GOVERNMENT OF SAMOA

Dominion, Volume 14, Issue 310, 24 September 1921, Page 8

GOVERNMENT OF SAMOA

LENGTHY BILL INTRODUCED SOME OF ITS PROVISIONS A Bill making provision for the Government of Western Samoa, a measure of 377 clauses, was introduced in tho House of Representatives yesterday, but has not yet been circulated. The executive Government is to lie vested in the Crown. There are provisions regarding the Public Service, the Public Health, Prisons and Police, and the establishment of public schools. A Legislative Council is to be established, consisting of not less than four official members and unofficial members not more in number than the official members. Members must bo natural-born British subjects, Samoans, or persons born in Samoa. The administrator will preside at meetings of tho Council. The High Court will consist of the Chief Judge, and of such other Judges, commissioners, and Faamasino, or native Judges (if any) as the Minister may think necessary. The civil jurisdiction of the Supreme Court of New Zealand shall extend to SamoaThere are provisions for appeal to the Supreme Court of New Zealand'.

Fart 5 of tho Bill deals with criminal offences, which include conspiring to levy war against His Majesty, inciting to mutiny, sedition, homicide, murder, manslaughter, and many other criminal offences. Part 6 deals with criminal procedure, anti part 7 with the law of evidence. Other matters provided for are Crown grants, legislation regarding land, marriage, divorce, lunacy, roads, and intoxicating liquor. The manufacture, importation, and sale of intoxicating liquor are prohibited under a penalty of imprisonment for three months or a fine of ,£5O. There is also a penalty for giving intoxicating liquor to a Samoan. When the Bill was introduced in tho House, tho Leader of the Opposition (Mr. Wilford) asked if the House would bo given an opportunity to discuss whether Samoa should be administered under tho mandate as at present, or whether it should bo administered in another way. Tho Minister of External Affairs (Mr. Lee) said that the Bill dealt with the government of Samoa, and members would be able to discuss Samoan affairs fullv when it was before them. Mr. Wilford asked) if there would be a special day for the discussion of Samoan affairs apart from the Bill. He asked the question in connection with certain proceedings of the Imperial Conference. Mr. Leo replied that members would have full opportunity for discussion. REFORM MEMBERS MEET APPRECIATION OF SIR FRANCIS BELL’S WORK. A meeting of Reform members of the House of Representatives was held yesterday morning. The official report stated that tho meeting was held to meet Sir Francis Bell, Acting-Prime Minister, and the Hon. D. IL Guthrie, Leader of the House. Sir Francis Bell outlined a number of matters that had engaged the attention of tho Government during the absence of Mr. Massey, and explained some 'of the proposals that would be laid before Parliament during tho coming session. Several speakers expressed their appreciation of the manner in which the Government, and especially Sir Francis Bell, had conducted the affairs of the country during Mr. Massey’s absence, and the way in which he had so ably dealt with important matters that had arisen during the period. A motion expressing appreciation of Sir Francis Bell’s work was carried by acclamation. The Leader of tho House, Mr. Guthrie, explained the position in which he found himself, and asked for the hearty co- ’ operation of the party in carrying on the business of the country until such time as Mr. Massey returned. .He explained fully tho necessity for the recent railway cut, and the explanation was accepted as satisfactory. . He also made a statement as to the business that would immediately occupy tho attention of Parliament, and stated that ho was able to say that the legislation was so well ahead that there would be no difficulty in having ample work for Parliament to consider in the meantime. BUSINESS OFTHE COUNCIL DURING THECOMING WEEK. In moving the adjournment of the Legislative Council till Tuesday next, the Attorney-General (Sir Francis Bell) stated yesterday that the next business was the. Address-in-Reply, which would he moved by the Hon. Mr. Campbell. If the debate was not finished by Thursday next ho would ask the Council to adjourn it. In any case, lie would on that day ask the Council to adjourn in order that he might meet the head of the Government upon the arrival Oi the latter in Auckland. During the coming week he intended to ask for leave to introduce several measures, including a proposed amendment of the law of libel These measures would bo considered bj the'Council after the. adjournment There was a considerable amount ot business awaiting tho Prime Munster's final word. He proposed not to sib beyond Thursday, pnd then to move an adjournment to the following Tuesday or Wednesday. i ABOUT FRUIT SHOPS NO EARLY CLOSING. The Minister of Internal Affairs (the Hon W. Downie Stewart) was asked yesterday by Mr. H. Atmore (Nelson) if he would give an assurance that ti Government did not intend to introduce legislation this session enforcing early closing on fruit shops. The Minister replied that there was no proposal on foot on the lines indicated, and so far as. he knew there was no intention of doing anything in the matter. The question was put Hi ratiiet an unusual way, however. Nothing had been considered or brought foiuaid i regard to the matter, but ho could not give a guarantee that nothing would be brought forward. RATS AND HEALTH MR FRASER AND THE POULTRY ' ’ , RUN. The danger to public health caused by rats was the subject of a put to the Minister ot Health by Mr. P Fraser (Wellington Central). Iho powers of the local authorities, said Air. Fraser, did not seem to bo adequate. Certain ureas in his own electorate were plagued with rats owing to the presence of a fowl-run, and the local people had not been able to secure any remedy The. Hon. C. J. Parr said that tho health authorities were taking special precautions to prevent bubonic plague reaching Now Zealand through the agency of rats. Ho know nothing of the epecial case mentioned by Mr. Fraser. It the member would make his statements to the Chief Health Office, inquiry would bo undertaken, HELP FOR SHEEPFARMERS "The sheepfarmers are having a very difficult time,” said Mr. G. Forbes (Tlurunui), who asked if tho Government proposed to givo any relief to men nho were unable at present to pay th car land tax. Tho lion. W. D. Stewart said that he realised tho seriousness of tlie position. Itepresentations had been mado io the Government, but no stoiw had yet Ivenn taken in the matter. Tho suggestion would bo considered by Cabinet, and an awer given teter.