Liquor Control

IN

Western Samoa

From Our Own Correspondent

Apia, Aug. 20.

THE system of liquor control in Western Samoa, which has not been changed materially since New Zealand took over the Territory over 30 years ago, and which has been many times criticised, is now under review by a Royal Commission appointed by the NZ Government.

Mr. L. G. H. Sinclair is here to investigate the whole position as [Commissioner, and Mr. A. D. Mc- Gregor, a NZ barrister, is here to assist him. The latter already has lined up a lot of European and native evidence.

There are no licences issued here for the sale of liquor. The Govern ment keeps a store of all kinds, and originally persons who wished to ob tain a supply had to see the Medical Officers and get a certificate that, in the MO’s opinion, it was desirable that they be given liquor; and then they solemnly went to the store and purchased it. In a general way, liquor was not available to natives.

This was later modified by a points system.

There has been much discontent for years among the European and the growing Euronesian communities; and the Samoan people themselves, now becoming literate and taking an increasing share in government, also

seek reform, The Commissioner will examine all angles before making his recom mendations.

Among suggestions already sub mitted are the removal of beer from

the present point system; a more liberal allocation of points to old people; importation of liquor and beer according to popular taste and demand; allocation of sufficient sup plies of liquor and beer to in corporated clubs; issue of individual liquor permits to tourists and visitors to Samoa; and a reconstitution of the Liquor Board so as to give the general public better representation.

Public opinion seems to be against the sale of beer and liquor by private interests. Samoans particularly op pose the open sale of beer to the public as in American Samoa, Fiji and other places.

The Chief of Police, Niue Is., Constable D. Claasen, has returned to New Zealand and he will be re placed by Constable Williams.