NATIVE AFFAIRS.

Samoa Times and South Sea Gazette, Volume 4, Issue 170, 30 October 1880, Page 2

NATIVE AFFAIRS.

«. Great excitement has prevailed among the natives of this district during the past week, and it is apparent that a general struggle between the contending parties in Samoa is imminent. Taumualuas are being re-fitted, guns furbished up, and many other preparations made indicative of an extonded campaign, We have already reported tho progress of hostilities on Savaii, and we now loam from Atua that great activity, in the direction of war, prevails in that district. and that preparations are hning made for a double attack on tho Tuamaaaga. Tho modus operandi is to bo as follows. While a contingent of tho Old Party engagL-B the attention of the forces of this district, to windward, tho remaining Atuans and their allies will proceed along the south side of the island into Aana, and after picking up tho few adherents of the Old Party still left in that territory, will endeavour to take Ifalietoa's forces in tho rear. It is evident from tho very circumstantial foregoing account that the Old Party do not conceal very carefully thoir intended movements. It would appear that tho very hopeful spirit now pervading the Old Party is chiefly in coneequoneo of a statement made by a foreigner, who lately passed through Atua, that Malietoa was forsaken (lafoaiina) by the Great Powers. This tnlo has been enlarged on «s it passed from mouth to mouth, and the beliof seems to be conftrmod among tho adherents of the Old Party, that if they can ouly secure victory in another confliot they will bo taken under the protection of the three Great Powers. But while we writo of war preparations, and of tho determined attitude'aHsumed by both parties, we are inclinod to think that something might be dono to put an end to tho present lamentable state of affairs on this Group.-«We know woll that it is not an easy matter to deal with these people, but we are hopeful that if tho Consuls wore now to take the poution of mediators, and go formally to ask both parties 'to cease hostilities, that their mediation would be accepted. Many on both sides are tired of tin struggle, and it would be perfectly foa-Samoa to ciose tho war out of deference to the expressed wish of the representatives of the Great Powers who have hitherto interested themselves in Samoan affairs.