"Foreigners" Are Not
p. 10 · Read in the full issue
Wanted Samoans' Petition Against Establishment of Building Co.
Prom Our Own Correspondent
Apia, Dec. 26.
THE recent registration in Western Samoa of a branch of the Fletcher Construction Company of New Zea land to undertake building activities in the Territory and to establish new indus trial undertakings such as brick fac tories, joineries, etc., has aroused strong opposition amongst a portion of the Samoans. A recent fono (or general meeting) of Samoan representatives peti tioned the Administration to prevent the establishment of the new company, as the Samoans do not want any new “foreign” companies in the Territory.
As there are no firms or individuals here who are equipped to cope with the comprehensive new building projects of the Government and private enterprise, and as the Fletcher Company intends to employ Samoan labour at compara tively high wages, the action of the Samoans is considered short-sighted and detrimental to the real welfare of the country.
The work of the new company would give opportunity for training and instruc tion to a large number of local trades men and stimulate new industries which utilise the resources of bush timber.
It is to be hoped that the unreason able prejudice of the petitioners will not result in the withdrawal of the Fletcher Company from Samoa.