Taxes Abolished: Important Ordinances Passed in Samoa

were of a quality that their passing can be viewed with equanimity.

Taxes Abolished

Important Ordinances Passed in Samoa From Our Own Correspondent APIA, Dec. 26.

AT a recent meeting of the Western Samoan Legislative Council, presided over by the Acting Administrator (Mr.

A. C, Turnbull), several important ordinances were submitted. Two newlyelected representatives of the Samoans, Hon. Tamasese and Hon. Tuala, took their seats on the Council for the first time.

The new Samoan representatives submitted a large number of questions referring mainly to the promised changes and concessions granted during the visit of the N.Z. Government’s “Goodwill Mission.” Answers to the questions were supplied by the Administration.

The most important features of the six new ordinances passed were the abolition of personal taxes for both Europeans and natives; the repeal of the “Samoan Offenders’ Ordinance,” dealing with political offences due to the previous unrest m the territory; the “Revenue Amendment Ordinance, 1936,” revising business license fees and reducing same in a number of instances, also making provision for the payment of fees in instalments; the prohibition of the sale and purchase of coconuts to prevent plantation thefts.

The meeting, which proceeded smoothly and in which the new Samoan representatives took an active and prominent part, concluded on December 16.

The Acting Administrator, in reply to an enquiry, stated that a further meeting would be called early in the next year to discuss various important matters now under consideration.

Mr. A. Francis (meteorologist), Mr. W.

T. Jarboe (radio expert), and Mr. M. M.

Thompson (ground engineer) are at present in New Zealand on behalf of Pan- American Airways in connection with the