SAMOAN MANDATE.

Hawera Star, Volume XLVII, 16 June 1928, Page 5

SAMOAN MANDATE.

ADMINISTRATION METHODS

•SiWISS JOURNALIST’S VIEWS

“GILNTLIteJFN OF THE PACIFIC

An able European journalist, Mr Jacques E. Citable, formerly editor of the “Sinisee Liberal,” the daily newspaper of Neuc-hatel, Switzerland, has reached Auckland, in the course of a tour of many countries, for the purpose of studying conditions on ibehalf of various European journals. Of special interest to New Zealand are the opinions lie has formed after a ; sojourn of seven weeks in British Samoa. By reason of hi® standing as a journalist, Mr Oh able was given every facility for studying the situation from every angle and he is alble t 0 speak not only as one having a special fund of information, but aLso as a trained observer with a broad outlook on international problems. His visit to Samoa concluded on the day that General Richardson left .or New Zealand.

“The Samoans,” he said to a representative of the “Auckland Star’’ are certainly the gentlemen of the South Seas. In manners they are proud ana v ery like the French. They are so polite that they will never let you know i;f they do not agree, with you. To get the best out of them you' must respect their customs, for these are the. very soul of the people.” Mr Chaibie expressed the opinion that in administering Samoa the Government ,of New Zealand had a very difficult task, because small things that were important to the native mind were not regarded as important by Europeans. MR. NELSON’S MISSION. “At the same time,” Mr Cliable said, “1 believe that New Zealand bos done everything passible for the Samoans. An amount of money has been spent, wliich to m© is marvellous—over £40,000 —and! I believe that this country lias done all that was expected by the League of Nations. In my opinion, the Mandate Commission of the League, when it meets oil Tuesday next, will not blame New Zealand for the trouble that has occurred during the last few months.” The visitor gave it as his opinion that the commission would have no opportunity of hearing the Hon. Mi Nelson as it had laid down ots a principle that no people from any country might ibci thea-nd Txnloss they li’aicl official standing. It was, therefore, probable that the only report that could be accepted would be that of Sir George Richardson. . “From my point of view, ’ Mr Uhah'.e added, “General Richardson has done a lot for Samoa, and my observations show me that he is by no means a despot. He gave the whole of his time to hi® work and his only concern was the welfare of Samoa. During the first yeans of his administration everybody was happy .and; recognised him as a very able administrator.” Air Chaibie stated that without doubt the trouble that arose 18 months ago was provoked by half-caste and European residents in Apia. They might inave had a., few reasons for complaint, but, then, no country in the world could satisfy everyone. Those who were dissatisfied sought to express themselves through Air Nelson, who was well liked and bad a big influence ui Samoa. . . , r ~ While, the original _ cause oi tiie trouble, Mr. Clauble said, was the socalled interference by the Government with the copra trade, prohibition and interference with native customs, there had arisen out of that trouble the more serious movement of “Samoa for-the Samoans.” While velieving that the administration of General Richardson was good, Air. Ohabie believes that he missed opportunities for exercising tact and diplomacy in the early stages of the trouble. “As I see' the situation,” the visitor added, “the Administrator might have solved the problem about four months ago by giving away a few unimportant points to the natives.” ~ As o the future. Air. Ohabie expressed the hope that the Samoans would he able to continue living as they were living to-day. They did not wont too much civilisation, neither did they need it. Among the Polynesian races the Samoans were very important, but they were not greatly concerned wit a Ihe'outside world. Neither was Samoa in need’ of great commercial development. That would mean the coming in of more white people, and probably more Chinese, and Japanese, because ihe Samoans could not he looked to for regular work. “T have sent bade to the newspapers which I represent,” said Air. Chab'lc. | "my opinion, that New Zealand has fulfilled entirely her obligations to the League of Nations in her administration" of Samoa. At the same time I have stated that the League must attend to the claims of the Samoans, and -ce that they are not forgotten because they are one of the small nations of the world. In other words, .the influence of the League must he used through the Government of New Zealand in ensuring peace and good order for British Samoa.”