Beer and Bananas Short

in W. Samoa

From Our Own Correspondent APIA, July 15.

THERE has been an acute short age of beer here in the last two weeks, accompanied by strong complaints from residents.

The shortage will be only partly re lieved wfcen the Tofua arrives to morrow.

It is hard to understand why the Government cannot keep sufficient supplies in hand to meet the in creasing demand, especially as it is more desirable for the younger generation to take beer rather than turn to hard liquor.

Beer, like spirits, is a Govern ment monopoly in “dry” Samoa. It is dispensed in quotas by the De partment of Health, like a medicine.

But stocks of “medicine” should never be allowed to dwindle.

The Government seems to prefer to keep large stocks of hard liquor on hand. The last Matua brought a large shipment of whisky, gin, wines and liqueurs—about 1,000 cases.

Vips’ Visit

Diplomats and statesmen appear to have “discovered” Western Samoa.

Perhaps our present prosperity has something to do with it.

Recent visitors have been the French Minister to NZ, M. Henry: the Governor of Fiji, Sir Ronald Garvey; the Governor of Tahiti, M.

Petitbon; the German Minister to NZ, Dr. E. Boltze; and the French Trade Commissioner, M. G. Paul- Boncour.

Sir Herbert Hart, former Gov ernor of Western Samoa, will pass through on the next Tofua, and Mr.

E. H. Norman, Canadian High Com missioner to NZ, is expected to arrive on the same vessel. The American Minister to NZ, Mr. R. M.

Scotten, also intends to pay the Territory a visit.

Bananas Suffer

As in Fiji and Tonga, banana plantations in Western Samoa have been affected by strong winds. Palm leaves have been lacerated and in sufficient moisture has been absorbed to mature the fruit. The last Matua shipment was considerably less than the monthly quota for that steamer.

It is hoped that plantations will soon recover so that full advantage can be taken of the shipping space on offer.

Crime Wave In Nz

According to press reports there is considerable resentment in New Zealand against a number of Samoan youths who have been be fore the Courts charged with violence and misbehaviour, com mitted mostly when the offenders were drunk.

The publicity is damaging to the great majority of Samoans leading

peaceful lives in NZ and contributing a useful share to industry there.

Some of the offenders are being sent back to Samoa. It is to be hoped that their passages will not be charged to the Samoan taxpayers; and that they will be made to work off the cost themselves.

There should be better screening of intending emigrants from Samoa to NZ.