A—4

Treatments The number of treatments carried out in hospitals and dispensaries during each of the past five years are shown in Appendix VIII (b). It will be seen that the amount of purely therapeutic work has increased by over 45,000 treatments during the period. In 1944-45, in-patients in the hospitals numbered 3,538 ; in 1948-49 they numbered 4,539. The figures for out-patients at hospitals and dispensaries are 69,939 and 115,991 respectively. There has also been a large increase in the number of preventive and treatment injections. These figures show clearly that the Samoan people are making more and more use of the medical services as they become more fully acquainted with the efficacy of modern medicine and as the services themselves are improved. Sanitation The type of sewage-disposal system in use in the Territory varies with the locality. Most European-style houses in Apia are equipped with septic tanks, while many Samoan dwellings have pit-latrines. Conveniences in the outer areas tend to be very primitive, with a large number of sea-latrines in use, and it is hoped that the efforts of the Sanitary Inspectors, the women's committees, and the Health Committee will result in an improvement in this respect. The New Zealand Sale of Food and Drugs Act applies in Samoa and provides for the regular inspection and registration of markets, bakeries, and abattoirs. Drugs The manufacture, sale, distribution, &c., of drugs is controlled by the Samoa Dangerous Drugs Order 1930 and the Samoa Pharmacy Order 1924. The Geneva Opium Convention of 19th February, 1925, and the Limitation Convention of 31st July, 1931, are applicable to the Territory. The population is not addicted to the use of narcotic drugs. Several aged Chinese have been receiving a small weekly allowance of opium. The only dangerous drug used during the year was opium, of which 5-582 kg. was issued by the officer in charge of the dispensary at the Apia Hospital. Alcohol and Spirits Under the terms of the Trusteeship Agreement the administering authority is required to control the manufacture, importation, and distribution of intoxicating spirits and beverages in the interests of the people of the Territory. Such control had, in fact, been provided for in the Samoa Act, 1921, and the provisions in that Act relating to alcohol remain in force. The manufacture of liquor containing more than 3 per cent, of proof spirit is prohibited, as is its importation except by the Government for medicinal, sacramental, or industrial purposes. The disposal of liquor so imported is controlled by the Sale of Intoxicating Liquor Regulations 1920. The sale of liquor to Europeans or Samoans is permitted only for private consumption and in accordance with a permit signed by the Chief Medical Officer. This prescribes the quantity and, in some cases, the type of liquor which the recipient of the permit is entitled to buy. A permit may only be given for medicinal reasons, but the term "medicinal" has been interpreted in a broad sense to permit of the moderate consumption of alcohol by those accustomed to it for restorative, as distinct from curative, purposes. During the year 1948-49 a Liquor Board, with official and non-official members, has been constituted to assist the Chief Medical Officer in the administration of the law. Its functions are purely advisory, and the power to issue permits remains with the Chief Medical Officer.

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