ACTION DISCONTINUED

Sun (Auckland), Volume III, Issue 889, 5 February 1930, Page 1

ACTION DISCONTINUED

£IO,OOO Samoan Libel Suit

SAFE-CONDUCT PLEA IGNORED

No Answer To Urgent Radio

BECAUSE the Administrator of Western Samoa has not answered an urgent radiogram to Apia appealing for safe conduct of five Samoans, who are fugitives in the bush, who are witnesses for the Hon. O. F. Nelson, in his claim for £IO,OOO for alleged libel against the “New Zealand Herald ” the action was discontinued today. The witnesses for whom amnesty and permission to leave Samoa was sought were Faumuina, Alipia, Matau, Namulanulu, Leutele.

When the proceedings were resumed liefore Mr. Justice Herdman this morning, the Judge inquired whether any reply had been received and whether ihe witnesses required would be allowed to leave for Auckland. "No,” replied Mr. Hall Skelton, counsel for plaintiff. “We cannot go into the ring with our hands tied,” he added.

The plaintiff had no option but to discontinue the action, he said, because he could not be sure of being able to secure his witnesses to proceed with the case in March, or even ju May. “I think you would be doing the right thing in discontinuing under the circumstances,” said the Judge. There was no certainty when the witnesses in the bush would be available. Dis-! continuance now, however, did not prevent the plaintiff resuming the action at any time. His Honour added that perhaps the present action would assist in bringing peace in Samoa. Mr. Skelton pointed out there was It movement on foot which might settle the troubles in Samoa. Mr. Richmond announced his intention of issuing a summons for special costs of preparing for the action on hccount of the enormous amount of work which had to be done. The Judge said he would refer the laxation of costs to the registrar for taxation.

MAU TO BE WIPED OUT

MILITARY POLICE GOING TO SAMOA MAY RELIEVE CRUISER Press Association WELLINGTON, Tuesday, The Prime Minister, Sir Joseph Ward, announced today that in view of the necessity to bring the present situation in Samoa to a satisfactory •ermination as speedily as possible the Government has decided to take steps to prepare a sufficient force of military police for dispatch to the territory should the circumstances re-

quire it and in particular if it becomes necessary to relieve H.M.S. Dunedin. It will be some weeks before the police will be ready to leave New Zealand and it is hoped that the events which will transpire during that period may render it unnecessary for the force to be dispatched. The Government in Samoa is challenged by the Mau and as a result of the Mau’s organised activities warrants for arrest on criminal charges have not been executed. The authority of the Administration must be asserted and law and order in the territory must he maintained. This cannot be brought about until there is a complete cessation of the Mau movement and there is now no alternative but to secure that objective. It would be well for those who are in sympathy with the Mau to recognise this and if they are genuinely anxious for the restoration of harmony in the territory, they can best contribute to that end by counselling the abandonment of the Mau, when the way will be open for a discussion and redress of any grievances that may be found to exist. The Hon J. G. Cobbe is leaving for the territory next week.

FIT MEN WANTED

MILITARY POLICE SOUGHT FOR SAMOA APPLICATIONS INVITED Physically lit men between the ages of 22 and 32 are now being sought for the Samoa Military Police. Personal applications are now being invited at the office of Mr. W. G. Wohlmann, superintendent of police at Auckland. Applicants will have to undergo a strict medical examination and their engagement will be for 12 months if their services are required for that period. Single men will be given preference. Privates will receive Ss 6d a day; lance-corporals, 11s 4d; lancesergeants and corporals, 12s Id; sergeants, 12s lOd. Rations, quarters and clothing will be provided.