THE SAMOAN TRAIP.

Taihape Daily Times, Volume XI, Issue 3429, 8 March 1920, Page 6

THE SAMOAN TRAIP.

PARTY AT APIAWELLINGTON, March 5. The Mokoia arrived at Apia early in the mgrning Of the 4th in delightfiil .weathe,_ Members got ashore sharply in canoes rowed ‘by as many as: thirty-six oarsmen. They received a _-warm Welcome from a large gathering of Europeans and Samoans. The party was received General Robin and an address was presented by Maleatoa and Tuimaleafana, native advisers to the Administrator. At a European gathering ex-Judge Robers cordially welcomed the visitors. In the afternoon members gathered with the native Parliament. Following the impressive ceremony of kava drinking, a lengthy petition was presented containing znany requests. Sir James Allen. in the -course of a reply, rcfei-ring to a suggestion in the 1 petition that in the event of dissatis-; faction with the administration, Sam- j

cans would request direct control by the Colonial Office, said it was more difficult to take representations to the Colonial Office than the easily accessible Parliment of New Zealand. Sir James Allen promised to bring proposals for two Samoan seats in the New Zealand Parliament before Mr Massey. In regard to a request that the salaries of the native advisors to the Administrator be increased to £SOO and that European residences be provided, Sir James Allen pointed out that the salries had been recently increased, and he was of opinion that Samoan houses were preferable. The Question of indentured labour was not , Iraised. !

GOVERNMENT POLICY LAID DOWN. ——:—_—Og§__..—

APIA, March 5. Sir James Allen said the question of European houses, and requests for 11:creased salaries to councillors and equay pay for Samoafis and whites in government employ, as Well as a. pensions scheme, would be considered. The request for liquor prohibition had been already granted. Sir James A!len added: “Liquor importation is for--‘bidden. As far as I am concerned, ‘there will be no relaxation. Whatever is good for Ramoans is good for whites under similar circumstances.” In reply to a request that all expenditure be directed by'the Native Council, Sir James Allen said this would be unfair to Whites, who conitributed ‘largely. to the ,A.dminis’r..ra,tion and must be -for the time being he in control of all expenditure. The Governmeiit’s finance policy was advances for reproductive works at five per cent, exclusive’ of sinking fllml, Ilon-pl'oduC’ti\'e \-.-orl~:. such as hospitals and schools would be free of interest. The armed eonstabulary would be witlidrawn eventually, but he considered that immediately following ’lhe military occupation some such force was necessary. ._...._..._......._.._.