A.—4

12

IX. ELECTRIC-LIGHT POLICY. The Town of Apia is at present lighted from three small-power stations run by the Administration. Plans have now been prepared for replacing these plants by hydro-electric power, generated from the Vaisigano River. Provision has been made for a number of Native villages to be included in the scheme. A hydro-electric plant has been installed during the past year for lighting Government House, the Native Boys' School at Avele, and the London Missionary Society Girls' School at Papauta. Endeavours have been made to interest the Natives in electric lighting, and one village has already, on its own initiative, installed a generating plant for lighting the Native houses (fales) and the precincts of the village. Other villages have also applied for electric-light installations, and these will receive consideration when the necessary finance is available. X. EUROPEAN COMMUNITY. As shown by the census returns, 6 per cent, of the total population are registered as Europeans, of whom 90 per cent, reside in or near Apia and form the commercial and trading community of this town ; the remainder are engaged as traders and planters around the islands. In matters of legislation the Europeans have a voice in their own affairs through their representatives elected triennially to the Legislative Council. A list of the Ordinances passed by this Council last year is given on page 13. As mentioned in my report last year, the Administration prepared plans for a municipality to be formed in Apia to give the European citizens the opportunity of controlling their own civic affairs in accordance with their previously expressed wish. At a public meeting called to consider this question it was resolved that " In view of the lack of public interest now shown in the proposed formation of a municipality for Apia, the matter be dropped and remain in obeyance for the present." It would be very helpful to the Administration if the citizens accepted some of the responsibility which the provision and maintenance of roads, electric light, telephones, water-supplies, and other purely municipal works involve, but the above decision indicates that citizens are perfectly satisfied with present arrangements. While the primary duty of the Administration is to help that large proportion of the population to whom the country belongs and who are in greatest need of help —viz., the Natives —the interests of the European community receive equal protection and consideration at the hands of the Government.

Administrative Channels.