THE SAMOAN TROUBLE.

Hokitika Guardian, 2 July 1927, Page 3

THE SAMOAN TROUBLE.

(By Telegraph—l'er Press Association.) AUC'KLAXT), July 1. Tn connection with the report that two more .Samoan chiefs were arrested, a “Star” reporter this morning was shown one of the recent ordinances about which there is so much discussion in Samoa.

It reads; F.very person guilty of on offence is liable on conviction to a line not exceeding £10!), or imprisonment not exceeding a year, who speaks any words or does any act calculated or likely to undermine the authority of. or excite opposition against any native authority (given a very wide meaning in the interpretation clause). " A man who knows the Islands well says that he is surprised Lhe Administration has gone the length of removing two chiefs to a. neighbouring island without a vestige of a trial. The Samoans regard the real chiefs with great veneration, and it is an extreme, ly risky tiling to lay hands on their chiefs. It is stated that much of the unrest among the natives is caused by Administration’s choice of Faipules, who are not the correct thing, according to native usages and customs.

HON. NELSON’S PROTEST. AUCKLAND. July 1

The following wireless message was received to-day by Messrs T. Nelson and C’oy from the Hon O. T. Nelson, at Apia, in reply to the Prime .Minister (Mr Coates’s) recent statements: “Everyone in New Zealand who is acquainted witli Samoan affairs knows that my business success was obtained and my main premises in Apia were built before the New Zealand occupation, and also that my personal capital and wealth are less to-day than when the N.Z. Mandate was estabished. The depression in trade, which is now pmverbial, is brought about by the Government interference in trade and by the buying of copra in several places at over £-1 Is per ton more than the trade can afford to pay; thus causing the stoppage of copra making in the places where this price is not obtainable.”

A SAMOAN MESSAGE. WELLINGTON. July 2

Mr Coates has received the following message signed by 150 adult male European residents at Apia: ‘• Europeans disagree with prejudices and tactics of the Citizens’ Committee and strongly disapprove of their methods in causing disaffection amongst the natives. They have every confidence in the impartial services and good judgment of the administration.”

Mr Coates states the message came purely voluntary and added that the electoral roll last November showed 222 Europeans. An allegation that compulsion had been exercised to secure signatures to a petition, has been officially denied.