A—4

X. JUDICIAL ORGANIZATION The Samoa Act, 1921, and the Native Land and Titles Protection Ordinance 1934 prescribe the judiciary for the Territory. There are a Chief Judge, four Commissioners of the High Court, three Native Associate Judges, and fourteen District Native Judges. The three Native Associate Judges in the High Court have jurisdiction pursuant to section 67 of the Samoa Act, and are associated with the Chief Judge in weekly sittings of the High Court in Apia. They are also members: of the Native Land and Titles Court. Only three of the fourteen District Native Judges held Court in their districts during the year.

Summary of High Court Actions

Proceedings of Native Land and Titles Court

Summary of Native District Judges' Courts

XI. POLICE AND PRISONS During the year the European strength of the Police Force was reduced by 3, there now being 3 full-Europeans engaged. The partEuropean staff is now 5, while the Samoan strength has been increased by 1 to 57. In addition, 1 European, 1 part-Samoan, and 1 Samoan are employed on clerical duties. Two of the European staff returned to New Zealand on the expiration of their terms. By the death, in November, 1946, of the Inspector of Police, Mr. A. L. Braisby, the Administration suffered a very great loss. Inspector Braisby had spent twenty-seven years in the Police Force in the Territory,

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— 1946. 1947 Civil judgments Civil actions struck out Divorces granted Criminal convictions Total fines 42 9 21 1,187 £824 54 17 19 1,617 £1,524

Year ended 31st March, 1946. 1947. Number of sittings 2 1 Number of sitting-days 69 11 Petitions dealt with 56 12 Number of persons attending 2,403 929

— Upolu. Savai'i. Criminal Number of sittings 65 3 Number of cases dealt with 65 3 Convictions recorded 10 3 Total fines inflicted Civil £4 £2 Number of sittings 21 7 Number of actions filed 21 7 Judgments given 7 7