SAMOA COMMISSION

Hokitika Guardian, 29 October 1927, Page 2

SAMOA COMMISSION

THE ENQUIRY ENDED

[Special to Press Assn, by Radio.]

APIA. Oct. 28

Mr Meredith continuing contended that the so-called banishments of the administration were necessary, as a revolution was apparent, with the risk of bloodshed following, if the position were not grappled resolutely. He asserted the committee had substantiated no serious complaints. They were mostly based on incomplete facts, highly fantastic. Concluding he quoted : Was Fono, a Faipule, that the work of New Zealand has been “ All good.” Baxter, for the Citizen’s Committee, in a three hours’ address, said it was unfair for the administration to compete for copra against merchants, who had invested a huge capital to develop the same. It was not shown they had exploited the natives. He admitted the committee’s allegations of the administration’s finance were erroneous in some respects, hut not that it was deliberately erroneous. There was not a tittle of evidence to show the natives were misled bv these errors. He commented on the striking evidence given bv the natives, who disputed the medical tax and division of land. He alleged the Crown was tactless in handling the whole affair, which had changed an ordinary situation into the existing state of affairs.

Mr 'Slipper asked the commission to request the New Zealand Government to lift the prohibition to some extent, and alleged there was nothing to warrant the wholesale banishment effected. Tiie inquiry lias ended.