American Samoa
p. 22 · Read in the full issue
From Our Own Correspondent
Honolulu, Dec. 2.
JN his annual report to the presi dent, the secretary of the U.S.
Navy this week reported that the native population of American Samoa as on June 30, 1939, totalled 12,562, an increase for the year of 321.
He added that the Navy adminis tration is concentrating upon the social and economic welfare of the natives, keeping it confined as closely as possible to a communal form of society, plus the preservation of the native customs.
More than 100 nurses have gradu ated from the Navy Public Hospital and the 35 public and seven private
schools have maintained an excellent enrolment. The school system, in cidentally, costs 22,780 dollars an nually.
While copra remains the main ex port, the Navy has encouraged interest in native industries, such as the production of floor mats, hats, curios, etc., which find a ready market with tourists. Many of these products, in deed, are shipped to Hawaii for sale in Army and Navy shops. The Samoans derived an income of 47,000 dollars from these products during the year.
Mr. A. McKenzie, Superintendent of Schools in Western Samoa, reached New Zealand from Apia on furlough by the December “Matua”. He was accom panied by his wife.