SAMOA

Hokitika Guardian, 8 March 1930, Page 6

SAMOA

AIR SURFER'S SENTENCE.

(By Telegraph—Press Association)

AUCKLAND, Alarch 7

One of the most prominent barristers in practice in Auckland staled the Auckland Taw Society should make inquiries regarding the conviction of Air Thomas Slipper, the Samoan solicitor, who was sentenced to three months imprisonment and also fined ■ C 10.1 on a charge of publishing u defamatory libel against the Administrator.

“I think that the matter calls I'm investigations by the Taw Society,’

lie said. “The society, of which. Air Slipper is a member must either stand by him, if lie "lias merely written the letter on behalf of 1 1 is clients, or decide wliat action it will take it he happens to be in the wrong.

Tlie barrister said that according to the offiuial Press Association report of the case, the charge against Slipper arose from a letter sent by him on the instruction of several Samoan women clients, who were dissatisfied with a meeting between themselves and the Administrator and Commodore Blake at Alnlinuu two weeks ago. “If that is so, and the letter was written by Slipper in the ordinary course of his professional duty on behalf of his clients, then it makes one horrified. It- strikes right at the roots of a practitioner’s duty. Of course he added. Air Slipper may have exceeded his duty. No one can tell until the full facts are. published, in any case, I think it is a matter that should be debated by the Law Society at its meeting on Friday next.

AMERICAN SAMOA

SAN FRANCISCO, Alarch G

Judge Harry Wood has sailed on the “Ventura” to assume duties as Secretary of Native Affairs in American Samoa. He will re-organise the governmental system there preparatory to Congressional survey.

SAMOAN CONFERENCE,

NATIVES REFUSE TO BREAK UP THE MAP.

APIA, Alarch G

The Conference between the Administrator, Colonel Allen, Hon Mr Cobbe and the Samoa Alan closed Yesterday.

With regard to the Administrator’s points the results arc as follows:

1. The Samoans were not favourable to the breaking up of their organisation. the Alan.

2. No opposition would he made to “w'anted” men being arrested. 3. It is understood that the Samoans will return to the villages. The Administrator said that he would meet representatives of the people at any time at Alnlinuu, Apia, or Vailima to disc-vis matters of benefits to the country.