SAMOA COMMISSION

Hokitika Guardian, 14 October 1927, Page 1

SAMOA COMMISSION

(Special to Press Association by Radio (Received this day at 8 a.m.) APIA, Oct. 12. Two native witnesses giving evidence almost wholly on trivial points, occupied the Commission throughout Wednesday afternoon. Sir 0. Skorrett, addressing Slipper, said: “I think it is my duty to say the class of complaint now being given is unworthy ol consideration by this tribunal.” A sitting in chambers followed, alter which the chairman of the Commission intimated the class of evidence being given now was the same as lias been testified by representative witnesses of thirty-one districts. lie (the eliairiniin) was sure it was never intended the Commission should occupy itself with village trivialities and said the administration bad intimated it would call all Faipules against whom charges had been made and any others desired for examination by the Citizens Committee, would he subpoened by the Commission. Counsel was then given till next morning to decide on aequiesenee in the arrangement. A PAT, Oetoiler 12. Hon Afr Nelson, replying to Judge AfeCorinaek said that lie supposed that the reason why seventy or more Samoans had for several weeks remained in Apia disobeying the Administrator’s orders to return to their liomcs, was because the objected to being ordered about by children. Sir C. Sherrett:—That, Air Nelson, is rather typical of some of your observations. Tn the presence of Samoans, it is nn incendiary way of talk-