NEW ZEALAND AND SAMOA.

Temuka Leader, Issue 2741, 22 November 1894, Page 4

NEW ZEALAND AND SAMOA.

Wel! ,inqton > November 20. As some interest is manifested in the question of what ment on October 24th iu connection wit/. Samoa, the representative of the Press Association interviewed the Hon J. G. Ward, and asked him whether ho had any objection to express an opinion on the matter. He replied that he had no objection, and judging from the cables which had been sent from London, it was quite evidout that either garbled or dishonest statements had been furnished from this end. The question of the annexation of Samoa was not before the House at all upon the occasion referred to. What was before the House was the question of laying upon the table a paper and map sent by Mr Coleman Phillips. In moving that this be agreed to the Premier said that the map showed the whole of the islands adjacent to New Zealand, and that the paper gave a pretty good history of each of the islands. He moreover expressed the opinion that the paper would be a very good one to have iu every school throughout the colony,so that our children might have some knowledge of the history of the islands, and know who were their neighbors. The Premier went on to say that while not agreeing with mauy of the opinions expressed in the paper ho looked

upon it as being a valuable document. Mr Ward said that the present system of conveying news on public questions to places outside the colony appeared to him to be very unsatisfactory. It was to be regretted, Mr Ward thought, that there was not a central bureau in Wellington from which reliable public information could be sent. The importance of the colony was in his opinion such as to render it desirable in the interests of all classes that all information telegraphed could be relied upon as being a fair reflex of what was transpiring. In this case the chief idea permeating the mind of the sender was evidently to attempt to belittle or discredit the Government. The statement that his (Mr Ward’s) remarks were jocular was quite incorrect. What he did say in the House on the occasion referred to was that it would be advantageous to New Zealand if such an opportunity were given during the recess of visiting Samoa in the Hinemoa, as was afforded when the Government steamer visited many other islands of the Pacific. Much interest had arisen in connection therewith, while really little or nothing was known of that particular, group. He still entertained that opinion, and had not changed his views upon the matter in any way.