Samoan Incidents

Hawke's Bay Herald-Tribune, Issue 160, 24 July 1937, Page 5

Samoan Incidents

-Preei AMOciarion.)

OFFICIAL ADVICES Police Action Follows Assault of Resident EXCITED NATIVES

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WELLINGTON, This Day. In 4n interview in connection with ihe Samoan incidents (see page 7), the Hon. F. Langstone said that official advices from the acting-Administrator were to the effect that the happenii^js occurred in connection with the ceremonious presentation of hue mats to Tamasese, one of the leading chiefs. "Such occasions always involve large gatherings of natives, aiid are the cause of considerable excitement," said the - Minister. "In endeavouring to display 4 proper amount Of respect to the high standing of the xecipient of mata, the natives have apparently held up person:* xising the rpad through the village and insitited in their walking on foot past the place where the ceremony was being held. Natnfally Snch action has been xeeented by Europeans, whose movements were interfered with, and in the heat of the nioment one resident was a&saulted. Police action followed, the olfender being convicted of assault and aentenced to a .month's imprisonment. ' ' During the course of the procession through Apia in connection with the same ceremonies, a European lady was compelled to remove her car to the side of the road . until the procession lad gono past, ihe hood of the car being piereed in two places by kniyes carried by nativee in connection with their dances. * "It is nnderstood the police are following up this incident also with a view to punishing the offenders. "It is clear from reports received froin the' acting-Administrator, that the incidents have no political signiiicance, and are the outcome of excitement normally associated with such functions, and of excessive zeal on the part of nativee in upholding the standing of their chiefs. Of cburse, the natives jnnst learn that they have at all timee to respect the rights of private individuals, and the acting-Administrator has been asked to see that any offences against the law are followed np and appropriate action taken against the perspns concerned."