Government of Samoa.

Kaikoura Star, Volume XIV, Issue 736, 8 May 1894, Page 5

Government of Samoa.

LONDON, May 3

Speaking of Samoan question, Sir G. Grey expresses hope that America will assist Britain in keeping South Seas free from European militarism. AUCKLAND, May 3 Osborne, stepson of R. L. Stevenson, now resident of Samoa, was passenger by Upolu from Samoa. Interviewed by Herald representative, he stated whole island is completely demoralised. Scene on Sunday week was worst ever known. All the natives of Apia were under arms, native women rushing meanwhile to mission houses for protection. Two armed boats were sent from H.M.S. Curacoa and from German warship Bussard to protect consulates. Osborne states, as regards N. Z. annexation, that it would be received with favour even by Germans, just as English would prefer German rule to native government now existing. War, he savs, is not terminated. There is simply enforced peace. It would be impossible to disarm natives under present circumstances, but with stable Govt he believes it would be done. Govt troops behaved as badly

as any troops could behave. They burned houses, insulted women, and killed horses, dogs, &c. Guard at prison has bad no pay for ten months, and no official rations. There were 50 prisoners in goal, and their allowance of biscuit was 401 b per week. Many white people had sent subscriptions for relief of prisoners