A.—4.

(b) Economic Equality. Save as to the protection afforded to Native Samoans in the inalienability of Native land there are no derogation,? from the principle of economic equality as regards concessions, land-tenure or direct or indirect taxation ; the question of mining-rights does not apply. There is a preference in Customs import duties of 7J per cent, in favour of British goods, but no restrictions as regards countries of origin of goods imported, export trade, or shipping. Immigration is governed by the Samoa Immigration Order, 1930, as amended in 1935. V.—GENERAL ADMINISTRATION. The executive government of Western Samoa is vested in His Majesty the King pursuant to a mandate confirmed by the League of Nations. The Administrator is charged with the administration of the Territory, subject to the control of the Minister of External Affairs of New Zealand The laws of the Territory are made by Act of the New Zealand Parliament or regulations issued thereunder, or by Ordinance passed by the local Legislative Council, which as at present constituted consists of the Administrator, five official members, two unofficial members, elected by the taxable male adult European community and four nominated Native members, one of whom remains yet to be appointed, lhe Council met for one session during the year. The following legislative measures have been enacted since the last report: In New Zealand— The Samoa High Court Amendment Rules, 1936. In Samoa— No. 1/1936,—The Personal Tax Abolition Ordinance, 1936. No. 2/1936. —The Samoan Offenders Ordinance Repeal Ordinance, 1936. No. 3/1936,—The Revenue Amendment Ordinance, 1936. No. 4/1936. —The Ordinances Amendment Ordinance, 1936. No. 5/1936. —The Shopping Hours Amendment Ordinance, 1936. No. 6/1936. —The Samoa Health Amendment Ordinance, 1936. ™ pi f ni 1 t \ eS ? 1 m ® asures have been furnished to the Permanent Mandates Commission. Mr. A. 0. 1 urn bull. Secretary to the Administration and Deputy Administrator, has continued to occupy the position of Acting Administrator. In June 1936, the Territory welcomed the arrival of a Parliamentary Goodwill Delegation from JNew Zealand, consisting of the Hon. 1. Langstone, Minister of Lands, and Mr. J. O'Brien M.P. Further reference to the purposes of their visit will be found under Native Affairs Higher prices for copra and cocoa, coupled with increased exports of all Island produce have greatly improved the condition of the people, and the Administration finances reflect the general prosperity of the country. r J In addition to the Chamber of Commerce and Planters' Association, which have been established for some years, there have been formed the Labour Party and the United Progressive Party. The object of the former is to protect and promote the interests of local-born Europeans mostly engaged as artisans and labourers, while the latter (formed subsequent to visit of Good-will Mission) aims at conserving European planting and business interests generally. The Labour Party submitted representations to the Parliamentary Delegation regarding extension of franchise, employment of local-born Europeans, proposals for settling local lads on the land, and general matters affecting the welfare of their people. The elected European Legislative Councillors and Planters' Association also submitted representations concerning European planting and business interests. The Administration acknowledges the assistance given by the Missionary Societies and all organizations, which, while having for their object the furtherance or protection of their own particular interests, have on all occasions shown their willingness to co-operate with the Administration for the promotion of general welfare. Native Affairs. In April, 1936, announcement was made that a Ministerial Goodwill Mission from New Zealand would shortly visit the Territory, and that facilities would be afforded for the return to Samoa of Mr 0. F. Nelson, who was at that time under Court sentence of exile for breaches of the Seditious Organizations Regulations. The Ministerial delegation arrived on 23rd June, and was welcomed by all sections °u i\/r including the Mau. On the following day it was announced that the declaration of the Mau as a seditious organization, and regulations (which had been dormant) containing power for restricting movements within the Territory, would be immediately repealed. In the course of further meetings during the ensuing four weeks, between the Ministerial delegation and representatives of the Samoans, the following changes were also announced or made effective : (1) Arrears of Native personal and medical taxes owing on Ist April, 1929, when the taxes were suspended, amounting to £28,786 18s. 9d., were written off, and the Ordinances empowering the levying of such taxes were listed for repeal, which became effective on 23rd December. (2), The Samoan Offenders Ordinance, 1922, under which the Administrator was empowered to banish individuals from their villages and to cancel family names (which power had not been used since 1927) was listed for repeal, which also was effected on 23rd December. (3) The Samoan membership of the Legislative Council was increased from two to four. (4) Tuimalealiifano, a leader of the Mau and a former Fautua, resumed that office. (5) Provision was made for a Finance Committee, consisting of three representatives of the Samoan race and one of the European community, to confer with the Administrator and two officials ; for the

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