Samoa Under the Sailing Gods
Suggested Scheme by Heads of Departments of the Samoan Administration for the Issue and Control of Alcoholic and Fermented Liquor in the Territory of Western Samoa
Suggested Scheme by Heads of Departments of the Samoan Administration for the Issue and Control of Alcoholic and Fermented Liquor in the Territory of Western Samoa
1. | Brewing.—That the brewing of any fermented or alcoholic liquors whatsoever be absolutely prohibited throughout the whole Territory of Western Samoa, except by special licence, and that the importation of preparations primarily intended page 298for the manufacture of alcoholic beverages be absolutely-prohibited. |
2. | System of Issue.—That the method of procuring liquor be by permit only. |
3. | Board of Control.—That a permit Board of Control, consisting of official members of the Administration, or official and non-official members, be set up for the purpose of issuing and controlling permits. The members of the Board to be appointed by the Administrator and to hold office during his pleasure. Non-official members to receive remuneration as decided by the Administrator. |
4. | Liquor Controlled by Permit Board.—That the Permit Board have control of spirituous and fermented liquors within the Territory of Western Samoa, with the exception of liquor required for medical purposes, and that the maximum amount which the Board shall have power to grant shall be the equivalent of 2 reputed quarts of spirits per week; and for purposes of this clause 1 of spirits = 3 of wine = 9 of ale or stout. |
5. | Eligible Persons.—That every person registered and living as a European with one-half European blood or more and who is twenty-five years of age or over shall be eligible for consideration by the Board, but not ipso facto entitled to a permit. For the purposes of this Act the term "European" does not include Chinese coolie labourers. |
6. | Medical Permits.—That the Medical Department continue to issue medical permits at their discretion. |
7. | Tourists and Overseas Shipping.—In the case of tourists the following shall apply:
No liquor to be supplied to the members of any crew from Government stores for consumption ashore. Liquor issued for consumption on the ship on no account to be brought ashore. |
8. | Control and Importation of Liquor.—That the Collector of page 299Customs be the authorized person for the control and importation of liquor under the authority of the Board. |
9. | Penalties for Offences.—That any person found supplying liquor to Natives or unauthorized persons shall, upon conviction by the High Court, be imprisoned without the option of a fine for a minimum of twelve months; and any Native or unauthorized person receiving liquor shall receive the like punishment; and any person convicted by the High Court of any offence committed whilst under the influence of liquor shows himself to be an unfit person, and that the record of the conviction shall be reported to the Board, who will take such action as it may think fit. |
Year. | Cases. | Value. |
£ | ||
1922 | 57 | 192 |
1923 | 311 | 950 |
1924 | 292 | 876 |
1925 | 385 | 940 |
1926 | 482 | 1,071 |
Note.—These figures are official. Apparent anomalies may be due to fluctuation in price.
N. A. R.