A.—4.

VIII.—INDIRECT TAXES. The principal indirect taxes of the c'ountry are Customs duty (see the annual'report on " Trade, Commerce, and Shipping ") and other dues such as port and Customs service tax, shipping, pilotage, wharf, and port dues. Stamp duties are also collected in accordance with the provisions of the Stamp Duty Ordinance 1932, and Amendment. IX.—TRADE. The total trade figures for the 1940 calendar year —£387,186 —showed a decrease of 6-71 per cent, from those of 1939. Imports in 1940 were 74-61 per cent, of the value of exports, as compared with 88-352 per cent, in 1939. The value of imports decreased by £29,283, while exports showed a slight increase of £1,324— there was thus a net reduction of £27,959 from the total trade figure of £415,145 for 1.939. The export of bananas again played a prominent part in the trade of the Territory. A record export of 225,885 cases yielded a return of £84,706. Further details as to trade are shown in the graphs appended to this report. X.—JUDICIAL ORGANIZATION. The Samoa Act, 1921, and the Native Land and Titles Protection Ordinance 1934, prescribe the judiciary for the Territory. The three Native associate Judges were succeeded during the year by three new appointees. In its civil jurisdiction the High Court recorded 40 judgments ; 8 civil actions were struck out. The total amount for which judgments were given was £299. Fifteen divorces were granted. In criminal prosecutions, 718 convictions were recorded. Total fines inflicted amounted to £257. The Native Land and Titles Court held four sittings, occupying a total of forty-three sitting-days. Eighteen matters were dealt with, and 1,318 persons attended. XI.—POLICE AND PRISONS. The total European strength (including one clerk) as at 31st March, 1941, was eight. The uniformed Native strength as at 31st March, 1941, was thirty-eight, exclusive of one Native clerk and ten messengers also under the control of the Inspector of Police. Prisons. There were 4-3 prisoners in custody on 31st March, 1940. During the year 115 prisoners were admitted and 116 discharged, leaving a total of 42 in custody on 31st March, 1941. XII.—SOCIAL CONDITION OF THE NATIVES. There is no change in the fundamentals of Native life, which are little affected by prevailing world conditions. As has been mentioned elsewhere, the collapsed copra-market brought its hardships to the Native people, more particularly in those out-districts which do not grow bananas for export. In these districts the lack of money with which to purchase trade goods has necessitated a closer adhesion to Native ways of life. XIII.—LABOUR. There has been no change in the plantation labour situation since the last report. XIV.—FREEDOM OF CONSCIENCE. The observances of Christian life are matters of great moment to the Samoan people ; they pursue their religious life untroubled either by interdenominational differences or by secular persecution. Not once since the introduction of Christianity to these islands has the principle of freedom of conscience and worship been threatened from internal causes. XV.—EDUCATION. The following table shows the schools which come under the jurisdiction of the Administration : —

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Schools. Number. Staff. Pupils. Grade II 87 168 10,491 Grade III 4 28 1,164 Teachers' Training-school .. .. .. .. 1 1 50 European school .. .. .. .. .. 1 16 500 Post-primary school .. .. .. .. .. 1 1 20 94 214 12,225 Native Inspectors, Grade II schools .. .. .. .. 5 Superintendent of Schools .. .. .. .. .. 1 94 220 12,225