SAMOAN AFFAIRS.

Hawera Star, Volume XLIX, 16 August 1929, Page 5

SAMOAN AFFAIRS.

STRIKE OF CHINESE COOLIES. (By Telegraph—Press Association) WELLINGTON, Aug. 14. ilr H. E'. Holland referred in the House of Representatives to-day to a report from Apia relating to a strike of Chinese coolies, and asked whether the Prime Minister would order an investigation into the causes and tho whole circumstances, of the strike and the extent to. which, the police were permitted to use fiiearms. Sir Joseph Ward replied that he had received a cable from the Administrator stating that the strike was due to differences between two rival “tongs,” anti labour conditions were not, involved. Disputes between these tongs had led to a slight conflict on previous occasions and to two .recent prosecutions of a Chinese foreman recently heard and dismissed by tlie Chief Judge. Members of one of the tongs were striking to obtain the removal of this foreman, who was understood to be a prominent member of another tong. 1 On Sunday morning all the Chinese coolies on strike (280 in number) proceeded to the Chinese commissioner’s office, where they saw the commissioner. They appeared to disperse but suddenly attacked the office. Two white and several Samoan police on duty tried to restrain them, but a serious riot developed and the police were in grave danger. Finally, shots were fired by the police and on the arrival of reinforcements the rioters were dispersed. Fourteen Chinese casualties were in hospital, including four with bullet wounds, of whom one was in a serious condition, though his recovery was probable. Sir Joseph Ward stated t fa police were permitted to use firearms only as a final resort and where necessary for the preservation of their own safety. N 0 further investigation appeared to be called for at the moment. Mr Holland : It seems you will have to get rid of the Chinese in Samoa. Mr Wilford : Or the tongs.