SAMOAN QUESTION

Manawatu Standard, Volume XLVIII, Issue 167, 14 June 1928, Page 7

SAMOAN QUESTION

GENEVA CONSIDERATION. MANDATES COMMISSION AT WORK.

SEVERAL PETITIONS. (United Press Association— By Electric Telegraph—Copyright). (Australian Press Association United Service). GEiMay A, June 12. The situation at baihoa is the most important question on the agenda, paer at he thirteenth session of the Mandates Commission of the League of Nations, which opened this mornSir James Parr and Sir George Richardson will be present when the report is examined. . ' . Hon. O. F. Nelson, with advisers, is also at Geneva seeking to communicate liis view on the situation, he has no standing enabling him to be heard before the commission.

Consideration will also be given to Mr Newton Rowe’s petition containing various complaints concerning the administration of the territory, and another from the Anti-Slavery and Aborigines' Protection Society dealing with the deportation of native chiefs.

A petition from certain Samoan natives, complaining of some aspects of the administration, and a petition from Mr Nelson complaining of the administration and measures taken against himself have also been received. In his opening speech, the Marquis Theodorix, Chairman of the Commission, referring to Samoa, alluded with satisfaction to the promptitude of the New Zealand Government in informing the commission of recent developments. Sir James Parr had sent documents on several occasions in the Government's efforts to keep the commission abreast of the situation in a matter of great moment. _ Marquess Theodorix thanked the Government for sending Sir George Richardson to the commission. This afternoon the commission wilL discuss methods of procedure, and will be dealing with the- Samoan question next Tuesday, V ednesday, and Thursday.