A—4

Other activities of the Observatory include climatological observations, route forecasts for aircraft, and weather reports for ships. 1 The three reporting-stations in the Union or Tokelau Group—Atafu, Nukunono, and Fakaofo—are under the direct control of Apia Observatory and are visited regularly. Kainfall stations numbering 21 are maintained throughout Western Samoa. A tide-gauge is in operation and complete records of the rise and fall of the tide are obtained. These results are forwarded monthly to the United States Coast and Geodetic Survey. In addition, sea temperatures are measured daily. A new service is the broadcast four times weekly of an area forecast by the neW~ Apia Broadcasting-station, 2AP. A little over twelve months ago a hurricane-warning scheme for the Samoa area was inaugurated by the Observatory. A table showing climatological data for Apia over the past five years is given at the end of this report, see page 51. Shipping The shipping needs of the Territory are supplied by a regular monthly passenger and cargo service from New Zealand via Fiji and by cargo-steamers from both British and American ports at approximately two-monthly intervals. Although Samoa has long been a stopping-place for ocean-going ships, the only harbour, situated at Apia, is a very poor and exposed anchorage. Internal water communications are by motorlaunches of shallow draft in order that they may cross the reefs and enter the lagoons. There are no distinctions made between indigenous and non-indigenous inhabitants in the use, ownership, and operation of existing transport and communications facilities. Communication and transport connections with external points are as described earlier. Public Works Electricity The Apia area is reticulated for electric light and power. A new hydro-electric scheme to operate as a 300 kW. generator is in progress, but completion of the work is being delayed by lack of materials, mainly cement, reinforcing-iron, and pipes. The generating plant has already been installed in a new concrete power-station and has been tested. Existing power facilities consist of an 80 kW. hydro-electric plant which is helped at peak loads by a7O kW. Diesel plant. When the new 300 kW. generator is in operation it will be possible again to have street lighting, to sanction the use of additional electrical appliances, and to extend the supply beyond the Apia area. Buildings One official residence in wood was completed and a new one erected during theyear; extensive repairs and alterations were carried out on three others, and also at the dispensary and out-patients block at Apia Hospital. Four new lavatory blocks and a septic tank, all in reinforced concrete, were constructed at the main school blocks, at Apia. A modern machine shop, electrical workshop, and motor-vehicle-repair shop have been constructed at the Public Works Department. Considerable maintenance has been undertaken on Government buildings generally. These are mainly of wooden construction, and as most of them are over twenty years, and some over sixty years old, climatic conditions and the ravages of the white, ant tend steadily to increase themaintenance required.

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