GERMANS IN SAMOA

Southland Times, Issue 18831, 26 May 1920, Page 6

GERMANS IN SAMOA

ARRANGEMENTS FOR DEPORTATION

(Per United Press Association.)

AUCKLAND, May 25. The Star's Apia correspondent writes:— i’ho issue by the Administrator of a proclamation, under which a largo number of German residents are to be sent hack to their native land, came as a bombshell to the local community. The German nationals, whom it is proposed to repatriate and ro liquidate theif property rights, arc divided into two main classes. Class A comprises persons of German nationality and olood exclusive- of those married to persons of Samoan descent? class 3, persons of German nationality and blood married to Samoans or persons of Samoan descent. The drat class includes about 89 persons, of whom ■to are married men. They are to be repatriated forthwith. A steamer for the purpose is expected about the end of June. The second class, which totals 33, are proclaimed liable to deportation, but are permitted to remain during good behaviour. There is a third class (C), composed of persons of German nationality, but partially of Samoan bloori, who are exempt from the proclamation. In permitting class B to remain during good behaviour, the authorities are influenced by the consideration that this class has intermarried with persons of Samoan blood and that their presence there is justified, in many cases by parental relation to half-caste families, who require maintenance and parental control. The value of the property of those repatriated is to be assessed before their departure. They are to be provided with a warrant for payment by the German Government of the amount due. Transport is to be provided free. The general feeling of the community is that the steps the Government are taking may well prove disastrous to the islands. Many of the men, whose names appear on the list of those to be sent away, are counted among the most experienced overseer planters in Samoa, and it is difficult to see where experienced men to take their place are to be obtained.