A.—4.

24

(') See minutes of the thirty-third session of the Permanent Mandates Commission, page 61. ( 2 ) See minutes of the thirty-third session of the Permanent Mandates Commission, page 62,

In reply to M. Sakenobe's the following information is submitted : — Spirituous liquor and alcohol for sacramental and industrial purposes are imported under permit from the Administrator. All other spirituous liquors and alcoholic beverages are imported and sold by the Administration. Permits for the purchase of liquor are issued by the Chief Medical Officer, who prescribes the maximum amount which may be obtained by any person each month. Samoans receive permits in exceptional cases only, there being three in force at the present time. They are for limited supplies only and are very strictly supervised, receiving the personal attention of the Chief Medical Officer. With regard to M. Sakenobe's question( 2 ) relating to a comparison of the conviction figures for obtaining or attempting to obtain dangerous drugs in the years 1934-35 and 1936-37, the following explanation is made : — Opium is the only dangerous drug used in any quantity in Samoa, and any offences recorded under the Samoa Dangerous Drugs Order, 1930, are in relation to opium-smoking. The apparently high total of twenty convictions in 1934-35 for opium offences was made up as follows :— Convictions. Chinese labourers found in possession of opium . . . . . . 4 Chinese labourers found in possession of opium-smoking utensils .. . . 5 Chinese labourers found on premises where opium was being smoked . . 10 Chinese labourer permitting premises to be used for opium smoking .. 1 20 The total number of labourers involved in these prosecutions was fifteen, some being convicted for more than one offence. During the years 1935-36 and 1936-37 there were no opium offences reported, and consequently there were no convictions recorded. XIX.—HEALTH. The staff consists of three European medica/ officers, ten Native medical practitioners, one European dental officer, and the bacteriological und nursing staff, the complete health service comprising 19 Europeans, 106 Native Samoans, and 1 Chinese dresser. The appointment of further Native probationer nurses and Native dental cadets account for the increase in the service. The year has marked the consolidation of the improved health services in relation to the inspection of foodstuffs for human consumption, the establishment of the Women's Committees, the training of Samoan nurses in pre-natal maternity work, and the successful establishment of a dental clinic under the control of a European Dental Surgeon. A European nursing sister devotes part of her time to special tutorial work for new Native trainees ; classes of varying numbers, depending on the needs of the service, are formed twice a year and thus ensure continuity of training to the group. Extensive inspection work in the out-districts has been carried on during the year by the Chief Medical Officer and the Matron. The baby-welfare work has continued without change, and is regarded as being one of the most important branches of the medical work. It is proposed during the course of the next few years to erect concrete dispensaries at the main out-stations. A welcome indication of the effect of intensified instruction in sanitary principles are the frequent requests made through the Women's Committees for the co-operation of the Administration in the erection of conveniences, &c., in many outlying villages. The health of the Territory during the year compares more than favourably with last year, there having been no major epidemics, and a striking reduction in the infant mortality rate being recorded (see page 26). When comparing the figures with those of the previous year, however, it must be remembered that in 1936 epidemics of whooping-cough and measles accounted for a large number of infant deaths. It should be recorded that progressive medical education among the Native population has been in no small measure responsible for this decrease. Hospitals and Dispensakies. Admissions to Hospitals : Apia Hospital— 193<i. 1937. Europeans .. .. ~ .. .. 370 327 Samoans .. .. .. .. .. 1,082 853 Chinese .. .. .. . . .. - 274 167 Melanesians .. .. .. . . .. 17 10 1,743 1,357 Tuasivi Hospital . . . . . . . . . . 177 232 Aleipata Hospital .. .. .. .. .. 125 148 Total in-patients .. .. .. .. 2,045 1,737 Out-patients: Hospitals and dispensaries .. .. 15,647 15,832 Grand totals .. .. .. .. 17,692 17,569 Deaths in hospitals .. .. .. .. 84 58