SAMOAN UNREST

Gisborne Times, Volume LXX, Issue 11123, 5 February 1930, Page 5

SAMOAN UNREST

authority most be asserted. ri - .

FORCE of military police to

BE PREPARED

may not leave n.z. for SOME TIME ,' ■ » HINT TO MAU SYMPATHISERS

STATEMENT BY PREMIER

(Press Assc-ciation.-* WELLINGTON, Feb. -1. Tim Prime .Minister- announced today ;that in view of the necessity to bring tlio present situation in Samoa to a satisfactory tenijlination as speedily as possble .the Government hud decided to take steps to prepare a sufficient force of military police for despatch to the territory should tho circumstances require it, and, in particular, tf jt becomes necessary, to relieve HALS. Dunedin. ‘‘lt will be. some weeks before the police will be ready to leave New Zealand”, states the Premier, “and it is hoped that the events which will transpire during that period may render it unnecessary for the force to he despatched. “The Government in Samoa is challenged by the Mam”, continued the Premier, “and as a result of the Man's "organised activities, the warrants for arrests on criminal charges have not been executed. The authority, of the administration must he asserted, and law and order must he maintained. This cannot be brought about until there is a complete cessation of the Alau movement, and there is now no alternative but to secure that objective. '‘lt, would be well for those who are in sympathy with the Mau to recognise this” commented Sir Joseph Ward, .‘.‘and if they are genuinely anxious, for the restoration of harmony in the territory, they can best contribute to that end by counselling tho abandonment of the Mau when the way will be open for a discussion and redress of any grievances that may he found to exist. The Hon. Mr Cohbe is leaving for tlie territory next week.”