THE SAMOAN DIFFICULTIES.

Cromwell Argus, Volume XXI, Issue 1033, 5 February 1889, Page 3

THE SAMOAN DIFFICULTIES.

Auckland, January 31. The Wainui, which arrived from Samoa this morning, brings despatches from the English, American, and German Consuls. On January 19fch the following proclamation was issued by the German Consul by order of the Imperial German Government“ I herewith proclaim a sta*e of war for the Samoan Islands. Any assistance given to the rebels will be punished by martial law, irrespective of any nationality. The introduction of contraband of war is prohibited. All vessels and boats are liable to be searched by the German authorities. The police of Apia will henceforth act under instructions from the Imperial German Government. The residents of Apia are requested to assist in keeping law and order. Apia, January 19th, 18S9. — Dr Knapp, Imperial German Consul.” The Samoan Times has been suppressed by the German authorities, its last issue being January 19th. On the arrival of the steamer Richmond from Auckland four German officials were placed on board, and the cargo was overhauled to see that she carried no contraband of war. One of the passengers by the Richmond, a gentleman from Wellington, wont on a visit to Mataafa’s camp. On his return he was arrested by the German authorities, and taken before the German Consul. He was, however, released on a demand from the British Consul. The Federal Council have wired to the New Zealand Government a joint expression of opinion re Samoa, and our Government have replied repeating their protest against its occupation by any foreign Power. Just before the Wainui left Apia it was rumored that a party of Germans who had landed from a war ship had been attacked by the Natives, and that fifty Germans had been killed. Mataafa has 6,000 men in constant drill, and has hemmed in Tamasese on Mulian Point. The forces of the latter, who have been thinned liy deserters, do not exceed 900. A sailor from the Wainui, named Millar, went ashore, and narrowly escaped being shot when the Germans were firing on the Natives. A private letter received at Auckland states that on the arrival of the Wainui at Apia, the German Consul visited Mataafa, and proposed that if lie would sign a paper giving Germany control of Samoa they would recognise him as King. Mataafa refused to sign anything without consulting with the American and English Consuls. Thereupon the German proclamation was issued. The Germans fired on two Natives in Apia on the 23rd, but missed them. H.M.S. Calliope is expected daily, ami it is hoped that the High Commissioners will arrive by her. '