Samoans Vote For Independence

Press, Volume C, Issue 29511, 12 May 1961, Page 14

Samoans Vote For Independence

(New Zealand Praia Association)

WELLINGTON, May 11. The people of Western Samoa have voted for independence by an overwhelming majority, according to an announcement made in Wellington tonight by the Department ot External Affairs.

Western Samoa is a United Nations Trust Territory at present administered by New Zealand.

Samoans were asked if they favoured independence from the beginning of next year. The answer "yes” was given by 26,766 voters and 4666 said “no.” There were 2645 informal votes.

The proposed constitution for Western Samoa was approved by 28,151 voters. There w’ere 4.453 votes against it and 1428 informal votes. „ These results are from all the 140 booths, but exclude declaration votes. A statement from the External Affairs Department said: “The feature of the voting that impressed United Nations and other observers was the characteristically Samoan orderliness and cheerfulness.” Commenting on the results tonight, the Prime Minister (Mr Holyoake) said: “A new chapter in the history of the South Pacific region has begun. “Satisfaction”

“It is a great source of satisfaction to me, to the Minister of Island Territories and the other members of the Government and, I am sure, to the people of New Zealand, that the Samoan people have accepted the challenge placed before them and have determined to assume responsibility for the destiny ot their own country.

“The overwhelming vote of the Samoan people in favour of their country becoming independent it th' end of this year represents the culmination of a long period of co-operation between Western Samoa, New Zealand and the United Nations designed to prepare Western Samoa to take its place in the international community as a sovereign independent state. “All three parties can take pride in the result—New Zealand because it will see a country formerly administered by It become the first fully-independent Polynesian state, and the united Nations because it will see the value of the tru«tee»hip system demonstrated once again.

Leaden of People “But the main credit must go to the leader* of ths Samoan people who have, over many years, worked untiringly for the advancement of their country.” Mr Holyoake said a great deal of work had yet to be done In New Zealand, in Western Samoa and at the United Nations to prepare for Western Samoa's assumption of sovereign powers by January 1, 1962. The Trusteeship Council must consider the question, legislation must be passed In New Zealand, and the United Nations General Assembly must, towards the end of the year, take a final decision on the future of Western Samoa.

“But the crucial decision has been taken and the way is clear for this work to be done swiftly and with confidence.” the Primo Minister said.

“The problems which will confront the Samoan Government in the early years of independence will be formidable,” said Mr Holyoake. “But I have confidence in the ability of the Samoan people to deal with them, I can assure the Samoan people that New Zealand will stand behind the new state. We shall not lose Interest in its welfare and progress and shall continue to feel a sense of special friendship with the people of Samoa, “I look forward, as Minister of External Affairs to working with the Government of the independent State of Western Samoa in building a new relationship, between equal partners, which will enrich the bonds of friendship between our two countries,” he said.