SAMOA

Hokitika Guardian, 6 May 1929, Page 5

SAMOA

STATKM.ENT BY SIR. JOSEPH AY MR I). THE GOVERNMENT’S INTENTIONS (By Telegraph—Press Association). AVELLTNCTON, May G. Speaking at New Plymouth to-day, the Prime Minister referred to the recent visit of the Administrator of Western Samoa to AVellington for consultation with the Government, and announced tho decisions taken by the Government as the result of that consultation. The Prime Minister said the present Government were not responsiolo for any of the occurrences of the past, nor did they propose to discuss them. ' They have already made it plain- both in New Zealand and in - aiiioa- that they arc anxious to adopt a generous and conciliatory attitude with a view to a conference in Apia and a final and satisfactory settlement of all matters in the dispute, hut that they could i-imt negotiate with any movement openly flouting the law.

They still maintain that attitude and will continue to maintain it and all that the Alan require to do to obtain a sympathetic consideration of any representations is to cease their deli*inoe ol the law, but as the Alan have shown no indication o:f desire to adopt this sensible course, the Government have been obliged to consider what action I hoy will take, and after consultation with the Administrator they have decided upon the following policy: (1) To dispense with the native personal tax of £2 per head per annum lor chiefs and 36s per annum for other male adult Samoans.

(2) To make a small charge (having due regard to llie cost ol sendee and to Hie capacity of the patient to pay) for one of the activities ol the Administrator, which personal tax was designed in some degree to cover mainlv medical and .surgical 1 real incut.

(,'{) To increase the present export tax iqion copra li'oin .Cl per ton to JOs per ton. At the same time the Government and the administrator will ol course continue to enlorce the law whenever this is necessary, and native personal taxi's at present due and unpaid will remain as debts to the Administration and will bo collected as opportunity offers.

Tliis slalom (‘lib is made noillicr as a l.liroal mir as a promise, hub morol.v as a plain imlioalian of the fixed intention of fho (lovernmonb, and ib is bin* Govornmciil’s final statement on flic Samoan policy until iho Mau render reconsideration possilile. The Govornment wish it to lie understood that they will not deviate from Ihe policy now decided upon, until the Man have Iho wisdom to cease their defiance of Iho law. In making this announcement, the Government wish to express their appreciation ot the loyal and helpful attitude of a considerable section of Samoans and to make if. plain that the interests of these people will in no circumstances he lost sight of.