SAMOAN PROBLEMS

Dominion, Volume 13, Issue 139, 8 March 1920, Page 7

SAMOAN PROBLEMS

REPORTS SUBMITTED TO VISITING LEGISLATORS THE LABOUR DIFFICULTY By Telegraph—Presa Association—Copyright (Rec. March 7, 5.5 p.m.) Apia, March 5. Replying to various requests, Sir .Tames Allen said the question of European houses, increased salaries for Councillors, and eciual pay for Samoans and whites in Government employ, as well as ft pensions scheme, would be considered. The request for liquor prohibition had already been granted. Sir James a}'® 11 added: "Liuuor importation is forbidden. and. as far as I am concerned, there will be no relaxation whatever, \\ hat is good for the Samoans is good for the whites under similar circumstances.' In reply to a request that, nil expenditure lie directed by the Native Council, _ Sir •lames Allen said this would be unfair to tho whites, who contributed to the administration, and must for the tinio being control all expenditure. The Government's financial policy provided for advances for reproductive works at 5 per cent., exclusive of sinking fund. Advances for non-productive works, such as hospitals and schools, would, be free of interest.. Tho armed constabulary would be withdrawn eventually, but he considered that immediately following tho military occuDation some such forco was necessary. The European citizens have embodied their views in reports on Sajnoan problems. Sir James Allen and the Parliamentary party will meet .this committee for the purpose of giving a reply on Wednesday. . A report on agriculture and labour savs: "The position to-day is that we must have more labour or face bankruptcy. Without an adequate supply of' labour it is impossible .for planters to carry on. The labour barracks, which previously were considered to fulfil reauirements. have been condemned, and we are compelled to make additions and erect new buildings, laststraw was the forced repatriation of. indentured Chinese, costing from wC2O to 10 s - l>? r head, acrainst. .£2 10s. before tho war. Io these causes, as well as more costly provisions. and the ravages of the rhinoceros beetle, is attributed the bankruptcy oi some of tho largest companies. One comnanv has reduced its labourer from 294 to 12. and its rubber output from 69.3831b. to nil, and cocoa from 139 tons to 20 tons." Summing up, the report savs that five thousand labourers will ultimately be required for the maintenance and development of the present plantations, and to meet tho needs of merchants and public works. The opinion is expressed that Chinese could easily, be procured at the outside wage of thirty shillings per month. I'ailing Chinese, the report suggests that Javanese could be obtained by arrangement with the Dutch Government. Figures submitted show that approximately 20.000 acres are under cultivation, mostly German. The New Zealand Government is interested in 7G,(M)O acres of A.H.P.G. lands allotted to New Zealand by the Peaco Treaty. On European plantations there are at present at wo.rk indentured Solomon Islanders and Chinese. but the Solomon Islanders aro being repatriated, and are no longer a factor. In 1910 tho Chinese numbered 2200, while now there are 830; and the Solomon Island-; ers who numbered in 1910, 850, are now 'JOS. If. is pointed out that a Samoan, with his wife, earns more, per day in cutting copra on his own holding than the plantors pay him in a month. Moreovor, the Samoans are insufficient to replace the indentured labourers. Tho report asks Sir James Alle.n to advise as to the status of German properties. A report on liquor control vigorously Drotests that the residents were not consulted regarding the prohibition proclamations,' and considers the terms of tho mandate do not stipulate for total prohibition. The report also draws attention to the fact that the Germans employed two white policemen, who practically prevented the natives from drinking. The report advocates State control. A report on constabulary declares that such.a strong, expensive force is not warranted. and assures the visitors that native constabulary, with, the present officers. was moro _ conducivo to the peaco and safety of Samoa. A report dealing ivith the Press rennests that the censorship on the local newspaper be discontinued. A report 6n education states that the education of children will be better and 'more economically carried on by the existing mission agencies, encouraged nnd subsidised by the Government, than by the State school system..