“AN EYE FOR AN EYE.”

Manawatu Standard, Volume XLVIII, Issue 226, 22 August 1928, Page 2

“AN EYE FOR AN EYE.”

SAMOANS AND THE LAW

APIA, July 1

The civilisation of the natives (f Samoa is still very much on the surface and the native when properly aroused stiff takes the law into Ins own hands. “An eye for’an eye” is apparently their motto. Recently a Samoan taxi driver molested the wife of a native who was in prison. The girl made no complaint to the authorities, but conferred with her husband on the matter. The latter, when released from prison, promptly secured a large knife, - which he concealed in his lava lava and then invited the taxi driver to take him for a ride. After they had proceeded some way the driver demanded payment—and promptly got it in tho shape of a terrific blow with the knife, which cut his face, open almost from ear to car. The boy was quickly hustled to the hospital and managed to puff through, while his assailant was charged with attempted murder, which, when the whole story camo out, was reduced to assault. A certain amount of sympathy was felt for the native, but the law knows nothing of sentiment, and lie was finally sentenced to a further term of imprisonment. However, it is pretty certain that, this time, no one will interfere with his wife. A similar case occurred at Savaii. A girl, who was working on a taro patch, was molested by a native, and called on her brother for vengeance. The latter armed liimsclf with a huge knife and went off in search of the assailant, who, apparently was expecting visitors, for he and two friends were waiting, also armed. They promptly attacked the brother and when they drew off he was badly slashed across the face anil body, was bruised, and bad a threepronged, fisli spear driven through his leg above the knee. At this point, the police arrived, and, while the brother was taken to hospital, the others were’ put in prison. Suitable sentences wero given to the offenders, but it is doubtful if the average Samoan will derive a lesson from the affair. He is too hot-headed in such matters to await the slow process of the law.