High Level of Prosperity Continues

in Western Samoa

Froir l . Our Own Correspondent

APIA, July 6.

THE first session of the Legislative As sembly of Western Samoa was opened on June 8, at the Fono House, Mulinu’u by the High Commis sioner, Mr. R. G. Powles. He welcomed members of the Assembly and distin guished visitors who included Captain Ruck-Keene, officer commanding the New Zealand Navy Squadron then cruising in the Pacific, and Mr. W. D. Forsyth, Secretary-General of the South Pacific Commission.

The following points concerning the overall picture in Western Samoa are taken from Mr. Powles’ speech; TRADE for 1949 continued to increase over that of the previous year—im ports were to the value of £BBl,OOO and exports to the value of £1,345,000 (£7,000 less than in the record year, 1947).

There was thus, in 1949, a favourable trade balance of £463,ooo—the largest on record in the Territory.

As trade figures given in money are often misleading in these days of in flation. it is interesting to compare the quantities of the chief exports in 1949 with those of 1939, as follows:

These four items are now the most important items of Western Samoan ex port.

In the financial year ended March 31, Government expenditure had been £84,000 less than estimated, and also less than for the year 1948-49. Revenue collected was £75,000 more than anticipated and therefore 1949-50 closed with a surplus, and an anticipated expenditure of £llB,OOO from Reserves was not neces sary.

Accumulated reserves at the end of March 31, 1950, amounted to £705,000, excluding insurance accounts and copra fund.

Part of the reserves above £500,000 are intended to be expended this year on de velopmental works. Grants and subsi dies to a total of about £BB,OOO by the New Zealand government has assisted the Territory. This is in accordance with the policy of applying the profits of New Zealand Reparation Estates to the benefit of Western Samoa.

During the year, activities of the Gov ernment increased, particularly in re gard to educational and medical services.

A separate Western Samoan Public Ser vice had been established and total num ber of employees is now 1,066.

A Department of Agriculture was es tablished during the year and the Public Works Department completed 23 miles of new road and the erection of a num ber of school and hospital buildings.

Mrs. J. K. Murray, wife of Colonel Murray, Administrator of Papua and New Guinea, left Brisbane by plane recently for New Guinea. She spent several weeks in Sydney and Melbourne before con cluding her vacation in Queensland.

1939 1949 Copra .. . 12,500 tons 16 450 tons Cocoa .. . 600 tons 2,900 tons Bananas .. . . 200,000 cases 87,000 cases Desiccated coconut nil 700 tons