Propaganda and Boycott in Samoa

Sun (Auckland), Volume 1, Issue 106, 26 July 1927, Page 8

Propaganda and Boycott in Samoa

INFLUENCE ON NATIVES

REPORT BY ADMINISTRATOR

I THE BUS'S Parliamentary Reporter.) W ELLINGTON, Monday. The Hon. W. Nosworthy, Min * ter of External Affairs, has rm. ceived the following message from Major-General Sir George Richardson, Administrator of Samoa: Upolu tour completed. One or two

villages in each district and a few natives in other villages influenced by Mr. Nelson’s committee not to appear before me and submit complaints. To obviate this disrespect in Savaii native* have asked me to defer my tour to their island until some European* have been punished which would end the matter.

"Burns, Philp and Co. have com* plained that the main committee ls endeavouring to boycott their own and other stores in favour of those firma that have participated in the agitation Daily investigation is revealing no complaints, but the native minds have been disturbed and that they are waiting until they receive decision from Mr. Nelson. Authority of native officials has been seriously undermined by natives’ attitude of passive resistance resulting from instructions circulated by committee. Punishments ar* light and are only being awarded wher* absolutely necessary. All punishment*, awarded since the Minister's visit, are due entirely to the work of Mr. Nelson and his committee. General opinion of both Europeans and Samoans i* this Administration too lenient in it* punishment of Samoans, and lack of power to punish Europeans is prolonging trouble.

“Have cancelled licences of two traders at Upolu for spreading pernicious propaganda among natives.”