Economy In

Samoa.

Much Retrenchment.

APIA, August 4.

WHEN Messrs. Berendsen and Vers chaeffelt, New Zealand Government Commissioners, arrived by the June “Maui Pomare,” it was to be expected that energetic action would follow, to cut administrative expenses to the bed rock level compatible with necessary efficiency of service.

The Commissioners have gone thor oughly through all the various depart ments and discussed their requirements in numerous conferences. They have also gone into all matters pertaining to the New Zealand Reparation Estates, and have visited Government and private plantations to see conditions as they are at present. And they have also opened their doors to numerous settlers, planters, traders and others, who had to submit complaints or suggestions and have heard their tales with wonderful patience and courtesy.

Messrs. Berendsen and Verschaeffelt, accompanied by their wives, left by the “Maui Pomare” on July 27, after hav ing completed their difficult task. The changes in the Administration service, decided on by the Commissioners, have not been published so far, but it is already known that a number of officials are to be dispensed with shortly, or transferred to New Zealand.

Practically all of the departments lose one or more European officials, the De partment of Native Affairs and Police Department being especially affected.

The Medical service and Government hospital, which require a large propor tion of the total Government expendi ture, are not to be reorganised as was expected. This is probably due to the obligations undertaken under the Man

date for an efficient health service for the natives.

It is, however, intended to facilitate the establishment of private medical practitioners in Samoa; and Dr. Daw son, late of Tonga, who, with his family, is staying in Apia for a holi day, will probably start practising as from September 1. At a later date, and when a sufficient number of private practitioners is available, the Govern ment medical service should be dimin ished accordingly.

The routine trip of the N.Z. Com missioners to Samoa has been the object of a heated attack in a N.Z. periodical, which criticised the trip as wholly unnecessary and wasteful.

Considering the large saving effected by the Commissioners’ personal investiga tions on the spot, public opinion in Samoa leans to the view that the trip was of great benefit to the finances of both Samoa and New Zealand.