A.—4

22

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

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

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