SAMOAN AFFAIRS.

Press, Volume LXIII, Issue 19139, 24 October 1927, Page 9

SAMOAN AFFAIRS.

WORK OF COMMISSION. (PRISS ASSOCIATION.—BT WIBELESS.) APIA, October 22. The Commission has completed its travels in the outlying districts, and resumes at Apia to-morrow. Evidence in the Falealili district confirmed in all respects the evidence taken at Savaii Island. No Mau witnesses appeared, and the charges against individual Faipules of abuse of office were completely disproved.

CITIZENS* COMMITTEE. STATEMENTS CORRECTED. (PBBSa A6SOCIATIOW.-J-BT WIBELBSS.) (Received October 23rd, 6.5 p.m.) APIA, October 22. Before the Royal Commission Philip Brewster, a plantation manager, deposed that the Hon. Mr Williams, a Legislative Councillor, told him that they must get natives into the Legislative Council and the political movement as "without them we can do nothing. We must get ridl of that man," meaning Sir George Richardson.

Alan Cobcroft, a planter, said that the Hon. Mr Nelson had stated that the Government used the natives as a lever to bring in Prohibition, and asked "Why shouldn't we use themP" Witness dissented from this view.

James Williairf Hutchen, secretary to the Administration, gave evidence as to the copra-purchase scheme. • The Administration quoted the latest figures from London, showing that the price there realised was appreciably higher than the average, and the High Commissioner recommended further shipments. Witness read tables and made statements correcting the admittedly erroneous statements published by the Citizens' Committee.