CHINESE IN SAMOA

Hawera Star, Volume XLVIII, 19 September 1924, Page 5

CHINESE IN SAMOA

A DIMINISHING FACTOR. (By Telegraph.—Special to Star). WELLINGTON, Sept. 18. _lu view of past controversies over Chinese indentured labour in Samoa it is reassuring to find in the . administrator’s annual report a- statement that with the scientific distribution of labour and expert supervision it is considered that the present areas of pri-vately-owned or leased plantations under cultivation can be properly maintained with a total of approximately 1000 imported labourers, supplemented by native labour where possible, so that the Chinese Laboiir problem in Samoa should be less difficult to deal with in future years than it has been in the past: “It is our desire to reduce the number of Chinese, labourers in Samoa to the . lowest possible numher, and to replace them by native labour where possible. ■ This is being done successfully ’to' a limited extent on some plantations and will, I trust, be carried out still further as opportunities arise. Native labour for certain classes of work is very efficient, and does not cost more than Chinese.” Though there were nearly 5000 indentured labourers in Samoa prior to 1914. the present number is 938 Chinese labourers under agreement, 29 free Chinese, and 172 Melanesians. - There were 353 repatriations last .year, some of .the Chinese expressing a desire to return. General Richardson pays a tribute to the faiivminded spirit shown by the employers who indentured labour, whom he called together to discuss the question of placing their workers under a better system than indentures. As a result of their deliberations the indenture system was abolished and free labour instituted whereby any labourer dissatisfied with his employment may give notice to terminate his services and be free "to obtain other employment. The wagbs were increased, with a provision .for a minimum wage of 3s per diem for plantation workers. This became the law in December, 1923. Favourable reports have been received from the employers and employees with regard to the new conditions, which a.re apparently giving greater satisfaction to both parties and better economic results.