GERMAN SAMOA.

Press, Volume LXVI, Issue 13646, 1 February 1910, Page 5

GERMAN SAMOA.

GOVERNOR'S REPLIES TO CRITICISMS.

(press association telegram.) WELLINGTON, January 31. In reply to statements as to dissatisfaction with the new laws, Dr. Solf, Governor of German Samoa, states that two years ago it was found that an increase in revenue was necessary, and the Governor drew up a progressive inocnio tax in acoordanoe with the proposals of the Council. After a second consultation the Council offered some opposition, and the Governor suggested that they should frame other prqpiosals. A committee was appointed, whose report wae adopted by the Council, and the taxes proposed were accepted by the Government. The original taxes have been slightly increased, but it is quite incorrect to say that the natives are grumbling, because they are not heavily taxed. White people are dissatisSed at the treatment of the natives. They consider that the natives should bear more taxes, hence the trouble. The two English members of the Council. Dr. Solf Raid, were anything but figureheads. They rendered valuable assistance in matters of government. His Excellency was confident that the .English residents had not been the cause of spreading the false reports, because tho friendliest of terms existed between the Government and them. Dr. Solf expressed regret that incorrect and sensational statements should have been published readily by the newspapers, because ench articles . <Hd considerable harm. Among the white people, who caw things in their • true light, they would have no ill j effects, but the articles were often I translated, and came into the hands of ' the natives.