New Era In American

Samoa

Changes Follow Advent of Civilian Governor

AMERICAN SAMOA, under the direc tion of its first civilian governor, Mr. Phelps Phelps, is undergoing a transition to a civilian economy.

The Department of the Navy, which has administered this area since 1900 in connection with the Naval Station, turned over full responsibility for the government of the area to the Depart ment of the Interior on July 1, 1951.

The Navy has transferred to the Civil ian Government all of the land, buildings, equipment and supplies which might be of use either for governmental purposes or for commercial development. These properties, together with the natural deep water of Pago Pago Harbour, are expected to open a new era for American Samoa.

It is anticipated that an airline connec tion with Honolulu and another with the Fiji Islands and New Zealand will be in operation soon. Tafuna airfield can be made ready for plane service on short notice, and Pago Pago Harbour requires but a small amount of additional equip ment to handle flying-boats.

Plans are under way for supplying fuel and limited ships’ stores to commercial ships and to planes. Petroleum products can be discharged from tankers and ships can be fueled alongside the oil dock.

The economy of bulk purchases and of direct fueling should be attractive to trans-Pacific shipping companies which will be able to reduce their fuel load and

increase their payloads. Interested companies are invited to communicate with the Commerce and Industry Division regarding the quantities and types of petroleum products and stores which they might require, and the approximate dates.

Consideration is also being given to the establishment of a bonded warehouse area, which would enable trans-shipment cargo to be discharged alongside and held for distribution and shipment. A number of former Navy buildings can readily be altered to serve as warehouses, when the extent of the demand is indicated.

Governor Phelps recently set aside a building, located on the shores of beautiful Pago Pago Bay—and across the bay from the renowned Rainmaker Mountain —as a hotel for tourists and commercial

representatives. The facilities will be ex panded as required, until private enter prise takes over. It already has attracted tourists and business men from Australia, Niue Island, New Zealand and Rarotonga, Copra is the main export from the area. Production has been increased sub stantially because of the increase in the price paid to the producer, Laufala mats are being exported in in creasing quantities. These mats are made of strands of the long laufala leaves woven double into such sizes as required, They also make attractive wall coverings, which are easily installed and decorated.

Persons or firms interested in this area have been invited to address their com munications to the Commerce & Industry Division, Government of American Samoa, American Samoa.