A.—4a

18

fruits. This left an appetite, and in a good many cases a craving, for liquor, although at no time, do the Natives appear to have acquired a taste for liquor Prohibition, being a contentious matter, has caused a good deal of hostile and bitter feeling among the white residents (even moderates) in and about Apia. This feeling shows itself in various ways. It has been publicly stated that prohibition is the worst misfortune that has befallen Samoa : that Natives are. manufacturing and drinking liquor and " dope." Inquiries and observation show the Natives outside Apia do not manufacture drink, liquor, or " dope," and have acquired no taste for liquor. It is true a few Natives and half-castes of Apia have acquired *a taste for liquor under the circumstances referred to under the heading of " Drunkenness." There are direct and indirect indications that liquor is smuggled into Apia by the monthly boat from Auckland. The absence of drunkenness indicates the quantities are not large. Considering the extent of the coast-line, it is surprising the traffic is not more; extensive. The Customs and Police staffs are limited in numbers. Ships lie at anchor in the stream, and can be approached from all points of the compass by boat and canoe at night. The, Customs and. Police can get no assiitance or support in this direction from the public and others- -quite the contrary. All countries realize that with the sale of liquor (subject of private profit) even under licensed Control serious abuses exist. Article 111 of the Mandate makes it mandatory on the Administration to absolutely prohibit the Natives. That direction cannot be carried out under licensed control. The Customs and Police have been active to prevent, detect, and suppress this illicit traffic. Sly-grog Selling. —There have been no convictions under this heading, nor any indications that, this is going on. Everything points to the contrary, which also indicates smuggling of liquor is on a small scale and for private use. Drunkenness. —Arrests for drunkenness fell from eight in 1920 to one during 1921, which shows that smuggling in and the manufacture of liquor is being kept well in hand. A few Natives and halfcastes who have worked on the waterfront for years, loading and discharging ships, have acquired a taste, and in some cases a craving, for liquor, by being given liquor and by purchase from ships' crews, and will drink, to excess if they can obtain liquor. The fact that there was only one arrest during the year shows that the traffic is well under control, and that the position is satisfactory. Opium and Gambling.- Opium-smuggling is receiving special attention of the Customs and police. Opium can be secreted, on account of its small bulk, in so many ways amongst other incoming goods (the profits are large) that it is difficult to suppress. Opium-smoking and gambling arc almost wholly confined to the Chinese labourers, who use great cunning, caution, and secrecy. Extraneous Duties. —The following duties are carried out by the police : — (1.) Fire-fighting and. maintenance of plant. (2.) Burials and sexton's duties. (3.) Lighting and care of Administration buildings. (4.) Licensing and inspection of vehicles. (5.) Arms and ammunition licensing and control. (6.) Messenger service control. (7.) Immigration, passports, permits, &c (8.) Censorship of films. (9.) Dog-tax collection and registration. (1.0.) Ordnance stores, caretakers, and control. (II.) Cattle rangers and poundkeepers. No. 1 should be performed by a volunteer fire brigade formed by residents. Owing to the conditions existing here, civil administration having only come into force in 1920, and the smallness of the community, it has been found necessary to require the police to undertake duties not strictly police duties. Figuratively, they have been of necessity made the handymen of the village and Departments. This should be taken into account in the yearly cost of the. Police Department. Messenger Service. —The messenger-service is under the direction and control of the police. The present strength is ten. Five are, despatched every Tuesday to carry and deliver mail-matter all over Upolu (a postal service), and the other five deliver mail-matter and Court processes in Apia and district. The Native police are recruited from the messenger service: this system works satisfactorily. Police Efficiency. —In European countries police efficiency is judged by two standards (1) prevention of crime, (2) low percentage of undetected offences. Here, with a few whites, a Native population with old tribal customs, habits, &c, a class of Chinese indentured labourers, and the Police Force centred in Apia, the test is not applicable as compared with European countries or New Zealand. The conduct of both European and Native members of the Force has been good, and few disciplinary punishments have been inflicted. Prison and Mental Hospital. Vaimea Prison.- The buildings and premises have been kept thoroughly clean and sanitary and in good repair. The staff consists of the Gaoler (European), Chief Warder (Native), eight Warders (Native), and two wardresses (Native)—a total of twelve. Prisoners. —The daily average of prisoners confined is forty to forty-five. At present there are in prison twenty-nine Samoans, one half-caste, and ten Chinese coolies. During the year the prisoners have been employed roadmaking, stone-crushing, firewood-cutting, and keeping Government lands and grounds clean. The health of the prisoners has been good. A doctor attends at the prison in cases of sickness. Mental Patients. —These are housed, in a separate building in the Gaol grounds. They number at, present two males and two females (all Samoan). They are kindly treated by their attendants, and visited by the doctor on his calls.