SAMOAN OPINION.

Auckland Star, Volume LVIII, Issue 154, 2 July 1927, Page 10

SAMOAN OPINION.

EUROPEANS CABLE MINISTER SUPPORT FOR ADMINISTRATOR NO COMPULSION TO SIGN. (By Telegraph.—Own Correspondent.) WELLINGTON, Friday.

The Prime Minister informed your correspondent to-night that he had received the following message from 150 adult male Europeans of Apia: "Europeans disagree with the prejudice and tactics of the Citizens' Committee, strongly disapprove of their methods in causing disaffection amongst natives, and have every confidence in the impartial services and good judgment of the administrator." Mr. Coates pointed out that it would be interesting to those who did not know conditions in Samoa to learn that the total number of Europeans on the": electoral roll last November was. 222. When reminded that a suggestion had been made hi New Zealand that official pressure had been exercised to secure a statement favourable to administration, Mr. Coates replied that he had taken up that matter, and was satisfied it was a voluntary movement on the part of the Enropeaus. Signing-of Petition. Mr. H. G. R. Mason, , member for Eden, asked the Prime Minister if be had noticed statements that compulsion bad been used in reganPto the signing of petitions in Samoa, also that Government employees Were not allowed to' subenbe to certain newspapers. Mr. Coates replied that he would look into the matter. By next week he should be able to give a reply after getting into communication with the Administrator. A WIRELESS MESSAGE. The following wireless message was received yesterday from Mr. Nelson bv the Auckland office of his firm, O. F Nelson and Company:— "Referring to your telegram of June 29, everyone in New Zealand who is acquainted with Samoan affairs knows that my business success was obtained f-,x m J* main in Apia were built before the New Zealand occupation, also that my personal capital ami wealth are less to-day than when -the New Zealand mandate was established. The depression in trade now prevalent is brought about by Government interference id trade and buying copra 4n several places at over £4 a ton, more than traders can afford to pay, thus causing a stoppage: of copra -making places where this price is not "obtainable. Inforn, Pres* and Opposition."