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from the palms. Now we have the encouraging contrast with former results that for three consecutive years an output representing the maximum of achievement or thereabouts in production has been maintained without the assistance of high market values. Export of Copra. Tons. For year 1924 .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 13,202 1923 .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 13,484 1922 .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 16,956 1921 .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 7,428 1920 .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 7,474 1919 .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 16,356 1918 .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 9,370 Average per annum since 1914 .. .. .. .. .. 10,925 „ last three years .. .. .. .. .. 14,547 , preceding triennial period .. .. .. 10,420 The quality of the copra shipped during the year has been well maintained, but it is only through continual vigilance on the part of the Department's Inspectors that this result has been achieved. The number of convictions secured against traders for purchasing defective copra is a sufficient indication that any relaxation in this regard would quickly be followed by a reversion to the former unsatisfactory quality of the product. L .... Cacao. The output of cacao for 1924 shows a very considerable improvement compared with previous years, the amounts exported being as follows : Year 1919, 820 tons ; 1920, 785 tons ; 1921, 750 tons ; 1922, 765 tons; 1923, 221 tonsj 1924, 1,016 tons. Several factors contributed towards this eminently satisfactory result, by which our cacao planters have experienced a more profitable time than has fallen to their lot for a number of years. In the first place the weather throughout the year was particularly favourable for this crop, and there was a complete absence of any serious outbreak of disease. Further, in the earlier part of the year there was a recovery in market prices from the depressed conditions operating over the previous twelve months, and the course of prices has been steadily maintained. The remarkable improvement displayed on the London market appears to have been due partly to the firmer attitude of West African shippers, and partly to the extraordinary absorption of stocks compared with the heavy holdings of 1923. The year closed with prices firm, and the immediate general outlook for our planters appears to be very favourable. Careful attention has been given to the quality of cacao produced, and as a consequence of close inspection, along with the modified system of grading which came into operation in 1923, a material improvement has been obtained, and our planters are now taking more care in the preparation of the beans than formerly. Cotton. In last year's report it was stated that an attempt would be made to reintroduce the cultivation of cotton in Samoa. Many years ago cotton was successfully grown here, and although the quality was undoubtedly equal to that produced elsewhere at the time, the competition from other countries where cheaper labour was available, coupled with low prices, forced the abandonment of this cultivation. Our present effort at reintroduction of cotton-cultivation, however, is confined to inducing the Natives to undertake this themselves for their own benefit, so that the cost of labour should not be a factor in the present movement. A small supply of seed was obtained from Queensland for experimental purposes, and this was distributed to the Faipules of the several districts where it was thought conditions were most suitable to its cultivation. Very satisfactory results were obtained where sufficient care and attention was given to the cultivation of the cotton. As to the quality of the cotton produced, the British Cotton-growing Association, Manchester, reported as follows : " Value, 17-50 d.; classification, fairly clean ; good colour ; staple full 1| in.; very strong, inclined to be harsh. At the present time (13/2/25) this class of cotton is worth 4d. or sd. ' on ' the price of American futures, so that with futures at 13d. this cotton would be worth 17|d." Every encouragement is being given to the Samoans to stimulate their interest in the new cultivation. A further 2 tons of seed has been obtained from Queensland, and has been distributed amongst the various districts, and the Inspectors of the Agricultural Department have been directed to, wherever possible, personally supervise the planting of the seed and to advise the Natives in the matter of proper cultivation. Plant Diseases and Pests. Rhinoceros-beetle (Oryctes nasicornis). —The position generally as regards this pest is increasingly satisfactory, the results of the campaign waged during the past few years becoming more and more evident with the passing of time. It is apparent from the Inspectors' reports that the beetles are more difficult to find, and requests to reduce the weekly quota required from all able-bodied male Samoans are frequently received. The quota is modified according to circumstances. Canker (Phytophthora faberi). —This most serious disease to the cacao-tree has been less in evidence during the past twelve months than for a number of years. Years ago canker devastated whole

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