SAMOAN CRISIS.

Press, Volume LXIV, Issue 19268, 24 March 1928, Page 15

SAMOAN CRISIS.

MR HOLLAND'S COMMENT. CONFIDENCE SHOULD BE RESTORED. ,riU35 ASSOCIATION TELEGRAM.! •\YISSLTOUT. March •_>:<. Alter lie liiul seen the Prime Mi"

iater's statement this morning, Mr H E. Holland, lvoader ol' the Opposition handed the following to the Press:—

''The Prime Minister's statement just published, and also that of a couple of days ago, while tbev are wholly misleading as to tln> causes ot the iSamoans' dissatisfaction with the manner in which their country is being governed bv New Zealand, and while tho facts in connexion with more recent developments are only half-stat-ed, they certainly render a service in clearly establishing the complete falsehood of the radiograph .which the Administration permitted, to be sent out last week, attacking me, and upon which newspapers supporting the Government based equally misleading attacks.

"Tf Sir George Richardson had been relieved of the office of Administrator six or eight months ago, the position in .Samoa would have been much more satisfactory to-day. However, I hope that with a change in Administrators, an element of commonsenso will be given a chance, and that an endeavour will be made to understand the position from the Samoan viewpoint; but I .tm convinced that New Zealand cannot regain the confidence- of tho Snmoans without a drastic revision ot tho policy which has recently been pursued. Cancellation of all banishment and deportation orders, and a decision to honour every promise made to the Samoaiis in the name of New Zealnti 1, together with an announcement that there wi'l he no further punishments without, a fair trial, would go far towards bringing about a stato of tranquillity. "While it is a good thing that Siv George Richardson is leaving Samoa, sending him to Geneva to present an ex parte statement to the Mandates Commission of the 1/eaguo of Nations is a move that will not commend itself."

NEW ADMINISTRATOR MORRINSVILLE COUNCIL'S CONGRATULATIONS. [THE PRESS Special Service.] AUCKLAND, March 20. Congratulations have been showered on Lieutenant-Colonel S. S. Allen sine© tho announcement •of his appointment as Administrator of the Mandated' Territory of Western Samoa. Morrinsville residents particularly were delighted to hear of the distinction gained_ by one with whom they have come into contact almost daily for many years, and while regretting the loss of their Mayor, they are proud of the great honour conferred on him. Prior to. the commencement of business at the meeting of the Mori'insvillc Borough Council last evening, the Deputy-Mayor (Mr W. McPherson) expressed the gratification- of Councillors at tho appointment, which, he. said, was fully aese'jved. It not only reflected credit on his Worship, but on the borough of Morrinsville., He had known Colonel Allen for many years, and had had many opportunities of appraising the qualities in him ' which had influenced, the Prime Minister's decision, and ..although, his task was not an enviable one, he was confident the Administrator would fully' justily his appointment. ' _ Colonel Allen, in reply, said that he had neither sought" nor deserved _ the position. It was one of those occasions when duty must come 'before all - else. They might be sure lie would dp. his best to justify the reposed in him. It was with the utmost regret. that he would be. ui\ablo'to complete his term of office as ; Mayor if Morrinsville, and .he was, exceedingly sorry that the time had come when he "must sever his connexions Willi the town.

In an interview, Colonel. Allen said that until a week ago he had known nothing concerning- the appointment. The first suggestion had been made when lie was invited to go to. Wellington to confer with the Prime Minister. "I know nothing whatsoever about the job,": he- said, "but naturally I am pleased at my appointment,; whicli. however, was not of ( my seek-] t tig. I have no personal knowledge of Samoa, hut I feel confident and' will do my best." ' • Colonel .3ilen said he would be sailing for Samoa on April 12th. On April Ist he would visit Wellington' and see the Prime Minister on . business appertaining to _ his new office. Mrs Allen and their six-year-old son wouid accompany him to the Islands.