SAMOAN OUTLOOK.

Hokitika Guardian, 19 September 1923, Page 3

SAMOAN OUTLOOK.

DOMINION’S OPPORTUNITY

YYELDTNGTON, Sept. 17. Captain R. W. Campbell, the wellknown author of “Spud Tamson,” in the course of an interview on his Samoan trip, said: “Thanks to Sir Francis 801 l (Minister for External Affairs), and Air •/. B. Grey (Under-Secretary), I was given an introduction to General Richardson, the Administrator of Samoa ; and I consider this trip one of the most interesting I have ever had in my life. General Richardson is not only a- distinguished 'Administrator; lie is a splendid host, also a man who realises the need of

informing tlie outside world of tlie re'"''sponsibilitios entailed by the administration of Samoa; and if well supported by public opinion in New Zealand bow this administration can be made as {rreat an achievement as the conquest of Maoriland by the early New ZenJanders. “MAGNIFICENT WORK AND OPPORTUNITY.”

“Living with the General at Vnilima, the old home of R. L. Stevenson, had a charm which one can never forget, and touring with the General on his official round of tile villages at Savai was like an excursion with the Arabian Knights. The dignity, kindliness, and beautiful ceremonies of the Samoan people, coupled with the fatherly yet dignified air of General Richardson and his officials, made a picture which at times roused one’s admiration, not only for the Samoans, but for the magnificent work and opportunity which New Zealand has received by the mandate. Already General Richardson has secured the love of the natives, consolidated the interests and prestige of the British Empire, cleared away many petty intrigues, and generally raised the whole tone of the administration in Samoa. WORD FOR CIVIL SERVICE. “It now remains,” added Mr Campbet, ‘for New Zealand to take a. much keener interest in this country, and I would suggest the reorganisation of the Civil Service in Samoa on a permanent basis. I don’t think that the present system of a three years’ contract is good, either for the official or for the Government. Insecurity of tenure is hardly fair to brilliant civil servants or medical men. Should this reorganisation take place, it would he a good thing in future, to select the brightest brains from the New Zealand Civil Service for service in Samoa. After three years, they should be returned for twelve months’ service, and then returned to their duties in Samoa. This would safeguard the health of the officials, raise the prestige of the Civil Service, secure continuity of policy, and do in Samoa work of such a kind as would give a. lead to other powers interested in safeguarding the rights of native races, and also develop the resources of the country. “It is not yet realised in New Zea-

land that the prestige of this Dominion, and of the British Empire is at stake ’ hr Samoa. New Zealand lias sent- its strongest man. General Richardson, T do believe, can make history, provided, as stated above, be is loyally supported - by public opinion, and that ho and his able chiefs of departments receive a constant How of civil servants whose aim will he to make the work of New Zealanders outstanding, honourable, and unique.”