Some Brighter

W. Samoa Sees Some Brighter Times Ahead

From an Apia Correspondent Devoting most of his New Year radio speech to the need for a sound and stable economy, Prime Minister Mataafa of Western Samoa was optimistic but cautious. (See also a criticism of the local Press, p. 127).

Development should not cause the sudden abandonment of the past for an uncertain substitute, he said. “Where are the indigenous inhabitants of Hawaii today. And where are the Maoris and Tahitians?” he asked.

He said that during 1962 the Government had explored all ways and means of developing Samoa’s economic position, particularly with regard to agriculture.

He referred to the three United Nations technical advisers now with the Agriculture Department, and the setting up of Avele Agricultural College as measures aimed at im proving agriculture.

He promised Government support to those planters deserving it, in the supply of cheap barbed wire for cattle, fertiliser for crops and new access roads.

“Our first year as an independent State has ended successfully. No one can predict what may happen during 1963, but there is no cause for alarm or undue panic,” concluded Mataafa.

With improving prices for exports and many of the political un certainties of independence now re solved, Western Samoa generally is facing its second year of indepen dence with greater confidence and more optimism about the future.

There is still impatience voiced at the failure of the Government to produce any concrete steps in development, but the Government maintains that long and careful planning is necessary before any action. Most critics agree that the few steps taken in development are at least steps in the right direction.

The three United Nations technical advisers already at work with the Agriculture Department include. Dr.

Chester Williams, who is studying the education system with a view to streamlining it and adapting it more to local conditions and require ments.

The UN agriculturalists are Dr. D.

E. Faulkner, livestock expert and

FAO representative in Samoa, Jl van der Goes, marketing adviser, F. C. Panganiban, adviser in ex> sion services.

The three are now preparing report on Samoan agriculture will put into operation a plan improvement as soon as the sun is completed, it is hoped, within next two or three months. All s«: enthusiastic about the potential!: of the place and seem to be of opinion that a major obstacle development lies in the mechau of government. Another visit! expert saw the main problem human terms.

“The problems of Samoa are unique, but they are intensified rivalries and a clash of personalii uncommon for so small a place,”' said.