WESTERN SAMOA

Hokitika Guardian, 7 October 1932, Page 6

WESTERN SAMOA

IMPROVED .POSITION. ‘ I WELLINGTON, 1 October 4. . J There has been a 'marked improvement in the political situation throughout the territory and. all Departments having dealings with the natives are now; functioning happily' and satisfactorily, says the annual report on ’the mandated territory of Western Samoa, tabled in the House. • s The Lands and TiUes Commission sat in April and November, the natives coming freely to give' evidence and have their claims dealt with, and more cases were brought before the Commission during this year, than in any j of the preceding five- years. The better | feeling now prevailing not only applier I to official transactions, - but -extends also: I to -sports and isocia! gatherings.- A eL j, ting of the Fono of Faipule was held in May. The. Faipule was again -assembled in December, • when the financial (position was placed before it, and diseas ed, and arrangements made for the election of a new Faipule.

' FINANCE. The' report -states that 1 as a result of the world-wide depression 'and especially the drop in the price of copra, the main product-of the territory, there had been a considerable decrease in th" turnover. The total trade for 1931 wa: £359,397, compared with £559,870 in 1930, and an average of £635,491- for the five years preceding 1931. Owing to the reduced turnover there was a substantial reduction in -Customs revenue. ■■ When that became apparent, steps were immediately taken to meet the financial situation, partly by a reorganisation of Departments and retrenchment, and partly by an- increase of Customs duty equal to a general increase of five per cent. As a result the revenue for the last quarter of the year -showed a marked -improvement and after taking into account £20,042 available funds at April l-'t, 1931, the year ended with a small credit balance -which was obtained without the necessity of any detrimental curtailing of the activities or services of the administration.

HEALTH CAMPAIGN. The Health of the community generally had been good. Arrangements had been made in co-operation with the Rockefeller Institute to undertake ,»a complete Yaws campaign throughout the territory, and every village was at present being vi-ited. A complete rob of each village was being compiled, and treatment was being made available free of charge;