A.—4

10

In dealing with the matter of compulsory treatment of yaws the; Faipules were wholly in favour of an Ordinance whereby restrictions would be imposed on families neglecting. to have cases treated, even fining offenders for evading the doctor's inspection. When one thinks of what this convoys to the Samoan mind one is impressed, for the Samoan views yaws pretty much as white mothers view the measles—a necessary infantile ailment. But propaganda on the part of the Medical Department has shown them their error, and the Faipules are prepared to face their districts and enforce the observance of a law which they know is for tho people's welfare and health, although against popular belief. The above are a few only of the many matters discussed. The whole work of the Fonos was carried through in an atmosphere of confidence which augers well for the future of the Territory. Native Officials. During the year drastic alterations have been made in the organization of villages and Native Government officials. Some sixty Pulenu'us have been retired and villages united under one Pulenu'u where previously there were two or three. This reorganization has resulted not only in a saving in salaries but in an increase in revenue. It has also effected a general tightcning-up and increased efficiency. Another reduction in Native; officials was in the personnel of the Land and Title Commission, which has been for some years unnecessarily large. Ten members of the Commission were retired, leaving a total of fourteen instead of twenty-four. Samoan Offenders Ordinance. It has been necessary to apply this Ordinance to a few offenders during the year, notably to one chief who, through his knowledge of English, had for some years been able to more or less victimize his less enlightened brethern in money matters. His guilt was eventually sheeted home to him, and the effective punishment of divesting him of his title and subjecting him to local banishment was meted out to him and has given groat satisfaction. It has in a practical manner demonstrated that the Administration will see that justice is done alike to those of high or low degree. Medical. In dealing with the care of the health of the peoplo the example set by the Administration has had not only a beneficial result physically but it has been of psychological value to the Samoans. At the commencement of the year the medical tax was an ideal which, though desirable, presented many obstacles, and although acceptable to the majority of the districts there remained, some in which the suggestion was received under protest. Propaganda in those districts left the people without enthusiasm. The Medical Department, however, pushed forward the practical side of their work, and the result has been not only good from a physical point of view but it has, to a very large degree, cemented the feeling of confidence in the Administration, and has evoked a practical response from the districts where suspicion lurked, and given unanimous approval of the medical tax. As a result the people are taking a keener and more sensible view of sanitation and health matters. Moreover, they now have a more personal interest generally in the medical work, for they are materially helping towards its support. Malagas by the Administrator. His Excellency made very complete malagas round the islands of Upolu, Manono, and Savai'i, thus affording him an opportunity of meeting the Natives in their homes and gaining first-hand information as to their various needs and requirements. In all his meetings with the Samoans His Excellency endeavoured to instil the gospel of self-help.

Cases dealt with by the High Court (Native Department).

Land disputes Title disputes Enforcements of judgments Civil claims Insult Contempt of Court Wandering pigs Theft Failure to pay poll-taxes Unpaid dog-taxes Appeals Unpaid Pulenu'u and F.M.P. fines .. Miscellaneous Total -j,. ,, Referred to Number of j- Y , Law and Titles Cases. dls P° sed oi Commission. 20 11 4 19 1 8 188 140 47 39 • 9 8 8 8 27 24 6 4 110 74 17 11 4 2.. 146 105 51 33 20 19 188 4-7 9 8 27 6 110 17 4 146 51 Adjourned. 5 10 48 8 1 3 2 36 6 2 41 18 652 460 12 652 460 180