SAMOAN OUTLOOK

Sun (Auckland), Volume III, Issue 681, 5 June 1929, Page 6

SAMOAN OUTLOOK

PRIME MINISTER STATES PRESENT POLICY WANTS TO AVOID TROUBLE When an interjector called, “What about Samoa?” to Sir Joseph Ward at the Town Hall • last evening, the Prime Minister replied: “Oh, Samoa can look after itself.” Sir Joseph then briefly outlined the attitude of the Government on the contentious question. The Government was doing its duty as best it could, and doing it impartially, he said. It was anxious to avoid trouble, but as a Government it-was compelled to uphold the traditions of the British flag, and as a Government it was bound to the rulers in the territory of which it wal administrator. It ’was not in a position to kneel to anjmne who may, through influences of delay, inconvenience or interference, he endeavouring to discourage the administration. The duty of the Government was being done in the interests of the natives themselves, and the Europeans who were at the Islands. “We are not truckling to anyone,” Sir Joseph assured his audience, “nor are we negotiating with anyone about the territory. We have no feelings against the Samoans or against anyone at all, and are anxious to see peace and contentment maintained between the Samoans and the people of New Zealand. “But we are also upholders of the flag and of the destiny of Samoa so long as it is under our control.” (Applause.).