SAMOA.

Te Aroha News, Volume VII, Issue 475, 28 May 1890, Page 4

SAMOA.

NEW GOVERNMENT ESTABLISHED. Apia, May 16. Some important political changes have taken place since my last. Perhaps the most important has been the inauguration of the Samoan Government by the three Consuls. They have made arrangements for the collection of Customs duties and taxes (within the municipality) from the 15th of the present month ; and, with that object, have appointed a Collector of Customs and revenue in the person of a Mr Otto Martin, who was in the employ of the late Tamasese Government. This appointment is generally condemned, and it is thought that the consuls in their, no doubt, laudable efforts to preserve the entente cordiale , have been guilty of an error of judgment. However, time will show. The arrival of the Chief Justice and Land Commissioners is now anxiously looked for. Without doubt, there will be considerable litigation over the rival claims to lands here, and owners and claimants are busy arranging matters so as to enable the Commissioners to decide in their favour. It-ie not at all probable that the Land Commissioners will be able to complete their duties within the stipulated time, viz., two years.

THE JANET NICOLL. The Janet Nicoll has also called here en route for Suwarrow Island. Amongst her passengers I observed Mr R. L. Stevenson, the charming author, and his almost equally talented wife, and stepson, Mr Lloyd Osborne. They are raking a trip around the islands with the object of benefitting Mr Stevenson's health, which is unfortunately not very good.

WRECK OF THE ADLER SOLD. The wreck of the German warship Adler was last week sold for the sum of $550, Mr H. J. Moore, merchant of this place, being the purchaser. It is said that instructions have been issued by the United States Navy Department to blow up the wrecks of the Trenton and Vandalia. NATIVE UNREST. Considerable disaffection still exists among the natives, and considerable diplomacy has been needed to prevent a rupture between Malieboa and Mataafa. There is no serious cause, in fact no reason whatever, for any unpleasant feeling, bub the parties to whom I have several times had occasion to refer still continue to pursue their dastardly practices of endeavouring to set the natives against each other. BODIES EXHUMED. The American Government is making arrangements for the removal of the bodies of the sailors who were drowned in Apia Harbour during the hurricane. There were about 20 bodies recovered, and these will be taken to the States, and either interred in some historical spot, or wherever the relatives may wish. The Apia Harbour is resuming its wonted appearance, there being six merchant vessels, the man-of-war Mohican, and the usual complement of coasters. THANKSGIVING DAY. Thursday, May Bth, was proclaimed by King Malietoa a day of public thanksgiving, in return for the renewed peace and, it is to be hoped, prosperity in Samoa. Public thankseiving services were held in all the Protestant churches, and the day was generally observed as a holiday. LA GRIPPE. La grippe has made its appearance in Samoa, there being many cases amongst both natives and foreigners.