A.—4,

more advanced societies, as within wide limits there is no state of the market at which it becomes unprofitable for them to produce, and a steady output of copra is maintained to provide their requirements of imported commodities. Through a combination of depression and over-supply in the New Zealand market the price paid to growers of bananas fell during the year from ss. to 3s. 6d. per case. Trade statistics are given in the report of the Customs Department. Returns of rhinoceros-beetle collections show a further decline, but towards the end of the year prosecutions of defaulters were reinstituted —this being merely a return to normal conditions. It has not been found possible to make any definite progress in the direction of entomological control of this pest, but the matter is in the hands of the New Zealand Department of Scientific and Industrial Research, and is being prosecuted as vigorously as present financial conditions will allow. Although not essentially connected with native production, mention may be made here of a-visit made to the Territory in 1931 by Dr. and Mrs. J. R. Hosking, of the New Zealand Department of Scientific and Industrial Research, for the purpose of investigating the possibilities of local production of essential oils. Their conclusions were that oil similar to ylang-ylang, of considerable intrinsic value in perfumery, is available commercially from the flower of the local moso'oi (Cananga odorata), and a small parcel has been prepared and sold by a local resident.

The following table shows the system of native district officials as on the 31st March, 1932 : —

HEALTH DEPARTMENT. Public Health. Bacillary dysentery (shiga) and mild catarrhal influenza were epidemic in the islands, the former from January, 1930, and the latter from September to the end of the year. Yaws malagas have been made in both islands. One Samoan student returned from the Central Medical School in Suva in June, owing to ill health, but was not replaced during the school year. Owing to the courtesy of His Excellency the Governor of Fiji, the Chief Medical Officer again had the opportunity of visiting the Leper Station at Makogai in October, whilst on furlough. Admissions to Apia and Safotu Hospitals show increases—there were decreases at Tuasivi and Aleipata. The following is the distribution of the medical organization as at the end of 1931 : — Vpolu— Apia Hospital: Three European Medical Officers, Bacteriologist, nine European nursing sisters, one Native medical practitioner. Aleipata Hospital: Native medical practitioner, one Samoan cadet, two Samoan nurses. Mulifanua Dispensary : Native medical practitioner. Manono Dispensary : Samoan nurse. Salimu Dispensary, Fagaloa : Samoan nurse. Matautu Dispensary, Lefaga : Samoan nurse. Lotofaga Dispensary : Samoan nurse. Savai'i — Tuasivi Hospital: Native medical practitioner, one Samoan cadet, two Samoan nurses. Safotu Hospital: Native medical practitioner, one Samoan nurse. Falelima Dispensary : Native medical practitioner, one Samoan nurse. Vaisala Dispensary : Samoan nurse. Fagamalo Dispensary : Samoan nurse. All figures and statistics in the report of this Department are in respect of calendar years.

4

Rank. TJpolu. Savai'i. Total. Fautua (Native Advisers and members of tie 2 .. 2 Legislative Council) Faipule (members of Fono of Faipule) .. 19 14 33 Pule Fa'ato'aga (Lands Inspectors) . . . . 8 6 14 Komisi (Land and Titles Commissioners) . . 8 6 14* Pulenu'u (Village Rulers) . . . . . . 79 34 113 Failautusi (clerks to other officials) .. . . 2 .. 2 Teuala (roadmen) .. .. .. . . 1 .. 1 Leoleo (orderlies to Lands Inspectors) .. 10 .. 10 129 60 189 * These figures represent usual numbers chosen to act, from a list of qualified persons.