THE MAU AGAIN.

Auckland Star, Volume LIX, Issue 228, 26 September 1928, Page 18

THE MAU AGAIN.

DEMONSTRATION IN APIA.

AFFRAY AMONG SAMOANS.

A NATIVE KILLED. (From a Correspondent.) APIA, September 8. On August 30, Apia was given a sudden reminder of its troublous times of a few months back, by an unexpected Mau demonstration in the shape of a procession through the main street. The ta'alolo was quickly got up, and it is whispered in Samoa that the cause of the demonstration was resentment on the part of the Mau Committee against statements by tourists and others in the New Zealand papers, that the Mau had ceased to function. Whatever the reason, it was amply proved that though the Mau may have been quiescent, it still has enough spark left to start spectacular fireworks at least. All through the morning' of the 30th natives flocked into the town, laden with food and bedecked with flowers. Their numbers were considerably augmented by the arrival of several large fautasi, i.e., native boats, from the villages round the coast. Towards midday most of the Samoans concentrated on Apia village, from which the town of Apia takes its name. This village is in the centre of the town, and has been the scene of a good many Mau demonstrations and fonos. Most of the natives of this village are staunch Mau supporters. The procession was apparently timed to pass through the town at about one o'clock, but was delayed by a disturbance among the natives, which unfortunately ended in bloodshed. A Family Feud.

The cause of the trouble is rather difficult to get at, but it appears that a bitter family feud blazed up When it came to the question of whose was the right to wear the elaborate headdress worn on sucli occasions as this. Only the biggest chiefs are entitled to wear the Samoan headdress, and it is an honour not lightly foregone. Apparently the chieftainship of this particular village was in dispute between two families, and when the holder stepped out to take the coveted place his right was challenged by the rival family. Bitter words followed, and the challenger hurled himself at the chief and attacked him with a knife. Before anyone could interfere the chief was slashed across the face and received an ugly wound in the back. According to Samoan custom this was an insult to the whole family, and it was extremely fortunate that the village was not embroiled in a wholesale fight. Luckily, however, the aggrieved family decided on immediate vengeance, and streamed after the would-be murderer. The chase was interrupted by Sergeant Seale, of the native police, who pluckily dashed into the angry mob and endeavoured to disperse it with blows from his cane. His efforts, however, were of little avail, for the native was later found dead, with his head split open. The natives concerned immediately fled to their villages, and there is li'tle chance of finding the culprit. Persistent rumours have gone round Apia since, that the family of the murdered Samoan have taken vengeance by killing a boy of the rival family. One rumonr stated that the aggrieved Samoans vowed to kill the first one of the family they met", and shortly afterwards, meeting the boy by the roadside, killed and decapitated him. This is quite according to Samoan custom, but the | rumour has not been verified and is probably only an echo of the threats which would be uttered by both families in a case like this. The offending headgear, which was the cause of the trouble, was later cut to pieces by mem--1 bers of one of the families. The Procession. When the excitement was over, the procession commenced and proceeded from Apia village, past the Administration offices, and along the beach front. Each village came separately, led by its chief and taufou girls, who were dressed in full ceremonial costume. The remainder of the village were garlanded with flowers, and wore Mau lava lavas and purple turbans. The band marched at the head, and burst into tune as it passed the Central Office. Most of the natives were in a good humour, and generally there was an absence of the sullenness and defiance which marked similar processions held earlier in the year. Sergeant Seule, the same sergeant who had interfered in the fight, watched the procession from the police station corner and evinced his disgust of the proceedings in no uncertain manner, especially when some of the Mau natives taunted him from the ranks, "Leaga Seule, Seule puta" ("Seule no good, Seule too fat"), someone shouted, and Seule unabashed, dashed at them with his cane and dispersed the laughing natives in all directions. A few military policemen took photos of the procession and the inspector of police watched it go by, but beyond that no official notice appeared to be taken of the demonstration.

The procession was the biggest of its kind for some time, and it was estimated that well over 1000 natives took part, while those who attended the meeting at Vaimoso, must have been three times that number. As the day was hot, the natives did not linger too long on the main street, but inarched quickly to Vaimoso. Apparently the heat of the asphalt was too much for their bare feet, for many in the ranks would be seen jigging about trying to walk on air. Some of the Samoans even branched off along a side street, where the grit road was more to their liking. The afternoon was spent by the natives at Vaimoso, where the usual heavy feasting and speech-making were indulged in. What the demonstration means remains to be seen, but it is to be sincerely hoped that it is of no great significance. It certainly showed that the Mau still exists, and is capable of organised action.