SAMOAN PROBLEMS

Greymouth Evening Star, 16 March 1928, Page 2

SAMOAN PROBLEMS

HINTS TO ADMINISTRATOR.

(Special to "Star.”)

AUCKLAND, March 15.

An Auckland resident, who has had considerable experience in the Pacific Islands and knows the native mind intimately, expressed concern to an “Auckland Star” representative this morning, at the Samoan trouble inasmuch as it affects the Dominion’s mandate.

“This is our first experience,” he said, “of administering a mandated territory, and we stand in very good odour 'with the Mandates Committee. It is unthinkable that anything should occur to lessen our splendid reputation. I notice that Mr Nelson is going to Geneva, but I fail to see what standing he can attain there. The committee will no doubt sift the evidence of the Royal Commission and form their own conclusions.” “As one who has lived amongst the natives I would like to express the opinion that whoever the new Administrator may be he should never attempt to address the natives in their own tongue. It almost invariably leads to loss of prestige. When General Richardson first went to Samoa everything went on smoothly, and 1 can trace a lessening of discipline from the time that the Administrator commenced to talk Samoan tongue. The natives give a- man working through an interpreter credit for knowing more about things generally than he really does know. When he talks the native language, no matter how perfectly, they see through him quicker. I certainly think the Administrator would have been working on safer lines if he had refrained from speaking Samoan. Then again the natives do nothing in haste. A day Act. Mr F. D. Sargent said that same to them if a thing has to be done. They are a people of leisurely movement. Sir George has done remarkably well but it is a matter of opinion whether he has not tried to bring necessary reforms about far too quickly. A gradual reform in conditions should have been the policy. I have often noticed also that a change in government officers, even if there has been no trouble, worked good in the Islands, because new officials come with fresh mana, and that is an all important point to the native mind.’ ’

MR. FORBES’S VIEWS

DUNEDIN, March 14

In an interview to-day, Mr. G. W. Forbes, the Nationalist leader, said that he had no hesitation in saying that he was at one with the efforts to restore constitutional authority in Samoa, after which it would be possible to discuss the rights and wrongs of the situation. Mr. Holland’s statement had been a disturbing factor. When a Government was in a difficult position and mishandling might bring disaster, it behoved a public man who could not say anything to improve the position to refrain from speech. Mr. Forbes said he believed that a man with experience of the Maori race should administer Samoa.

DUNEDIN RETURNS

WELLINGTON, March 16. Arrived: H.M.S. Dunedin at 9 a.m from Samoa.