A—4

Summary of High Court Actions

Proceedings of Native Land and Titles Court

No sitting was held in the year ended 31st March, 1945, owing to staff heling engaged, on other duties. XI. POLICE AND PRISONS The European strength as at 31st March, 1946, was eight, plus one aceounts clerk, a total of nine. The imiformed Samoan strength as at 31st March, 1946, was fifty-six, exclusive of one clerk and twelve messengers, of whom four are under the control of the Native Affairs Department.

Prisoners in Custody

XII. SOCIAL CONDITION OF THE NATIYE PEOPLE The census of 1945 disclosed a movement of population to the town area of Apia and its environs and to the already thickly populated north coast of Upolu. Many families establish homes close to or within Apia for the purpose of sending ehildren to Apia sehools, and it appears likely that this movement will continue. Current high prices for the Territory ? s product are enabling the Samoan people to find economic and soeial content in good retnms for their labour, of which by far the greatest part is on their own lands. It is an illustration of 'the satisfaetion which the Samoans find in their way of life to be able to record that, despite post-war unsettlement that is evident in various parts of the world, conditions at present among the people of Western Samoa are socially sound, eeonomieally prosperous, and politieally stable.

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— i 1945. | | 1946. 1 Civil judgments Civil actions struck out Divorces granted Criminal convictions Total fines 49 8 24 1,339 £1,152 42 9 21 1,187 £824 #

Year ended 31st March, 1944. 1946. Number of sittings Number of sitting-days Petitions dealt with Number of persons attending 2 26 18 751 2 69 56 2,403

— 1945. 1946. Total at beginning of year .. .. 123 80 Admissions 202 179 Discharges 245 148 Total at end of year 80 111