THE MAU AGAIN

Hokitika Guardian, 1 October 1928, Page 8

THE MAU AGAIN

AFFRAY AMONG SAMOANS. APIA, Sep. 8. On August 30th. Apia, was given a sudden reminder of its troublesome times of a few months back, by an unexpected Mau demonstration in the the shape of a procession through the street. The ta’alolb was quickly got up, and it is whispered in Samoa that the cause of the demonstration was resent in.eint on the part of the Mau Committee against statements by tourists and others t in the Now Zealand papers, that me Mau had ceased to function. Whatever the reason, it was amply proved that though the M,au may have 'been quiescent, it still lias enough spark left to start spectacular fireworks at least. -

All through the morning of the 30th natives flocked into town, laden with /food and bedecked with flowers. Their numbers were considerably augmented by the arrival of several large fo-utasi, i. 0., native boats, from the villages round the coast. Towards midday most of the Samoans- concentrated on Apia village, from which the town of Apia takes its name. This vilage is in the centre of the town, and has been the scene of a good many Mau demonstrations and fonos. Most of the natives ol 'this village are staunch Man supporters.

The procession was apparently timed to pass through the town at about one o clock, but was delayed by a disturbance among the natives, which unfortunately ended in. bloodshed.

A FAMILY FUED. The cause of the trouble is rather difficult to get at, but it appears that a bitter family feud blazed nip when it came to the question of whose was the right to wear the elaborate head-dress worn on such occasions as this. Duly the biggest chiefs are entitled to wear the Samoan head-dress, and it is an honour not lightly foregone. Apparently the chieftainshii> of this particular village was in dispute between two families, and when the holder stepped out to take the coveted place his right was challenged by the rival family.

Bitter words followed, hud the challenger hurled himself at-"the chief and attacked him with a knife. Belore anyone could interfere- the chief was slashed across the face and received ail ugly wound in the back. According to Samoan . custom this was an insult to the whole family, and it’was'extremely fortunate that the Village'was not embroiled in a wholesale fight. Luckily, however, the aggrieved family decided on immediate vengeance, and streamed after the would-be murderer. The chase was interrupted. Sergeant Scale, of the native police,' who plunk--11 y dashed Into the angry mob and curl envoi red to disperse it with -blows from his cane, llis efforts, however, were of little avail, for the native was later found dead, with- his head split open. The natives concerned immediately fled to their villages, and there is little chance of finding the culprit. Persistent rumotiiV have gone round Apia since, that 1 the family of the murdered Samoan have taken vengeance by killing a hoy of the rival family. Qne rumour stated that the aggrieved Samoans Vowed'to kill the first one of the family they met, and shortly afterwards, meeting the boy by the roadside, killed and decapitated him. This is quite according to Samoan custom, hut the rumour has not been verified and is probably only an coho of the threats which would be uttered by both families in a case like this. The offending headgear, which was the cause of the trouble, was later cut to pieces by members of one of the families.

THE PROCESSION. When the Excitement was over, the procession commenced, and proceeded from Apia village, past the Administration offices, and along the beach front. Each village came separately, led by its chief and taufoil girls, who were dressed in full ceremonial costume. The remainder of the village were garlanded with flowers, and wore Mau lava lavas with purple turbans. The I and marched at the head, and burst into tune as it passed the Central Office. Most of the natives wore in a good humour and generally there was an absence of the sullen ness and defiance which marked similar processions held earlier in the year. Sergeant Soule, the same sergeant who had interfered in the light, watched Die procession fronn the police sta tion corner and evinced his disgust of the proceedings in no uncertain manner, especially when some of the Mau natives taunted him from, the ranks, “Lenga Seule,. Soule puta” (“Soule no good, Seule too fat”), someone shouted, and Seule unabashed, dashed at then with his cane and dispersed the laughing natives in all directions. A Idmil itary policemen took photos of the procession and the inspector of police watched it go by. hut beyond lied no official notice appeared to he taken of the demonstration.

Tlie procession was the biggest of its kind for s-o-me time and it was estimated that well over 1000 natives took part, ‘While those who attended the meeting at Vaimoso-, must have been three times that number. As the dav was hot, the natives did not linger too long on the amin street, hut marched quickly t-o Vaimoso. Apparently the heat of the- asphalt was too much for their hare feet, for many in the rank 1 - would he seen jigging about trying to walk on air. Some of the Samoans eyan branched off along a side street, where the grit road was more to their liking. The afternoon was spent by the natives at Vaimoso, where the usual

heavy feasting and speech-making were indulged in. What the demonstration means remains to be seen, but it is to lie sincerely lipped that it is of no great significance. Jt certainty showed that the Man, still exists, and is capable of organised action.