KINGSHIP OF SAMOA

Sun (Auckland), Volume I, Issue 165, 3 October 1927, Page 1

KINGSHIP OF SAMOA

PLAN THAT LED TO BANISHMENT COMMISSION HEARS MORE EVIDENCE Special to Press Association. —By Wireless Received 9.5 a.m. APIA, Saturday. A KINGSHIP of Samoa, under Malietoa, the highest hereditary chief, was a proposal that led to the banishment of Faamau Sili and a friend, so Sili revealed to the Samoan Royal Commission on Saturday. The native admitted this * without reserve, under cross-examination.

'J'HE witness, who was formerly secretary- to Malietoa, bad deposed in his evidence-in-chief that he and his friend were banished because in conversation each with the other they said the Faipule had no credit in the district, having “big leg” (elephantiasis), and that the Faipule could neither read nor write. OBJECTS OF THE MAU Tamasese, a high chief, said he objected to the medical tax, to the ban on the presentation of fine mats to the Government and to the proposed division of land among the Samoans without the consent of the owners. He said he was a member of the Mau. In reply to a question by the chairman, the witness said the object of the Mau was to secure self-government for the Samoans, independent of New Zealand, but under the British flag. The Mau had never worked for the removal of the present Administrator. Siaosi, formerly Alipiata, who had been banished and deprived of his title, complained that no preparation had been made by the Administration for the maintenance of his wife and children at home, or for himself when he was away. “ABSOLUTE NONSENSE” With regard to the evidence regarding the presentation to the GovernorGeneral, Sir Charles Ferguson, by Toelupe, of Samoan emblems of authority, Judge McCormack informed the witness that his apprehension? about Samoa were needless. New Zealand administered Samoa under a mandate and was strictly bound by its terms. These remarks were prefaced by an interjection by Sir Charles Skerrett, chairman of the commission: “What does it matter what hinges upon it? The idea is rank, absolute nonsense, and could only have .arisen in ultra-suspicious minds or ultra-ignorant minds.” Alipiata, a high Samoan orator, also a Samoan member of the Citizens’ j League, gave evidence before the Royal Commission, on the lines of Tamasese, the high, chief, that the Mau’s object was the government of Samoa by the Samoans, under the I protection of the British flag, and to make its own laws. The Mau never tried to have Sir George Richardson removed from the office of AdministraTuu, a chief of the Safune Savaii, protested against his banishment, the presen t.ation of line mats, and the infliction of a medical tax, and agreed with Tamasese and Alipiata as to the objects and hopes of the Mau, and the absence of any desire for the removal of Sir George Richardson. Umaga Pau also expressed a desire for self-government and explained the objects of the Mau. REMOVAL OF TITLES Auelua Lauvai, formerly a clerk to the interpreter. Native Department,

gave evidence through an interpreter. He complained that his title of orator had been taken away and that no reason had been given to him. He admitted convictions for abduction and perjury. He did not think that Samoa should be administered by Samoans. The Legislative Council, with three native members, should make laws. Seletai complained that his title had been taken away and that he had been banished in 1925 for reasons which he considered insufficient. Before his trial he had not been notified of the specific charges which would have to be met. The proposed new law for the subdivision of land would undermine the influence of Matais, heads of families, and cause them to lose control over their families. This would be likely to result in serious trouble in Samoa. The self-government of Samoa by the Samoans, as desired by the Mau, was advocated by this witness, and also by the next witness, Tialavea Faitele.—A. and N.Z.