SAMOAN UNREST

Southland Times, Issue 21093, 27 May 1930, Page 2

SAMOAN UNREST

ARREST AT CRICKET MATCH. A CONSTABLE INJURED. CLUBBED WITH CRICKET BAT. Apia, May 2. When attempting to arrest a Samoan in the Aleipata district, the most easterly area of Upolu, Constable Wellburn was attacked and rendered unconscious. It was during a cricket match between the villages of Lalomanu and Mutiatele, at which 300 persons had assembled, that Constable Wellburn, who is attached to the police post of this remote district, saw a native named” Siau, for whose arrest a warrant had been issued. The constable, it is stated, was obstructed by several of the cricketers w'hen he attempted to make the arrest,. He was struck on the head with what is believed to be a cricket bat, was rendered unconscious, and had to be conveyed to the Lalomanu Hospital for medical attention. He had wounds on the back of his head and injuries to his ribs. Shortly afterwards- the police were informed that the chiefs wanted to hand over those who took part in the assault, and later three men named Liga, Feaua’i and Sione together with nine other wanted men, were taken to the police post by the chiefs. They were placed in custody. An active member of the Mau known as the Pule Mau was also arrested. The men were brought to Apia, where they will appear before the Court. The injured constable came to Apia and was taken to the hospital for examination. His injuries are not serious.