This page has been validated.
NEUTRALITY IN SAMOA—JUNE 14, 1889
123

October 25, 1880, or contrary to the Municipal Regulations of January 1, 1880.

Section 12. The Land Commission may at its discretion through the Local Government of the District in which the disputed land is situated appoint a native Commission to determine the native grantor's right of ownership and sale; and the result of that investigation, together with all other facts pertinent to the question of validity of title, shall be laid before the Commission to be by them reported to the Court.

Article V

A Declaration respecting the Municipal District of Apia, providing a local administration therefor, and defining the jurisdiction of the Municipal Magistrate

Section 1. The Municipal District of Apia is defined as follows: Beginning at Vailoa, the boundary passes thence westward along the coast to the mouth of the River Fuluasa; thence following the course of the river upwards to the point at which the Alafuala road crosses said river; thence following the line of said road to the point where it reaches the River Vaisinago; and thence in a straight line to the point of beginning at Vailoa—embracing also the waters of the Harbour of Apia.

Section 2. Within the aforesaid District shall be established a Municipal Council, consisting of six members and a President of the Council, who shall also have a vote.

Each member of the Council shall be a resident of the said District and owner of real estate or conductor of a profession or business in said District which is subject to a rate or tax not less in amount than $5 per ann.

For the purpose of the election of members of the Council, the said District shall be divided into two, or three, electoral districts from each of which an equal number of Councillors shall be elected by the taxpayers thereof qualified as aforesaid, and the members elected from each electoral district shall have resided therein for at least six months prior to their election.

It shall be the duty of the Consular Representatives of the Three Treaty Powers to make the said division into electoral districts as soon as practicable after the signing of this act. In case they fail to agree thereon, the Chief Justice shall define the electoral districts. Subsequent changes in the number of Councillors or the number and location of electoral districts may be provided for by municipal ordinance.

The councillors shall hold their appointment for a term of two years and until their successors shall be elected and qualified.

In the absence of the President the Council may elect a Chairman "pro tempore."