Chinese indentured labour in Western Samoa, 1900-1950

Abstract

The writer's purpose when beginning this thesis was to make a study of the indentured labour question in Western Samoa from the commencement of the New Zealand Mandate in 1920. It became evident, however, that there was insufficient source material available to make this an adequate subject and also that a study of the German and Military Administration periods would make the narrative more meaningful. It is hoped that this work will prove of use to students of Samoan history in that it draws together the rather fragmentary material available on this topic. The assistance given to the writer by the staffs of the National Archives, the Alexander Turnbull Library and the General Assembly Library is gratefully acknowledged. The advice and encouragement of Mrs. Mary Boyd of Victoria University of Wellington proved invaluable.