INDEPENDENCE IN SAMOA

Press, Volume C, Issue 29513, 15 May 1961, Page 15

INDEPENDENCE IN SAMOA

“The Times” Comments

IN.Z.P.A -Reuter—Copyright) LONDON. May 12. Commenting on the forthcoming independence of Samoa, “The Times” said to day that the Samoans could now exercise their strong sense of personal identity with everyone’s good will. It commented: "Learning that the Samoans have been voting for their independence in a plebiscite conducted by the United Nations, observers from the world’s larger land masses might assume that they had but lately jumped on the anti-colonial bandwaggon. “Not so, Samoa for the Samoans is a cry that was heard long before anticolonialism had become a respectable creed or the first patch of imperial pink had disappeared from the atlas. "This week’s plebiscite, supervised by a United Nations representative from the United Arab Republic, will launch Samoa into independence next January. “The doubtful heads are wagging, of course. In New Zealand there are the natural apprehensions of a guardian for a child setting off on its own. “Others might deplore yet another tiny State of 100.000 strong stepping up to collect its nationhood. “For all the long;held determination about independence it might bethought that a tribal society, especially with keen rivalry among the chiefs, is not best fitted to operate the mechanisms of a modern State.” Stole From Boarders.—A landlord who stole £292 in money from tw*o of his boarders while his wife was minding it for them was sent to gaol for six months by Mr L, G. H. Sinclair. SM., in the Auckland Magistrate’s Court on Friday. Stanley James, aged 40, train driver, was appearing for sentence. —(PA.)