samoan teachers are also brought to Apia for an annual refresher course, while Native Inspectors visit them frequently to report progress. There are now 45 of these schools, having total roll numbers at 31st'March, 1936, of 4,217. The Samoan teaching staff numbers 95, of whom 46 have passed the New Zealand Proficiency Examination. Administration Schools. Avele (Resident).— This school is now functioning under Native teachers, whose work is supervised by the European Superintendent. Boys are taken to the proficiency standard, and a number subsequently find work in the Government Departments. Malifa and VaipouU (Resident) .—The boys are educated to Standard IV and then proceed to Avele for further training. As at the school just mentioned, Malifa and Vaipouli are under Native teachers, supervision being exercised by the European Superintendent. Agriculture is an important

19

I Totals. Pastors' and Catechists' Colleges, Colleges, Special j Special 5 Schools, Villages. Boys', Girls', Day Schools, | Day Schools, o AttendaIlces Grade I. Resident. Resident. Boys'. j Girls. | Attendances. i Tfl Missions. —j ; | Boys. Girls. Total. f |§ 1 || 1 |l a II | B °y 8 ' Girl3 - ! g g V g V I I London Mission .. 170 3,689 3,757 7,446 7 245 1 150 .. 178 3,934 3,907 Roman Catholic .. 85 880 889 1,769 2 120 10 540 1 400 5 3o0 103 1,400 1,779 Methodist .. 79 1,103 1,496 2,599 3 123 1 50 2 26 .. .. 85 1,252 1,546 Latter Day Saints.. 28 410 216 626 2 85 2 80 32 495 296 Seventh Day Ad- 2 40 30 70 1 33 .. .. .. .. •. • • 3 364 6,122 6,388 12,510 15 606 14 820 3 426 5 350 401 7,154 7,558

Pastors' and . , Catechists' Colleges, Colleges, Special Special Schools, Boys,' Girls,' Day. Schools, Day Schools, Totals. Villages. Resident. Resident. Boys'. Girls'. Grade I. Missions. ~ ; ~ ~ 7 | a | fl 1 a 1 g I 4 I g S g S3 1 9 1 S I 1 1 1 J [3 »2 W ro OJWCOWCOHCO London Mission .. .. j 170 1 12 1 7 .. .. . .. I 2 189 Roman Catholic .. . • 1 | 85 2 3 12 16 6 .. 5 5 26 109 Methodist .. .. ■ • .. j 79 2 5 1 4 1 3 .. 4 91 Latter Day Saints .. .. 4 j 28 3 5 3 4 . . .. .. .. 10 o7 Seventh Day Adventist .. .. 2 2 2 44 430

A.—4.

subject in the syllabus of each of the three schools above referred to, and they are self-supporting as far as food-supplies are concerned. Training-school.—This is a day school for both sexes, and is functioning well under a Native staff. Ifi Ifi School (European). —The roll number has been maintained and good work is being done. Particulars of average attendance and teaching staffs are given in the following table : —

In the New Zealand Proficiency Examinations at the end of 1935 the following results were obtained :—

The policy of the Administration is to encourage the use of the Samoans in their own government and education, and in no direction has this policy been more successful than in education and in medicine. The Samoan teachers and the Samoan medical practitioners are carefully selected from the most promising of the younger Samoans, and their work is in all respects admirable. It is undoubtedly a fact that the Samoans, in some instances, continue their education to an age much greater than is customarily the case in European countries, but this is not considered necessarily a disadvantage, nor is the jtosition limited to Western Samoa. No distinction is drawn between Europeans and persons of part Samoan blood in the matter of education. The same syllabus is used for both types of pupils, and they receive instruction together in the same class-rooms. 'Replies to questions asked by Mile. Dannevig are as follows : — (1) The number of European teachers supervising and inspecting Native teachers is considered to be adequate for the demands made upon them. (2) Native teachers are trained at Malifa Training School, the period extending from two to four years. Training is carried out by a well-trained Native Headmaster and Native Inspectors, who are all under the direct supervision and control of the European Superintendent of Schools. In addition, the Chief Medical Officer and his Native Medical Practitioners give frequent lectures on health matters, while valuable voluntary service is also rendered by local European experts in agriculture, handwork, music, and nature study. The Superintendent of Schools makes frequent inspection of all schools, and Native Inspectors, of whom there are four, visit each Administration and Grade II school in the Territory at least three times a year, and surprise visits are also paid at irregular intervals. (3) The 42 European teachers shown on page 17 of the report for 1934/35 were employed by the various missions and were of full European blood. In addition, under the heading " Administration Schools," will be found statistics of European teachers in the employ of the Administration as distinct from the missions' staffs ; the number of such teachers remained at ten for both 1934-35 and 1935-36, five being of part-Samoan blood. (4) The number of teachers in Grade II schools, shown on page 17 of the previous report, should have been 56 not 156, a typographical error being responsible. XVIII,— LIQUOR AND DRUGS. (Information in the form recommended by the Permanent Mandates Commission in the Report of its Twenty-first Session.) A. There were no changes in legislation or regulations issued during the year. B. The judicial statistics in Chapter X show nine persons arrested or summoned during 1935-36 for breaches of the laws and regulations relating to liquor. Eight were convicted and one dismissed. Figures for preceding years were — Arrested or n , „ , Convicted, summoned. 1934-35 .. .. .. .. 6 6 1933-34 .. .. .. .. .. .. 10 10 1932-33 .. .. .. .. .. .. 16 16

20

Tfl Tfl MalifaTraining I vninonli i w i P Date - (Boys and Girls), GMs)!' i (BoySonly) - (B ° yS 0nly) ' 31st March, 1935 .. .. 253 695 70 92 1,110 30th. June, 1935 .. .. 258 608 81 98 1,045 30th September, 1935 .. 265 532 70 90 957 31st December, 1.935.. .. 269 690 70 90 1,119 31st March, 1936 .. .. 268 861 89 86 1,304 Teachers —European.. . . 10 . . .. .. 10 Samoan .... . . 22 3 6 31

School. Candidates presented. Pass Proficiency. j Competency f Ifilfi 12 11 Marist Brothers' ...... 12 2 2 Marist Sisters' .. .... 8 .. 3 Avele ........ 14 6 6

A.—4.

C. Imports of spirits and alcoholic beverages during the year 1935-36 : —

For sacramental purposes, 164 gallons of wine ; rectified spirits of wine for industrial purposes, 55 gallons. D. Production within the Territory is prohibited by law. E. Revenue derived from duties on importation, 1935-36 : — Medicinal liquor (import duty 17\ per cent, or 25 per cent., and Port and Customs £ s. d. service tax 5 per cent.) .. .. . . • • • • • • 542 14 0 Industrial liquor (import duty 17§ per cent, or 25 per cent., and Port and Customs service tax 5 per cent.) .. .. • • • • • • • • Nil. Sacramental liquor (free of import duty ; Port and Customs service tax 5 per cent.) 2 3 0 These duties are the ordinary ad valorem rates applying to all goods not subject to specific rates of duty ; there is no authorization for higher specific rates of duty on liquor, for the rate of duty is immaterial, having regard to the fact that all liquor is sold by and for the Administration at prices approximating current retail prices in New Zealand. F. In view of the position explained in E, there are no other duties, license fees, or taxes. G. There is no Native beverage containing alcohol. The Native drink " kava," if allowed to stand, does not ferment, and after a few hours becomes stale and unpalatable. It is not consumed in Western Samoa in sufficient strength or quantity to have toxic effects. H. General information with regard to liquor, in addition to the above, was given in the Eighth Report, 1928. During 1935-36 there were no offences reported under the Samoa Dangerous Drugs Order, 1930. XIX. —HEALTH. The staff now consists of three European medical officers, nine Native medical practitioners, and bacteriological and nursing staff, the complete Health service comprising fourteen Europeans, fiftyeight Native Samoans, and two Chinese dressers. For nine months of the period under review the Acting Chief Medical Officer was absent in New Zealand and Australia undergoing a refresher course, being relieved by a Medical Officer of the New Zealand Health Department who had had the benefit of much experience in public-health measures among the Maoris of New Zealand. The whole medical organization was subject to review and reorganized on a better footing, which it is hoped will in due course be felt in improved health conditions of the v Samoans. Hospitals and Dispensaries. Admissions to Hospitals : — Apia Hospital— 1 935 - 1934 - Europeans .. .. . • ■ ■ • • • • 183 I^B Samoans .. . • • • • • • • • • 889 542 Chinese .. ■ • ■ ■ • • • • • • 4TI. 328 Melanesians . . .. • • • • • • • • 25 24 1,508 1,042 Tuasivi Hospital • • • ■ • • • ■ • 182 171 Aleipata .. . ■ • • • • • • ■ ■ ■ • 138 Total admissions .. .. •• •• •• 1,838 1,351 Out-patients: All hospitals and dispensaries.. .. .. 16,297 15,178 Grand total ..18,135 16,529 Deaths in hospitals .. . ■ ■ ■ • • ■ • 39 33

21

Quantities issued under Average Approxi- Quantity Medical Permits. mate Percentage of imported, - Countries of Origin. Alcohol by Weight.* 1935-36. 1934-35, | 1935-36. L LJ ±_ Spirituous liquors— Gallons. Gallons. Gallons. Whisky .. 38-5 to 51-0 450 430 558§ United Kingdom. Brandy .. . . 38-5 to 49-3 20 31J 30| France and Australia. Gin 40-6 100 199A 187 United Kingdom and Holland. Alcoholic beverages— Port and sherry .. 12-0 to 17-8 56 187£ 103|- Australia, France, Spain, and New Zealand. Vermouth .. 5-5 to 10-0 40 . . 14f France and Italy. Stout .. .. 5-5 36 62 t % 73|| United Kingdom. Champagne .. 7-5 to 10-6 .. If .. France. * The approximate percentages of alcohol by weight given above are those accepted by the Customs Department in New Zealand. Analyses have been made of samples of all brands of ale imported, with results showing percentages of alcohol by weight ranging from 1-51 to only 2-39. The ales imported into Western Samoa, therefore, although subject to regulations under the Samoa Act, 1921, do not come within the definition of " intoxicating beverages " as accepted by the Permanent Mandates Commission (minutes of the tenth session, page 182), and have accordingly been omitted from the return.

A.—4.

Most of the Chinese coolies who were admitted to hospital suffered from sores, which, although not very serious, develop into a chronic state if proper rest and treatment is not given. As each coolie pays a small contribution (2s. 2d. per month) for medical treatment and receives no pay from his employer while absent from his work through sickness, the hospital is the best place for him. The question of acclimatization has no bearing 011 the subject, as Natives themselves are likely to contract the same ailment. Main Diseases. Yaws. —Intensive treatment of yaws is still being carried out, and the position is very much improved. On a recent inspection of the children along the south coast of Upolu not a single case of bad secondary yaws could be found. Jaundice. —During the year several deaths ensued as a result of acute jaundice, most of the cases occurring in one particular village eighteen miles from Apia. The number of cases bad considerably lessened at the end of the year. Enteric. —One hundred and ninety-five cases of enteric were reported during the twelve months' the majority being in the vicinity of Apia and in the district immediately west of the town. Pulmonary Tuberculosis. —The number of cases reported during the year, 143, exactly equalled those notified in 1934-35, and occurred mainly in and around Apia. With regard to the apparent increase in the number of cases over those of previous years, it is considered this is due more to increased notifications than to a serious development of the disease. The appointment of additional Native medical practitioners has resulted in more searching investigation of the position, and many cases have been brought to light which would otherwise have been concealed by the Natives themselves. An additional European medical officer was appointed to the staff at the beginning of March, 1936, and during the ensuing year this will enable the Chief Medical Officer to make more frequent health inspections of the whole Territory. The tuberculosis situation is'being very carefully watched, and in the course of the next few months it should be possible to ascertain the true position. Killing and inspection of meat is under the control of the Health authorities. All abattoirs are inspected by a Medical Officer before being licensed. An arrangement has been made for examination by a Medical Officer of all beasts slaughtered before meat is passed for sale and consumption. All licensed butchers have experience of tuberculosis in animals, and use every care in this respect. Cases of surreptitious butchering by unlicensed persons occur from time to time. These, however, are very difficult to detect before distribution of the meat is completed ; Government officers are continually on the alert to prevent such infractions of the law, and the penalties are heavy. Water-supplies are bacteriologically examined at regular intervals. This also applies to milk offered for sale, and, as guinea-pigs are kept at the hospital, testing for tuberculosis is rendered much easier. Trachoma. —This is met with in a mild but chronic form, and examination of school-children revealed that almost 10 per cent, were afieoted in some way. Beri Beri. —Nine cases were notified. Conjunctivitis. —One hundred and ninety-five cases were reported. Pneumonia and Broncho-pneumonia. —Eighty-nine cases were notified. Venereal Disease. —Four cases of gonorrhoea were notified. Leprosy. —Nine cases were notified, and isolated. There are at present eight Native mental patients in custody at Vaimea Prison, and one European at Apia Hospital. Native Medical Practitioners. The sudden death of the senior Native medical practitioner, lelu, 011 24th March, 1936, while completing a health inspection of Upolu, leaves a gap in the Health organization which will be hard to fill. One Native medical practitioner finished his studies at the Suva Medical School and returned to duty in Samoa in January, 1936. Two more Native youths were sent to Suva in the same month for training, making four in all at this training-centre. The Native medical practitioners are doing good work in the outer districts, and each village is visited by them at least once a month. They not only visit the sick, but give health lectures to adult Samoans and school-children and instruct them in general sanitary principles. As a result the sanitation of the villages and the health of the Natives has improved. Women's Committees. During the year Samoan women's committees were formed in 111 villages, and others are in process of formation. Through these committees drugs are issued by the Administration to the villages at a little over cost price, and the system appears to be satisfactory. Child welfare is, of course, the main work of the committees, and in this they receive full co-operation from the European Health Officers and Native medical practitioners, who give them special lectures on the subject at frequent intervals. Even in the short period since the inception of the scheme there has been a marked improvement in the health of the children, and the work is being extended as rapidly as possible.

22

A. —4.

Infant Mortality. Deaths (Samoans) at Different Ages.

The infant-mortality rates, per 1,000 registered births, have been as follow : — Year. Year. Year. Year. 1924 .. 153 1927 .. 101 1930 .. 61 1933 .. 114-0 1925 .. 186 1928 .. 58 1931 .. 11l 1934 .. 104-8 1926 .. 106 1929 .. 70 1932 .. 121 1935 .. 97-0 It will be observed that the rate is gradually lowering, and, although still high, it is estimated that the preventive measures being adopted by the Administration will result in a further decrease during the current year. The work done by the Native medical practitioners and the women's committees, referred to above, is beginning to show results. Participation by Missions in Medical Work. All missions purchase stocks of drugs and dressings at the Apia Hospital Dispensary from time to time, and use them in their schools. Laboratory. Specimens examined number 1,936 ; X-ray examinations, 105.

Meteorological.

Notes on Storms, 1935-36. April, 1935. —A shallow depression south-east of Fiji moving eastwards was associated with squally north-west winds and rain in Samoa at the end of April. December, 1935. —A tropical cyclone occurred near Vila on the 11th,

23

Number of Deaths. Percentage of Total Deaths. 1933. 1934. 1935. 1933. j 1934. 1935. Under 1 week .. .. .. .. 18 32 27 .3-70 7-24 5-75 From 1 week to 1 month .. .. 24 17 17 4-94 3-85 3-63 From 1 month to 3 months .'. .. 31 17 17 6-38 3-85 3-63 From 3 months to 6 months .. . . 41 20 20 8-44 4-53 4-26 From 6 months to 12 months .. .. 55 65 86 11-32 14-70 18-34 From 1 year to 2 years .. .. 33 42 35 6-79 9-50 7-46 From 2 years to 3 years .. .. 19 12 26 3-91 2-72 5-55 From 3 years to 4 years .. .. 16 11 15 3-29 2-48 3-20 From 4 years to 5 years .. .. 12 5 7 2-47 1-13 1-49 From 5 years to 10 years .. .. 16 14 22 3-29 3-17 4-69 Over 10 years .. .. .. .. 221 207 197 45-47 46-83 4:2-00 Totals .. .. .. 486 442 469 | 100-00 100-00 100-00 : . ' ; __! - I

(Readings taken at Apia Observatory, Mulinu'u Point, at Sea-level.) I ~~ Month. Pressure. : Temperature. Rainfall. Humidity. Sunshine. Wind. - I ; ■ ; [ Per Cent. Miles per 1935 In. °F. In. (9 a - m -) Hours. Hour. January .. 29-740 78-8 40-88 79 82-3 7-9 February .. .. 29-77! 80-1 4-24 82 221-0 7-1 March ' .. .. 29-786 79-8 22-56 81 -166-8 7-1 April .. .. 29-812 79-5 4-02 82 229-9 7-4 May.. .. 29-855 79-0 4-84 81 221-0 6-5 June .. .. 29-873 78-7 2-71 81 246-6 9-5 July .. .. 29-843 79-1 3-05 81 250-9 7-9 August .. .. 29-888 78-2 8-73 80 227-3 8-2 September .. .. 29-858 79-5 7-00 82 245-3 7-9 October .. .. 29-851 80-7 3-61 83 259-3 8-8 November .. .. 29-802 79-8 15-45 82 170-9 5-4 December .. .. 29-757 79-2 16-40 81 160-6 7-7 Total .. 133-49 .. 2,481-9 Mean .. .. 29-820 79-4 .. 81 .. 7-6

A.—4.

January, 1936. —A cyclone to the north of Samoa moved southwards and was associated with strong westerly winds in Apia on the 16th. Another cyclone occurred near Vila on the 28th and moved away towards the south-south-east. February, 1936. —Early in February a depression occurred to the north-west of Samoa and moved towards Tonga. XX,— LAND TENURE. Under the Samoa Act, 1921, all land is legally— (a) Crown land, vested in the Crown free from Native title or any estate in fee-simple, of which there are (including New Zealand Reparation Estates) 103,630 acres ; or (b) European land, being land held from the Crown for an estate in fee-simple, of which there are 40,000 acres ; or (c) Native land, being land vested in the Crown but held by Samoans by Native title, and not by grant from the Crown, of which there are 581,370 acres. " Native title " means title to land in accordance with the customs and usages of the Samoan race. Titles to Crown land, European land, and European interests in Native land (leases) are registered by the Administration. Titles to Native land, when in dispute, are adjudicated upon by the Land and Titles Commission, referred to in Chapter X of this report, and determined in accordance with the customs and usages of the Samoan race. Usurious contracts with Natives are unenforceable at law, and Native land is incapable of being taken in execution for the payments of the debts of a Samoan on his decease or insolvency. Generally, alienation of Native land is prohibited, save an alienation or disposition in favour of the Crown. Provision has been made for sale of Native land in the Apia town area, and His Majesty may grant a lease of Native land for a period not exceeding forty years, but in each instance the grant is made only if the Administration is satisfied that the transaction is in accordance with the desires and in the interests of the Native owners and in conformity with the public interests. Although large areas in the interior of each of the two main islands are incapable of cultivation, there is more than ample Native land available for all requirements of the indigenous population. XXI,— FORESTS AND AGRICULTURE. Fokests. The mountainous interior, comprising by far the greater portion of the area of both principal islands, is completely covered with virgin native forest. The Territory has been visited on occasion by representatives of milling interests, who have formed the opinion that the indigenous forest has insufficient millable trees to the acre to be profitable, whilst afforestation with exotic species is rather discouraged by the steep and ravine-cleft nature of the country. On European plantations teak is planted in a small way, but quite successfully, for general utility. Agriculture. The circumstances of the Territory do not warrant the maintenance of a separate Administration Department of Agriculture, but there is inspection of all produce exported. Co-pra is the staple product of the Territory : it is produced approximately 75 per cent, by Natives, anjl the output of the New Zealand Reparation Estates accounts for roughly two-thirds of the balance. Exports for the three years 1933-35 averaged 10,992 tons. There is considerable fluctuation in local stocks held between shipments, and for this reason records are kept of Native production as distinct from export, as indicated in the following : — Exported. Native Production. Year. Tons. Tons. 1933 .. .. •• •• ■■ •• 11,526 8,271 1934 .. .. .. •• 8,948 7,907 1935 .. .. .. •• •• 12,501 10,500 Cocoa is produced in Western Samoa principally by Europeans, and is of very high quality, being a standardized hybrid of Criollo and Forastero, but with the Criollo predominating. Samoan cocoa has been classified by the Imperial Economic Conference on Cocoa as being amongst the world's finest in point of quality, and is used mainly for blending. Export during the three years 1933-35 averaged 834 tons per annum, the decrease from the figures shown in last year's report being due to the comparatively small quantity, 576 tons, exported in 1935. Bananas continue to be of considerable assistance to the Territory, and a record number of 109,000 cases was shipped during the calendar year 1935. Further information regarding this product will be found in the report on Trade, Chapter IX. Rubber (Hevea Braziliensis) is planted to some extent, and export of a good-quality smoked sheet reached 167 tons in 1928. Owing to low prices production ceased entirely in 1933, and no rubber was shipped in that or the succeeding year. In 1935, however, production was recommenced, and a total of 25 tons was shipped from the Territory.

24

A.—4.

XXII.—MINES. There are no mines or any known mineral deposits of value in the Territory. XXIII.—POPULATION. Statistics for the period Ist January, 1935, to 31st March, 1936, are given in the following tab e :—

Figures showing alteration in population since April, 1921, the date of the first census taken by the New Zealand Administration, are given hereunder : —

XXIV,— PUBLIC WORKS. Great activity was displayed in this Department during the year. Extensive repairs were effected and additions made to a number of official buildings, while new buildings included a pavilion at Apia Park, a meeting-house at Mulinu'u, radio-station at Aleipata, and a residence at Tuasivi, Savai i. Over 154 chains of road was sealed with bitumen, and a length of 140 chains formed and metalled. Considerable maintenance work and repairs were carried out on the main roads. Three bridges were erected to replace those washed out during the heavy floods of January, 1935, and a fourth is in process of reconstruction. Nine other bridges were repaired. Heavy seas in January, 1936, caused great damage to both coast roads and sea walls, and a total of 18 chains of sea wall required to be renewed. An additional 260 ft. of sea wall was erected at Apia. The hydro-electric branch functioned satisfactorily throughout the year, and a new stand-by and auxiliary plant is being installed. Other works carried out included maintenance of parks and reserves, wharves, and water-supplies.

4—A. 4.

25

,— —— — - j Designation. As at 1st January, Birtta . Deaths. Arrivals. Departures. As at 31st March, Grand . M. F. M. F. M. F. M. F. M. F. M. F. Europeans 335 257 2 1 7 2 181 122 178 115 333 263 596 Persons of European 1,231 1,165 44 28 4 4 87 105 80 125 1,278 1,169 2,447 and Samoan descent 1 Native Samoans ... 25,235 24,246 1,126 998 347 271 475 353 415 326 26,094 25,000 51,094 Chinese labourers .. 503 .. •• 1 1 1 • • „„ Melanesian labourers 94 1 .. .. 2 *■ 27,418 25,669 1,172 1,027 360 277 744 581 674 567 ; 28,300 54,733 Totals .. 2,T99 637 1,325 1,241 54,733

As at 17th As at 31st Total Increase April, 1921. March, 1936. or Decrease. Europeans and persons of part 2,066 3,043 + 977 Samoan blood Native Samoans .. •• 33,336 51,094 +17,758 Chinese labourers .. ■ ■ 1,290 503 787 Melanesian labourers .. .. 465 93 — 372 37,157 54,733 +17,576

A.—4.

APPENDICES.

Values of Import, Export, and Total Trade of Western Samoa, 1910-35.

26

A.—4.

Details of Quantities of Exports, 1921-35.

27

A.—4.

Copra Production, 1907-35.

Approximate Cost of Paper.—Preparation, not given ; printing (1,160 copies, including map and graphs), £50.

By Authority: G. H. Loney. Government Printer, Wellington.—1936.

Price is.]

28

A— 4-.

WESTERN SAMOA