A.—4

26

there is practically no distillery, but as the fear wears off, and when the cocoa crop ripens for gathering, it can be expected some of the, more daring will recommence distillery in a quiet way. The movements of these people are being carefully noted. " Finger-print System,. —A modest beginning in the utilization of this valuable system of detection has been made. It should be particularly useful in dealing with Chine-so offenders. " Prison and Asylum. —The main prison is a detached substantially built concrete, building of modern type. It contains nine colls and a wide passage. The old prison is a detached wooden structure containing eight cells. Two of these cells are used as punishment-cells, the remaining six as storerooms. There is also a detached fale for Samoan prisoners, and another for male mental patients. Female mental patients are accommodated in rooms in the same, building as that occupied by the gaoler and his family. Two Samoan wardresses look after the female patients, and also any female prisoners; suitable cell and other accommodation has been provided. These wardresses appear to be kind and attentive to their charges. " The gaoler's accommodation has recently been extended and improved, affording him muclineeded space and improved conditions. " Prisoners. —The daily average of prisoners confined is forty to fifty. At present there are in prison- Samoans, 25 ; Chinese, 23 ; on remand, 3 ; females, 2 ; Europeans, 4 : total, 57. " Employment of Prisoners. —Healthy male prisoners (other than Europeans) who have been sentenced are chiefly employed on Tulaele Farm as agricultural labourers, or at roadmaking for Public Works Department. For their labour this Department is credited by the employing Department at the rate of 4s. per day per prisoner. It has been decided to start copra-making in the prison to keep profitably employed prisoners who cannot be trusted, outside, or those whom from slight physical weakness it is inadvisable to occupy at manual labour. The necessary sheds are now being erected.' Nuts will be collected, from Government properties by the, Public Works Department's wagons and left at the prison. One or two prisoners are daily employed cleaning up the yard, &c, at the Administration buildings. Up to some three months ago prisoners were employed at street-cleaning and the removal of rubbish, but tho results were not satisfactory either from a utilitarian or a disciplinary point of view. This work is now undertaken by the Public Works Department. The plant used by the Prisons for scavenging purposes —viz., three wagons and five horses, with the, necessary harness— has consequently been transferred to the Public Works Department. " Prison Ordinance and Regulations.- In the draft of the Police Force Ordinance it is proposed to include provisions to put the Gaoler and his staff on a sounder footing. Regulations for detail duties are now being prepared. " The mental patients are in number at the present time three males and two females —all Samoan Natives. Mental patients who are not retained at the Hospital for treatment are detained at tho Gaol. This is not an ideal a.rrangement, but it appears to be the best possible under the existing conditions. The patients are usually Samoans, who seem content with their surroundings. They are kindly treated by their attendants. " The first year of this young service closes on the 30th September, 1.921. It has been a year of strenuous work for all ranks. Although several of its European members lacked previous police training and experience, all have worked loyally and well. In spite of heavy calls on their services, due to the taking of the census of population, departure of indentured labourers, a certain amount of Native unrest which found expression in the boycott, and Chinese lawlessness, shortness of staff, &c, crime—some of it of a serious nature—has been successfully dealt with. " The behaviour of all ranks has been very good. The Samoan Native police have been particularly loyal, willing, and well-behaved. " From a police point of view I feel that during the year now closing real progress has been made in increasing public respect for authority and the prestige of the law."

Return showing the Number of Offences reported, and the Number of Offences for which Persons were apprehended or summoned, Period 1st January, 1920, to 31st August, 1921.

Offences. Number of Offences reported. Number of Offences In wliicb Arrests or Summonses resulted. Number convicted. Number dismissed or withdrawn. Misleading justice, &c. —■ Bribery Bribery, attempted Contempt of Court Obstructing course of justict3 Eabri eating evidence Intimidating witnesses Rseapes and rescues— Escaping from legal custody Offences against morality— Buggery Adultery Offences against the person — Wounding with intent to do grevious bodily harm Assault with intent to commit a crime Assault, common Manslaughter Threatening to kill Carnally knowing girls under twel ve years Murder, attempted Suicide, attempted Murder, conspiracy to commit Rape, attempted 1 1 5 2 2 1 1 1 5 2 2 1 M. F. 1 M. F. 1 5 2 2 1 '.'. 4 4 2 .. 2 1 8 1 8 1 (i 1 1 8 8 S 1 9E1 2 3 2 S 1 1 3 1 98 2 :i 2 8 1 1 3 (ifi 1 2 :t 2 7 1 1 23 3 i i 3