A SAMOAN BOMBSHELL

Hokitika Guardian, 25 May 1920, Page 3

A SAMOAN BOMBSHELL

GERMANS TO BE REPATRIATED (Per Press Association.)

A UCKLAND, May. 25

Tiie “Star’s” Atria correspondent writes: The issue by tile Administrator of a proclamation under which a large nun.Ou-r ol residents are being sent back to tneir native land, came as a bomb shell to the local community of German nationality. It is proposed to repatriate and liquidate their property rights. These are divided into main

Class (a) comprises persons of German nationality and blood, exclusive oi those married to persons of Samoan nationality. Class (b). —Persons of German nationality and blood, married to Samoans or persons of Samoan descent. The first class includes about 89 persons of whom 45 are married men. They will be repatriated forthwith. A steam er for the purpose is expected about June.

The second class which totals 33 are proclaimed liable to deportation, but are permitted to remain during good behaviour.

There is a third class (c), composed of persons of German nationality, but partially Samoan blood, who are exempt from the proclamation. In permitting class B to remain during good behaviour, the authorities are influenced by the consideration that this class has intermarried with persons ol Samoan blood and their presence here is justfied in many eases by the parential relation to half-caste families, who requite maintenance and parental control. •

The value of property of those repatriated is to be assessed before their departure. They are to be provided tvi.l a warrant for payment by the German Government, of the amount due. Transport is to be provided free. The general feeling of the community is that, the steps the Government are taking niav well prove disastrous to the islands. Many of the men whose names appear on the list of those to be sent away, are counted among the most experienced overseers and planters of Samoa. It is difficult, where experienced men to take their places, are to bo obtained.