SAMOAN REPORT

Evening Post, Volume CIV, Issue 143, 14 December 1927, Page 11

SAMOAN REPORT

"ANAEMIC CHARACTER"

NOT MUCH ASSISTANCE

"S.M. HERALD" CRITICAL

(United Press Association.—Copyright.) (Received 14th December, 10 a.m.) SYDNEY, This Day. The "Sydney Morning Herald," in a leader, says: "The report of the Royal Commission appointed to inquire into the administration of Western Samoa is unlikely to prove of much assistance in restoring concord in those bautiful, but distracted, isles. It is a disappointing document. The calibre of the Commissioners was such that something more helpful was expected. Sir Charles Skerrett is no feeble legal rushlight, but a brilliant .luminary in his profession. His fellow Commissioner, Judge M'Cormaek, was pameuiariy well fitted to apply himself to the Samoan .problem. It may be that the. rather anaemic character of their report is due to the rather rigid terms of reference. If that be the case, it is to be regretted that it was not drawn more widely, for more than the personal administration of General Richardson was involved. The whole system of mandate Government was at stake. The New Zealand Government and personnel of the Samoan Administration will, doubtless, find cause for self-congratulation in the findings of the Commission." BEFOBMS TOO KAPID. After reviewing the evidence and the points at issue, the leader continues: "New Zealand's administration of the mandate has, in general, been carried out with a praiseworthy regard for the interests of the people and with disinterestedness. For what she has done to improve their health conditions, the Samoana cannot but be grateful, but the very rapidity with which the reforms have been effected has caused dissatisfaction. The attachment to old and harmful customs, dies hard among the Pacific natives. Much tact must be brought to the handling of them. "It is tact, perhaps, that the Administration has lacked. The trouble might have been averted had the Government availed itself of the services of someone with an adequate knowledge of Samoan traditions and temperament, and in whatever reorganisation may bo considered necessary in the light of tho Commissioners' report, 6uch an appointment might well bo kept iv view."