REGRET EXPRESSED.

Ashburton Guardian, Volume 57, Issue 244, 27 July 1937, Page 6

REGRET EXPRESSED.

RECENT EVENTS AT APIA., MESSAGE FROM A CHIEF. (Per Press Association.), WELLINGTON, July 26. The messages that passed between the Hon. F. Langstone and the ActingAdministrator of Samoa (Mr A. C. Turnbull), also Mr Langstone and Chief Tamasese, have been relaased by the Minister for publication. The first telegram was the Act-ing-Administrator, who described the picketing activities of the Mau police and adding: “I have instructed the police to investigate and take action and precautions for any breaches of the law.” The Secretary of the External Affairs Department replied stating that the Minister regretted the incidents which were not in keeping with the professions of goodwill by members of the Mau and their assurances of co-operation in maintaining order. The Minister trusted that proper action would be taken against offenders. The Acting-Administrator then advised that a Samoan, Neli, had been sentenced to one month’s imprisonment for assault. The Chief Judge had addressed the Court advising the Samoans to use their influence in suppressing disorderly conduct, especially oh sacred occasions of lagi (presentation of fine mats). The ActingAdministrator subsequently reported that a Samoan, Mose, had been arrested for assault and disorderly conduct, and other arrests were pending. He had received assurances from Tamasese and Mr Nelson of co-opera-tion in maintaining order. “While European feeling is high (unduly in my opinion), the press message exaggerates the position. The acts were those of a few irresponsible hotheads. All breaches of the law are being promptly dealt with,” declared the Acting-Administrator. Desire to ( Co-operate. The Minister replied expressing concern at the evidence of Tamasese’s inability or unwillingness to influence his followers. “He must remember he is a high chief and a member of the Legislative Council. As a maker of the laws it is his duty to see that the law is upheld and the rights of private individuals properly safeguarded.” Tamasese, in a message to the Minister, regretted the unfortunate incidents, and repeated the desire of the Samoans and himself to co-operate in maintaining peace andi goodwill. “Though there are extenuating circumstances for the undesirable incidents, they are as much regretted by us as by you. The Samoans will Help the police to bring the offenders to justice if such be necessary.” The Minister, in a message to Tamasese, expressed his appreciation of the assurances given. “On its part the Government is determined to assist the Samoan people to work out their own destiny in accordance with their high ideals and traditions.” Mr Langstone said that advice received from the Acting-Administrator to-day was to the effect that the ceremony of presenting fine mats to Tamasese was concluded and normal activities at Apia had been resumed.