SAMOAN INQUIRY

Hokitika Guardian, 30 September 1927, Page 2

SAMOAN INQUIRY

(Special to Press Assn, by Radio.)

APIA, Sept. 29. The Samoa Commission contused to-day.

Mr Thomas Henry Bates, Collector of Customs, submitted statistics as to the liquor importations into Samoa in 1926-27, and gave particulars of the permit system at Tonga, where his experience was that liquor got amongst the natives, being supplied by Europeans.

Mr Robert Joseph Carter, Commissioner of Labour, submitted a scheme formulated by the Heads of Departments in Samoa, for an alteration in the existing scheme of medical permits for the use of intoxicating liquors, substituting a Board of Control. Mr William Henry Gibbs, a planter, favoured the institution of a permit system. The arduous work of the planters necessitated a stimulant.

Air Paul Oscar Hoerlicli, for thirtysix years a resident of Apia, said that in the old days there was no drunkenness amongst the natives, hut nowadays vile stuff was brewed, and he frequently saw natives “ tanked.”

Air Samuel Vernon MacKenzie, storekeeper, and a resident of Samoa since 1874. said that drunkenness amongst the natives was unknown in the old days, hut it was known now. He was compelled to stock “ All in One,” because of tbe demand from his Samoan customers. The present system was growing dangerous. He would like to see the importation of such things prohibited. Air Norman H. AlacDonald, surveyor, with thirty-five years’ residence in Samoa, said that prohibition was not a good thing for the natives. They initiated the whites to home brewing. He knew no reason to justify New Zealand in imposing prohibition. Faumuina, a- Samoan high chief, stated that be saw no excessive drinking amongst tbe Samoans before prohibition, but they drank now. The increase was considerable. The natives brewed now. He had himself brewed. He drank before prohibition, and ho drank now.

Lena, a native District Judge, in liis evidence, said that faamafu had caused deaths among Samoans. Sinao, Agricultural Inspector, said there was no trouble before prohibition. There was plenty after. The Samoans drank faamafu, which nowadays the young girls as well as the young men drank. Air. Edwin William Gurr, licensed accountant, submitted figures of revenue and population directed to show the salaries in Samoa are excessive, especially in comparison with Fiji and Tonga. He eriteised the expenditure on Vailima as extravagant, making the point that Robert Louis Ste-

venson’s old home is only a small portion of the present building. Even bn the high present expenditure, the Road of Gratitude was neglected. Sir Charles Skerrett remarked that lie saw the road when it was only a

few years old, and as a road it had been quite contemptible then, so its present condition was no new thing. Cross-examined by Mr Aleredith witness admitted the Citizens’ Committee’s finance report, prepared by witness, was erroneous when it charged New Zealand with foreclosing on Crown estates, mortgaged property, and with not paying Samoa, one hundred thousand dollars, the amount othe mortgage. He believed the report true when he made it. He based it on statement's given him by Air Smytlie, also AH Cobcroft. The statements as to the Samoan Public Works Department and Post Office, prepared by witness, were inaccurate in figures, which were discussed and analysed at length. Yet another comparison made by witness was shown to he erroneous to the extent of thirty-four thousand dollars, and based on figures not shown iu a Blue Book statement by the Government.

Mr Bryan said that the statement that witness was dismissed in 1908 for malfeasance, while in office was correct.