SAMOA’S FUTURE

Dominion, Volume 29, Issue 253, 22 July 1936, Page 9

SAMOA’S FUTURE

Mr. Langstone Speaks

Plainly

“WE DON’T WANT SAMOA” Rejoinder to Plea For Protectorate “SEE WHERE IT WILL LAND YOU” (Special to United Press Association.) (Received July 21, 11.30 p.m.) Apia, July 20. When the New Zealand goodwill delegates arrived at Vaimoso thi'morning to resume their conference with Samoan representatives they were received by about 60 Mau guardsmen armed with batons. This is the first time for a number of years that members of the movement as a body have paraded in public with batons. The whole day was spent In a friendly exchange of views with no finality reached except on the question of whether native advisers to the Legislative Council should be re-elected with the Mau participating and on which divergent opinions are held by the two political sections in Western Samoa. It was agreed that the matter be further discussed among the villagers themselves and the decisions, if any, reported to a gathering to be held in September. The high chief Tamasese suggested that the delegation should recommend that the Government change Samoa from a mandated territory to a protectorate. It was the desire of Samoans, he said, to manage their owr affairs.

"AH right,” said Mr. Langstone “If you are stupid enough to believe you would be better off that way, well go right ahead. We don’t want Samoa; we don’t want your bananas; we don’t want the Maui Pomare. When you get a protectorate see where it will land you. You will be in for a hot time, believe rue. As I have said on dozens of occasions, our sole desire 'is to act ns big brothers and to do everything possible in your interests.” Tamasese said that the Samoans were not concerned about money because they could get along quite well without money. They did not want to break away from Britain. They wanted the protection of the New Zealand Government, but the right to manage their own affairs. Tuimalealiifano, an ancient high chief and an old friend of Robert Louis Stevenson, begged the Minister not to be angry and excite Samoa because it was still sick. The meeting concluded at a late hour, leaving the delegates with the impression that there wag little prospect of agreement on the main issues until Mr. O. F. Nelson’s return on Wednesday. The Minister has agreed to hold an all-day conference with Mr. Nelson and the Mau on Thursday. The goodwill mission will leave for New Zealand that evening.

The New Zealand Ministerial party spent the week-end inspecting land which has been chosen for development purposes and prospective settlement by a number of Samoan residents who are desirous of acquiring holdings. A visit was also paid to Vaimea prison.