SAMOAN AFFAIRS.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LII, Issue 303, 1 February 1910, Page 8

SAMOAN AFFAIRS.

GERMAN GOVERNOR'S STATEMENT. By Telegraph.—Press Association. Wellington, January 31. In reply to statements as to dissatisfaction with new laws, Dr. Solf, Governor of German Samoa, states that two 'years ago it was found that an increase in revenue was necessary, and the Governor drew up a progressive income-tax in accordance with the proposals of the 'council. After a second consultation the 'council offered some opposition, and the 'Governor suggested they should frame other proposals. A committee was appointed, whoso report was adopted by 'the council, and the taxes proposed were accepted by the Government. The original taxes had been slightly increased, but it was quite incorrect to say the Natives were grumbling, because they Uvere not heavily taxed. White people ■were dissatisfied at the treatment of the 'Natives; they considered the Natives "should bear more taxes; hence the trouble. The two English members of the council, Dr. Solf said, were anything but figureheads. They rendered valuable assistance in matters of government.. His Excellency was confident the 'English residents had not keen the cause 'of spreading false reports, because the friendliest terms existed between the Government and them. Dr. Solf expressed regret that incorrect and 1 sensational statements should have been published "rea'cMy by newspapers, because such articles did considerable harm. Among the white people who saw tilings' in their true light they would have no 511 effects, but the articles were Often translated and came into the fends- of Natives:-