CONTROL OF SAMOA.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XLIV, Issue 2488, 3 October 1922, Page 4

CONTROL OF SAMOA.

VOTE FOR OBSERVATORY. WELLINGTON, Sept. 29. . In the House of Representatives this afternoon, during the debate on the estimates, Mr McC'allum moved a reduction of £1 on the item of £I6OO for the Apia observatory on the ground that Australia and Canada should contribute. He contended that, in the present condition ot the Dominion’s finance it was not, lair that New Zealand should bear the whole cost, of what was an international service. The Minister of External Affairs explained the arrangements made lor carrying on the observatory, which was established during the German occupation. Britain contributed half the cost, and the Carnegie Institute had offered assistance, though this had not been accepted. The Leader of the Opposition said he hoped the Government would do all possible for the maintenance of this important observatory. . ~ Mr Holland said ho regretted the bo--ornment had not seen its way to retain the services of the German scientist toimerly in charge, whose research work hud promised results of outstanding international value. , The amendment was negatived on me voices. ~ Replying to criticisms regarding bamoa, the Hon. E. P. Lee said he hud visited Samoa and inquired into matters there. He had invited the people to submit then grievances and discuss them at a meeting. None replied to that, hut, just as he was sailing a bundle of complaints was handed to him, which ho had to reply to by cotrespondence. After he had gone meetings were held. He considered that it the grievances were not sufficiently urgent, to be placed before tire Minister personally they could not be very serious. 1 hero was some desire for a more democratic form of local authority mid steps wero being taken to give effect to this, but the principal difficulty was over the matter ol the ft'einchise. The question of representation in the New Zealand Parliament was a more difficult one and would require special legislation. .. Referring to the hos•pital tax, the ’ Minister said the local authorities were anxious for extended medical services and the tax was necessary to provide this. The health of the people generally was showing improvement.