SAIPAN AFFAIRS

Hokitika Guardian, 16 May 1928, Page 4

SAIPAN AFFAIRS

CONDITIONS QUIETER

AUCKLAND, May 14

The party of o"8 Itoyal Marines from the Dunedin and Diomede, which was left at Samoa to await the arrival of the special contingent of New Zealand military police, returned to Auckland by the Tutanekai yestcr dnv afternoon.

Latest reports From Samoa received in Auckland yesterday indicate that conditions have become considerably ijuicter during the past mouth. Although there is still a strong following of the Alan, tins body has noticeably restricted its active operations.

While no ojien show of force was made, either by the party of Royal Marines which returned to Auckland yesterday., or by the special contingent. of military police, which reached Apia on April 28, their presence creat ed an impression upon the natives The military police are at proxeiii housed in two separate quarters, am

a proposal has been made that a section should he moved to another part o” the territory for a time. Ihe natives were considerably impressed by the arrival of the military police, aapparently there was no idea a loree was being sent. There were main speculations t.s to the express intention Of the force. The natives were quickly reassured, and the first heelings of temerity soon gave way t< generally mild interest in the aeuvi ties of the police. The reception accorded to the six Auckland constables sent to Apia recently is stated to have been less cordial. On several occasions shortly after their arrival the constables were openly insulted in the street. Om was forced to take strong measure with two natives, who appronehoi him in a threatening manner. A native questioned the constable’s authority and attempted to attack him. but he was quickly knocked to the ground. A second native then approached and was treated similarly Aoart from this incident, nothing un toward happened.