SAMOA

Hokitika Guardian, 14 June 1928, Page 4

SAMOA

MORE SETTLED FUTURE PREDICTED.

AUCKLAND, June 11

An incident of May 26 in Samoa, when a detachment of military police went out to' arrest the chief, Leota, was spoken of by some of the passengers who arrived in Auckland by the Tofua to-day. They said that, as far as they could gather, the action of the police was not extreme, and that it was "intended mainly to have a salutary effect. It was true, they said,'that rifles had been carried and bayonets used, but not to any great extent. Since the affair, tbe excitement had subsided, and it was now regard more or less as a “nine days’ wonder.”

According to those who have been in Samoa, the new Administrator Mr S. S. Allen) Has made a good impression among the natives as well as with the white residents. He is a man of silent action and a few words, but it is felt that he has already gained a grasp of affairs in the mandated territory.

The Man (native) police are still very much in evidence with their picturesque uniforms. While it is understood that natives are still refusing to comply with orders to pay taxes, it is said that the campaign of boycotting stores dealing in New Zealand goods has entirely disappeared. In general a more settled future is predicted for Samoa.

PRAISE FROM EUROPEAN JOURNALIST.

AUCKLAND, June 12.

An able European journalist, Jacques E. Cliable, formerly editor of tbe “ Suisse Liberal,” tbe daily newspaper of Xeuclmtcl, Switzerland, arrived in Auckland in the course of a tour ol many countries for the purpose ol studying conditions on behalf of various European journals. Of special interest to New Zealand are the opinions he has formed after a sojourn of seven weeks in British Samoa. By reason of his standing as a journalist, Mr Cliable was given every facility for studying the situation from every angle, and lie is able to speak, not only as one having a special fund of information, hut also as a trained observer with a broad outlook on international problems. His visit to Samoa concluded on the day that General Richardson left for New Zealand. “The Samoans,” be said, “are certainly the gentlemen of the South Seas. In manners they are proud and very like the French. They are so polite that they will never let you know if they do not agree with you. To get the best out of them you must respect their customs, for these are the very soul of the people.” Mr Cliable expressed the opinion that in administering Samoa the Govern\nent of New Zealand bad a very difficult task, because small things that were important to the native mind were not regarded as important bv Europeans. “At the same time. Mi Cliable said, “I believe that New Zealand has done everything possible for the Samons. An amount ol money has been spent which to me is marvellous, over £40,000, and I believe that this country has clone all that was expected by the League of Nations. In my opinion, the Mandates Commission of the League, when it meets on Tuesday next, will not blame New Zealand for the trouble that has occurred during the last few months.”

The visitor gave it as his opinion that tlie Commission would have no opportunity of hearing Mr Nelson, as it had laid down as a principle that no people from any country might be heard unless they had an official standing. ft was therefore probable that the only report that could bo accepted would be that of Sir George Richard-

“ From my point of view,” Mr Cliable added, “ General Richardson has done a lot for Samoa, and my observations show mo that lie is by no means a despot. He gave the whore of his time to his work, and his only concern was the welfare of Samoa. During the first year of his administration everybody was happy and recognised him as a very able Administrator.”