CARGO OVERHAULED AND PASSENGERS BADLY TREATED. (From Our Own Correspondent.) Apia, January 22.

Te Aroha News, Volume VI, Issue 341, 9 February 1889, Page 6

CARGO OVERHAULED AND PASSENGERS BADLY TREATED. (From Our Own Correspondent.) Apia, January 22.

Them: has been no great change in tho condition of aftairs at these misgoverned inlands since the Wainui left for Auckland, and so unsettled is everything that we do nob know what is the best course to pursue. Trade is at a standstill, and the opposing native forces are comparatively inactive, evidently waiting for the next turn of Bismarck's oppressive wheel. British traders aio becoming disgusted because of the manner in which their interests have been neglected, and are talking of dealing out. One prominent trader informed me that he intends to wait until he hear what comes from America by tho next mail, and that, if the news is not favourable, he will pack up and lea\e for Australia by the Lubeck next tiip. Both British and American residents heie are convinced that unlesnt a firm stand is taken now against German oppression there is no hope tor Samoa.

OVERHAULING THE RICHMOND. The overhauling of the Auckland steamer Richmond by the Germans was a most remaikable proceeding, and gave rise to great indignation amongst both British and Ameiican residents. On arrival of the Richmond at Apia, the (icrmana Commander put the harbour under blockade, and declined to allow anything to leave her without being searched by German officers. He also insisted on all goods consigned to Samoa being landed at the German Wharf. No one was allowed to leave the vessel without, being thoroughly seaiched, and armed boats filled with German sailors were rowing around her night and day. German ollicers boarded the llichmond and overhauled the cargo, to see whether any iiie arms or ammunition had been concealed, but their search proved v. hollyunsuccessful, for the steamer brought neither. Packages of merchandise were, however, bioken open by these amateur detectives, and ban els of cement weie actually bored right through by them in pursuance of their search. Singularly enough, the English Consul and the captain of the British man-of-war took no notice of this outrageous proceeding, but immediately some goods belonging to Ameiicana were seized the captain of the United States man-of-war made things look pretty lively. He ran ouo his guns, got out and aimed his boats, and demanded the immediate return of his countiymen's goods. The demand, as might have been anticipated, was promptly complied with.

A PASSENGER ARRESTED. On Monday Mr (Celling, a passenger by the Richmond, was taken out of the steamer by force, some thiity men ha\ing been pub on board by the German Commander for that purpose. The reason given for tM's remarkable proceeding was that Mr Gelling had on tho previous day paid a visit to Mataufa's camp to inspect the foitin'cations. He informed the great chief that he and his followers had the sympathy ot the whole of I the colonists, and advised him to make an appeal to the British Government for protection. This was promptly reported to the German Consul, and Mr Gelling was anested and biied by court martial on board the Adler This roused the captain of H. M. f. Royalist, and he demanded the surrender ot Mr Gelling, stating that ho Would use force to secure that end if necessary. The Germans e\idently considered discretion the better part of valour, and acceded to the request, Mr Gelling being set at liberty without further delay. Tho captain of the Royalist next placed a guard on the Richmond to pie\enb Mr Darsie, another passenger, from being taken by the Germans, and the arrangoment proved satisfactory, no further molestation being attempted. During thin time there was great excitement on board tho steamer, and the voyage was greatly delayed by German interference. The proceeding appeavs to have been most extraordinary and high-handed, and the wonder is that anything so outrageous should have been permitted on a steamer carrying Her Majesty's mails and with a British man-o-war looking on, no declaration of war having; been made.

LIBELLING THE GERMANS. The German Consul prosecuted Mr Cusack, I proprietor of^ tbo "Samoa Times," in the Deputy Commissioners Court for printing an article previously publishe'cl in an American paper, which was alleged to be a libellous attack on the German Government and Navy. Mr Cusack applied for an adjournment till counsel could bo retained on his behalf, but the

Deputy Commissioner would nob grant tho adjournment, The case was therefore dealt with summarily, and Mr Cusack was fined £20 and costs. The decision was considered very unjust by American and British residents, and they have showed their sympathy with Mr ICusack by subscribing the amount of the fine.