Chart showing Progressive System of Education now established which enables Native Boys to qualify to take their Part in the Administration of this Territory.

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It is interesting to note that the dysentery epidemic did not spread to every district as in former years, but was kept under control largely through the efforts of the Natives themselves, who as a result of the education they have received from the Health Department can now be more relied upon to take preventive sanitary measures. The policy of the Government to establish trained medical personnel and dispensaries in every district in order that medical attention may be within easy reach of all the natives is being gradually given effect to—vide map No. 2, which shows the present location of institutions in out-districts in addition to the one main hospital at Apia —viz., two district hospitals, one Native medical practitioner, two mission-station dispensaries, twelve dispensaries with small hospitals. It is intended to .still further increase the number of dispensaries and Native medical staff in out-districts during the coming year. The work of the Health Department can be best judged from the details published (separately) in the Health Report for the past year ; but the following figures show at a glance the steady progress being made by the Samoan race in this Territory as a result of their improvement in health : Natural increase in Native population —1924 —1,123 ; 1925 —1,176 ; 1926 —1,242. The total Native population at the end of the calendar year was 38,003. (c) Education. The system of education for the Natives outlined in previous reports has now been organized and is working very satisfactorily. A number of applications to establish more district schools have been received from the Natives, but these can only be met as fast as trained Native teachers become available. Particularly good

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