SAMOA

Hokitika Guardian, 2 August 1927, Page 4

SAMOA

IN DEFENCE OF MR NELSON. DUNEDIN, July 31. “For tho life of me I cannot understand how trouble has arisen ill Samoa. Something is wrong. 1 am sure that if the Minister had used more tact when he visited the islands any trouble would have been cleared away. “1 cannot believe that Air Nelson and • Air Aleredith are causing the trouble. Nelson is the uncrowned king of Samoa, and is a champion of his people. Ho is not being fairly treated. He has a largo following; he is revered hy the natives, for all his efforts 'have boon for their good; he is a Nelson by name and nature, a lighter tor his people’s rights, an outspoken man, yet always fair and above hoard. I am sure that if the Prime Minister had taken Air Nelson aside and had a conference with hint lie would have returned to Samoa with a good repoit. Air Nelson was always out for law and order, and his actions during my acquaintance with him were not those of a law resisting man. or one who considered pounds.-shillings and pence before the interests of the natives.

The opinions arc those of Afajor A. W. A. Richardson, who had command of the Samoa Garrison up to 1920, and who now resides in Dunedin. He was next to the Administrator .in official standing on the island. Major Richardson hacked up the opinions expressed to an interviewer with documentary evidence. He was vehement in his protests against the attacks being made on Air Nelson and to show tho man’s character he traversed the history of several big events in Samoa, making particular reference to the administratorship of Colonel Logan, tho influenza- epidemic, which Sii Maui Pomare commented on in the House the other night, the admin,is- ! tration hy Colonel Tate, and the prohibition proclamation.