THE MAU’S OBJECT

Hawke's Bay Tribune, Volume XVII, 3 October 1927, Page 5

THE MAU’S OBJECT

GOVERNMENT BY SAMOANS UNDER PROTECTION OF UNION JACK. CHIEF’S EVIDENCE BEFORE COMMISSION. (Special to Press Association ; Bv Radio.) (Received 3. 8.5 a.m.) Apia. October 1. Alipiata, a high Samoan orator, also a member of the Citizens’ League, gave evidence before the Commission on the lines of Tama sese, that the Alan’s object was government of Samoa by the Samoans pnder the protection of the British flag, and to 'make its own laws. The Mau had never tried to have General Richardson removed from office. Turi. a chief of Sofune. Lavaii. protested against his banishment, the presentation of five mats inhibition, and the medical tax, and agreed with Tamasese and Alipiata as to The objects and hopes of the Mau and the absence of desire for the removal of General Richardson. Umaga Pau also expressed the desire for self-government and the ob pects of Mau. and was supported bv Faamau Sili, who was formerly secretary to Malietoa. Faamau Sili deposed that he and a friend were banished because, in conversation with a friend, thev said one Faipule had no credit in the district, having “big leg” (elephantiasis), and that a second Faipule could neither read nor write. Cross examined. he unreservediv admitted that he and his friend had suggested setting up a kingship under Malietoa, and it was for this that they were banished on a charge of sedition. TAAIASESE’S OBJECTIONS. Tamasese, a high chief objected co the medical tax. to the stopping of the presentation of fine mats ti the Governor-General, and to the proposed dividing of land amongst Samoans without the consent of the owners. He said he was a member of the Mau. To Sir Charles Skerrett: The object of the Mau was to secure self government for Samoans, independent of New Zealand, but under the British flag. The Mau never worked for the removal of the present Adminis trator.

Siaosi. formerly Alipiat. banished and deprived of his title, complained that no preparation had been made by the Administration for the maintenance of his wife and children at home or for himself away. Incidental to the evidence regarding the Presentation to the Governor-General bv the Tielupe of Samoan emblems of authority. Mr Justice McCormack informed witness that apprehensions about Samoa were needless. New Zealand administered under the mandate, and was strictly abound by terms. Thess remarks were prefaced bv an interjection.by Sir Charles Skerrett: “What does it matter? What hinges upon it? The idea is rank, absolute nonsense, and could only have arisen in ultra suspicious minds or ultra ignorant minds.” ALL FOR SELF-GOVERNMENT. Auelua Larva i. formerly clerk to the interpreter in the Native Department, gave evidence through an interpreter that he complained that his oratir’s title had been taken aw? and no reason had been given him. He admitted convictions for abduction and perjury. He did not think Samoa should be administered bv Sa moans. A Legislative Council with three native members should make the laws. Saletai complained that his title had been taken away and he had been banished in 1925 for reasons which h© considered insufficient. Before his trial he had not been notified of the specific charges which would have to be met. The proposed new law for the subdivision of land would undermine the influence of the Mata is (heads of families) and cause them to lose control over their families. It was likely to result in serious trouble in Samoa. Teh selfgovernment of Samoa bv Samoans, as desired by the Mau. was alvocated bv this witness, and also bv the next witness Tialavea Faitele.