HIGH CHIEFS GAOLED

Sun (Auckland), Volume 1, Issue 99, 18 July 1927, Page 9

HIGH CHIEFS GAOLED

Banishment or the Cells For Disaffected Samoans EDITOR DEFENDS HIMSELF I’HE imprisonment of two more high chiefs and the banish - I ment of another from his home, are the latest developments reported from Samoa. The charges made against him by the Hon. W. Nosworthy, Minister of External Affairs, are strenuously denied by Mr. E. W, Gurr, editor of the “Samoan Guardian.”

EW S of the latest developments was conveyed in private radiograms to the Hon. O. F. Nelson, leader of the Citizens’ Committee in Samoa, who is now in Auckland. The first message stated: “Tagaloa and Fuataga sentenced to six months. Appeal allowed, but stay of execution refused. Administrator continues false accusations in Savali. Alipia summoned to appear in Muiinuu on Saturday to show cause why title should not be removed, likewise banishment.” Later another message was received as follows: “Alipia deprived title. Ordered to Vaiusu for 12 months. Title removed.” Tagaloa, Fuataga, and Alipia are all men of high rank, and Mr. Nelson stated to-day that the sentences imposed on them would provoke greater discontent than ever. A LEADING CHIEF Tagaloa, with Sagapolutele, one of the Faipules, is a leading chief of the district of Saluafata. Though a Faipule, Sagapolutele is, according to Mr. Nelson, a supporter of the Citizens’ Committee, and allowed his family to contribute to the funds of the committee. Fuataga and Tafua, the former of whom is now gaoled, are leaders in the district of Aleipata, and have strong influence in Atua. Fuataga was nominated as a Faipule, but resigned in favour of Tafua. Mataafa and Tafua, the latter said to lie a supporter of the Citizens’ Committee, are now the two Fajpules of Aleipata. Alipia, the third chief referred to in the messages, and the man who has incurred sentence of banishment, is the hereditary speaker for the whole of Aana, and was one of the six Samoan chiefs who were refused a passport when they sought to come to New Zealand to interview the Minister last January. EDITON ATTACKED REPLY TO MINISTER A reply to Mr. Nosworthy’s attack on Mr. Gurr was received by Mr. Nelson this morning. The message read:—

‘•Deny Mr. Nosworthy’s statement that Mr. E. W. Gurr caused war and was forced to leave German territory, also deported from American Samoa. Mr. Gurr’s relations with Dr. Solf, first German- Governor, and American Governor were always of the best. He was a strong supporter of the naval administration in American Samoa. Mr., Gurr admits appointments as Chief Judge and Secretary of Native Affairs in American Samoa. He was dismissed for political reasons, his nationality (British) being chief cause.” A ONE-DAY WAR “I may say,” said Mr. Nelson, referring further to Mr. Nosworthy’s remarks, “that there was no Samoan War in 1898, even though there was a lot of political excitement in that year owing to the death of King Malietoa Laupepa and the appointment of his successor in the terms of the treaty of 1889 betwetn the Three Great Powers. “Mr. Gurr was one of the chief advocates of young Malietoa Tanuamafili, whose claim was supported by Great Britain and U.S.A. against Mataafa, the German candidate. “Mataafa had by far the majority of native followers, but Chief Justice Chambers decided in favour of Malietoa Tanumafili, and that resulted in the one-day war of January 1, 1899, followed by the British and American bombardment which opened on March 15, 1899, and closed in June, on the arrival of the three commissioners who investigated the matter. This resulted in the islands being divided between Germany and U.S.A. in 1900, Britain withdrawing in consideration of interests elsewhere. “It is difficult to understand how unfounded charges against Mr. Gurr’s past can affect his editorship of the Samoa “Guardian,” a paper which has been favourably commented on by one and all for its independence and dignity.” LETTER TO MR. COATES Discussing his own movements, Mr. Nelson said he had written to Mr. Coates, the Prime Minister, appealing for an interview, and would go South to-morrow night. Mr. A. G. Smyth, another member of the Citizens’ Committee, arrived at Auckland by the Maunganui this afternoon, and he and Mr. Nelson will together make representations to the Government.