NO FEAR OF “BIG STICK”

Evening Star, Issue 19775, 27 January 1928, Page 4

NO FEAR OF “BIG STICK”

PREMIER REPLIES TO MR HOLLAND ONLY SKELETON POLICE FORCE INFLAMMATORY remarks deplored. [Pee United Pebbs Association.] WELLINGTON, January 27. The Prime Minister has issued the following:— By this week's steamer we are despatching six police constables iroin New Zealand to assist the Administrator in his difficult task. I may explain that at present the whit© police force consists only of an inspector and one mounted constable, and it is probably unnecessary to say that it is not intended to apply (to use the words of Mr Holland) any policy of the “ big stick.” with that limited “force.” it is hoped that the dictates of reason will enable the present difficulties in the islands to be surmounted without any attempt at force, but I must, in‘conclusion, make this statement: That the unjustifiable and inflammatory remarks of the Leader of the Opposition do not assist towards that conciliatory solution of our difficulties which it is our earnest hope to find, and will not redound to the credit of New Zealand. NEGLECT OF SANITATION MILD DYSENTERY EPIDEMIC The Prime Minister, referring to Mr Holland’s later criticism, says that in his statement on Monday he referred to the effect of the Man upon our health administration, and to the report of the acting Chief Medical Adviser that sanitary measures had been so neglected that in certain villages the places were no better than cesspits, and that an outbreak of disease must bo expected. He expressed the opinion that many innocent lives must be lost in Samoa as a. direct result of the Man’s influence in destroying the confidence of the natives in the health administration. “I am,” he said, “ very sorry to say that an outbreak of mild bacillary dysentery has occurred at Savaii, where it was anticipated. I sincerely trust thau it will not develop into a serious epidemic.” ADMINISTRATION JUSTIFIED Mr Coates, dealing generally with Mr Holland’s remarks, points out that the answer to his charges of improper methods is contained in the Commission’s report, than which there could never have been a more complete vindication. The report upholds the action taken with regard to the Faipules, and Mr Coates has no knowledge of any promise to give representation on the Legislative Council being broken. The Fono of Faipules expressly desire/ that no such step should be taken. Finally, with regard to the complaint that member.", of Parliament bad not yet received a copy of the Commission’s report and the evidence, Mr Coates says that, despite every effort, the Printing Office had not been able to complete the work, which is very voluminous, but he hoped to have it ready in about a week. The contents of the report itself were published long ago.