AGITATORS AT WORK

Gisborne Times, Volume LXVIII, Issue 10732, 1 November 1928, Page 6

AGITATORS AT WORK

INTRIGUE IN SAMOA CITIZENS COMMITTEE EXISTS SECRETLY SPREADING FALSE NEWS SIR G. RICHARDSON’S EVIDENCE TO LEAGUE " United Press Assn, by El. Tel. Copyrlifiit (Australian Preen Association.' GENEVA. Oct. 29. The League’s Permanent Mandates Commission began the examination of the New. Zealand Government’s annual report on the administration of Samoa to March, 1928, in the presence of New Zealand’s representatives, Sir James Parr and Sir George Richardson. The period covered by the report was the events traversed by the Royal Commission’s report, examined at the previous session. Members of the commission accordingly . asked particulars of the present situation and explanations regarding certain information, according to which a portion of the population was still discontented. • Sir G. Richardson explained that the su-called citizens’ committee still existed secretly and kept in touch with the agitator Nelson, now in banishment. also still contributed to the disaffection of the native population by spreading false news. Sir G. Richardson added that the natives had been informed of the Mandates Commission’s work, but they were again influenced by the intrigues of agitators.

Sir James Parr said the New Zealand Government had reported that the situation had improved during •the past six months, but immediate results could not be expected. Order was being maintained and the courts now obeyed. Account must be taken ,uf that, for the Administration was compelled to deal with passive resistance in the shape of refusal to pay taxes. The chairman, the Marquis Theodoli (Italian), remarked that they knew in Italy how to deal with thoso who refused to pay taxes. Sir J. Parr replied that they had no Fascist army in Samoa. The mandatory power was going to the limit of patience before resorting to stronger measures. The commission further examines the report to-morrow. DISAFFECTION DECKEASING. HIGH COMMISSIONER’S THREATS AGAINST AGITATORS. OTHER MEASURES IF TOLERANCE FAILS. Uidled Press Assn. by El. Tel. Copyright (Australian Press ABSooiation.) GENEVA, Oct. 30. The Mandates Commission concluded the examination of the New Zealand Government’s report on "Western Samoa. Sir Jas. Parr, dealing with administration, justice, and the police force, said' there was no differentiatien between whites and natives regarding the repression of crime. The police force was composed of natives, and 70 Europeans sufficed to mainta n order. Certain schools closed owing to the agitation had been reopened-. Instruction in the work and aims of the League was being given. New Zealand was persevering with educational" and health measures. Though the position regarding agitators was not yet satisfactory, disaffection was decreasing, and the position improving. The police were working normally, the plantations were progressing, and the copra, harvest was excellent. Confidence must be shown in the present administrator of the mandatory power. Other measures way Id be .- adopted regarding agitators- if tolerant treatment failed.