RE-ORGANISATION IN SAMOA

Hokitika Guardian, 14 February 1929, Page 6

RE-ORGANISATION IN SAMOA

POLICE FORCE REDUCED. WELLINGTON, February 11. The Prime Minister stated to-day that, after consideration by Cabinet of various matters relating to Western Samoa, including the report of the committee of officials who recently inquired into the finances and staff of the Administration, it has been decided to institute reorganisation of the staff and simplification of the finances, leading, it is hoped, to a considerable reduction in expenditure. Details remain to be completed alter consultation with the Administrator, and a further statement will be made in due course. The proposal will,, however, involve considerable, changes in the present staff of the Administration, and it is contemplated that in future the staff will be recruited front and assimilated to the New Zealand Public Service.

Such portions of the report as are suitable for publication will be liande f to the Press at an early date. It nas been decided also to transfer the existing force of Samoan military police from a military to a civil basis, with a reduction in strength from the original establishment of seventy-four to forty-five. It will he one of the duties of Sub-Inspector Lander, whose temporary loan to the territory for two or three months lias already been announced, to assist the Adiuinistator in placing- the force upon a civil basis. It is intended to reduce the force still further from time to time, as events in tlie territory may justify.

Cabinet lias also approved of a proposed amendment to the native regulations of the territory, the principal effect of which is to enable the Administrator to appoint district officers to whom may be transferred the powers, inter alia, of a Native District Council, where the existing District Council is not functioning satisfactorily. These powers are not large, comprising such matters as village regulation and tlio imposition of small penalties for minor offences.

The Chief Judge of Western Samoa, Ml* Justice Woodward, who has served for many years in the territory with marked success, is anxious to obtain a transfer to New Zealand. He is at present in Auckland on furlough. Other senior officials who, it is understood, desire a transfer to New Zealand after long and honourable connection with the territory are the Secretary to the Administrator, Colonel Hutchen, and the Treasurer, Mr P. Wild. Inquiries are being made in each case as to whether it is possible to meet the wishes of these officers by their appointment in due course to vacancies in the New Zealand service.