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.

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