CHINESE IN SAMOA.

Hokitika Guardian, 23 September 1924, Page 3

CHINESE IN SAMOA.

A LiMlNfjsHlNti FAC lOR. WE‘i-1.1 XCI'I ON, Ei,.tomb, r IS. In view of the pn.-t ion trove rsies over ( hinose indentured hih.mi' in Samoa it. is reassuring to find in the Administrator's annual report n statement that with the scientific distribution of labour and expert ; upm vi-ion. it is i onsidcrcd Dial Die piesc-m areas o| Plival 'l.v ow ned o, bee - I plantain n- unde! mi 11 1 \a I ion can I•' pi'*| o'l\ maintained with a total ol approximately lt.d.' imported lab. Hirers, .supplemented by native labour where passible. so that the so-called Clnnese labour problem in Samoa should lie 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 iiumhcr and to replace them by native labour where possible.” Stales the Administrator. -‘This is being done- successfully to a limited extent on seine plantations, and will. 1 trust, he carried out still further a- opportunities arise. Native labour for ceitain eias.-es of work is very efficient and does lint cost none than Chinese.” .

Though there wer-- nearly n<:3 ) imleiitureil labourers in Samoa prmr to bil l recent number is 93S Chines.- labourers under agreement. ‘29 I roe Cniuese and 1712 Melanesians. 'I here Were 253 repatriations last year, some ol the Chinese expressing a desire to return. General Itiehardson pays a tribute to the lair-minded spirit shown h.v cinploveis of indentured labour, whom Incalled together to discuss the question ol placing their workers under a bettor scheme than indentures. As a result of the deliberations the- indenture scheme was abolished and free- hib.jiir instituted .whereby any labourer dissatisfied With his employment may gi'e ,o tice to terminate his services and Ufree to obtain other employment. Wanes were increased with a prm for a minimum wage ol 3s pcr'diein lot plantation workers. This became law j„ December 1923. Favour:, I,!o rep.ii Is have been received from employers ai cl employees regarding the new conditions,' which arc apparenUy gin g greater satisfaction to both parties and better economic results.