1938 Western Samoan general election explained

General elections were held in Western Samoa on 26 November 1938.[1]

Electoral system

Two Europeans were elected from a single two-seat constituency. Following the passing of the Samoa Legislative Council Elective Membership Amendment Order, 1938 by the New Zealand government,[2] universal suffrage was introduced for the European and mixed European-Samoan population aged 21 or over, having previously been restricted to those with property worth at least £200 or with an annual income of at least £200.[3] The number of registered voters increased from 134 in the 1935 elections to 705.[4] [1]

Results

Nominated Members

PositionMember
AdministratorAlfred Turnbull
Chief Medical OfficerMonoghan
Crown SolicitorJ. Herd
Director of EducationA. McKenzie
Native AffairsC.C. McKay
Secretary to the AdministrationE.C. Quin
TreasurerT.C. Malone
Samoan nomineesNamulau'ula Tivoli
Tupua Tamasese Meaʻole
Tuala Tulo
align=left colspan=2Source: New Zealand Herald

In January 1939, Faalavaau Galu and Asiata Muese were appointed as Samoan nominated members. Muese was removed in August 1940 when Tuisila Faitala, Alipia Siaosi and Manuleleua Siavao were appointed, with Tupua becoming a Fautua.[5]

Notes and References

  1. https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/NZH19381221.2.172 Western Samoa Legislative Council
  2. https://nla.gov.au/nla.obj-314514184/view?partId=nla.obj-314596166#page/n55/mode/1up/ Extended franchise in Samoa
  3. https://nla.gov.au/nla.obj-314514184/view?partId=nla.obj-314590992#page/n29/mode/1up/ Samoa Legislative Council
  4. https://nla.gov.au/nla.obj-311684627/view?partId=nla.obj-311713719#page/n23/mode/1up/ Samoan Europeans
  5. Lauofo Meti (2002) Samoa: The Making of the Constitution, National University of Samoa, p21