POLICE FOR SAMOA.

Auckland Star, Volume LIX, Issue 22, 27 January 1928, Page 5

POLICE FOR SAMOA.

STATEMENT BY MR. COATES.

NO "810 STICK" POLICY.

BEPLY TO MR. HOLLAND.

(By Telegraph^—Press Association.) WELLINGTON, this day.

The Prime Minister has issued the

following statement: — "By this week's steamer we are dispatching six police constables from .New Zealand to assist the Administrator irt a difficult task. 1 may explain that at present the white police iorce consists only oi an inspector and one mounted constable. It is probably unnecessary to say that it is not intended to apply—to use the words of Mr. Holland—any policy of the 'big stick.' With a limited 'force* it is hoped that the dictates of reason will enable the present difficulties in tlio Islands to be surmounted without any attempt to use force, but I must, in conclusion, make this statement that the unjustiliable and inflammatory remarks of the Leader of the Opposition do not assist towards that conciliatory solution of our difficulties which it is our earnest hope to iind, and they will not redound to the credit of New Zealand." Dealing generally with Mr. Holland's remarks, Mr. Coates says that tho answer to his charges of improper methods is contained in the Commission's report, than which there could never have been a more complete vindication. Tho report upholds the action of the Administrator with regard to the faipules. Mr. Coates has no knowledge of any promise to give the natives representation on the Legislative Council being broken. The Folio of Faipules expressly desired that no such step should be taken. Finally, with regard to the complaint that members of Parliament had not yet received a copy of the Commission's report and of the evidence, Mr. Coates says that despite every effort the printing office had not been able to complete the work, which was very voluminous, bue he hoped to have it ready in about a week. The contents of the report itself were published long ago.

OUTBREAK OF DYSENTERY.

REPORTED FROM SAVAII.

"WHERE IT WAS ANTICIPATED."

(By Telegraph.—Press Association.)

WELLINGTON, this day.

Referring to Mr. Holland's latest criticism, Mr. Coates says that in his statement on Monday he referred to the effect of the Mau upon the health administration, and to the report of tho actingchief medical adviser that sanitary measures had been so neglected that in certain villages the places were no better than cesspits, and that an outbreak of disease must be expected. He expressed the opinion that many innocent lives must be lost in Samoa as the direct result of the Mau's influence in destroying tho confidence of the natives in the health administration.

"I am very sorry to say," said Mr. Coates, "that an outbreak of mild bacillary dysentery has occurred at Savaii, where it was anticipated. I sincerely trust it will not develop into a serious epidemic."