A—s

6

supplies of timber which would have otherwise required to be imported. The change in the value of the New Zealand pound which came into effect in August, 1948, and only partially influenced the figures for that year, had full play on the copra and cocoa profits during this year. It is a reflection on the increased volume of production that, in spite of this readjustment, higher returns were recorded, as is shown in the following table, which compares the production and turnover of the last two trading years :

The Magia Rubber Estates, which are being maintained by the Reparation Estates, comprise some 800 acres of land, of which 672 acres have been planted out principally from consignments of seedlings imported from Malaya between August and November, 1948. The trees are growing healthily to maturity and the revival of production for the export trade, which ceased in 1947, is dependent only on economic considerations. During the year the Reparation Estates commenced trading operations in the Tokelau Group on behalf of the Tokelau Administration. This trade was previously carried on by private concerns which, after the interval imposed by the war, showed no desire to renew their operations. Attempts have been made to purchase a vessel suitable for cargo-carrying to and from the Tokelaus and for use in Samoan coastal trade, but so far without success, and in the meantime shipping is chartered to meet the requirements of the service to the Tokelau Islands. The Estates have continued to operate the Casino Boardinghouse, which provides accommodation in Apia at a marginal tariff for members of the European staff of the Government of Western Samoa, and after allowing for depreciation during the year, showed a profit of £343. Apart from the substantial financial advantages accruing to Western Samoa from the operation of the Estates, they provide regular employment to about 1,600 Samoans and casual work to a further 600. The efficient working methods adopted by the management provide valuable training for the employees in agricultural pursuits. The Estates run over 9,000 cattle on their plantations, primarily for keeping down undergrowth, and the killing of these provides most of the fresh-beef supply of the Territory. A new plantation in a somewhat elevated position is at present being developed on which it is proposed to carry on dairying operations and possibly later some meat-canning. The present factory for the production of desiccated coconut is not sufficiently large to meet the demand, and an additional factory is to be erected. Plant in the existing factory is also to be modernized. 7. THE N.Z.G.M.V. " MAUI POMARE " The " Maui Pomare " was built at Dublin at a cost of £54,000 and reached New Zealand on her maiden voyage on 2nd June, 1928. Her gross tonnage is 1,203 tons and her cargo capacity approximately 720 tons. Her length is 210 ft., beam 35 ft., and draught 14 ft., while the average speed is 10 knots.

Production. Vaiue of Quantity Sold. 1948—49. 1949-50. 1948-49. 1949-50. Tons. Tons. £ £ Copra, 1,030 1,228 76,557 63,631 Cocoa 381 408 48,209 68,727 Desiccated coconut 597 632 83,473 81,673 Sup. ft. Sup. ft. Timber 551,831 450,000 13,359 13,824* Cattle 1,696f 1,947f 15,163 17,498 *Includes timber valued at £5,203 used by the New Zealand Reparation Estates. t Number slaughtered.