Western Samoa

And "Dollar Prosperity"

From Our Own Correspondent

Apia, Oct. 14.

AN impressive exhibition of native handicrafts by the pupils of the Ifi Ifl School, and the participation of representatives of the Tokelau Islands and American Samoa in the “King’s Kava” ceremony, were the most notable features of the recent visit of the Gov ernor-General of New Zealand to this Mandated Territory. Otherwise, the offi cial visit followed the usual pattern— colourful native dances and entertain ments, and somewhat stiff official func tions, in connection with which there were the usual bitter comments about the issue, or non-issue, of the official invi tations. (Human nature —and officialdom —do not change much, in isolated communi ties. I can remember the same sort of spitting and back-biting over official functions when I first visited the Central Pacific, with another Governor of New Zealand, Lord Liverpool, in 1914. —Ed.

“Pim”.)

Import Restrictions

ALTHOUGH Western Samoa is sharing fully in the Dollar Prosperity re ported all over the Pacific Islands, we are very short of some supplies, and bare shelves are beginning to appear in many stores. There is plenty of money, and therefore there is indignation in some places because we are not permit

ted to import what are regarded as essential goods.

It is explained, however, that the Ad ministration is trying to bring Samoa into line with Australia and New Zea land, where restriction of all non-essen tial and many essential lines is severe.

The Administration has had to meet criticism because people arriving in Samoa from Australia and New Zealand have been able to buy, cheaply and easily, many goods that are simply not procurable now in other places.

Fono Of Faipule

THE Fono of Faipule (Samoan Native Parliament) has just concluded its annual session, after meeting for three weeks. High Chief J. B. Fonoti, the only independent Samoan merchant of Apia, acted as leader and speaker of the Fono.

Numerous matters of importance to the Samoans were discussed, particularly agricultural matters regarding the pro duction and prices of bananas, copra and cocoa.

Condition Of Industries

rS banana industry is deteriorating further, and the exports of bananas have reached a new low level, mainly owing to the unattractive prices being paid by the Government to pro ducers. At the present time the price obtainable for bananas on the local mar ket is actually in excess of the export price. The recent dry spell has also influenced the banana crop adversely.

Cocoa production is suffering from the shortage of labour on European and Samoan plantations. There seems to be a tendency amongst European planters to sell their holdings and get out. Recently an old-established cocoa plantation was sold for £4,300 to some local Chinese residents The shortage of labour, of course, was created by the deliberate action of the mandatory authority—the NZ Govern ment.

The copra industry, on the other hand, is flourishing. Apia copra sheds, at this time of writing, are practically cleared, though transport by motor launches from outside districts to Apia is suffering from the shortage of available shipping and of fuel.

29 Years Under New Zealand

rE anniversary of the raising of the tJnion Jack in Western Samoa, on August 29, 1914, was celebrated, as usual, on August 30, with a ceremony at Apia Court House. The representative gathering of Europeans and Samoans was addressed by the Administrator (Mr. A.

C. Turnbull), the Hon. A. Stowers and a Samoan representative. Units of the Defence Forces paraded at the function.

The benzine consumption for private and business vehicles has again been restricted owing to a shortage of fuel.

There is also a severe shortage of sup plies of flour, rice, sugar, biscuits, soap.