Half-Caste Problem In

Samoa.

From Our Own Correspondent

Apia, Nov. 26.

WRITING in the “Guardian,” Mr. Nel son denies the existence of a half caste problem in Samoa and points with pride to the fact that his firm in Samoa employs a large number of local born and pays them higher wages than the Administration pays for similar work.

It is obvious that the praiseworthy ac tion of Mr. Nelson’s firm in employing a few dozen local-born clerks and traders cannot solve the problem of work and future existence of the numerous local born population. An enquiry would probably show that a large number of local-born artisans, labourers, drivers, traders and clerks are out of work at the present time and living, by force of circumstances, as natives. That this is desirable or in the best interests of the community, can surely not be asserted by Mr. Nelson or anybody who knows local conditions.

Mr. W. R. Carpenter, head of the Is lands trading firm, gave a lead to Syd ney business men in December by pro viding Christmas dinner for 200 depend ents of returned soldiers. The Australian Legion is behind the move, which aims at giving Christmas dinner to 5,000 people.