W. Samoan Assembly Begins

New Task Estimates Show Strong Financial Position of Territory

THE Western Samoan Assembly held its first business meeting (as distinct from the official opening on June 2) on June 8. And early in the piece it is clear that members are not taking their position lightly. Having been elected by the people to govern, this they evidently propose to do.

Somewhat to the surprise of those who know the Samoan set-up and the traditions by which it is normally gov erned, the rank and file Samoan members have shown no indication of following blindly the lead of the two Fautua, Tamasese and Malietoa. Recently, all of the Samoan members voted against the Fautua and defeated a motion which had been supported by them. This healthy in dependent spirit augers well for the suc cess of the new Assembly.

One of the first debates concerned the salaries and allowances of members.

According to the majority, insufficient had been allowed for these —particularly in respect of the two Fautua, or Paramount High Chiefs, Tamasese and Malietoa. As well as their other duties, these two men are now members of the Council of State.

The estimates for 1948-49 provide for a remuneration of £7OO per annum for each of them, but in the eyes of the Samoans this was not sufficient and it was finally agreed that it should be increased to £l,OOO per annum.

The estimates provide for £lOO per annum for each sitting member. Tms, also, was considered inadequate and sub sequently it was decided that in addition a “sitting allowance” of £l/1/- per day would be paid.

Estimates for 1948-49 AT a later session of the Assembly the whole of the estimates for 1948-49 were reviewed, debated and subse quently passed, with minor amendments amounting to a cut of £6,250 for the erection of new school buildings and Education Department offices.

The estimates budget for a small sur plus but if there is a continuation of the past year’s buoyant revenue, it is likely that it will, by July, 1949, be turned again into a large surplus.

In 1947-48 it was estimated that revenue would be £321,260; in actual fact it was £548,682. Expenditure for the same year was estimated to be £515,117; and pro bably due to the scarcity of materials) was only £359,285.

In the current year it is expected that revenue will be £452,755 and that expendi ture will be £446,129. Largest allocation goes to the Health Department which this year will get £93,658.