SAMOA COMMISSION

Hawke's Bay Tribune, Volume XVII, 1 October 1927, Page 6

SAMOA COMMISSION

STATEMENTS DENIED. Apla. Sept. 29. Before the Hoyul Commission. replying to Mr Meredith, Arthur William*. member ot' the Legislative Council said he did not think Nelson, in witness' presence, had said "the Government’s made u lever of the natives to get prohibition, so why should not we make use of them.” but witness would not deny that this might have been said. Witness never said. “We must get rid of Sir George Richardson.” There never was any ,<uch intention. The phrase, circulated in Samoan, and authorised by the commitee. of which witness was a member. referred to the “cruel, oppres give and despotic rule of the Government.” He admitted now that this was toe strong a language to issu» to the natives. Westbrook had blamed the Minister and the Administration for the native unrest and for constitutional efforts being hostilely received. Witness did not know Westbrook’s letter tv a New Zealand newspaper about the 100.000 dollars loan had been translated into the Samoan and circulated among the natives had caused unrest, and dissatisfaction with the Administration among the natives.

Samuel Hornell Meredith gave evidence that the Samoans were ripe for complete self-Government. Apropos of failure to admit an “obvious deduc tion” from witness’ previous statement Sir Charles Sterrett said: “I only 'want to let you know that we are a thinking tribunal and don’t swallow everything that is said to us.’