SAMOAN POLICY

Hokitika Guardian, 21 March 1930, Page 3

SAMOAN POLICY

MILITARY POLICE TO BE ABANDONED. (By Telegraph—Press Associat on). WELLINGTON, March 20. The situation in Western Samoa, was discussed to-day at a meeting of the Cabinet, attended by Hon Mr Cob be, who returned from the mandated territory on Monday night, after representing the Government at the recent conferences with the representatives Ol the Mau. Mr Cohbe reached Wellington this morning, fitter conferring with the Minister of External Affairs, Rt. Hon. Sir Joseph Ward, at Rotorua. Approached at the close of the Cabinet meeting; the acting \Prinve Minister, Mr Forbes, said that the Samoan situation had beton under discussion, and that an official statement would be issued later. GOVERNMENT STATEMENT. IMPROVEMENT IN SITUATION WELLINGTON, March 20. The following statement with reference to the situation in Western Samoa was issued by the Prime Minister tonight. On his return from Western Samoa Hon J. G. Cobbe had a lengthy discussion on the situation with me at Rotorua, and subsequently the question was discussed at a meeting of cabinet to-day. Mr Cobbe explained that the leaders of the Man movement who have for the past two or three years refused to meet the Administrator m conference, assembled at Vaimose, and met the Administrator, Colonel S. S. Allen; the Minister of Defence, Mr Cobbe; and Com mode: e Blake on March 3rd. and the four following days. The final result of the conference is that the majority of'the members or life Mau have returned to their village. ..‘Men. wanted for various offences came in a body and surrendered themselfes to the police for trial. It is likely that oh an early date, convenient to all parties, the Administrator and a number of representative chiefs will meet in Foiio for a discussion of matters of importance to. Samoa. in view of the improved situation, the Government haver decided that it will be necessary for the fqrce of miluary police now at Trenthein to proceed to the territo. y, am. they are accordingly being disbanded forthwith. The Government and Administrator intend to exert every effort to ensure'that the present prom:sing condition of affairs is fully maintained, 'and nothing will be wanting on itheir part to meet any legitimate complaints by;the Samoans. It is to be hoped that misleading propaganda ca - ned on froth New Zealand, whi h Undone so much, both to promote and to continue djkord in Samoa, w II now close. It would be a crime if the prospect of permanent peace in that country were shattered by the work of a few outsiders. SHOOTING OF SAMOAN. SOLDIER ACQUITTED OF MAN- ... : SLAUGHTER. APIA, March 19. • Lance-Corporal Ricketts this day was acquitted by a court of four assessors of the charge against him of the death of the Samoan, Molia, who was shot by Ricketts during -an affray with police on January 22nd. Molia died on January 27th. in Apia Hospital. The Court finding was that Ricketts ivns justified in firing at Molia for protection, believing bis life was in nger. FOUR CHIEFS GIVEN 17 MONTHS APIA, March 19. Fovr Samoa-n. oliiefs, Nasulsuseln, Leleus, Autagavais, and Ahpia, on charges, firstly, of sending a letter containing a threat to kill To Lugolago and Ainu Tasi, and, secondly, conspiring and attempting to pervert, obstruct, and defeat the course of justice—in the case of Nelson ver.-ns the “Netv Zealand Herald”—were each eohvioteid. They were sentenced to 17 months’

imprisonment on each, charge, the sentences to be concurrent. A wanted Samoan. Tupnivas, was sentenced to 18 months’ imprisonment for assault on Constable Peterson in January of last year at Magi age. when Peterson tried to arrest him. Tupnivao, who Was running away from the 1 constable, struck back a band blow with a long knife, causing a deep wound in the constable’s head, necessitating, a fortnight in hospital ; and absence from duty for some weeks.