The Dominion THURSDAY, AUGUST 11, 1921. DISCONTENT IN SAMOA

Dominion, Volume 14, Issue 272, 11 August 1921, Page 4

The Dominion THURSDAY, AUGUST 11, 1921. DISCONTENT IN SAMOA

At a direct view the report made by the Hon E. P. Lee on his mission to Western Samoa is not very encouraging. Tho Minisi-ir has stated frankly that discontent with and hostility to New Zealand are at present widespread, and his detail observations confirm the impression already conveyed that for the moment the New Zealand Government is in bad odour with both the white residents and native population of the ex-German islands. Comment on some questions, including that of the alleged excessive increase in tlie Samoan Public Service, must be reserved pending the production of the additional facts and figures Mr. Lee has promised to supply—some of them in the report to be laid before Parliament next session. On the evidence in sight, however, it seems fairly clear that the root cause of the present discontent in Samoa is the strict enforcement by the New Zealand authorities of the conditions of the mandate under which the islands are held and governed. Whatever may have been the shortcomings of this country’s early military administration of the islands, better conditions are now being established. Apart from a little agitation by hostile elements which might be expected in any conditions, it is likely that a generally friendly atmosphere would have been created by this time but for the extent to which a proportion •of tho white residents feel aggrieved over tho drastic enforcement of prohibition. Apparently the residents in question are of opinion that the New Zealand Government has gone out of its way to subject them to vexatious restraint in this matter. It is perfectly plain, however, that nothing of th© kind was intended, and that the Government acted solely with a view to fulfilling tho mandate provision which demands the absolute prohibition of trade in liquor with the natives. In the circumstances, the attitude of the protesting residents must be regarded as somewhat unreasonable, and they did not mend their case by refusing the offered opportunity of discussing their grievances with the Minister of External Affairs. Thlci r refusal, to confer with the Minister was presumably a tactical move intended to be embarrassing, but the impression inevitably created is that the prohibition of liquor is their only substantial grievance. There is no room for doubt regarding the extent to which current Samoan politics hinge on the liquor question. Mr. Lee was assured by an influential white deputation not only that if liquor control were relaxed to a limited extent he "need expect very little further criticism,” but that, in existing conditions, the discontent of Europeans with New Zealand’s policy and control “undoubtedly reacted on the Samoan mind and caused the natives to view us with disfavour also.”

It is, of course, desirable that a grievance which leads to such results should be removed if possible, and when the question is reviewed one of two alternatives may be considered practicable. Liquor might be sold’ to white residents in an open bar, for consumption on the premises only, or a permit system might be adopted under which individuals would be allowed to obtain definitely limited supplies. In either case rigorous control would be essential as a safeguard against any illicit traffic in liquor with the natives. One difficulty is that as custom runs in Samoa half-castes aro on the same footing as fullblooded. Europeans. It would be invidious to depart from this arrangement in regulating the liquor traffic. On the other hand, if liquor were supplied to half-castes it would probably be impossible to withhold it absolutely, as the mandate enjoins, from the natives. It has to be considered also that if a permit system were instituted the natives migbit demand the same privileges in regard to purchasing liquor as white residents, and so occasion further friction. Should it appear cn consideration that any relaxation cf the present liquor control is inconsistent with the honest discharge of mandate obligations, the Government will have no alternative but to continue the policy which is being so bitterly attacked. The prohibition of liquor is certainly vital to tho well-being of the native population, and, as Mr. Lee has said, New Zealand has undertaken to govern the islands primarily in the interests of the Samoan people.

But that it seems to have been artificially inspired, the resentment felt by the natives towards New Zealand would be a more serious matter than the hostile agitation of the white residents. If the natives, through their chiefs, persist in their contemplated design of petitioning the Ring to transfer the government of their islands to Great Britain, this country will not of necessity offer any serious opposition. Current conditions demonstrate that the guardianship of Samoa is a troublesome and somewhat thankless task. It is satisfactory in any case that by his visit to the islands the Minister of External Affairs has made himself familiar with the essential facts of the situation. He is thus in a position to rebut unfair and inaccurate charges against tho Dominion which, if tbJey were left unanswered, might reflect injuriously upon its reputation and credit.