Praise For Samoan People

Press, Volume CI, Issue 29715, 8 January 1962, Page 12

Praise For Samoan People

WELLINGTON, Jan. 7. He was certain the people of Western Samoa would long continue to look with gratitude to New Zealand for the 40 years New Zealand had guarded their destiny, said the Minister of Island Territories (Mr Gotz) today, on his return from the independence celebrations at Apia. Mr Gotz said he had transferred the documents relating to the last of the property New Zealand had held in Samoa. The lands had always been held in trust for the Samoan people throughout the 40 years of trusteeship. At the ceremony Mr Gotz had said New Zealand had taken nothing from Samoa and was taking nothing- except the goodwill of the people towards New Zealand back with him. Mr Gotz represented the Prime Minister (Mr Holyoake) at the ceremony. Both he and the High Commissioner for Australia. Sir John Collins, had nothing

(New Zealand Press Association)

but praise for the excellent behaviour of the Samoan people during the celebrations.

“They were so polite and well behaved,” said Sir John Collins. Mr Gotz said there was no unrulinees among the people. Not a single person had been arteeted for drunkenness and the Samoan police had had no trouble from the biggest crowds ever assembled in Samoa. Sir John Collins said the prayers of the people for fine weather had been answered although it was the middle of the rainy season. The weather had been perfect most of the time. Both he and Mr Gotz agreed that arrangements were excellent, and both were impressed with the fact that every event ran exactly to schedule.

Among others who returned by R.N.Z.A.F. DCS were the Leader of the Opposition iMr Nash), Mr Gotz's sister. Mrs J. M. Wheeler, Lady Collins, the Minister for the Netherlands (Baron O. F. Bentinck van Schoonheten) and Baroness Bentinck Van Schoonheten, the French Ambassador (Mr Felix) and Mrs Felix, the German Minister, Dr. Noehring, and Mrs Noehring, and the Bishop of Aotearoa (the Rt. Rev. W. N. Panapa).

Also on board were the deputy Secretary of the External Affairs Department (Mr A H. Corner) and Mrs Comer, the permanent head of the Island Territories Department (Mr A. M. McEwan) and Mrs McEwan, and representatives of the National Film Unit and the New Zealand Press Association.