SAMOAN AFFAIRS

Evening Post, Volume XC, Issue 88, 12 October 1915, Page 8

SAMOAN AFFAIRS

DISCUSSED IN PARLIAMENT CONTROL OF GERMAN TRADE. Samoan affairs engaged the attention of the House of Representatives for some time to-day. Mr. T. M. Wilford drew attention to a telegram in the papers to the effect that many tons of bullion were being brought from Samoa to New Zealand. Was this German money? On what terms had the Government fixed ■the currency question and the use of British and German money? Had any guarantee given by this country had the effect of losing any money to New Zealand. Sir Joseph Ward replied that when Samoa was taken over the only money current was German. This money had now been replaced by British money, and the loss through depreciation was £14,000. It was one of the contingencies arising out of the war that could not be avoided. Mr. H. J. H. Okey asked whether it was a fact that the bulk of the trade carried on in Samoa and other islands was being done by German firms, and whether the Government during the recess would consider the advisability of restricting these 'traders. The Prime Minister said the matter was under consideration now, and steps were being taken to transport the German traders in the Islands. The Tongan Government , had decided that no German should be allowed to land there, and that no German would be allowed to trade there. The New Zealand Government had appointed a gentleman to go to Samoa and supervise and control the German trade there. This representative would be under the control of fhe Administrator, Colonel Logan. Mr. H. G. Ell wanted to know whether paper money had beep brought into Samoa from outside arid redeemed by New Zealand money. It this were the case_ there should be a change in the administration. Sir Joseph Ward pointed out that the administration of Samoa was now an Imperial matter.