SAMOA

Hokitika Guardian, 30 October 1928, Page 5

SAMOA

NEW ZEALAND’S MANDATE

EXAMINED BY LEAGUE COMMISSION.

(United Press Association.—By Electric Telegraph.—Copyright.)

(Received this day at 12.25. p.m.) LONDON, Oct. 29.

The Geneva League’s Permanent Mandates’ Commission began the examination of the New Zealand Government’s annual report of the administration of Samoa to March 1928, in the presence of New Zealand’s representatives, Sir James Parr and General Richardson. The period covered by the report saw the events traversed in the Royal Commission’s report examined at the previous session. Members of the Commission accordingly asked particulars of tlie present situation and the explanations regarding certain information according to which a. portion of the populations is still discontented.

General Richardson explained that the so-called Citizens’ Committee still existed secretly, and kept in touch with the agitator, Nelson, now in banishment. It also still contributed to the disaffectation of the native population by spreading false news. Richardson added that the natives had been informed of the Mandates Commission’s work, but they were again influenced by intrigues and agitators. Sir James Parr said the New Zealand Government bad reported that the sit.nation had improved during the past 'six months, but immediate results could not be expected. Order was being maintained and the courts were now obeyed. Account must be taken of the fact that the administration was compel led to deal with passive resistance in the shape of a refusal to pay taxes. The Chairman (Marquis Tlieodoli, an Italian), remarked that they knew in Italy liow to deal with those who refused to pay taxes.

Sir James Parr replied that they bad no Fascist Army in Samoa. The mandatory power was going to the limit of its patience, before resorting to stronger measures. ■.

The Commission will further examine the report to-morrow.