IN SAMOA.

Hokitika Guardian, 31 January 1928, Page 1

IN SAMOA.

MR. HOLLAND’S REFERENCES

(By Telegraph—Per Press Association.)

AYESITORT, Jan. 30,

Mr Holland referring to the Hon. J. G. Coates’ last statement, said he took the strongest exception to the Minister’s characterisation of liis public utterances on Samoa as inflamatory statements. He was convinced that the majority of the public disapproved of the rule of injustice, which is being applied to- Samoa, and he would he failing in liis duty as Leader of the Opposition if he desregarded public opinion on so important a subject, or neglected to raise a warning, voice against a policy which is si* clearly leading towards disaster. AATicu the Government’s policy was challenged, and the Minister having no effective reply, the Opposition’s charge fell hack on the ancient Conservative tactic, and described the attitude of their opponents as inflammatory and only a short step to the next inevitable charge that those who did not agree with the Government’s policy were guilty of disloyalty. Each succeeding phase of the New Zealand administration Samoa seemed marked with increasing accumulation of folly, for it should lx* apparent that everyone cannot he bludgeoned with servility.

Air Coates latest move in sending an expeditionary force of six constables should he heralded with a flourish of .trumpets and proclamation as to their respective sizes and if they do not sot Samoans rocking with laughter, they might lie accepted for another ‘‘big stick,” that was as if Air Coates having discovered a house on lire set out to extinguish the flames by pouring petrol upon them.

Referring to the Royal Commission’s report Air Holland said surely in the printed form report furnished to the press nearly two months ago there is no reason why it should not have been furnished to the members of Parliament at the time. Certainly there is something to "bp. said for the delay in printing evidence hut, even that should have boon ready in less tlum two months time. Me is i|lill waiting to hear the explanation of Air Coates and what the administration had to oiler in connection with the Foster ease.