FUTURE OF SAMOA.

Taranaki Daily News, 8 March 1920, Page 5

FUTURE OF SAMOA.

PROBLEMS TO BE FACED. MORE LABOR OR BANKRUPTCY. INDENTURED LABOR QUESTION! By Telegraph.—Press Assn,—Copyright. Received March 7, 5.5 p.m. . Apia, March 5. The European citizens have embodied their vievs in reports on Samoon problems, and Sir James Allen and the Parliamentary Party will meet this committee for the purpose of giving a reply on Wednesday. The», report on agriculture and labor says:—"The position to-day is that we must have more Jabor or face bankruptcy. Without an adequate supply it is impossible for planters to carry on. The] labor barracks, which were previously considered to fulfil requirements, have been condemned, and we are compelled to make additions a«d erect new buildings. The last straw was forced repatt nation of indentured Chinese, costing from £2O to £2O 10s per head, against 1 ' £2 10s before the war.

"To these causes, as well as to more costly provisions owing to the ravages of the rhinoceros beetle, is attributed the bankruptcy of some of the largest companies. One company has reduced its laborers from 294 to 12, and its rubber output from 69,3831bs to nil, and cocoa from 139 tons to 20 tons."

5,000 LABORERS. Summing up, the report says that five thousand laborers will ultimately he required for the maintenance and development of the present plantations, and to meet ths needs of 'merchants and public ■works. The opinion is expressed that Chinese can easily be procured at an outside wage of thirty shillings a month. Failing Chinese, the report suggests that Javanese be obtained by an arrangement with the Dutch Government. Figures show that approximately 20,000 acres are under cultivation, mostly German. The New Zealand Government is interested in 70,000 acres allotted to New Zealand by the Peace 'Treaty. On European plantations there are at present at work indentured Solomon Islanders and Chinese, but the Solomon Islanders are being repatriated, and are no longer a factor. In 1910 the Chinese numbered 22,000, and now there are 830; Solomon Islanders numbered 850, and now there are 405. It is pointed out that the Snrooan, with his wife, earns more per day cutting copra on his own holding ■than the planters pay him in a month. Moreover, the Samoans are insufficient to rc-plaee indentured laborers.

LIQUOR AND EDUCATION. The report asks Sir James Allen to advise as to the status of Herman properties. The report on liquor control vigorously protests that residents were not consulted regarding the prohibition proclamations, and it considers the terms of the mandate do not stipulate for total prohibition. The report also draws attention to the fact that the Germans employed two white policemen who practically prevented the natives from drinking. Hie report advocates State control.

The report on the constabulary declares that such a strong and expensive force is not wanunted, and assures the visitors that the native constabulary, with its present officers, is more conducive to pence and the safety >f Samoa. The report dealing with the Press requests that the censorship on the local newspaper be. discontinued. Tlie report on education states that the education of children would be better and more economically carried on by the existing mission agencies, encouraged and subsidised by the Government than by a State school system.

SIR JAS. ALLEN'S VIEWS. Sir James Allen said the question of European housps and requests for increased salaries of councillors and equal pay for Samoans and whites in Government employ, as well as a pension scheme, would be considered- The rfequest for liquor prohibition had already r been granted. He added that: '-Liquor importation is forbidden and as far as I am concerned there will be no relaxation whatever. What is good for Samoans is good for whites under similar circumstances."

In reply to a request that all expenditure be directed by the Native Council Sir James Allen said this would be unfair to the whites, who contributed largely to administration and must be for the time being in control of all expenditure. The Government finance po* icy was advances for reproductive works at five per cent, exclusive of sinking fund; non-productive works such as hospitals and schools would be free of interest. The Armed Constabulary would be withdrawn eventually but he considered that immediately following the military occupation some such force was necessarv.