65

3—A 4b

10. Oil budgetary matters an Advisory Finance Committee is consulted by the Administrator. This body, created in 1936, has three official members in addition to the Administrator, together with four Samoans and one European (see " Public Finance "). D. The Honourable Fautua 11. The Administrator is advised in matters relating to the Samoan people by three " High Advisers " {Fautua) appointed by the Minister of Island Territories. The Honourable Fautua are the highest Samoan title-holders, representing the outstanding "Royal" family lines of Samoan society, and currently holding the historically well-known titles, Tamasese, Malietoa, and Mata'afa. (These are listed in their order of appointment.) Though these leaders have no statutory powers or duties, they meet with the Administrator, usually once a month. The Administrator consults with them on matters of importance to the Samoan people, and they may initiate consultations with him when they feel this to be necessary. They also take part in meetings of the Fono of Faipule (below) and in special Councils such as the one which led to the sending of the petition. Because of their high rank they exercise a great deal of influence in Samoan affairs. On ceremonial occasions they receive official honours appropriate to their status as " Royal descendants." 12. The Fautua positions were created by the German Government in 1912, after the abolition of the Samoan kingship and the death of the potential incumbent, Mata'afa losefa, who had been given a substitute title by the Germans : " Paramount Chief " {AW i Sili). It was hoped that by having the two greatest " Royal " lines each represented within the Government their historic rivalry would be reduced and co-operation of both groups would be assured. In 1936, at the request of the Samoans, the holder of the Mata'afa title was appointed as a third Fautua. E. The Fono of Faipule 13. In addition to the representation of the Samoan people by four members of the Legislative Council and four on the Finance Committee, a Council of Samoan representatives has been developed under the New Zealand Administration called the Fono of Faipule, and often referred to by the Samoans as a " Parliament." 14. After various changes the Fono now consists of forty-one members, representing constituencies based on the traditional Samoan districts and sub-districts. It ordinarily meets twice a year, and the members have the statutory right to " consider such matters relative to the welfare of the Samoan people as of their own initiative they think proper or as may be submitted to them by the Administrator and to express their opinions and make their recommendations to the Administrator " (Faipule Election Ordinance 1939). In practice, proposed Ordinances affecting the Samoan people are submitted, among other matters, to the Fono for their views, and if they are opposed the measure is rarely proceeded with.