A.—4,

PUBLIC TRUST OFFICE. On account of present economic conditions the finalization of many of the estates controlled by this Office is unavoidably delayed, as it is impossible to dispose of assets, especially real estate, except at prices much below value. After placing £150 to reserve to cover any default in payments of interest or loss on realization of securities, the accounts of the Office for the year show a profit of £49 which, under present conditions, may be considered satisfactory. All work is up to date. STAFF. As a necessity of depression and consequent depleted financial resources, the year has been marked by a very definite shrinkage, more particularly of the European staff, as shown in the table below. The more important of these changes are referred to in the reports ofj the Departments concerned. A reduction of 10 per centum in salaries of the New Zealand Public Services was made applicable to the European staff in Samoa as from Ist April, 1931, with some minor exceptions to the Samoar; staff as from Ist January, 1932, and there have been curtailments of staff amenities in several lessei directions.

Notes. (i) Number upon disbandment of Samoa Military Police and e»tablishment of Constabulary in April, 1929. (ii) Resident Auditor, a new appointment. (iii) Position of Chief Judge temporarily vacant on 31st March, 1929. (ivj Includes Engineering and Transport Department (2) taken over from New Zealand Reparation Estates during 1929-30, and merged with Public Works during 1930-31. (v) Public Trust Office staff (2) not shown previously in this return. (vi) Due to s.s. " Lady Roberts " going out of commission. (Viij Two additional junior probationers appointed. (viii) One vacancy temporarily at 31st March, 1930. (ix) Consequential reduction made in Chinese staff. (x) One vacancy temporarily at 31st March, 1930. (xi) One additional audit assistant appointed temporarily. (xii) Retrenchment of headmasters, Malifa and Avele Schools, and one assistant, Ifi Ifi School. (xiiii Staff of European sisters reduced from nine to eight; one vacancy temporarily at 31st March, 1932. (xiv) Department placed under control of the Crown Solicitor. (xv) Draughtsman retrenched.

21

European Staff as at 31st March, Departments. j ; - : 1929. 1930. ! 1931. j 1932. ___ , . J _J Administrator's .. ., .. 2 2 2 1 Secretariat .. .. . . . . 5 j 6 (ii) 6 7 (xi) Customs and Harbour* . . . . 10 10 ' 8 (vi) 8 Education .. .. .. .. 12 12 14 (vii) ll(xii) Health .. .. . . .. i 20 i 19 20 (viii) 18 (xiii) Justice .. . . . • • • 2 3 (iii) 3 3 Labour .. .. .. .. 2 j 1 j 2 (ix) — (xiv) Lands and Survey .. . . . . | 4 (3 3 2 (xv) Native Affairs .. . . . . j 5 3 j 4 (x) 4 Police .. .. .. .. ! 6 5 4 4 Constabulary .. . . . . 45 (i) 47 i 33 18 Postal and Radio .. . . 13 14 13 12 Public Works .. . . . . 6 8 (iv) j 6 6 Treasury and Public Trust . . . . 4 6 (v) 6 6 Savai'if .. • • • ■ • • i 3 3 j 3 ! 3 Totals .. .. .. | 139 142 §f 127 | 103 * Including one part-time officer. t District Officers (2) and European constable (1), as at 31st March, 1932, included in total of Police and Constabulary.