A.—4b

8

72. We suggest, for consideration as a policy matter, however, the desirability, if the Mau movement and non-payment of taxes continue, of temporarily closing all schools other than the " white " school at IfL Ifi. 73. The Ifi Ifi Infant School is open only during morning hours, the reason given being that small children cannot stand a longer period of instruction. We think, in the circumstances, some additional employment should be found for the infant-mistress. 74. In any case, we suggest that children of non-tax-paying parents should not be admitted to the schools without payment of an adequate fee. 75. We suggest also that, as a matter of policy, careful consideration should'be given to the aim of the education system in Western Samoa, especially where education is continued beyond, say, Standard IV. There is clearly no room in the Territory for " white-collar " employment. 76. We consider that the fees for the Ifi Ifi School should be increased to pay as nearly as possible the cost of the school. 77. In the residential schools nothing whatever is charged for the board of the pupils, and in so far as the schools are not self-supporting we suggest the advisability of charging a sufficient fee to pay the cost. 78. We consider the transport and travelling expenses of the Department, £460 per annum, unduly high. We note that the Superintendent of Schools has a car placed entirely at his disposal, and a driver. We suggest he draw a car as required from the transport pool, and that the services of the boy who acts as driver be dispensed with. 79. We suggest that the item " Expenses of Native teachers in New Zealand " should be deleted while the present difficulties exist. 80. We recommend that no expenses be incurred at present on entertainment. 81. We recommend that, if possible, arrangements be made with the Education Department in New Zealand for an inspection of the Samoan schools only once in every three years. 82. We recommend that the question of the rents payable by the teachers for their residences should be investigated in common with those payable by other public servants. 83. We consider that expenditure on a School Journal is not justified in th? present circumstances. 84. The audit of the books of the Education Department is ineffective, and this, together with the method of accounting for stock, is recommended for the immediate attention of the new auditor. 85. Banking takes place twice a month, which is insufficient. Native Department. 86. While this is undoubtedly a highly important branch of the Administration's activities, we do not feel that as at present organized it is an efficient instrument, or that it is conducted with a due regard for economy. 87. The head of the Department, Mr. Lewis, was formerly a missionary ; and, while we appreciate the fact that probably from this source only has it been possible in the past to obtain the services of a man of high character with a sufficiently complete knowledge of the Native language, we are convinced that recruiting from this source is not entirely satisfactory, and it would be advisable, whenever this can be done, for the Secretary of Native Affairs to be recruited from the New Zealand Service, in the same manner as other public officials. This would necessitate the selection of a suitable man to act as understudy for a lengthy period with a view to appointment in the future. 88. We feel that in the Native Department at least a complete knowledge of the Samoan language should be required of all European officials, and that the acquisition of such a knowledge should be insisted upon in the case of the present officers after a, reasonable term. Some financial incentive— say, up to £20 per annum —might be provided to encourage a knowledge of the language among other officials also. 89. The most striking characteristic of the Department is the extraordinary large number of Native officials, whole and part-time, who are employed. The number of such officials provided for on the estimates exceeded three hundred, and their remuneration, though in many cases individually small, in total amounted to some £10,000 a year. The principal opening for criticism lies, we think, with the part-time village and district officials. In the present state of affairs it is perhaps not too much to say that, with few exceptions, these village and district officials are practically useless, and in many cases it would seem that salary is being paid to Native officials who, though quite able to perform certain duties, are neglecting to do so. The Administrator's recent recommendation for the appointment of white district officers will no doubt provide the opportunity for a drastic reduction of these Samoan officials, and we recommend that at the earliest possible date the whole question be carefully reviewed. In particular we recommend that whenever a Native official capable of performing his functions is failing to do so his salary should stop automatically. 90. We consider the system of accounting in the Native Department to be far too cumbrous for the purpose, and recommend this for the early attention of the new Treasurer. 91. The Native Department has in the past collected a considerable sum annually on account of rents due to Natives, and has so far charged no commission. We understand that this is now being remedied. 92. In a considerable number of cases Natives make use of the Native Department for the purpose of depositing money. It is explained to us that the Samoans, owing to their ignorance of the position, frequently do not care to deposit their funds in the Savings-bank, and, having greater confidence in the Native Department, they make use of that Department for this purpose. As a result small sums of money are brought to the Native Department, and the cumbrous procedure of issuing a receipt and passing the money through, the Native Department's books is made use of prior to depositing the sum in the Post Office Savings - bank ; and of course the same procedure is adopted when the Native wishes