HC Deb 24 June 1890 vol 345 cc1785-6
SIR T. ESMONDE

I beg to ask the Under Secretary of State for the Colonies when Her Majesty's Govern- ment expect the Samoan Treaty to be put in force, and what the obstacles are to its being enforced at once?

SIR J. FERGUSSON

I may perhaps be allowed to answer this question. The Samoan Treaty is understood to be in force, but all the local arrangements cannot be immediately carried out. The taxes and dues authorised by the Convention are being collected. The Courts of Justice and of the Land Commission are not yet constituted, nor has the President of the Apia Municipal Council been appointed; but steps are being taken to this end, and other matters are in progress.