IMPASSE IN SAMOA

Sun (Auckland), Volume I, Issue 285, 22 February 1928, Page 9

IMPASSE IN SAMOA

Mau Remains Obdurate

BOYCOTT OF SHOPS CONTINUES

By Cable. —Press Association.—Copyright. Received 1.15 p.m. APIA, Tuesday. AFFAIRS In Samoa have reached an impasse. The Mau Samoans persistently refuse to meet the Council of Faipules, and also have refused twice invitations to meet the Administrator, Major-General Sir George Richardson, at Mulinuu, and discuss affairs with him, “obviously obeying the exhortation of a deported member of the European Mau committee, that Samoans should ‘stick to the Mau’ ”

rpHE boycott of shops continues and Mau policemen, armed with big sticks, are compelling Samoans to return to the shops articles purchased by them. Even the Samoan servants of Europeans are being compelled to

return purchases made on behalf of their employers. The time given by the Administrator in which the Mau representatives were to have interviewed him regarding their grievances expired this morning. Opinion in some quarters is that drastic action for the suppression of what is termed “the European-made Samoan revolution” is unavoidable. In addressing the Council of Faipules, Sir George Richardson stressed the inability of Samoans to agree to the selection of two Samoans to represent them, as proposed by the European members of the Mau committee. Certain districts in Samoa had been unable for many months past to agree even upon the nomination of a Faipule to represent them on the present Fono, though invited to do so. The Administrator is prepared, if the Faipule Fono agree, to provide for the appointment of a deputy Faipule for each district to assist the present Faipules, such deputies to be elected annually by all and the Faipule for each district. The Administrator added that the Samoan people never would get prosperity by lawlessness and laziness, neglect of lands and Avasting time and money over futile journeying for political feuds, nor by young men showing disrespect to their chiefs, disloyalty, and refusal to pay taxes. Judged by the actions of some natives for some time past, the Mau stood for ail of these, and was thus self-condemned. Those controlling the side were openly advising the natives to keep the peace but failed to advise them to obey the law. Sir George Richardson could do nothing for the Mau if it failed to approach him and listen to reason. As a matter of fact, some Mau men say that they have been told by Mr. O. F. Nelson to “stick to the Mau and do nothing until I return.”