REPORTS ON SAMOA

Dominion, Volume 23, Issue 46, 18 November 1929, Page 11

REPORTS ON SAMOA

APPARENT CONTRADICTION SOLVED STATEMENT BY SIR JAMES PARR (United Press Association.— By Electric Telegraph—Copyright.) (Rec. November 17, 5.5 p.m.) Geneva, November 1,6. ' The Mandates Commission satisfactorily resolved the apparent contradiction between the findings of the Royal Commission of 1928 and the latest Western Samoa report. Sir James Parr pointed out that the question of administration was not included in the Royal Commission's terms of reference. He lengthily replied to a question relating to recent changes in the staff and the financial policy. He declared that the success of the mandates system depended largely on the capacity and patience of the Mandates Commission. New Zealand had always had fair play. Sir James Parr declared that the political situation had improved, though it could not be considered satisfactory. The new Administration had made an effort to establish relations with the chiefs, but without appreciable result. Passive resistance continued. The mandatory was most patient, and would continue to examine the natives' grievances, but also strictly to enforce order. The economic situation had considerably improved. Marquess Theodoli, chairman of the Commission, said he regretted that Sir James Parr was leaving Europe. Sir James had always served New Zealand with great ability and discretion.