The Guardian And Evening Star, with which is incorporated, the West Coast Times. FRIDAY, MARCH 7, 1930. THE SAMOAN POLICY.

Hokitika Guardian, 7 March 1930, Page 4

The Guardian And Evening Star, with which is incorporated, the West Coast Times. FRIDAY, MARCH 7, 1930. THE SAMOAN POLICY.

Tiir policy adopted towards the .Samoans by the Government has been not ungenerous There have been many opportunities to meet the situation, and by concessions ail round, enjoy an honored peace. The Samoans are evidently a very difficult race to deal with, and those in the grip of the .Mau are recalcitrant to a degree. The offer of Mr Cobbe, the Minister sent across apparently to settle affairs as amicably as possible, did not appear to meet with much favour. There was a representative of one, when many were sought, so as to ensure :w complete a discussion as possible. The Minister gave furtner proof of a readiness towards forbearance, if the 'natives on their part would agree',to orop their organised opposition to lawful authority. From what can be gleaned it does not appear very likely that there will lie much advance in this matter from the present visit. This is regrettable from every point of view. There is every desire to meet

...e .Samoans amicably and arrange a form of control which would be reasonable in every way. On the face of things thero was no cause for the Samoans to ignore the recent overtures. if there was a genuine desire for peace. A single representative was sent apparently merely to meet the courtesies of the occasion, hut without apparent authority to act decidedly. The Conference as proposed was of such a nalure that the Samoans had no cause either for failing to attend or for doubting the good intentions of the Administration. By its every word and. deed in the past the Administration has indicated that its purpose is not to tyrannise over a subject race, or to deprive the Samoan people of their reasonable personal

i liberty, but to allow them freedom of action within certain bounds which are limited only by the need lor their acceptance of the principle that they are amenable to the law of the territory. Unfortunately’ this policy has not been productive of entirely satisfactory results, but the fact that, despite all that has occurred, the Mau j was invited to meet the AdministraI tor in conference bespeaks a continued wish on his part to avoid recourse to force iu the assertion of his authority. The Samoans have listened too long to the counsel of leaders whom they have had no great reason to trust, and have been persuaded by them that they possess grievances that call lor immediate redress. A meeting such as was prepared gave the opportunity to express their grievances in full, arid would be expected to clear the air. Naturally, the Administrator emphasised that it was necessary that toe mandatory authority should be respected, and to that end the Mau must disband. New Zealand is in lawful authority under the mandate issued by tbe League of Nations, and has obligations to fulfill. The only criticism which the League has directed at the policy 6f the Administration in Samoa is that it has not been firmly enough directed. It has now become, necessary that the Samoans should recognise that the Government is determined that the Administrator’s nutnority should be respected. The Samoans received -an admirable chance oi making such representations to the Administration as. they thought fit. Jf the Administrator is able to afford relief in respect of any of tbe present causes of dissatisfaction, without derogation from the authority he exercises, he will 'certainly be performing a, service to both the New Zealand Government and the Samoan people. Should the members of the Mau realise that it is his wish to assist them they are likely to find that he is prepared o meet them, us far as it is possible for him to do so, in respect of any complaints they may put forward in which there is really any substance, -Mr Cob be, on behalf of the Government, made it plain that there was a dosire to assist, That explanation was given before by the Prime Minister, but it wns not seized as a favourable overture. Tt does not appear very hopeful at the moment that Mr Uobbe will receive a better hearing, but it is all in vue interests of the Samoans that, he should. If the present negotiations fail the position will grow more difficult, for the obligation will be on the Government to direct ..s policy more firmly to satisfy the League of Nations, and there is no doubt the Government do not wish to do anything drastic, nor would there be the need, if the natives were more reasonable in-the matter.