The Evening Star TUESDAY, MARCH 30, 1920.

Evening Star, Issue 17314, 30 March 1920, Page 4

The Evening Star TUESDAY, MARCH 30, 1920.

There appears to bo ranch pessimism in Western Samoa, respecting Pessimism New Zealand’s mandatory In Samoa, control of a potentially rich territory that has hitherto been a helpless pawn in the game of European diplomacy. It ia to bo regretted that the happy parliamentary party, with all their eagerness, urbanity, and eloquence, failed to disperse the gloom. The testimony of the ‘ Samoa Times ’ is rather aad t “ The visit of tho parliamentary party has not left a very profound impression behind it in Samoa." That is a pity twice emphasised, for they did not leave a very profound irnprdSsion in New Zealand as to the value of their trip when they set out for their joyous cruise to the ‘‘Dominion’s dependencies in the Pacific.” The ‘Samoa Times’ is cautious in its criticism. It writes always, it seems, under the shadow of a military censorship. But broad patches of pessimism have passed the blue-pencilled authority. The initial meeting between the shy citizens and the pioneering politicians left a feeling of disappointment. Various subjects were discussed, and all were “very diplomatically handled by Sir James Allen,” but tho Citizens’ Committee had little chance. They were “seemingly overawed by such an array of expert debaters.” It is only abroad that politicians find fame. “ Such an array of expert debaters'" Tho Censor has missed the sarcasm in the compliment. It is interesting to read that the local feeling of awe gradually eased to a feeling of democratic equality. In the evening of the first day, with half heaven hung with rtars, the citizens of Apia weie the guests of the parliamentary pari-y. “ Some of tbs citizens declare that though the functions were highly enjoyable, it was the first occasion in their lives that they ever drunk the King’s toast in water.” They unknowingly had a great compensation. It was not Dunedin water they had to drink. But surely the Alokoia, though lier (bar was very properly sealed, might have risen at least to iced lemon squash for the historic occasion. It would not have thwarted the spirit and the generously interpreted let-' ter of the League of Nations’ high ideal respecting Prohibition for “backward communities.” But the trip was not all cold water. The visitors secured a vast amount of information, which it is hoped will serve the members well when the New Zealand Parliament meets. Next June in the Dominion is awaited keenly in Western Samoa. The simple folk there already have put their faith in politicians. Heaven help tnem in the -simplicity of their faith! As the ‘Samoa Times 1 observes, New Zealand has a hurdle to surmount.” The parliamentary tour of the islands lias at least disclosed the seriousness of New Zealand’s tasks and i.esponsibilities as tho clamant trustee for the anasmic League of Nations. The worst problem concerns coolie labor. “ The miscegenation of the coolie and the native woman is a stubborn fact, and bow the difficulty is to be surmounted it is difficult to foresee.” The “array of expert debaters lias not yet contributed practical wisdom to an acceptable solution of the problem. Perhaps they, too, Ure keenly awaiting next June. * There is doubt in Samoa as to the ability of New Zealand to rise to the occasion. That doubt is reasonable. The settlement of New Zealand s difficulties is not a guarantee of success' as a mandatory Power depending upon the importation of indentured labor for most of its triumph in respect to administration of tropical territory. Success will not be gained through expert debates by politicians who hav© not succeeded with less intricate problems r.t home. Is there by any chance a Cost of Living problem in Western Samoa*? If so, the impression left by the parliamentr.ry party will be less profound. The verdict of the ‘Samoa Times' is dispiriting in its pessimism: ’ AY© must admit we are rather pessimistic concerning New Zealand’s ability to grapple with our problems and reforms it is a matter for the New Zealand taxpayer to decide, and when it ls . a touching his pocket there will be a reaction against the mandate.