Shortage of Plantation

Labour for Samoa Samoans Do Not Want Chinese Settlers

From Our Own Correspondent APIA, Sept. 15.

EUROPEAN planters are anxious about future aspects of the plantation labour problem, particularly with regard to Chinese indentured labour, now that the Pacific war has ended.

Some 300 indentured coolies, who were due to be repatriated after the expiration of their term of indenture, but had to extend their term owing to the war, lack of shipping, etc., may now have to be sent back to China; and it is doubtful whether replacements can be arranged.

At a recent conference between the Chinese Consul and Samoan leaders, the former asked the Samoans to agree to the Chinese remaining in Samoa as free settlers, as many of them had formed family associations with Samoan women and had children.

The Samoans flatly refused to comply with this request, pointing out that the coolies had come to Samoa for a three years’ term only, and had been well aware that they would be repatriated after the expiration of this term. The Samoans objected to a large number of free Chinese acquiring land, starting shops and competing against Samoans.

From the point of view of the Euronean planters, it is a matter of indifference whether the Chinese are made free settlers or repatriated. They would lose their labour in any case, as it is doubt ful whether the Chinese, when freed of their indenture, would continue to work on European plantations.

Though Samoan plantation labour is cheaper, and at present plentiful, it will be difficult to train Samoans for skilled and permanent plantation work now done by Chinese specialists.