SAMOA MANDATE

Hokitika Guardian, 18 November 1929, Page 2

SAMOA MANDATE

SIR J. PARR

ALLAYS EOUBT OF MANDATES COMMISSION.

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

GENEVA, Nov. 1.5

Invited by the Mandates Commission to supplement the Western Samoa Report, Sir James Parr (N.Z. High Commissioner), declared that the political situation in Samoa had improved, though it could not be considered satisfactory. The new Administration had made an effort to establish relations with the Chiefs, lint without any appreciable result. The passive resistance continue.!. The mandatory, he said, was very patient, and would' continue to examine the natives’ grievances, hue it would strictly enforce order. 'I he economic situation had considerably improved.

Tiie Mandates Commission liave satisfactorily resolved the apparent contradiction between the findings of the Samoan Royal Commission of 192 S and the latest Western Samoa Report.

Sii Jas. Parr pointed out that the question of the administration was not included in the Royal Commission’s terms of reference. He replied at length to a question relating to the recent changes in the staff in Samoa, and to the financial policy. He declared that the success of the Mandates system depended largely on the rsipaeity and the patience of the Mandates Commission. He said New Zealand had always had fair play. The Marquis Theodoli, Chairman of the Commission, said that he regretted that ‘Mr James Parr was leavine Europe. He had always served New Zed nd with great ability and- discretion.