Manawatu Evening Standard. THURSDAY, APRIL 10, 1919. THE SAMOA MANDATORY.

Manawatu Standard, Volume XLIII, Issue 1506, 10 April 1919, Page 4

Manawatu Evening Standard. THURSDAY, APRIL 10, 1919. THE SAMOA MANDATORY.

It is more than unfortunate that Mr Massey, battling away with Sir Joseph ■Ward in the interests of New Zealand at the other side of the world, should bo forced into any sort of controversy with cither New Zealand politicians or journalists over Samoa. The disgruntled, or disaffected, section of tho community, voicing the opinion that New Zealand has no interest in the former German possession, and that its future is a matter of no concern to ourselves, is, fortunately, limited, and its vision and outlook aro as narrow and circumscribed as its numbers aro unimportant. No man gifted with common sense would desire to live with a burglar as his next-door neighbour. Ho would always have the uneasy feeling that his neighbour’s predatory instincts might lead him, at any time, to break into and despoil him of his possessions. To guard against that sort of thing, ho would naturally seek such protection as tho law could afford him, and would proceed to cither eject his neighbour or have him placed under strict surveillance. The facts—those stubborn tilings, tho “chiels that winna ding”—show that, before tho war, and as part of tho expected and hoped lor results, Germany had plotted, schemed and planned to take possession of New Zealand, and to transform it into a German possession, in the same way as she schemed to take Belgium. Knowledge of her plans enabled tho British and New Zealand authorities to anticipate possible hostile action against these islands, by depriving Germany of tho bases she would have used against us. Germany obtained possession of Samoa in 1899, by secretly stirring up strife and factional fightings amongst the natives, in order to get control of the islands herself. She persuaded Britain to relinquish her rights over tho group in exchange for concessions over islands elsewhere, although she had no real claim upon them, and, while her administration of Samoa itself, under Dr. Solf, was fairly decent, as compared with her administration of tlie German East and West African possessions, she ignored the treaty rights accorded to British traders in respect of German Samoa. But the natives themselves have shown by their reception of tho British a decided preference for British rule, Their actions have marked the relief they feel at British being substituted for German rule. To those who say that Germany should have Samoa returned to her there is only the one possible answer, if the interests of the democratic peoples of the South Seas and of New Zealand and Australia arc to be served, and that answer comes in throe words, “Hands‘off Samoa.” It is claimed by the men in possession that, under no circumstances- must it be allowed to

revert to Germany. America objects, through her President, to Britain adding to her overseas possessions as a result of the war. There are to he no territorial aggrandisements. But America also says that Samoa must not bo given back to Germany. What then? America herself can hardly take possession of the islands, for that would ho to enrich herself at the expense of the people who captured it in 1914, and have been administering it over since. And the natives .cannot, again, he left to themselves. - Unless New Zealand assumes mandatory control over the islands, Japan might conceivably take them over. That might, or might not, be an evil. Mr Massey’s position in the matter is sound and logical. It is supported by Sir Joseph Ward, and the great majority of the people of New Zealand, and, in view of the facts, and especially of the trouble the leaders of our National Government have been at to effect a settlement of the problems of Pacific control, it is time the carping critics ceased their useless chatterings, and turned their attention to matters upon which they can speak with some sort of understanding of the true position. Although they may count for something in “Little Peddlingtonia,” it is more than questionable if their utterances, or opinions, are taken seriously outside its charmed boundaries, that is, amongst people who know them. But, when their opinions are cabled across the world, as in some instances they have been, and put forward as the considered opinion of New Zealanders, it is necessary they should bo promptly taken to task, and that their Tooloy street tailor-like attempt to speak for the people of Now Zealand should bo repudiated.

A screen has boon erected in front of tho “ Standard ” Office on which the results of the licensing election will appear to-night as they come to hand from all parts of the Dominion. A two-story dwelling in Thorndon Quay, Wellington, occupied by Mr John Worno, and owned by Mr J. M’Ginnity, was badly damaged by fire on Tuesday afternoon. . Forged National Bank notes arc still in circulation in Mastcrton. One of them was passed through tho totalisator at the recent Mastcrton races. It is stated by tho Minister of Public Health that large extensions are to bo made to the quarantine stations at Somes and Motuihi islands. Probably 250 additional bods will be provided at both places in the immediate future. Mr J. Coll is, of Kairunga, has received private advice that his son, Driver Leslie Collis, who left with tho sixteenth reinforcements, is returning to New Zealand by the transport Northumberland, duo to arrive May 9th. At a mooting of tho Dannovirko branch of the Amalgamated Society of Railway Servants last night it was decided not to accept tho amended scale as offered by the Railway Department, A similar resolution was passed by the Mnrtoh branch, which also urged that a special mooting of delegates be called to deal with tho matter. Advice has been received by the Minister of Defence to the effect that the 1914 and 1915 classes of the N.Z.E.F are now nearly cleared from England, and that the 1916 men are being evacuated. The Minister is further advised that no definite information can bo given at present regarding the departure of later classes, as shipping accommodation is uncertain.

As an instance of the efficiency and the ingenuity of the Canadian and American people during the war period, the engineer to the Auckland Harbour Board mentioned in a report that during 1917, 48 lake steamers were brought down for service in the Atlantic. Sixteen had to be cut in two to pass the canal locks, and they were put together again at Montreal. Owing to the increased number of passengers travelling from Auckland by the Main Trunk express the number of pussen- ; ger-carriages has boon increased to 11, consisting of 10 ordinary and ono,sleeper carriage. These will give seating accommodation for about 390 passengers. Previously the normal train consisted of nine ordinary and one sleeper carriage, accommodating 315 passengers. A deputation from the Foxton Harbour Board, introduced by Mr W, H. Field, M.P., waited on tho Minister for Marine (Hon. T. M. Wilford) at Wellington on Tuesday to place before him tho difficulty experienced by such a small board in obtaining a harbourmaster with the required qualifications. It was suggested by the Minister tiiat the board should endeavour to engage a pilot with.,tho necessary qualifications, 'That would overcome tho difficulty in tho meantime. A large and representative meeting of farmers was held at Ashburton to discuss tho position that has arisen with regard to farmers not being able to get delivery and payment for their wheat, which is lying threshed in tho paddocks, about 60.000 sacks being on hand. After discussion, it was unanimously resolved: “That tho Government bo asked to take over wheat offered at tho fixed price agreed upon and provide for storage.” A deputation was appointed to interview tho Minister on the matter. Among tho officers of tho Westmoreland, which brought tho Pioneers back homo, is Mr R. M'Nish, who was chief officer of the New Zealand Shipping Company’s steamer Otaki when that vessel was sunk by the raider Moewe on March 10. 1917. Mr M'Nish tolls a thrilling story of tho fight, 'and says the Otaki’s gunners put up some good shooting, but had no chance with the heavily-armed German vessel Mr M'Nish, tho carpenter, and the captain were the last on tlio Otaki, and the captain went down with Ins ship. Mr M'Nish and the carpenter look to the water. “Three-quarters of an hour afterwards,” ho said, “wo wore picked up by the Moewe, where an attempt-by prisoners from other ships to mutiny when wo fought the raider had been quelled, and wo found her to bo in a pretty bad condition. She had beep hit by seven shells, and was badly on fire. It took thirty-six hours to .extinguish tho flames. Wo were given shocking accommodation while wo wore on tho way to Kiel, and after arrival, at that port. I spent my term of captivity at six different camps, being released in December of last year."

A British sailor named Harry Johnson had a narrow escape from drowning at Wellington last evening. Ho was clambering over the side of the United States schooner Fearless (from which ho was recently discharged), berthed at No. 14 Jcrvois Quay breastwork, when ho fell between the vessel and the wharf. Captain Beattie, of the American schooner Luzn, was standing by the gangway at the time, and at once got ai,; rope and lot himself down whore the man had fallen. Under the wharf it was pitch dark, but hanging on the rope with one hand Captain Beattie was able, to search for. the sailor, and soon located him against a pile. It was strenuous work keeping the man afloat in such an awkward position, and when rescued and rescuer were hauled on to the wharf, the former, who had been in the water for about fifteen minutes, was in a serious condition. Artificial respiration was applied by Constables Anderson and Fleming, of the Waterside Police, and the man was soon sufficiently restored to bo conveyed to the hospital. ’ Besides Suffering, from his immersion. Johnson received slight injuries to his head while falling through the narrow space between the Fearless and the wharf.

Members of the_ Patriotic Society are notified of the meeting to bo held to-morrow afternoon at 4.30. The New Zealand Farmers’ Co operative Bacon Co. have cancelled all trucking dates until further notice. Nowhere; such valuas in coats and costumes is the frequent comment of buyers visiting our showrooms. We know it too, but the frequent assurance of our customers is practical confirmation. —The C. M. Ross Co., Ltd., the store for value. —Advt. Messrs Collinson and Son have tiling exports who do interior work for homes, pubiio buildings,- and theatres, all over the country These same experts are available for tiling your grate, making you a kerb, putting in a tilo hearth, tiling around your range or any similar work. Tiles in every wanted art shade are stocked by this firm, and designs and estimates will gladly bo given you.—Advt. For chronic chest, complaint. Woods' Great Peppermint Cure,—Advt,

The weather conditions were unfavourable for the licensing poll in Christchurch to day. Rain commenced at 7 o’clock last night, and at noon to-day was still falling. Voting, however, proceeded steadily. An ancient Maori custom is that relatives of soldiers fallen in battle must perforin certain rites over the graves of their loved ones to ensure their happiness m the next world. A deputation of representative Maoris of the Ngapuhi tribe _ waited upon the Minister for Native Affairs, the Hon. W. 11. Herrics, at Auckland asking that the Government should supply two trapsports to take tho next of km of Maoris fallen to Franco to visit tho graves of their relatives to perform tho customary rues. The deputation was introduced by_ Mr inn Henure, M.P., for Northern Maori district. Mr Herrics said ho would consider the matter and place it before tho proper authorities.

Speaking at Pongaroa, Mr G. 11. Smith, M.P., mentioned that now that tho war was over the intelligent peoples of the earth had got more serious problems to contend with than were over expected. Especially in tho largo cities there was a considerable section of tho people who were being asked to do and to -believe in a way that Britishers should never behave. Ho warned them against that section of Bolshevists and those advocates who were trying to create a spirit of unrest and discontent amongst tho people. It was the duty of everyone to see that tho man who tried to advocate such discontent and turmoil should get what ho deserved. “Use everyinfluence you can to put down Bolshevism, said Mr Smith amid applause.

A picnic party which visited tho Waitotara beach on Sunday had a narrow escape from losing tho two motor cars in which they made the journey. On arriving near the beach the cars were drawn up close to some toi-tois, and the men-folk on alighting wended their way to tho beach, leaving the ladies to follow them. Some little time after tho men had departed a fire broke out among tho toi-toi-and spread rapidly, threatening to destroy both cars. A number of tho ladies rushed towards the beach to give the alarm, while a couple —Mcsdames Alf. Handley and H. W. Kelly-stayed and fought the flames, which, fortunately, they succeeded in subduing before any harm was done to the cars, though they were severely burned about tho hands and arms m their efforts. Speaking at tho annual dinner and reunion of the New Plymouth Old Boys Association, Sir James Allen stated (reports tho News) that his old college—Clifton-had nroducod Generals Haig and Birdwood and men like Henry Ncwbolt, and showed how tho spirit of a school could keep boys from going wrong in after life. Nothing wa-s of greater help than the memory of school ideals, and the thought of what the school was expecting of its old boys, Zealand, with its schools it had could taco without fear tho difficulties before it, because it had something behind it m tho history and in the traditions of those schools, and something to live up to in tho future. With such schools in her possession ho had no fear of her future. The Wanganui Borough Council has written to the Minister for Munitions complaining of tho shortage of coal in hand for its gasworks, and stating that some of the Newcastle coal ordered for Wanganui Jiad boon commandeered by the Coal Sales Committee for Palmerston North. Tho climax, it is stated, was reached a few days ago when the Wanganui supply was so depleted as only to provide for three more days, and on wiring to the Department the Wanganui Borough Council was informed that it could get 50 tons of its own coal from Palmerston North. The Council complained of the wastefulness of hauling coal to gnd from Palmerston, the useless handling of it both at Wanganui and Palmerston, and the strain on the staff of the Railway Department.

An interesting story of the straight dealing of the old-timo Maoris was _ related by Mr J. H. Kcesing, at the Native gathering to welcome the returned Maori soldiers at Putiki the other' night. A number of Waikato Maoris who traded with a Jewish merchant, in Auckland arrived in that city one Saturday in order to pay him. They found the office closed, and that the merchant was away at the synagogue. There the Maoris proceeded, and, waiting until after the service, met the merchant. The latter explained that he could not do any business nor accept money on his Sabbath. The Maoris were then in a quandary, aa that night they had to return to their homes. The next morning, when the merchant wcnt_ down to his office, he found a broken fanlight, and inside, on the floor, a bag of money containing the amount of the debt, and an extra ten shillings to pay for the damaged window.