A.—4.

XI. —POLICE AND PRISONS. Establishment. The total European strength was eleven on 31st March, 1935, as compared with fourteen at the commencement of the year. The Native uniformed strength was thirty-six, and m addition there are two Native clerks and "ten messengers under the control of the Inspector of Police. There are four police posts in the outside districts under the control of District Officers. Prisons. On the Ist April, 1934, the total number of prisoners was 79. During the year 351 prisoners were admitted and 348 discharged, 82 remaining in custody on 31st March, 1935. General. Statistics for 1934-35 given in the preceding chapter show a fairly large increase in crime in the Territory As already explained, however, the type of case showing an increase is not very serious. Warrants held for execution on Ist April, 1934, were—For arrest, 3 ; for commitment, 7 : and on 31st March, 1935, the figures were 3 and 15 respectively. XII.—DEFENCE OF THE TERRITORY. No military forces or defensive bases are maintained in the Territory. XIII.—ARMS AND AMMUNITION. Transactions in firearms and ammunition are controlled by the Arms Ordinance, 1921. There is no suggestion of illicit traffic in Samoa, and the subject is of no special significance. Importations during 1934-35 were as follows : — Arms---Smooth-bore shotguns, 1. Rifles (-22), 2. Ammunition — Shot cartridges, 26,000. Rifle cartridges (-22 calibre only), 1,500. Sporting gunpowder, 50 lb. No importations were made by the Administration, the above quantities being imported by private firms. The reduction in importations as compared with those of the previous year is explained by the fact that a large portion of the current year's supplies was imported just prior to the end of the previous financial year, and of course helped to swell that year's figures. This will explain the apparent heavy increase of importations shown in the report for the year ending 31st March, 1934. The following table gives the total of registered firearms in the Territory as at 31st March, 1935

With reference to M. Sakenobe's questions during the examination of the report for the yea J ended 31st March, 1934, the following explanations in regard to the amendments to the Arms Ordinance are submitted : — (1) Subsection 6. —Previously a fee was required before a permit to purchase any explosive could, be issued, but it was found that frequently the value of the explosive was less than the cost of the permit, and hardship to the purchaser resulted. This hardship has now been removed. (2) Subsection 7. —This was brought into force with the object of controlling the movements of firearms XIV.—SOCIAL CONDITION OF THE NATIVES. The conditions of life and living of the Samoans have been described in the two previous reports. The extension of Native medical practitioner services, referred to elsewhere (Chapter XIX), is expected to be of great benefit to them. . Unquestionably a major event in the Native life during the year has been the visit ol ills Koyai Highness the Duke of Gloucester. The Samoan appreciation of a meeting, especially with travellers, has a peculiar richness of meaning, that gives such an occasion much charm, promoting keen interest and enthusiasm. Native life normally is not very eventful, and the ceremonies of the meeting with such an eminent Royal visitor will be remembered with warm appreciation throughout the present generation. . . ... ... The retention of proper Native customs is a subject of interest m all native countries ; it, is inevitable that such observances as were enforced bv phvsical violence in former times must undergo some change when confronted with Christian teachings and European law. The more responsible Samoan chiefs continue to take great interest in their district and village affairs, they remain at home among their people and lands, with the consequence that the people remain _ closely knit m their customary observances ; their conservatism, already remarked upon, is preserving their social structure from too rapid change.

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~ ~~ ~ r> o European. Samoan. Total. Revolvers .... 9 . • 9 Rifles .... 34 .. 34 Shotguns .. • - 185 366 551 Total .. • • • • 594