SAMOAN COMPLAINTS

Hawera Star, Volume XLVII, 14 June 1928, Page 5

SAMOAN COMPLAINTS

PETITIONS RECEIVED. BY MANDATES COMMISSON. ALL PARTIES REPRESENTED. (Australian Press Association—United Service.) GENEVA, June 12. The situation in Samoa is the most important question in the agenda oi the thirteenth session of the Mandates Commission, which opened this morning. Sir James Parr and General Sit George Richardson will be present when the report is examined. The Hon. O. F. Nelson, who was lately connected with the Man movement in Samoa, with his advisers, is also in Geneva, seeking to comm unicate his view or the situation, though he has no standing enabling his hearing before the Commission. Consideration will also be given to Newton Rowe’s petition containing various complaints concerning the administration of the territory, and another from the Anti-Slavery and Aborigines Protection Society dealing with the deportation of native chiefs, both of which were received before the Royal Commission. A petition from certain Samoan 'natives, dated March, complaining of certain aspects of the administration, lias been received, as well as a petition n-om the Mon. O. F. Nelson, dated April, complaining of the administration and the measures taken against himself. In his opening speech the Marquis Theodoli (chairman), referring to Samoa, alluded with satisfaction to the promptitude with which the New Zealand Government was informing the Commission of the recent developments. Sir James Parr had sent documents on several occasions. The Government’s efforts to keep the Commission abreast of the situation was a matter of great moment. He thanked the Government for sending General Sir George Richardson.

The Commission, in the afternoon, will'discuss the methods' of procedure in dealing with the Samoan question next Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday.