MISCELLANEOUS.

Hokitika Guardian, 18 August 1928, Page 4

MISCELLANEOUS.

Australian Press Assn.—United Service

SAMOAN REPORT. LONDON, August 17

Hie report on the Samoan mandate hsa been issued, amplifying the draft report of the Mandates Commission. The report, which is for presentation to the League Council, states: “The Commission’s considered opinion is that none of the charges are of any importance or have been substantiated. In the opinion of the Commission, they do not contain any evidence of policy or action contrary to the mandate. The Administrator seems to have made every effort to improve the natives conditions, notably in public health, education, agriculture and commerce. Commenting on Nelson report, the statement is emphatic that it cannot too strongly condemn Nelson’s action and that of his associates, which seem to have been inspired loss by public welfare than personal interest. By unworthy means they worked upon the minds of an impressionable people who previously had not manifested discontent. They were satisfied the Administrator acted with great patience though perhaps insufficient psychological insight.” A lamentable absence of sufficient means to enforce the law which it was the duty of the Administrator to uphold, placed him in an extremely difficult situation and made it more deilcate because oi the uncertain attitude of the Government. , Tlio Commission is assured of sufficient power now and. it trusts Samoans who were misled will resume their former confidence in the administration and that the, mandatoiy power will soon ho able to rc-establisli peace and prosperity, by a policy which is both firm and liberal.

A REQUEST REFUSED

“COME TO THE WRONG PLACE.”

PALMERSTON N, Aug. 14

“ They’ve come to the wrong place,” remarked a member of the Kairanga County Council, amidst laughter, at today’s meeting o'f the council. There seemed to he no doubt about it in the minds of the other members also, for the cause of the remark fa letter From the Manawatu Carriers’ Association) was certainly not taken seriously. The letter stated that the association, in conjunction with the New Zealand C'arrires’ Federation, was endeavouring “to secure relief for yourself and otheiowners of commercial vehicles from the excessive heavy traffic fees.” One form of the proposed campaign was to be a monster petition to Parliament, to he signed by every owner of a ocmmercial' vehicle in New Zealand, the letter stated.

'lhe clerk of tlio council presented a statement showing that the heavy traffic fees collected by the council in this district up to June 30 last had been £362 6s 9<l.

Still in a spirit df levity, councillors all affirmed that there was no reason why the council should sign the petition, and the letter was received. WAIPORI MARU RETURNS TO PORT. AUCKLAND, August 17. The Japanese steamer Waipori Mnru, which returned to port this afternoon, after being four days out on the way to Newcastle, was short of coal. 'file captain said the vessel had not been making headway against the heavy weather off the North Cape and he wished to replenish the hunkers. 'The vessel would leave for Ncwc-satlc again as soon as ‘further coal supplies were procured, probably in about four days. The vessel was formerly the IVnipori and was sold by the Union Coy to the Japanese. RURAL CREDITS. WELLINGTON, August IS. The Commissioner of Rural Intermediate Credit (Mr J. W. MacDonald) states that full advantage is being taken by farmers, particularly in the North Island, of the opportunity afforded by' the Rural Intermediate Credit Act of last session Ifov. application to rural finance of the principles of cooperation. As a result, tourtecn cooperative rural intermediate credit associations have been formed, nine ol which have been registered and in a majority of eases are already obtaining leans from the Board lor their members in increasing numbers. > The Commission lias received information to the effect that steps are being taken for the formation of further associations both in the North and South Islands;.*—■ ... >?■ ■