A.—4

18

As regards trade from the different countries, the relative positions remain much the same as in 1922, except that the importations from the United Kingdom have increased by £5,000, whilst those from New Zealand and Australia have fallen by a similar amount. The importations from other countries not enumerated decreased by £8,000. The figures for the two years are —

Tariff Changes.- —ln July last a number of items were added to the free list, as already stated. It is estimated that the loss of revenue resulting from these concessions amounted to £1,717. The amount was distributed as follows : Animals (living), £72 ; meat and fish (frozen), £288 ; butter, £210 ; rice (unpolished), £260 ; honey, £5 ; infants foods, £10 ; manures, £50 ; sacks (copra), £756 ; shooks of undressed wood, £6 ; machinery (copra and cocoa drying), £60 : total, £1,71.7. Rice from Fiji. —The prohibition against importation of rice from Fiji was removed by an amending Ordinance in November last, importation now being allowed under certain precautionary conditions. Tins has already led to a fair amount of additional trade with our island neighbour. Harbour Section. Beacons and Lights. —The new Aga light on Vaea has proved very satisfactory and economical. Lower leading-light has been electrified from Alcazar supply. Apia lights are now reliable, and the authorities have been notified of the change and information inserted on charts. Small beacons around harbour are lit with oil-lamps. Buoys and Moorings. —All moorings lifted, cleaned, and relaid ; two old buoys replaced, and heavy 2\ in. cables laid on two buoys. These moorings are now safe for any size vessel. Passages. —This work was taken over from Public Works. New pins supplied to Safune, Salilua, and Palauli, and rocks in Palauli passage blasted, and a considerable amount of clearing-work done in and around Apia Harbour. Maintenance. —All plant regularly overhauled and kept in good order. Two old surf-boats and one towing-launch have been disposed of. S.s. " Lady Roberts." —This ship was brought over from New Zealand in June, 1923, and has proved a very valuable asset, considerably lightening the work of mooring and lifting the heavy anchors and chains in use in this port; also, it has very much improvesd the mail and passenger service to Pago Pago.

1922. 192: Value. Per Cent. Value. Per Cent, United. Kingdom New Zealand Australia United States of America Other countries £ 14,202 5-0 82,596 29-0 104,663 37-0 63,345 22-5 18,133 6-5 £ 19,788 77,782 98,301 62,717 10,293 7-3 28-9 36-4 23-4 4-0 282,939 100-0 268,881 100-0 I