THE SAMOAN QUESTION. THE CONFERENCE. GERMAN WARSHIPS UNDER ORDERS. London, February 23.

Te Aroha News, Volume VI, Issue 346, 27 February 1889, Page 5

THE SAMOAN QUESTION. THE CONFERENCE. GERMAN WARSHIPS UNDER ORDERS. London, February 23.

Baron de Worms, in leply to a question in the House of Commons, stated that it was quite unnecessary that the Australasian colonies should be specially represented on the Samo^n Conference to be held in Berlin. Trie British Envoy would, he said, take the necessary steps to insure Imperial interests being thoroughly protected. The " Daily News " slates that four German frigates, now at Genoa, have been ordered to proceed to Samoa without delay. Piince Bismarck has privately complained that the Samoan difficulty is a personal trouble, in which the colonies are involved. Apia, February 5. Mataafa is still in his stronghold* which is in the form of a large semi" circle round a part of Apia, and he is working to make it stronger, and forming paths through the bush to get supplies more easily from the inner part of the island. The American Consul has been forced to leave in the United States corvette Nipsic. Taniasese is now alone, as Captain Brandeis, sent out by the German Government to assist him, has been recalled to Berlin. The situation of Tamasese is not a very pleasant one, especially as Mataafa has got a good supply of wairiors from the island of Sawai close by ; keeps his stronghold well fastened, and shows his teeth at every oppoitunity. The state of the German marines wounded in the List attack is as good as can be wished.