SAMOA

Hokitika Guardian, 27 July 1927, Page 4

SAMOA

COMMITTEE'S ACTIVITIES. PERNICIOUS PROPAGANDA alleged. WELLINGTON. July 25. What ..occurred at the interview the chairman Of tiro Samoan Citizens’ Committee had with the Prime Minister last week is disclosed in statements made Iby the Hon Air Nelson and the Rt. Hon. J. G. Coates, to-day. Air Nelson said; “fn reply to the ro- | marks made by me to the Prime Afinj ister on July 21st in an interview, at which the .Minister for External AfI fairs and another Afinistor of the ! Crown were present. Air Coates stated. I among other things, that the New Zealand Government is not prepared to discuss with the Citizens’ Commit- | tee the suggestion of a further investiI gat-ion until the Citizens* Committee ihas done its very I rest to get the natives and the conditions in Samoa back to normal. The Prime Alin ister stated that the members of the Citizens’ Committee were off side, and it was necessary that they should get on side and trust to the New Zealand Government to investigate the matter when conditions were normal again.” Replying to the statement quoted above, Mile Prime Alinister said; “Generally speaking, Air Nelson's remarks are correct. His reference, however to a promised investigation is inaccurate. What I said was that the Citizens’ Committee must show their bona fidos in some more substantial manner than by a mere statement in the Samoan Press requesting their supporters to remain tranquil (in t to obey the laws. The cnnjmHree were

advised that they must he as active in repairing the damage done as they had been in creating it. I added that when that had been done, those concerned must rely on the New Zealand Government's sense of fair play.” REPORT FROM ADMINISTRATOR. The Minister for External Affairs (Mr Xosworthy) informed a reporter to-day that on .Sunday the following radiogram hn.d been received from the Administrator of Samoa: “Upolu tour] completed. One or two villages in each district, and a few natives in other villages, influenced by Nelson’s committee. not to appear before tne and submit complaints. To obviate this disrespect in Savaii. natives have ashed mo to defer my tour to their island until some Europeans have been punished. which would end the matter. Burns. Philip, and Co. have complained that the main committee, is endeavouring to boycott their own and oilier stores in favour of those firms that have participated in the agitations. Daily interest is revealing no complaints, but native minds have boon disturbed and they are waiting until they receive decision from Nelson. Authority of native officials has boon seriously undermined by natives attitude of passive resistance, resulting from instructions circulated by committee. Punishments are light, and only being awarded where absolutely necessary. All punishments awarded since Minister's visit are due entirely to work of Nelson and ids committee. General opinion of both Europeans and Samoans is this administration too lenient in its punishment of Samoans and lack of power to punish Europeans is prolonging trouble. Have cancelled licenses of two traders in Upolu for spreading pernicious propaganda amongst natives.