A. —4.

28

Rubber (Hevea braziliensis) is planted to some extent, and export of a good-quality smoked sheet reached 167 tons in 1928. Owing to low prices production ceased entirely in 1933, and no rubber was shipped in that or the succeeding year. In 1935, however, production was recommenced, 25 tons being shipped from the Territory that year, 51 tons in 1936, and 61 tons in 1937. XXII.—MINES. There are no mines or any known mineral deposits of value in the Territory. XXIII.—POPULATION. Statistics for the year ending 31st March, 1938, are given in the following table : —

Figures showing the alteration in population since April, 1921, the date of the first census taken by the New Zealand Administration, are given hereunder :—

XXIV.—PUBLIC WORKS. The following structural work was completed during the year under review:— Hospital.—Six Samoan fale erected at the Apia Hospital; European Hospital extended by an addition to house infectious cases ; conversion of one Chinese ward into a dental clinic. Education. —An additional story erected on the European primary school; a new building to house the post-primary school; a new Native school at Tutaga, Savai'i. Extensive repairs to many other Administration buildings and the residences of officials were carried out. A new office building was erected at the Apia Observatory, and alterations and repairs were effected to several of the Observatory buildings. There was considerable roading activity during the year, most of the arterial roads receiving attention, and several of' the more important highways being widened, drained, and resealed. A 56 ft. wooden bridge was re-erected, and a total of ten other bridges were the subject of maintenancework. Test piles were driven for the re-erection in concrete of the Yaisigano Bridge at Apia. A further extension of the sea-wall along the Apia waterfront was made, and protection work on the Apia,-Mulifanua road was also consolidated. The reticulation system of the hydro-electric service was extended, and the plant has functioned smoothly under its slightly increased load. Parks and reserves, wharves, water-supplies, an-d sanitation all received attention during the year.

I I I Designation. As at 3 1^ t 7 March ' Births. Deaths. Arrivals. Departures. As at S 1 1 $ g 1Iatcb - M. F. M. F. M. F. M. F. M. F. M. F. Europeans .. 254 116 2 1.. 168 112 163 91 258 139 397 Persons of part 1,396 1,294 51 56 5 9 101 123 104 133 1,439 1,331 2,770 Samoan blood Natives .. 26,628 25,974 1,278 1,132 435 354 679 436 717 461 27,433 26,727 54,160 Chinese labourers .. 500 .. .. .. 5 167 .. 328 .. 328 Other Chinese .. 17 3 .. .. .... 1 .. .... 18 3 21 Melanesian labourers 81 1 .....: 1 ...... 82 1 83 28,876 27,388 1,329 1,190 446 363 950 671 1,151 685 29,558 28,201 57,759 V J \ _J V v ) V y J V y > V _) Totals .. 56,264 2,519 809 1,621 1,836 57,759 N.B.—Of the 328 Chinese labourers shown as being in the Territory as at 31st March, 1938, two are actually at the Makogai Leper Station. In last year's report one Melanesian labourer was shown as having left the Territory. Actually he was sent to the Makogai Leper Station. As in the case of the two Chinese labourers referred to above, it is considered he should be retained in the Melanesian population figures of the Territory, and, to adjust the total, he has been shown in the above table as an arrival. The total therefore, includes all Melanesian labourers for whom the Territory is responsible.

Designation. As at 17th April, 1921. As at 31st March, 1938. 6 ° r Europeans and persons of part Samoan 2,066 3,167 + 1,101 blood Native Samoans .. .. .. 33,336 54,160 + 20,824 Chinese labourers .. .. .. 1,290 328 962 Melanesian labourers .. .. 465 83 — 382 Other Chinese .. .. • • ■ ■ 21 +21 37,157 57,759 + 20,602