Fairy Godfather Next Year
p. 87 · Read in the full issue
American Samoans Will Lose Their Fairy Godfather Next Year
ON July 1, 1951, the administration of Eastern (American) Samoa will pass from the US Navy to the Depart ment of the Interior. This coming year will be a period of transition.
The change-over is not generally wel comed by the Samoans although some have been, in the_past, clamorous for civil administration. Recently, the Navy celebrated its 50th year of Administration in the Territory and it is recognised that it has been very indulgent to the Samoans.
High Talking Chief Tui’asosopo, who was one of the Territory’s representatives at the recent South Pacific Conference in Fiji, admits that the Samoans are not ready for the change and that it will be a long time yet before his people could be trained as efficient administrators, teachers, doctors, etc. Although many opportunities have been provided for higher study in the United States, Ameri can Samoa, has, as yet, no locally-born medical practitioners in their Territory.
At present the Navy spends about half a million dollars annually in Eastern Samoa but it is doubtful if the Depart ment of the Interior will be so open handed. In addition, many Samoans are on the Navy payroll and loss of that in come will be a serious matter.