SAMOA.

Hokitika Guardian, 24 January 1929, Page 4

SAMOA.

USK OF CM I MIOSIS LABOUR. (By Telegraph—Press Association). AUCKLAND, January 21. “There are 1000 Chinese labourers in Samoa,” said Captain R. J. Carter, head of the Samoan. Labour Department. who arrived bv the Tolua this morning. “They work mostly on the plantations but a few are. employed as house servants. 1 have occasionally to hold a Labour Court, but generally speaking there is not much trouble. The Government arranges lor the men to come out. They are engaged tor a. period of three years, pay being .Is per day. They are not indentured. They are, practically speaking, iroc agents and leave their job at a week’s notice and can be dispensed with under the same terms. The Government is reimbursed lor the outlay ol bringing them from China by the people who employ them. They are good workers a lid quiet. “So far as the Samoans are concerned,” continued Captain Carter, “they also are good workers, but will not stick to their jobs. They are an independent people and have their own land, and if a feast is being held down the road off they go to it, even at the expense of sacrificing any money that may be coming to them." Referring to Samoa generally and the Administration Captain Carter bad nothing to sav. Asked in regard to the suicide of a high official after the visit of an Investigating Committee from New Zealand, Captain Carter said a. shortage bad been discovered in the accounts of the reoatriated estates. 'Hhe accountant, who committed suicide, considered that be was responsible because lie bad charge of the accounts. This preyed on bis mind and resulted in him taking bis life. Another officer, who was employed in the storekeeper’s branch of the same department. wa.s arrested and charged with tlie defalcations. He pleaded guilty and was sentenced to nine months’ imprisonment.