THE CONFERENCE.

Auckland Star, Volume LXI, Issue 65, 18 March 1930, Page 8

THE CONFERENCE.

VILLAGES CROWDED. MAU GRANTED TIME. (From Our Own Correspondent.) APIA, March 5. The meeting of the Mau chiefs and the Administrator took place yesterday at Tapea, and is being continued to-day. A week ago both Tapea and the neighbouring village Vaimoso, previous strongholds of the Mau, were practically deserted except for a few women and children.. A very different appearance is presented now. Over 1500 Samoans are taxing the available accommodation of the villages to the utmost, and this number is being further augmented continually by numerous small parties from the more remote parts of Upolu. It is noteworthy that very few natives from Savaii are taking any part, doubtless because their long boats or fautasiis are still being guarded by a detachment of. marines, and they are thus without any means of transport. Administrator's Three Points. The proceedings yesterday were somewhat formal. The Administrator, in a short speech, detailed briefly the events of the last few weeks, and stated that the points he wished to place before the chiefs were: Firstly, the Mau must cease; secondly, the wanted men at present being sheltered by the Mau must be given up; and, thirdly, the chiefs must be prepared to meet the Administrator frequently. • This address was translated, sentence by sentence, into the Samoan language by a native interpreter. The spokesman for the Mau was High Chief Faumuina, who replied, intimating that as the discussion of these conditions would occupy some considerable time, they desired the present truce, which was to have ceased to-day, to be extended. This was agreed to, as it was fully realised that all the chiefs would have to be consulted and this would take considerable time. Reasons for Delay. To the man in the street the continual delay in making a decision and the seemingly interminable discussion are very hard to understand. However, when one gets to know Samoan custom and habits the reason for it is clearly seen. In the first place, Samoans are very fond of oratory, and they couch their speeches in the most flowery language. Then again, the Mau do not recognise any one man as their absolute leader. This means that any question being debated must be referred to every chief before they can arrive at a decision, and none of the chiefs is able to give any definite answer before consulting all his colleagues. Fortunately the officials realise that nothing is to be gained, and indeed everything might be lost, by compelling the Mau to give an immediate direct answer.