A. —4.

Legislative Council to discuss the estimates of revenue and expenditure ; and for the same to be published in the Samoan language. (6) A re-election of the Native Advisory Council of Faipule was held, being effective from Ist October, and thirty-nine Faipule were returned, of whom thirty-three were members of the Mau. Those of the previous Faipule who were not elected agreed to retire and were paid their stipends for eighteen months, being the balance of their term of three years. (7) The appointment of a Samoan assistant or associate to sit with and advise Judges or Commissioners presiding in the High Court at Apia in all cases where Samoans are involved was approved. (8) Extension of health and education services was announced. Mr. 0. F. Nelson and three of his daughters returned to Samoa on 22nd July, enabling Mr. Nelson to participate with the Samoans in a final conference with the Ministerial delegation before its departure for New Zealand on the following day. The new Fono of Faipule met on 30th September, and continued until 4th November a much longer period than usual. A number of remits were introduced directed towards greater Native representation in the control of Administration services, appointments, and remuneration, and the Faipule sought to improve somewhat their own status, which under the Samoa Act is of an advisory nature. The majority of the remits were referred for consideration by the Mandatory Government, whose policy thereon will be announced at the next Fono to be held in May, 1937. A census of Western Samoa was taken on 4th November, with the co-operation of the whole population. Faumuina Fiame, hitherto President of the Mau, relinquished that position in order to take up an appointment as Supervisor of Native Police on the 16th December. The Mau elected Tamasese to succeed him. ) As from Ist January, 1937, the appointments of the village officials known as Pulenu u were made available for re-election by vote of the village communities, their number was increased from 127 to 156, and it was agreed that fresh elections would be held every three years. Of these changes, those which have had greatest effect upon Native affairs have been the abandonment of a repressive policy for one of political freedom of expression, and the redistribution of 195 appointments of Faipule and Pulenu'u in which the Mau have participated. The Mau is continuing as an organization, which seems partly political and partly to supply a psychological need in the present condition of Samoan life. It provides a means for the exercise of ceremonial and social precedence, and its ambitions for self-government make it attractive to the independent Samoan nature. It formulates requests for submission to the Administration or to the Mandatory, but does not now hinder or oppose the functioning of Government. Non-co-operation with the Administration has ceased. Trade. The year 1936 was the best experienced since 1930, the total trade being £430,275, as compared with the previous year's aggregate of £325,055, the increase amounting to 32-37 per cent. This was due to the continued increase in copra, cocoa, and rubber prices during the year, the first commodity being particularly buoyant. Unfortunately prices in the early part of 1937 show a falling tendency, particularly as regards copra. Exports in 1936 showed an increase over 1935 of 513 tons of copra, 489 tons of cocoa, and 26 tons of rubber. Bananas once again proved their worth to the Territory, the value exported taking second place to copra only in order of importance. Over 19,000 more cases than in 1935 were shipped, a record total for the year of 128,045 cases being reached, while the price to growers was increased to ss. per case. Finance. An examination of the year's accounts discloses an excess of revenue over expenditure of £1,296, particulars being given in Chapter VI, " Public Finance." Persons of Part Samoan Blood. The welfare of those members of the community who are of part Samoan blood constantly engages the attention of the Administration. With a view to placing suitable young men of this class in agriculture, a block of 600 acres of virgin bush land belonging to the Crown has been allotted for settlement. Of this area ten sections each of 50 acres are now being worked by young men who are receiving financial and other assistance for erection of houses, clearing, and planting. The general direction of this scheme is in the hands of a Land Settlement Board comprised of planters, representative business men, citizens, and officials, and although the scheme is in its infancy there is every prospect of success. A further block of 850 acres of good land is available, and it is hoped will be allotted for selection at an early date. Visits. The visit of the New Zealand Parliamentary Delegation is referred to on page 3. The usual annual visits were exchanged between the Governor of American Samoa and the Acting Administrator in August, 1936. Postal and Radio. With the advent in September, 1936, of a new Union Steamship Co. vessel, the Matua, which connects Apia with New Zealand at four-weekly intervals, a great improvement has been effected in the frequency of mail communications. There are now three connections with New Zealand and two with all other parts of the world each four weeks.

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