A.—4.

13. The number of Chinese labourers in Samoa is 946. It is hoped that some Samoans will voluntarily agree to work on Government plantations, and so enable the number of Chinese in the country to be reduced. 14. The following public works are authorized to be carried out as soon as possible : Concrete cisterns for water-supplies in Manono and Savai'i; pipe-lined water-supplies in Lealatele, Falelatai, Sala'ilua, Mulifanua, and Vailele ; roads at Safata and Mulifanua ; a few small bridges in different parts of Samoa. In addition to above, a big hydro-electric scheme for supplying electric light to Apia and Native villages in the vicinity is now being carried out, and will be completed next year. 15. The number of officials and persons employed permanently and temporarily in the Government is approximately —Samoans, 620 ; half-castes, 90 ; Europeans, 105. 16. For hookworm 2,586 treatments were given to Samoans, and for yaws, 9,981. 17. There are fourteen Samoan lepers in Makogai, also three Chinese, six half-castes, three SolomonIslanders, and one Cook-Islander from this Territory. 18. There were 1,965 births and 723 deaths. 19. Many districts have complained that they are not satisfied with the price they are getting for their copra. By request ofjthe Faipules, the Government has therefore agreed to export first-grade quality for them where the Natives desire to do so. 20. Papain from pawpaws (mummy-apples) has been exported during the past year at a profit to producers of lis. per pound. It is hoped that the Natives will take up this industry, which will be taught in the schools. 21. The new wharf in Apia will be finished in June or July. 22. The sea-wall of Apia will be completed and the whole front beautified this year. 23. One hundred and twelve Chinese were returned to China, and 180 new coolies imported. 24. Crimes of theft amongst Samoans are on the increase. 25. There are eight hundred accounts in the savings-bank belonging to Samoans. It is hoped this number will be increased to one thousand this year. 26. There are now five wireless stations in the Samoan Group, four of which are operated by Samoan boys. 27. The amount of money paid in direct taxes was — Native taxes (poll-tax, medical levy, fines, gun and dog taxes, water rates, £ travelling passes, and marriage fees) .. .. .. .. 17,849 Land andjgTitles Commission fees .. .. .. .. .. 155 Court fees, and fines .. .. .. .. .. .. 600 Licenses —Boat, motor-car, &c. .. .. . . .. .. 500 Postal revenue .. .. .. . . . . .. 1,000 Total .. .. .. .. .. .. £20,104 The amount spent entirely for Natives was £84,548. 28. The money raised by the medical levy was £7,292. The amount expended for medical treatment on behalf of the Natives, excluding salaries of white doctors and nurses, was £13,702. 29. The efforts that were made by a small section in Apia, just prior to our last Fono, to disturb the happy relations and good will between the Samoans and the Government have, 1 regret to say, been continued, to the detriment of progress. The advancement of the Samoan race and general improvement in the conditions of this country during the past few years have shown the beneficial effects of the Government's policy on behalf of Samoa and its people, particularly the Native race. This policy, which a few persons wish to destroy, has previously enabled all sections of the community to work in harmony for the good of the country and its people, and at the same time provide for the most backward section, the Samoan people, to have the fullest possible say in their own affairs, and to gradually work out their own destiny in their own way under the guidance of the Government, whose only interest is to help and lead them to prosperity. At our last Fono I did not understand clearly the motives of this movement to disturb your people, but its aims and objects are now quite transparent. Its foundation is a self-constituted oligarchy of non-Natives who have actively endeavoured to divide the Samoan people and to create difficulties for me, for the Faipules, and the Government. All Samoans should know that the form of partial selfGovernment which has been given to the Natives enables them to deal with their own affairs in their own way, and that they will always get sympathetic treatment from me, to whom they can appeal if necessary. The Government will not tolerate interference in Native affairs by non-Native residents of the community, and if necessary is prepared to make further legislation to protect Natives from political exploitation. 30. The Samoans have at last created a good name for their copra in the world's markets, and Samoan copra is now known in London as the best Native copra sent from the South Seas. This will assure you a better price for your copra. Those who have exported first-class copra haye benefited by this higher price. 31. There is more, food in the Native plantations to-day than there has ever been previously in the history of Samoa. 32. I am hopeful that there will be a considerable increase in quantity and quality of all our products during the present year, and I urge the Samoans to all endeavour to work towards the attainment of this hope. During this Fono we shall discuss many things for the welfare of the Samoan people. I pray that God will guide us in all our deliberations, and cause us to make decisions and laws which will promote the true advancement of the Samoan race.

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