N.Z. MISSION'S VISIT TO SAMOA CLOSES.

Auckland Star, Volume LXVII, Issue 175, 25 July 1936, Page 9

N.Z. MISSION'S VISIT TO SAMOA CLOSES.

NATIVES' THANKS.

Cordial Exchanges At Final Conference.

PEACE PLAN ACCEPTED. From Special U.l'.A. Correspondent with Ministerial Delegation. (Received 12 noon.) APIA, July 23. The proposals suggested recently by the New Zealand goodwill mission as a basis for agreement for a united Samoa were accepted by a conference of natives to-day on the understanding that points raised by themselves would be still open for consideration in the future.

Before discussion commenced, Mr. O. F. Nelson, expressed pleasure at being given an opportunity to take part in the conference, and said that perhaps on no other living person had the policy of the previous New Zealand Government reacted more harshly than upon himself. In the few weeks that the goodwill delegates had been in the territory they had helped to undo much of the causes of unrest and dissension in the past.

That there was better understanding between the new Government and the natives was amply demonstrated by the happy relations now existing, and particularly by the Ministerial party's joining with Samoans in welcoming him and his family back to his homeland.

Establishment of mutual goodwill, respect and confidence could not help but lay the foundations of an amicable and lasting settlement. "Out of the Ashes of the Past." "Out of the ashes of the past a Phoenix, I hope, will arise," continued Mr. Nelson. "Some of the concessions granted by the Minister were asked for ten years ago by the people- of Samoa. At that time, merely to urge that differences of opinion should be referred to the Government for settlement' was tantamount to sedition."

Mr. F. Langstone, Minister of Lands and head of the delegation: Yes, but there is a new Government now.

Mr. Kelson: The point I am making is that some of the very things which appeared wrong in the eyes of the Government ten years ago are now being put as a basis of better understanding and as representing a step along the road to self-government by the Samoans.

"Perhaps the proposals we are now urging which do not appeal to you may, in another ten years, be looked upon in a more favourable light.

"I have no doubt that the goodwill mission will bear in mind the difference between New Zealand and Samoa in culture, environment and conditions. New Zealand is predominantly a white man's country, with a native population becoming smaller and smaller. It is just the other way round in Samoa:"

Mr. Nelson concluded with an assurance that any influence he had with the Samoans would be used to maintain peace and harmony. All Cards on Table. Mr. Langstone reviewed the steps taken by the Labour Government to bring about a better understanding, and said they had placed all their cards on the table.

"The sufferings of Samoa were not one tithe of the sufferings of New Zealand. One can only express sorrow for the wrongs of the past. How could any Government consider the question of payment of compensation for lives lost in the big influenza epidemic, as was seriously suggested by the Mau a few clays ago?"

Mr. Nelson said the problem which had presented itself to his mind durin°the few hours he had been back was the difficulty of reconciling the ideals and aspirations of the goodwill delegation with the native mentality and outlook. However, as a mark of appreciation of the Minister's good intentions the Samoans were prepared to accept almost in toto the proposals put forward as the basis of a tentative agreement. c Problems Understood. He understood the delegation desired the conference to carry a resolution pledging itself to work for a united Samoa and to co-operate with the Government. "The idea I have in mind," added Mr. kelson, "is that instead of going awav with the resolution, you will leave our shores fully satisfied that what has been done has been accepted and is fully understood by the Samoans." The Minister: Yes, we are agreeable to that. The conference ended with an exchange of compliments and good wishes. Ihe work of the mission in the territory has now concluded, and the delegates are leaving to-night with a good understanding of the problems of Western Samoa and with memories of many golden days among a hospitable people.