SAMOA

Hokitika Guardian, 29 July 1927, Page 1

SAMOA

SPEECH BY SLR MAUI POM ARE. (Press Special). WELLINGTON, July 27. A. new point of view on the Samoan situation was presented in the House early this morning by Sir Maui Pomare, member of the Executive Council representing tho Native race. He was the last speaker in a long debate, vet he held the attention of the House while lie made an eloquent plea for the fulfilment of the avowed policy of the Government that Samoa is for the Samoans.

Sir Maui agreed that the Maori and the Samoan were ethnologic-ally and genealogically related, but in dealing with the two peoples it must ho remembered that the Maoris of their own free will had elected to join tho British Empire, while the Samoans had been handed to us iu trust. Tt was the case that our early troubles with the Maoris had been caused by deportation without trial. The To Kooti strife had its origin there, and the great war in Taranaki had been caused when a chief had been banished without trial. The slogan had been raised. "Samoa for the Samoans.’’ SELF-DETER M 1 NATION.

"‘When?” asked Sir Maui. ‘‘The answer is in the covenant of the Longue of Nations. Tliov have been entrusted to a civilised people until such time as they can walk on their feet. The Maoris joined in this Empire of ours on their own free will, and after 87 years we can safely say that we have not regretted that step. So also did the Ramtongans join. Sonic one has mentioned the Tongans, and if they tire able to walk oil their own feet "hy not the Samoans? After all, what does this civilisation mean? It. has been described ns consisting of the spirit of gentlemen and of religion. Have not the Samoans got both?” Sir Maui continued that no one would dispute the physical and material benefits which had accrued to the Samoans since New Zealand had governed the islands. “As a Polynesian. I am grateful, hut that is our job,” the Minister said. “We need _ not have taken the. job, and wo need not pat ourselves on tile back for having done it. V ROOD ANI) BAD. The Prime Minister: It was done at our cost. Sir Maui : Yes, but it was our job. The Prime Minister: Every individual in New Zealand is responsible for the improvements which have been effected. Sir Maui: I have acknowledged that, but they also look the influenza down there, and helped to wipe out a fourth of the population. The Prime Minister (sharply) : That's nonsense. Sir Maui : It’s not. The Prime Minister: It is nonsense. Sir Maui: “I know what I am talking about.” Proceeding, the Minister asked whether the Foiio of Faijmles was the ultimate for the Samoans, or was it only a stop ? The time was coming when the Samoans would be taught to govern themselves, and then the Foiio would have served its purpose in teaching the Samoans legislative ways. When we had taught the Samoan a little bit, we should give him a little bit more. Mr W. Parry (Auckland Central): But, wo are giving him the big stick. Sir Maui : T believe it is necessary to have a big .sfiek so long as you use it: iu the way your own British constitution lias laid down. T cannot help remembering that the Pakclui was a little given to the use of the log stick ill the old days. If a mail stole a rabbit ill England, they deported him. and they depopulated some of the burst districts in the country. But, he had his trial. Mr D. (I. Sullivan (Avon): He was deported after trial. Sir Maui: Vos. hut the result was almost a foregone conclusion. WHAT IS THE ULTIMATE? • What is the ultimate?’ he went on. “Is it to he Samoa for the Samoans hy the right of self determination. and as an independent nation, or as part of the British Empire.” The Prime Minister: Or possibly part of New Zealand. Sir .Maui: Or any other part nl the Empire. They like to choose. The Prime Minister: Oh, no. Sir Maui: Then what is the right of self-determination. The Prime Minister: Part of New Zealand. That is obvious. Sir Maui: That is the obvious outlook. and that is wliat we desire. Are we dealing with the Samoans so that when the time conies they will’ choose to come under our eternal rule? It the Teague of Nations means anything —and we never know in those days how much humbug there is—our mandate means Samoa for the Samoans. It means that they can elect to come in as part of the Empire, or that they can stand alone, when they are able to, as an independent nation. I would say : 1 ‘ Woo Samoa, so that when the time comes she will come in with us. I can advise them to do that, lor they can he assured that whatever our little differences, justice will always prevail. BANISHMENTS. Sir Maui said that when he was in Samoa the people had asked him win they should he banished without trial, and if that obtained in New Zealand. He had replied “ No,” and then they asked “Then why hero?” We not only banished the Samoan, but we deprived him of bis titles, degraded his iainily. and placed him in a village where he had to live on the bounty of others. That caused dissatisfaction. The position had to be remedied, and he was certain it would he remedied. AYe should do all those tilings which would create adhesion. He believed there should be some law to deal with disloyal people, not only in Samoa, but in New Zealand. Anyone who was disloyal should he put out of the country. Mr Noswotthy: Where would von pm them? Sir Maui: Any place that would talc* t hem. .Mi- H. T. Armstrong (Christchurch j North): There would not he much left I of the Reform Party. Sir Maui: We have to he careful ( that, whatever we do. we do hy the power which has been laid down since the time of ICing John. : Sir Maui concluded an eloquent speech by quoting tbe famous extract from Portia’s speech : ; The quality of mercy is not strained.! It droppeth as the gentle rain from heaven I'pon the place beneath ; it is twice blessed ; ! It blessetli him that gives and him that takes: | iis mightiest m the mightiest: it becomes | The throned won arch hotter than his crown;

lliw .sceptre shows the force or temporal power, | The attitude to awe and majesty, 1 Wherein doth sit the dread and fear of kings; 3int mercy is above this sceptred sway, It is enthroned in the hearts of kings, It is an attribute to God himself. And earthly power dotli then show likest God’s When mercy seasons justice. .Members: Hear, hoar. '• We must he careful' to see we do not shed one drop of Samoan blood.” Sir -Maui said. Sir Maui Poinare’s speech created a profound impression, and on resuming his seal he was applauded on all sides of the House. SIR J. PAR It'S RESENTMENT. (Australirn A N.Z. Cable Association.) LONDON, .Tuly 27. '‘Most of the messages reaching London regarding Samoa are gross perversions of fact,” said Sir James Panin an interview. “Some are deliberately untrue, as for example, the report that three of the chiefs have been deported, whereas they have only been ordered to return to their own villages from Apia. Until reentlv New Zealand’s administration of Samoa was described as being a. model, and justly so, because General Richardson’s term of ollice has been characterised by remarkable progress in health, education and social welfare of natives. We have been repeatedly complimented by the League of Nations, and responsible visitors have publicly expressed admiration of General Richardson. Small coteries of Europeans are responsible for the present agitation. They are sedulously seeking to create the impression that the whole Island is revolting against General Richardson."

Sir Jas. Parr mentioned that his Government lias cabled him tacts regarding the Europeans’ manifesto. He declared General Richardson was able, conscientious and kind-hearted, and said he was held in high respect by all classes in New Zealand.

Ho continued: “T am certain that this unworthy criticism that has recently been appearing in London will lie resented by a great majority of New Zealanders. General Richardson is devoted heart, and soul to the natives material and moral ivelfare. M lion a responsible mandatory Government finds that lawful authority has been plotted against and undermined by a. small mischievous section o( whites, playing upon the credulity oi simpleminded natives, it may well he that firm measures are necessary. Othei mandatories have legislated similatly. Why is New Zealand singled out for this attack ? No New Zealand Government would last a day if if ueie unjust and harsh to natives. People of New Zealand regard the mandate as a sacred trust.” Sir James Parr appeals to the public to wait for the October fitting oi the League of Nations.