A UNITED SAMOA

Evening Post, Volume CXXII, Issue 22, 25 July 1936, Page 9

A UNITED SAMOA

BASIS OF AGREEMENT.

DELEGATION'S PLAN

THE NATIVES ACCEPT

(Special to Press Association.) (Received July 25, 10 a.m.)

APIA, July 23. The proposals suggested recently by the New Zealand good-will delegates as a basis of agreement for a united Samoa were accepted by a conference of natives today, on the understanding that the points raised by themselves would be still open for consideration in the future.

Before the discussion commenced, Mr. O. F. Nelson, leader of the Mau, expressed pleasure at being given the opportunity to take part in the conference, and said that perhaps on no other living person had the policy of the previous Government reacted more harshly than upon himself. In the few weeks the good-will delegates had been in the territory they had helped to undo much of the causes of unrest and dissension in the past. That better understanding between the new Government and the natives was amply demonstrated by the happy relations now existing, and particularly by the Ministerial party joining with the Samoans in welcoming himself and family back to their "homeland. The establishment of mutual good will, respect, and confidence could not but help lay the foundations of an amicable and lasting settlement. A NEW OUTLOOK. "Out of ■ the ashes ,of the past a Phoenix, I hope, will arise," continued Mr. Nelson. "Some of the concessions granted by the Minister were asked for ten years ago by the people of Samoa. At that time, merely to urge that differences of opinion should be referred 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 whicli appeared wrong in the eyes of the Government ten 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 ten years be looked upon in a more favourable light. I have no doubt that the goodwill mission will bear in mind the dif- * ference between New Zealand and Samoa in cu2ture, environment, and conditions. New Zealand is predominantly a white man's country, with the Native population becoming smaller and smaller. It is just thev other way round in Samoa. INFLUENCE FOR PEACE AND HARMONY. Mr. Nelson concluded with the as- ! surance that any influence he had with | the Samoans would be used to maintain peace and .harmony. Mr. Langstone reviewed the steps taken by the Labour Government to bring about 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 the 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 Samoaiis were pre» pared 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 the 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 dona has been accepted and is fully under* stood by the Samoans." The Minister: Yes, we are agreeable to that. The conference ended with an exchange of compliments and good wishes. MISSION'S RETURN TO NEW ZEALAND. The work of the good-will mission in the territory has now concluded. The delegates are leaving tonight with a good understanding of the problems of Western Samoa, and with memories of many golden days among a hospitable people.