Samoan News Budget.

From Our Own Correspondent.

Dispute Over Banana Inspection,

APIA, July 10.

THE banana shippers, Europeans and natives alike, received a very unpleasant surprise, when it became known, that the bananas, delivered to Apia wharf, were inspected, against all former procedure, not by the Samoan In spector of Produce, as usual, but by a represen tative of the Auckland buyers, Messrs. Turner and Growers, Mr. G. P. Bairston, who was travelling on the “Maui Pomare.”

Of the total deliveries of about 4,700 cases, some 1,800 cases were rejected by Mr. Bairston and left behind, though his decision was strongly disputed by the Administration here. The ship ment comprised only about 2,700 cases against a capacity of about 7,000 cases loaded previously on the steamer.

The dispute will very probably be decided in Court. Meanwhile, the natives are much dis satisfied and have complained to the Adminis trator.

Dynamite Seriously Injures

Fisherman.

Fishing with dynamite is generally practised by natives on the west coast of Upolu. It is not known where exactly they obtain the gelig nite they use for the purpose. But a serious accident that occurred a few days ago has drawn public attention to the dangers attendant on the indiscriminate use of explosives by inexperi enced people.

A native went out fishing on the reef off Leanvaa. He tied three sticks of gelignite together to increase the effect and used a very short and insufficient fuse. Apparently, after lighting the fuse, he was uncertain whether the fuse was burning or not. He kept the explosive in his hand, when suddenly it exploded with terrific force, shattering one side of his body and tearing one arm away. The man was still alive when brought to Apia Hospital, but his injuries are so serious that he is not expected to live.

It is hoped that the Administration will pro hibit the use of explosives for fishing, as was done in former years, owing to the frequent accidents.

New Passenger Service To Savaii.

Owing to the enterprise of the director of the Union Garage, Mr. J. Ah Mu, a new fast pas senger service by motor ’bus and launch has been started between Apia and Tuasivi (Savaii).

For the last few years, passengers from and to Savaii had to use the slow and irregular motor boats carrying copra, which have no special passenger accommodation. The new fast service is a great improvement and it is hoped that Mr. J. Ah Mu will succeed in his new venture.

Marketing Of Cocoa.

We are in the off season for cocoa now and very small quantities of the product will be delivered during the next few months.

The English market seems at present more favourable. Recent sales in London are reported to be ranging from £60 to £72 per ton, which, with the premium on exchange, should show a satisfactory profit to merchants. The American market seems demoralised; large stocks of Samoan cocoa are on hand and there is very little demand.

The cocoa buyers of Samoa have recently come to an agreement to distribute Samoan cocoa more evenly to the American and European markets, to facilitate selling and maintain a reasonable price standard. Formerly, large quantities of

cocoa beaus have been sent to one market, de pressing the price, while other markets showed a good demand, but were bare of stocks.

Collector Of Customs Farewelled.

A large gathering assembled to farewell our popular Collector of Customs, Mr. A. Mac Donald, who has relinquished his position and is returning by the “Maui Pomare’’ to take up new duties in Mew Zealand.

The sentiments of all present were ably ex pressed by Mr. R. H. Brown, manager of B.P. (S.S.) Co., Ltd., who voiced the sincere regret of the business community of Apia, to see the best Collector of Customs we have had for a long time, leave our shores, and who specially praised the zeal and courtesy with which Mr. Mac Donald has always fulfilled his onerous duties.

Mr. MacDonald, in reply, expressed his sin cere appreciation of the complimentary remarks made. He hoped that prosperity would soon be restored to Samoa’s shores and a roseate future would compensate all for the hardships of the present day.

Personal Notes.

Some well-known residents and officials are leaving our shores for good during the next few months. Amongst them is Mr. A. F. Small, manager of the Bank of New Zealand’s Apia branch, who has completed a three years’ term in Samoa. His successor has not so far been announced.

A well-known police official, Sergt. A. L.

Downes, of the Samoan Contabulary, left by the “Maui Pomare,’’ being transferred to the N.Z. Police. He has had four years’ service in Samoa. His place is being taken by Sergt.

Fell, formerly in the Constabulary and at pre sent a detective in the N.Z. Police Force.