A—4

The main body of the force is stationed at Apia. In addition to the gaoler and the warders, a sergeant and a corporal are assigned to the prison at Vaimea and the prison farm at Tafaigata. There are two out-stations in Upolu. One is at Lalomanu, in the Aleipata district: the other is at the Faleolo Airport. Each is staffed by one constable. In Savai'i there is a force composed of one sergeant and one corporal, six constables, and four messengers. Their headquarters are at Tuasivi, where they are under the command of the Resident Commissioner. One of the constables is normally stationed at Fagamalo, twenty miles to the north of Tuasivi. There have been no instances of collective violence or disorder during the year under review. Firearms, Ammunition, and Explosives A strict control is maintained over the import and possession of firearms, ammunition, and explosives. The relevant statistics for the year are as follows : Firearms : Licences issued to registered holders — Shotguns .. .. .. • • •• •• 1,049 Rifles .. .. •• •■ •• •• 105 Pistols .. .. .. ■ • • • • • 9 Ammunition : Imports during the year Shot cartridges . . .. . • • • ■ ■ 224,000 Rifle and pistol cartridges .. .. .. 12,100 E. POLITICAL ADVANCEMENT General Administration The year under review has been one of exceptional importance in the political advancement of the Territory. The Samoa Amendment Act, 1947, came into force on 10th March, 1948. The Act made certain formal changes which had become necessary as a result of the replacement of the former mandate by the Trusteeship Agreement; but its most important clauses provided for the implementation of proposals contained in the New Zealand Government's statement of policy on 27th August, 1947, and recommended in the United Nations Mission's report in October, 1947. These proposals were concerned with making the Government of the Territory more fully representative, as the first step towards eventual complete self-government. The Act provided that the title of the New Zealand representative, and executive head of the Administration, should be changed from Administrator to High Commissioner, to emphasize the changed conception of New Zealand's relation with Samoa. A Council of State was constituted composed of the High Commissioner and the Fautua. This was an advisory body discussing important matters of policy and all questions involving Samoan custom. A radical change was made in the disposition of legislative power. The former Legislative Council, with an official majority, was replaced by a Legislative Assembly, with a Samoan and elected majority. Under the old constitution the Administrator had made laws " with the advice and consent of the Legislative Council" ; under the new constitution the Legislative Assembly was itself the enacting authority. The scope of the legislative power of the old Council had been severely limited by its inability to override New Zealand legislation affecting Samoa ; that of the new Assembly was specifically widened to include the power of overriding New Zealand legislation, except in regard to certain reserved subjects. Both the Council of State and the Legislative Assembly have begun to function fully during the year 1948-49. In themselves they provide the principal means by which the other proposals for political, social, and economic advancement announced in 1947 can be carried out. It thus becomes necessary to explain in greater detail the working of the present political and administrative system.

13