SAMOA NOT SURPRISED

WIRELESS MESSAGE TAPPED. NO OPTION BUT TO SURRENDER. (BT TELEORAPH.— PRESS ASSOCIATION.) AUCKLAND, 17th September, According to a statement made by Dr. Schultz, the taking of Samoa wa-8 far from being a surprise. Its capture had been expected for days before the troops actually arrived. In the course of an interview, Dr. Schultz smilingly pointed out that the task of the Expeditionary Force was not a hazardous one. He ' had been told that in New Zealand reports had gained credence that there were a thousand white people in Samoa. As a matter of fact, the total white population - nien, women, and children, including German, English, French, and Danish settlers — is not more than 500, whilo there are some 30,000 natives. Asked whether the visit of the Expe ditionary Force was expected, Dr. Schultz replied in the affirmative, and volunteered _ the information that the authorities in Samoa were apprised of the coming of the New Zealanders by the simple means of tapping the wireless messages. Samoa nossessed a powerfnl wireless station, and they were thus able to intercept messages from troopships. "We realised from the very outset," continued Dr. Schultz, "that surrender was inevitable, because of , tho primitive defences of the place. Our forces consisted of twenty soldiers and special constables, and our fortifications of one gun. This was religiously fired every Saturday afternoon, and took half &k hour to load. Oui only other defensive weapons were fifty rifles, of an 1871 pattern."