Pomare.

Expensive “Maui

Commission’s Criticism.

From Our Own Correspondent.

Apia, Nov. 1.

THE New Zealand National Expendi ture Commission in its report to Parliament comments on the unfor tunate venture the running of the Gov ernment Island steamer “Maui Pomare” has proved to be.

According to the report, the loss on the vessel for 1930-31 amounted to over £20,000, that for 1931-32 to about £3000, while the estimated loss for the financial year 1932-33 is £4500.

The Commission recommends the Gov ernment to maintain the island connec tions with Nuie and Samoa by a sub sidised service at much lower cost, and to dispose of the “Maui Pomare” at the earliest possible date.

The Commission’s report further sug gests a thorough overhaul of the expen diture and establishment of the External Affairs Department of New Zealand, which controls the Mandated Territory of Western Samoa with a view to reliev ing the New Zealand taxpayer, as far as practicable, of the cost of the Samoan administration.

This may necessitate further stringent retrenchment of expenditure in Samoa, especially in view of the continued shrinking of revenue from import duties, licenses and taxes.