A.—4

being 1,792 in 1912 with an estimated population of 34,239, and 1,701 in 1923. It is interesting to note that the large number of births in 1912 followed epidemics of dysentery and measles in 1911, in which year there were 1,827 deaths, and the record number in 1924 followed an epidemic of dysentery in 1923, with 1,398 deaths. The birth-rate for 1924 was 55-38 per thousand of mean population : the rates for 1922 and 1923 being respectively 48-52 and 50-49 per thousand. (Note : Still-births, of which 32 were registered during the year, are not included either as births or as deaths in the various numbers and rates given in this report.) Births of Samoans, Western Samoa, 1924. Males. Females. Total. Upolu .. .. .. .. ..645 616 1,261 Savai'i .. .. .. .. .. 319 320 639 Totals, Western Samoa .. .. 964 936 1,900 Deaths. The number of deaths registered during 1924 was 766, as compared with 1,398 in 1923 and 899 in 1922. Last year's figures were abnormally high, owing to an epidemic of dysentery (bacillary). This year the number of deaths is considerably below the average. With a birth-rate of 55-38 per thousand it was to be expected that there would be an increase in the number of children dying in the first year of life. That such did not happen is shown by the infant-mortality rate being only 155 per thousand births, a figure considerably below the average, and one which compares favourably with many more advanced communities. Since the chief loss of life in Western Samoa occurs between the ages of six months and two years, it is anticipated that the coming year will not be as satisfactory as this one, but steps are being taken to reduce the wastage at this period of life. This is referred to more fully under " Child Welfare." The death-rate was 22-29 per thousand of mean population.

Hospital Statistics for Period 1st April, 1924, to 31st March, 1925.

Nationallty. Chinese and Europeans. Samoans. Melanesian Labourers. In hospital, Ist April, 1924 .. .. . . 5 35 12 Admitted during year .. .. .. . . 130 773 277 Discharged during year .. .. .. .. 122 761 263 Died in hospital .. .. .. . . .. 4 32 8 Remaining in hospital on 31st March, 1925 .. .. 9 15 8 EDUCATION DEPARTMENT. Education problems in connection with Natives have certain common principles. The education of the Native must be such as to fit him to play his part in his own life and in developing the resources of his country, and all Native educational systems must be tested in that way. Education must aim at developing the character and natural abilities of the pupil. The education policy of Samoa aims at the making of good citizens inspired with a love for their country and a determination to work for its advancement. With this object in view a Board of Education, which acts in an advisory capacity, has been set up, consisting of representatives of the missionary bodies (London Missionary Society, Methodist Mission, Roman Catholic Mission, and Latter-Day Saints Mission), the Secretary for Native Affairs, the Superintendent of Schools, and a representative of the Samoan race. The various schools concerned in the general education of the Natives have been classified as follows : —

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Hospitals. Dispensaries. |.2 ® _• fl . —5 i J § . « — % 12 ig •- S'«2 Si« 5 ci «-g « « eg A I •£ •£ s5 ~ s •s I « *S *3 2, at) z -3 «i= .a g P 5 5* r s ~2 3 C« ce « S3 03 £ o In hospital, 1st April, 1924 .. 47 3 2 .. .. .. .. .. .. 52 Admitted during year .. 941 72 166 36 .. .. .. .. .. .. 1,215 Discharged during year .. 922 70 159 38 .. .. .. .. .. .. 1,189 Died in hospital .. .. 34 5 5 .. .... .. .. .. . . 44 Remaining in hospital on 31st 30 2 .. j . . .. .. . . 32 March, 1925 Outpatient attendances, includ- 24,489 6,828 10,353 1,363 4,758 3,777 2,513 4,034 3,583 1,186 28063,164 ing dressings Treatment for hookworm .. 87 1,816 4,770 736 1,656 .. .. .. .. .. 7,491 16,559 Treatment for yaws (injections 5,843 2,589 4,017 39 2,123 i .. .. .. .. 6,61121,222 of N.A.B.) Operations— Major .. .. .. 170 3 17 .. j .. [ .. .. . . 190 Minor .. .. .. 215 68 157 2 110 .. .. i .. .. 550 Visits paid during period to 784 107 73 134 22 15j 15 233 134 101 .. 1,330 patients in their homes