SAMOAN AFFRAY

Hokitika Guardian, 4 January 1933, Page 6

SAMOAN AFFRAY

NUMBER ADMITTED TO HOSPITAL

KNIFE, SPEAR. AND AXE WOUNDS

{Per Press Association — Coyyrglit.)

- WELDING-TON;, January 4. The Samoan cone.viondent of the

Pres* writing from Apia on December 24th., states 'that, on Tuesday evening, December 13i.h., ail affray occurred at Matautu-Utu ahiohoi.it a number of natives, as the result about a dozen men and women were admitted to the hospital, suffering from knife, spe..r and axe wounds.

There had been a dispute about a native title, and one Samoan named Inamalo, received a blow on the hack with an axe from the effects of which he died on Friday, December 16-h. Tolon, on© of tne men who took part in the affray, is now charged with tho murder of Inamalo. The hearing is set down for January 11th. Eleven Samoans appeared before the Chief- Judge, Mr Luxford, on December SiSad., and were charged with being concerned in the affray. Two were convicted and sentenced to twelve months’ in gaol. The charges against the others were dismissed. One, Ecouate, was convicted of having an automatic nistol in his possession, and was sentenced to three months’ gaol. Mr Luxford said that the charge was serious, and in most countries, possession of such a dangerous weapon was prohibited. If any Samoans who had such pistols in their possession, would hand them in to the police, the court would deal leniently with t era, but it would, go hard with any native who was found with an automat.c. Etouate admitted buying the pistol from a man aboard a vessel about four years ago, and paid £lO for it.