SAMOA AND PEACE.

Auckland Star, Volume LXII, Issue 163, 13 July 1931, Page 6

SAMOA AND PEACE.

So a Mr. Byron Brown has spent one month in Samoa, and now declares to all and sundry that peace and happiness reigns there. Surelv it is enough to bring joy to one's heart to know that the . long looked for has come about. Mr. Byron Brown's one month's visit'' reminds me of the occasional visitor, who, after a flying run through this country, writes up our history, aspirations and politics. The mere fact that the Administrator's daughter attended a function held by the natives and was not insulted or that General Hart is not hooted is quite enough for this gentleman to assume that all is well. What does he take the Samoans for ? Has he not awakened to the fact that the only defence the coloured races have, when assailed : by the whites, is passive resistance and patience? But to return to this peace and good will; why do we require a fully-armed regiment? Why is it necessary for a Samoan to get a permit to go from one village to another, and, again, stand by and see his dog or pig wantonly shot? Why does' Mr. Brown hint at more deportations? We must remember that our friend and adviser comes from Wellington, consequently there is no need for surprise when he tells us that all is well on the Samoan front. H.H.