Samoan cabinet

still cautious —but with reason!

From FELISE VA’A, in Apia When Tupua Tamasese Lealofi IV was elected Prime Minister of the new Government of Western Samoa earlier this year, he announced that he did not foresee any rapid changes, and that he preferred “to go slow” at the start.

And so it still is, six months later.

The new cabinet’s policy still remains one of caution.

In essence, the new cabinet has followed the broad lines of policy initiated by the previous government of Mata’afa, particularly on inter national affairs. It has been con cerned to maintain relations with other countries, especially with NZ, and with the United Nations and its specialised agencies.

The new government has pledged itself to continuing many of the projects commenced by the previous government, principally in the field of economic development.

And yet the new government has introduced some significant changes —among them. Western Samoa’s entry to the British Commonwealth, a 5 per cent, salary increase for public servants and confirmation of the big Potlatch timber deal.

The next Five Year Economic Development Plan is to be released early next year, and it is known that emphasis will be placed on agri culture. Fisheries and forestry development, and airport and road development, will also be given prominence.

The new cabinet has reason to be cautious. Fiame Mata’afa is still a force to be reckoned with.

He appears to be taking it easy.

He is more relaxed and his knee trouble seems to have improved. He is to be seen in town, dressed casually Samoan style, often at his favourite club, the RSA, where he plays billiards with his friends, or at the golf course.

But his easy-going manners are a deception, for Mata’afa probably is planning a comeback at the next elections in three years’ time. His old party is already rallying behind him in parliament to heckle the new government in true parliamentary style.

So cabinet now has a watch-dog.

• In September came the news that the Union Steam Ship Co. may get new owners; and that Burns Philp Ltd. will take the "Tulagi" off the run. For the background to the USS development, see PlM's com merce pages. For the significance of the "Tulagi" decision, read on . . .

W. Samoan Coins Honour Cook

The Western Samoan Treasury Department in September, released this tala ($1) commemorative coin to honour the bi-centenary of Captain James Cook.

The coin was designed by NZ artist James Berry and minted at the Royal Australian Mint.

The issue consists of 32,000 coins in uncirculated con dition and 3,000 highly polished mirror finish proofs.

Australian and NZ banks will distribute 5,000 coins in Australia, and 10,000 in NZ. Uncirculated coins sell for US$2 each, and proofs for US$7.