SAMOA’S FUTURE

Dominion, Volume 29, Issue 257, 27 July 1936, Page 9

SAMOA’S FUTURE

Mission’s Proposals Accepted UNITY AS OBJECT Mr. Nelson’s Assurance to Delegation (Special to the Press Association.) Apia, July 23. The proposals suggested recently by the Now Zealand goodwill delegates as a basis of agreement for a united Samoa were accepted by a conference of natives to-day, on the understanding that the points raised by themselves would be still open for consideration iu tlie future.

Before the discussion commenced. Mr. O. F. Nelson, leader of the Mau, expressed pleasure at being given the opportunity to take part iu the conference, and said that perhaps on no other living person had the policy of the previous Government reacted more barshiv than upon himself. In the few weeks'the goodwill delegates had been in the territory they had helped to undo much of the causes of unrest and dissension iu the past. That better understanding between the new Government and the natives was amply demonstrated by the happy relations now existing, and particularly by tho Ministerial party joining with the Samoans in welcoming himself and family back to their homeland. The establishment of mutual goodwill, respect, and confidence could not but help lay the foundations of an amicable and lasting settlement. Mr. Nelson’s Hopes. “Out of the ashes of the past a Phoenix, I hope, will arise,” continued Mr. Nelson. “Some of the concessions granted by tho Minister were asked for 10 years ago by the people of Samoa. At that time, merely to urge that differences of opinion should he referrred to the Government for settlement was tantamount to sedition.” Mr. F. Langstone (leader of the delegation) : Yes, but there is a new Government now. Mr. Nelson; The point I am making is that some of the very things which appeared wrong in the eyes of the Government 10 years ago are now being put as a basis of better understanding, and as representing a step along the road to self-government by the Samoans. Perhaps the proposals we are now urging which do not appeal to you may in another 10 years be looked upon in a more favourable light. I have no doubt that the goodwill mission will bear in mind the difference between New Zealand and Samoa in culture, environment and conditions. New Zealand is predominantly a white man's country, with the Native population becoming smaller and smaller. It is just the other way round in Samoa.

Will Help Maintain Peace.

.Mr. Nelson concluded with the assurance that any influence he bad with the Samoans would be used to maintain peace and harmony. Mr. Langstone reviewed the steps taken by the Labour Government to bring jibout better understanding, and said that they had laid all the cards on the table. The sufferings of Samoa were not one tithe of the sufferings of New Zealand. One could only express sorrow for the wrongs of the past. How could any Government consider the. question of payment of compensation for the lives lost in tlie big influenza epidemic, as was seriously suggested by the Mau a few days ago? Mr. Nelson said that the problem which presented itself to his mind during the few hours he had been back was the difficulty of reconciling the ideals and aspirations of the goodwill delegation with the native mentality and outlook. However, as a mark of appreciation of the Minister’s good intentions, the Samoans were prepared to accept almost in toto the proposals put forward as a basis of tentative agreement. He said he understood that the delegation desired the conference to carry a resolution pledging itself to work for a united Samoa and to co-operate with tlie Government. “The idea I have in mind,” added Mr. Nelson, “is that instead of going away with a resolution you should leave our shores fully satisfied that what has been done has been accepted and is fully understood b.v the Samoans.” The Minister: Yes, we are agreeable to that.

Tile conference ended with an exchange of compliments and good wishes,

The work of the goodwill mission in the territory has now concluded. The delegates are leaving to-night with a good understanding of the problems of Western Samoa, and with memories of many golden days among a hospitable people.