A "STAR" CORRESPONDENT VISITS MATAAFA. LETTER FROM PAUL OF ORAKEI. ADMIRAL KIMBERLEY AS A PEACEMAKER. (FROM OUR OWN CORRESPONDENT.) Apia, May 15. SAMOA.

Te Aroha News, Volume VI, Issue 373, 1 June 1889, Page 3

A "STAR" CORRESPONDENT VISITS MATAAFA. LETTER FROM PAUL OF ORAKEI. ADMIRAL KIMBERLEY AS A PEACEMAKER. (FROM OUR OWN CORRESPONDENT.) Apia, May 15.

SAMOA.

Ix consequence of the reports that were current with regard to the negotiations between Mataafa and Tamasese, at the suggestion of Admiral Kimberley, for a suspension of hostilities and the disband ment of the rival armies, I paid Mataafa a visit. Magiagi, the present residence of King Mataata Malietoa, is a very strong situation, and forms a natural fortress, having one of the loveliest views of hill and valley to be seen in Samoa. The King's residence is easily recognised by the flagstaff in front of it, on which was hoisted a flag which is appai'ently a combination of the British and United States flags. On entering the King's House, I found him seated, and he received me in true regal fashion. It was at once seen that he belonged to the Malietoa family. Mataafa Malietoa is a splendid specimen of his race. He is a man of commanding appearance, and has a fine, open, intelligent face. He appears co be of a genial and kind disposition. His every word and action denoted the firm j will and determination he possesses. Upon hearing that I represented a New Zealand newspaper, he manifested the greatest pleasure, and handed me for perusal the following letter which he has lately received from your colony. He expressed much gratification upon finding that he is thought of elsewhere, and that the colonists and natives of New Zealand sympathise waimly with him in his difficult position. The letter runs as follows :—: — Orakei, Auckland, Aperira, 1889. Ki'a Malietoa Mataafa Ehoa, Tena Roe. Ku'atae mai tetatu wahine he Mahita whakaake no to whenua. Ri te mataki taki i nga Rangatira o Niu Tireni, i hui hui mai Ri toku Kainga ki Orakei, Akarama, ki te hanjja i nga Ture mo nga. lur o Niu Tireni o, i puta tetahi Kupu aroha o nga Rangatira o Niu Tireni ki a haere atu ratou. Xi a Kite Kite i o ratou whamaunga i nga raontere o te moana niu waihoki, he hiahia nui ano toku kia Kite i a koutou Ko nga iwi noho mama He mii raiva, no aku mahi wnakahaere mo nga lur Niu Tireni. I tee mai' ano tetaki Rorero Ri ahau i tuku mat ano koe i tou aroha ma te Pakeha c mau mai Xi ahau Rahore i tae rnai' Ki' ahau ara he Rorero teka pea tenei. Ehoa no te nui o toku Roroheketanga, te haere atu abau i runga i toku aroha, Rio Mariatoa i runga i tona. I teoi” ra c hoe ma te atua koe c tiaki' mana Koe Awhina. Na to Hoa, (Signed) Na Taora Tuhaere.

[TRANSLATION.] To Malieboa Mataafa : Friend !—! — Salutations to you. A lady from your Islands^came to see all the Chiefs of New Zealand, who are meeting at my place, Orakei, Auckland, for the purpose of forming some laws by which the tribes of New Zealand might be benefited. Word has been mentioned in afiection by the Chiefs of New Zealand, that they ought -to go and see their relatives of the surrounding isles of the deep sea, while I for my part am anxious to see you and yours on your, island ; but through stress of work i» doing my best ior the welfare of the tribes of New Zealand, I am unable to come. I have heard of a word from you, that you expressed affectionate terms for me. An Englishman was to convey the message ; it may be true or not. Friend, if I were not such an old man, I would come and see Malietoa to express my sympathy with his troubles. I will now conclude, dear friend, and may God keep you and protect you. From your friend, (Signed) Na Faora Tuhaere. The aspect of affairs at the camp has been wholly changed since the destruction of the German warships. Samoans have carried their rifles, etc., openly through the neutral territory, although such acts are strictly forbidden. The road leading to Mataafa's camp is crowded in the morning with his followers coming into town, and at night just before sunset they leturn to the camp to spend the night. A number of horses are kept ready saddled near the King's house for the use of his messengers. Mataafa Malietoa sends a number of his police into town every morning ; but they only patrol the eastern end of it, returning at 9 p.m. to the camp. The German residents do not take their usual rides on horseback when those rides would take them into the bush. They stat« that the Samoans have so often insulted them that they deem it wise to forego these rides. ADMIRAL KIMBERLEY AS A PEACEMAKER. In connection with Admiral Kimberley's untiring endeavours to bring about a peace between the two parties, or at any rate a cessation of active hostilities, until the matter bad been settled in Berlin, the following proclamations were issued :—: — NOTICE ! SAMOANS ! (memorakdum.)

Apia, Samoa, April 17fcb, 1889. What the Saraoans need most is peace amongst themselves. 1 have, therefore, prepared a paper that can be signed by both parties desirous of obtaining peace and .establishing order. Men who love their .country better than themselves are patriots there no patriots in Samoa ? I should mot like to disbelieve it. This paperl have only applies to the Samoans 'themselves, nofc bo foreigners and strangers. Therefore it is as a father speaking to his sons. A happy family is one that is united. A quarrelsome family is weak and unhappy, and a prey to strangers. I have a great respect for a brave people. The Samoans are brave, but in keeping up this war they are not wise. If they wish to preserve their country for their children they must •have peace and become united.' A mans .life is but short, but a nation lives many generations, and the country given by the »Great Father of all should be preserved by tthe fathers for the children. No one can «ieny facts, and this is fact because it is true. (Signed) L. A. Kimberley, Rear Admiral U.S. Navy, commanding U.S. naval force on Pacific Station.