Isolated Samoa.

Now No Regular Service With Australia or U.S.A.

From Our Own Correspondent.

APIA, Sept. 24.

APART from the Union Company’s cargo steamers calling at Apia on their way from Australia to Van couver, there is no regular and direct steamer connection at present with

Auckland, Australia or the U.S.A. This is in striking contrast with pre-war times, when Apia enjoyed one monthly steamer from Australia and one from Auckland.

Attempts are being made to get the present unfortunate situation remedied.

Recently, Apia was out of sugar, rice and flour for a fortnight. A deputation from the Chamber of Commerce waited on the Administrator and urged the necessity of reducing the present high harbour dues, in order to induce the Union Company’s mail steamers of the Auckland-Suva-Honolulu-Van couver service to make Apia a port of call.

The Administrator promised his sup port and favorable consideration of the representations.

Suggestions were also made to use windjammers, many of which are laid up in the harbours of the world, for the transport of our copra at cheap rates, which may benefit the unfor tunate copra producers somewhat, by a saving in freight. So far, however, no steps have been taken in this direction.

With reduced harbour dues, it may be possible to have the Matson boats call at Apia. It is understood that the high dues caused the failure of the recent negotiations with the Matson Line.

At the recent Levuka Municipal Election, Mr. J. A. Sword, 101 votes, and Mr. H. E. Houghton, 76 votes, were returned for the next term. The other candidate, Mr. R. W. Vollmer, polled 49 votes.

The P. and O. liner, “Strathnaver” (22,000 tons) will leave Sydney on November 17 for a tourist cruise to Noumea, New Caledonia. On the re turn voyage the liner will call at Nor folk Island and Lord Howe Island.

Some of those present at the ceremony; graves of the fallen in the foreground. From left to right: H. L. Clark (hon. sec. R.A.T.C.); S. E. Costelloe, secre

tary R.S. & S.I.L.A.;

Rev. T. J. Gibson; his Honour the Adminis trator; R. L. Clark, president, R.S & S.I.L.A.; his Honour the Chief Judge; Dis trict Officer Oakley.