SAMOA

Hokitika Guardian, 7 January 1930, Page 3

SAMOA

SIR J. G. WARD’S ACTION. (By Telegraph- -Per Press Association.) WELLINGTON, January 6. Sir J, Ward received the following radio from Mr Hall Skelton, Samoa:— “Administration censoring , message to press, New Zealand,, on shocking affair here last Saturday, radioed by the IVess Association, demanding intervention. Europeans held a mass public meeting. Grave charges pending. Official news as reported already sent incorrect on essential facts.”

Sir J. Ward, qomnienting says that the message emanated 'from partisan source, and must be weighed- accordingly. He had. no comment to make at present. ;,... .•

In face of the many rumours circulating, the public would be relieved to know that since the disturbances when loss of lives occurred, there had been no further demonstration in Samoa,

and conditions at present were absolutely quiet. The sending of the Dunedin to Suva was purely a precantionarv measure;

The cruiser Dunedin will go to Suva at once, and remain therein case she is wanted iti Samoa. Some 90 members of the crew in Wellington on leave <ro to Auckland to rejoin the ship to-day.

STRICT NEWS CENSORSHIP. WESTPORT, January 6

Further evidence that there is a strict censorship operating in connection with the news from Samoa is con r tained in another radiogram that has been received by Mr H. E. Holland, M.P., Lender of the Labour Party, from Mr G. E. L. Westbrook, formerly twice elected Member of the Samoan Legislative Council.

Mr Westbrook says .that, owing to the censorship, he is. not permitted to express himself fully regarding the "*• fortunate affair of December 28th. Mr Westbrook adds that'- thousands of natives and many Europeans attended the Chief Tamasese’s funeral on Monday.' 1