A.—4B

1929. NEW ZEALAND.

MANDATED TERRITORY OF WESTERN SAMOA. (EXTRACTS FROM REPORT ON FINANCES AND STAFF.)

Laid on the Table of the House of Representatives by Leave.

Wellington, N.Z., 15th January, 1929. 1. According to instructions, we left New Zealand by the " Tofua " on the 3rd November, 1928, arriving at Apia on the 16th idem, and immediately commenced our inquiries. The Administrator intimated to us his grave concern in respect of the matters referred to, and stressed his desire that our inquiries should be as complete as possible. 2. Speaking generally, our considered opinion, after investigation, is that the Public Service of Western Samoa, including the Reparation Estates, requires immediate reorganization, and that the finances are in an unsatisfactory position. In our opinion there are a number of causes contributing to this state of affairs : —• (a) The absence of any definite system of recruitment has necessarily led to a type of official of a lower grade than we are accustomed to in New Zealand : (b) The Service has for a long period been cut off from contact with the New Zealand or any other Service, and, in common with any organization similarly isolated, has inevitably deteriorated : (c) The direction of the various departmental services has fallen to a considerable extent into the hands of men without adequate departmental training and experience : (d) The enervating effect of the tropics also cannot be ignored. It is clear that many officers have served in Samoa for too lengthy a period. 3. Whatever the causes may have been, we are entirely satisfied that the Samoan Service as it exists to-day is by no means creditable to New Zealand, and that urgent and drastic action is necessary to improve the position. 4. The important offices of Secretary to the Administration, Treasurer, Officer in Charge of the New Zealand Reparation Estates, and Local Internal Auditor should be filled in the meantime by men whose records and capabilities are fully known in New Zealand, even if this involves a somewhat higher cost than would otherwise be justified. In the case of the Reparation Estates, it is of course impossible to obtain the services of a suitable officer in New Zealand who possesses also a knowledge of the production and sale of island products, but we feel that in the first instance the primary requirements are a man with a knowledge of organization and management, and also a competent accountant, in order to give the Estates Service a thorough and detailed overhaul. Staff Arrangements. 5. We make the following additional proposals : — (a) That further replacements and reductions which are not of immediate urgency should take place at a later date, after these new officials have assumed duty. (b) That, where practicable, positions in the Public Service in New Zealand should be found for officers whose replacement is considered necessary and whose work and conduct are regarded as satisfactory. (c) That responsible officers of the Samoan Service should be recruited in future entirely from the New Zealand Service.

I—A. 4b.