Samoa

Boom In Western

Reflected in Annual Statistics

THE boom being enjoyed by Western Samoa, as a result of the high prices of copra and cocoa, is reflected in the statistics in the Administrator’s annual report.

The following figures show the condi tion of the Post Office Savings Bank, and refer to the years ended March 31, 1946 and 1947 respectively:—

The fall in native depositors’ balances is probably due to the natives’ recent heavy purchases of newly imported motor vehicles.

It is interesting to note the proportion of persons of the three communities now employed by the Administration:

Between 1925 and 1932 revenue was between £lOO,OOO and £150,000 p.a, with annual deficits ranging up to £4O 000 Thence, up to 1942, the revenue was about the same, with budgets generally balanced.

Thenceforward, with high produce price and “dollar prosperity,” revenue doubled, and annual surpluses have produced an accumulated 'credit of £417,758. most of which is invested in New Zealand.

Most of the revenue (about £265,000 of it) comes from Customs. Direct taxes (mostly a tax on stores) produce nearly £40,000 p.a.

In the calendar year 1946, imports were £478,695, and exports £719,050 —an all time record. labour There are 290 Chinese labourers re maining in Samoa, of whom 38 are restricted free settlers; 226 are in active employment, on private cocoa plantations and on NZ Estates rubber plantations. have expressed a wish to return to China, numbering 126, will be repatriated when shipping is available.

Of Melanesian labourers, only 63 remain now in Samoa. There is also a small labour force of 22 Niueans.

Education

A TOTAL of 9,720 pupils attend Admin istration primary schools throughout the group. The European Adminis tration School at Ifi Ifi. Apia. counts 7 pupils; while Mission schools are attended by 20,523 pupils.

A total of 34 Samoan and oart-Samoan bovs and girls are holders of New Zealand Government scholarships, and are study ing in New Zealand.

Health

THE state of public health is com

paratively good, and n 9 epidemics

occurred during the period.

The infant mortality rate in 1946 was M 05 ner 1 000 births, and, though higher ?£o-n thp rate for 1945 (53.8. an all-time record lowf wls the second lowest for 26 years. (Conttauea Nex , p aße i

1946 1947 Number of Depositors 4,382 4,725 Deposited .. . £265,534 260,780 Samoan Depositors .. . 3,3U 3,670 Samoan Deposits ... £32,096 £29,395

1946 1947 Europeans 74 69 Euroneslans 101 147 Samoans 759 077 Revenue £284.292 £334,838 Expenditure £235.169 £242,329