The Guardian And Evening Star, with which is incorporated the West Coast Times. MONDAY, MARCH 24, 1930.

Hokitika Guardian, 24 March 1930, Page 4

The Guardian And Evening Star, with which is incorporated the West Coast Times. MONDAY, MARCH 24, 1930.

THE SAMOAN QUESTION. With the return of the Alinister of Defence from Samoa, and the announcement of the dispersal of the military force in training at Trcntham, there are signs of a practical character that the Samoan issue is less strained. Very full reports of the parleying at Samoa have been published and as a result of those negotiations the wanted men sheltered % the Alan for some two years, have been brought in. The Samoan chiefs indicated that ? the Man would not disperse, but there ’were signs of a weakening and even differences among the leaders. The Administrator at all the conferences made the position plain. He showed admirable patience and treated the natives with the courtesy, yet the firmness the situation demanded. Mr Cobbe’s presence was a guarantee of great interest of the Government in the matter. It was significant that the .Minister remained rather in the background and did not seek ib supercede or over-ride the Administrator. In this wa.v the prestige and policy of the Administrator, who was to be responsible for law and order after the Alinster left, was not in any way eclipsed. Tlie Administrator certainly spoke plainly to the chiefs and pointed out how they and the Ala.u were offending, hut' in all said the Government representative was quite fair. Judging by I he present si a to of affairs, the . return of the warship, the dispersal of

the military force held in preparation lor departure for Samoa, the surrender

of the wanted men, and the quiet confidence apparent by Mr Cobbe’s demeanour, matters arc in good train for a happy issue. The statement by Sir Joseph Ward announcing the decision of Cabinet further confirms the view that matters are in a satisfactory groove-und events should move to more settled conditions. It is to be hoped tiie meddlers will not fee allowed to interrupt the present happy conditions uUh further agitation along wrong lines. The Alan had the opportunity of being heard and the main issue appears to be that those loyal to the Alan do not like the Mandate and prefer to govern themselves. This state of mind is often demonstrated by the natives. It is apparent in India just now. But there arc not any signs that the Samoans are capable of governing themselves. They make no claim for such authwitv in that part of Samoa under American authority, and it is not likely that New Zealand will grant the indulgence. To do so would not he in the interests of the Samoans. .Tt is plain there can be only one authority, and the disbandonment of the Alan is really essential for the betterment of law and order. There has been a good deal of confusion about the Samoan situation. Those meddling in the matter have gone out of their way to inistate and exaggerate the position, and their assumed indignation has encouraged the natives to resist lawful authority. It is deplorable that this resistance should have gone on for so long. The results have been far-reaching and costly all round. Plainly the meddlers have encouraged sedition and brought about a long -ported of unrest which resulted in great bitterness, and a clash which incurred loss of life, There has never been any question about the bona tides of the New Zealand administration in tho interests of the native poulation. There was no reason why the Government should be otherwise. Confidence must bo shown in the administration which has a sacred duty to discharge, and which would have been discharged in all good faith for the benefit of the Samoans if there had lieen a fair run. Now that something of the check has been removed, let us hope happier conditions will prevail for the benefit of all concerned.