SAMOAN AFFAIRS.

Temuka Leader, Issue 1854, 16 February 1889, Page 4

SAMOAN AFFAIRS.

London, February 12. Mr Chamberlain, speaking at Glasgow, said it was impossible for America to recognise the claims of other nationalities in Samoa. England was in the same position as America. Whatever might be the form of local government, neither England or America could allow outside people to usurp the government of the island, Sydney, February 14. The s.e, Lubeck has arrived from -the Islands with Samoan dates to February 6th, The various Consuls were anxiously •waiting definite instructions. Klein had been compelled to go on board the American man-of-war JNipsic for safety. The German seaijien wounded in the fight with Mataafa are progressing favourably. Every vessel belonging to Samoans, and also the police, have been placed under German control. Mataafa is strengthening his position, and forming paths through the bush to enoble supplies to be easily obtained. The German authorities have recalled BrauJers,

Auckland, Feb. 14. News by the Richmond shows that the steamer was delayed two days at Samoa by the action of Germany. Many consignees refused the delivery of goods damaged by the search. The German Consul alleges that on a previous trip of the Richmond 28,000 rounds of ammunition were landed in cases of beef. The Consol proposed deporting Gelling to Sydney, but Gelling has returned by the steamer and states that he was tried by court-martial on board the Adler, kept on deck under an armed guard, and compelled to write an order to have his luggage sent from the steamer. The finding of the court-martial was that he had been guilty of a breach of martial law, hut hud no sinister motive in visiting Mataafa’s camp, and would be released, This was after the captains of the Royalist and Nipsic had visited the Adler and lodged a protest. Some of the men of the Richmond who were rowing ashore to bathe and wash their clothes w-ne ordered back by the Germans, and not allowed to leave the ship. Captain Hutton, while going to the British Consul to protest against the treatment, was intercepted and pursued by a German guard boat as far as H.M.S. Royalist, whore he claimed protection. Immediately after the seizure of Gelling, Mr Edenborough went on board the Royalist, and complained that one of the Richmond’s passengers bad been taken fay force from the vessel by the Germans. Captain Hand sent Mr Edenborough on shore in one of the Royalist’s boats, and saw the British Consul, who went buck with him to the man-of-war, where he and Captain Hand discussed the siluation. They carao to the conclusion that tho Germans had

committed an outrage, and that the , British subject should be at once given up. On this they were quite determined to act, whatever the consequences. Meantime Mr Edenborough went ashore and saw the German Consul, who told him it was useless to prefer any complaint, us Gelling wus captured under martial law. The Consul asked Mr JEdenborough to send the men’s goods ou board the Alder, as it was his intention to deport him from Samoa, and band him over to the German Consular authorities at Sydney, The Germans expected five ships of war from the East African squadron, but apparently the naval operations on the coast of Zanzibar have prevented their despatch, or the order has been countermanded, Mr Gelling’, the Town Clerk of Hamilton, returned by the Richmond, lie states that arriving at Apia ha went to see Mataal'a’s camp and fortifications. While there he was introduced to Malania, and held some conversation with him, and t'dr! him the Prssand people of New Zealand were in entire ‘sympathy with him, and it would be a good idea if he sent a memorial to Sir George Grey, who took a great interest in the welfare of the natives of the South Pacific. Matiiftfa said ho and his chiefs would consider the proposal. Mstaafa afterwards told him to tell the people of New Zealand that he was thankful for their sympathy, and he would stop fighting to-morrow if Taraasese were removed, At the dose of the interview , Mr Gelling returned to the Richmond. Next morning, while he was in his bathroom, a German officer and beat’s crew came on board and told him that a quarter of an hour would be given him to get dressed, and he went to the gangway and there protested against being taken from a British ship and from under the British flag without, being permitted to see the Consul, He says;—“ I was taken on board the Adler and met by Dr Knapp. After Icing interrogated as to my visit to Matafaa’s camp, I was taken into tfm cabin and my deposition taken down in the presence of Captain-Fritz and another officer. The deposition was read over to me, and I was called upon to sign if, which I did. I was then informed that I would be tried by court-martial later in the day, and was told to send an order for my luggage to the Richmond. la doing so I appealed to Captain Hutton to communicate with the English Consul. This letter was torn up and I was told to confine myself to writing an order for my luggage. I was placed on the quarter deck, and a sentry set over me with a drawn cutlass. The court-martial then eat, consisting of three German officers. Afterwards Captain Hand, ot the Royalist, and Captain Mullins, of the Nipsic, came on board and expostulated against the terms of the German prnclamolioii of a state of seige, and apkei fur my release, which was refused.

They then went ashore about midday. Captain Fritz sent for me down to his cabin, and read to mo the finding of the court-martial, which was to the effect that although found guilty of a breach of martial law, the Court were of opinion that 1 had no sinister motive in visiting the “ rebels ” camp. Captain Fritz said he would release me, and ho hoped the circumstances would be a caution to other British subjects not to meddle with Scmofiu affairs. The Gormans sent me in a boat to the Richmond. On board tho Adler I did not- teceivo any harsh treatment from the officers or men when carrying out their instructions,” Two more Germans, wounded in » recent fight, have died ; also a number of Tamasese's wounded, Up to date the Germans have buried eighteen seamen and two officers. The Calliope relieved the Royalist. The latter is now on the way to Auckland, and is expected to arrive here on Saturday. 't/KOtrw mjtmNunrrviTSKi