N. Zealand Professor Sees Problems

And Dangers For W. Samoa

PROFESSOR K. B. Cumberland, who has been leading an Auck land University geographical and economic survey of Western Samoa, gave some opinions on the outlook for that Trust Territory on his return to Auckland in November.

Dr. Cumberland said that he had few misgivings regarding Western Samoa’s ability to accept early self government from a social and political point of view, but there are dangers from an economic view point.

Heading these dangers, in Dr.

Cumberland’s view, is the possibility of Japanese economic penetration.

He noted that Japanese fishing fleets are already operating in Samoan waters and elsewhere in the South Pacific. He implied that, with self-government, the Samoans might fall to the temptation of at tractive trade deals with Japan, which might give the Japanese a footing in the country.

Samoa’s biggest problem, as Dr.

Cumberland sees it, is the rapidly increasing population—which should double in 18 years. There is urgent need for increased food production to cope with it.

Health and education have been well looked after by New Zealand, but the country’s economy has been badly neglected, with far too small an allocation of funds towards agri culture. The country should have a good man in a much needed post of Director of Agriculture.

The country is capable of great

expansion in food production, T in cropping and cattle grazing,, Cumberland says. To maintain sent standards the country will . have to steadily increase her exx crops—copra, cocoa, coffee, etc.,, introduce new crops, but not att expense of her food gro T ( potential.

Professor Cumberland said Western Samoa, like New Zeal has a problem of drift to the n centres, particularly to Apia—noj search of the bright lights, buj give children the advantage off better educational facilities offe there.