SAMOA ENQUIRY

Hokitika Guardian, 13 September 1927, Page 2

SAMOA ENQUIRY

(By Telegraph—Per Press Association.) AUCKLAND, Sept. 12. In spite of his previous decision, the Hon O. E. Nelson stated to-day that he had decided to leave for Samoa next Friday to give evidence before the Royal Commission. Hon Air Nelson intends to leave by the Alarama for Sydney, where he will connect with the Sierra or Samoa, arriving there about a week after the Commissioner. I-lon Mr Nelson said that liis previous decision to hold aloof entirely from the proceedings of the Commission had been made at the instance of his counsel, Sir John Findlay. His own oniniou had been that, although the order of reference was not comprehensive enough from the viewpoint of the Samoa Citizens’ Committee, he should not refuse to give evidence before the Commission. He had been dissuaded from this view by his counsel, hut, as the. result- of repeated representations during the past few days, Sir John Findlay had now agreed that the interests -of the Samoa, people would be served host .by Air Nelson proceeding to Samoa. Boh Air Nelson, had, therefore, decided to assist in the preparation of the case of the Samoa, people, and to give evidence himself. The Government had promised that time would he given for the Citizens’ Committee to prepare its ease, and there would no doubt, be time enough for this after liis arrival in Samoa.

AVELLINGTON, Sept. 12.

Sa fair a.s the Government is concerned, the Rova.l Commission, which left Auckland on Saturday to inquire into the troubles in Samoa, will proceed with its inquiries in spite of the .fact that the Hon 0. F. Nelson and his associates on the Citizens’ Committee and in the Mau, have intimated that they will not attend before the Commission, or produce any evidence in support of their grievance. No support is forthcoming in official circles for the suggestion made from Auckland tliat. because of the boycott of the Commission by the Mau, the Commission will return to Now Zealand by the Tofua on her next trip. “The Commission will proceed with its inquiries.” said the Prime Minister to-day. “The withdrawal of Air Nelson and liis associates does not make the slightest difference so far ns the point is concerned.”