SAMOAN CHIEFS GIVE EVIDENCE.

Horowhenua Chronicle, 3 October 1927, Page 5

SAMOAN CHIEFS GIVE EVIDENCE.

THE OBJECTS OF THE MAU.

REASONS FOR BANISHMENT

(Received This Day," 8.5 a.m.) (Special to Press Association). (Bv Radio). APIA, October 1. Alipiata, high Samoan orator, and also a Samoan member of the Citizens' League, gave evidence before the Commission on the lines of Tamasese, the high chief, that the Mail's object was the Government of Samoa by the Samoaiis under the protection of the British flag and to make its own laws. The Mau had never tried to have Sir Geo. Richardson removed from office.

Tua, a ''hief of Safune (Savaii) protested against his banishment, the presentation of fine mats, and the inhibition of the medical tax, and agreed with Tamasese and Alipiata as to the objects and "hopes of the Mau and the absence of a desire for the removal of Sir George Richardson. Umaga Pau also expressed a desire for self government and explained the objects of the Mau. He was supported by Faamau Sili, who was formerly secretary to Malietoa. Faamau Sili deposed that he and a friend were banished because in conversation with his friend, they said one ff.ipule had no credit in the district having a big leg (elephantiasis) and a second i'aipule could neither read nor write.

Cross-examined, he unreservedly admitted that he suggested to his friend the setting up' of a kingship under Malietoa and it. was for this they were banished on a charge of sedition.