A.— 4.

VIII. ADMINISTRATION. I wish to again place on record the valuable services rendered by the staff of officials of the Samoan Administration, who greatly appreciate the fact that their services were recognized by the New Zealand Parliament during its last session. The provision then made that public servants in this Administration may become contributors to the New Zealand Public Service Superannuation Fund will materially help to make a contented and efficient Public Service in Samoa, without which good administration is impossible. IX. LEGISLATION. The following legislation concerning this Territory was passed during the year ended 31st March, 1925 : — In New Zealand— The Samoa Immigration Consolidation Order, 1924. The Samoa Pharmacy Order, 1924. The Samoa Land Registration Amendment Order, 1924. The Samoa Treasury Regulations, 1924. The Samoa Free Masons' Trustees Order, 1924. The Rules of the High Court of Western Samoa Consolidation Order, 1924. The Samoa Crown Estates Amendment Order, 1924. The Samoa Public Trust Office Amendment Order, 1924. The Samoa Expedition Order, 1924. The Samoa Native Lands and Titles Commission Order, 1924. In Samoa— No. 1. —The Native Trade Debts Ordinance, 1925. No. 2.—The Overseas Passengers' Landing Deposits Ordinance, 1925. Copies of the several Orders and Ordinances have been forwarded to the Secretary-General of the League of Nations, and to each member of the permanent Mandates Commission. DEPARTMENTAL REPORTS. NATIVE AFFAIRS. Only one meeting of the Native Council (Fono of Faipules) was held during the year under review. At this meeting a number of important Native regulations were introduced on the initiative of the Faipules themselves. Some of these regulations should have the effect of a great reform on the life of the Natives, and enhance their material welfare. The following is a precis of Native regulations submitted to New Zealand for approval by His Excellency the Governor-General by Order in Council:— 1. Establishment and Functions of Native Councils in each District. 2. Appointment and Functions of Village Committees. 3. Cleaning of Villages. 4. Sanitary Regulations. 5. Provision of Water-supplies. 6. Keeping of Animals. 7. Restrictions regarding Large Assemblies of Natives. 8. Construction and Maintenance of Roads. 9. Custody and Investment of Village Funds. 10. Allocation of Land, Improvement of Plantations, and increasing Production. 11. Abolition of Feasts on the occasion of a Death. 12. Treatment of Diseases. 13. Reservation of Land for Church Purposes. The official visits of two parties of Faipules to Tonga and New Zealand respectively at the end of last year have already produced good results. Those Faipules who went to Tonga are urging the Natives to agree to allocation of land to individuals, as in Tonga, while those Faipules who visited New Zealand have already commenced to apply the lessons they learnt in the Dominion by getting their District Councils to make by-laws which should have the effect of improving the social and material welfare of the people in their districts. The work of the Native Department has been very heavy during the past year because of the increased activities in all matters concerning Native development, but it is satisfactory to report that the Natives now co-operate more freely with the Administration. They appear to realize that the Government is working in their interest, that there is a definite policy which has for its object the betterment of the Samoan race, and with few exceptions the efforts of the Administration on their behalf are appreciated.

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