Manawatu Daily Times Trouble in Samoa

Manawatu Times, Volume LII, Issue 3626, 16 June 1927, Page 8

Manawatu Daily Times Trouble in Samoa

For a long time past reports have now and again made their appearance in the New Zealand press indicating that the relationship between the people and administration of Western Samoa is not as friendly as one might wish; A number of articles editorial and otherwise —appearing lately in Samoan newspapers not only confirm this impression but go to show that the unrest and dissatisfaction among the people, both natives and Europeans, is far greater than it is generally thought in the Dominion. The New Zealand Government, which is probably conversant with the real state of affairs, despatched the Minister of External Affairs (Hon. W. Nosworthy) to the scene of trouble, and this gentleman will, on his return, no doubt report to Cabinet. In the meantime, very little publicity has been given to his activities in the mandatory territories.

The four large and several smaller islands forming the group, known by its native name of Samoa, are administered by the New Zealand Government under mandate of the League of Nations. The administration is in the hands of an administrator, General Sir George Richardson, who possesses wide powers hut is responsible to the Minister of External Affairs. There is a Legislative Council consisting of from four to six official members appointed by the Governor-General of New Zealand, and three unofficial members elected by European residents. The Administrator, with the consent of the Council, is empowered to make ordinances for the peace, order and good government of the tereritory, subject to the GovernorGeneral’s veto. There is also a Native Parliament—the Fono of Faibules—consisting of leading chiefs appointed by the Administrator in order to submit to him recommendations affecting the welfare of the Samoan people.

It is easy to perceive the position of the Administrator is an exceedingly difficult one, and Sir George Richardson is reported ,to have fallen out with his Native Parliament as well as with the three elected members of the Council. It is alleged that he is determined to carry out his administrative work without their co-opera-tion and advice. A translation of an address by the Administrator to the Faibule assembled concludes with the following characteristic flourish; “You have now heard the reply, therefore stop wasting time that should be employed for your benefit instead of attending to the foolish objections of others. End it. Forget it. Attend to the good work to help Samoa advance in faith, affection and work !” The troubles with the natives are said to be in connection with certain interferences with their customs, the collection of taxes, and the infliction of punishment without trials. The European differences are said to be principally in connection with matters of administration. The Samoan “Guardian," in a frank article on June 2, alleges that reports are circulated and printed in New Zealand under the inspiration from Government men to lead people to believe that the activities of the Samoa League and “Committee” (of which the three members of the Council elected by the people— Messrs. Ncilson, Williams and Westbrook—are leading members), form a part of a German scheme of propaganda, to get back Samoa. “It is amusing,” says the paper, “to regard the extent some people will go to for an excuse. There is nothing German about it. The members of the League and especially of the ‘Committee’ are loyal to New Zealand. They desire to preserve New Zealand’s prestige by correcting some errors that have been made. They are proud to be under the British flag.

“As an instance,” continues the “Guardian,” “the Administration is too expensive for the country’s revenue. In a few years there will be bankruptcy if economy is not exorcised. The Committee is striving to effect the desired changes but so far the Government will not heed the people’s complaint. Samoans and Europeans arc most loyal towards New Zealand and as true and devoted citizens must feel, they also feel keenly New Zealand’s disregard of their cry. There is no desire to undervalue or to deprecate some efforts of the Administrator for the welfare of Samoa., All good efforts are appreciated. There are good points in General Sir George Richardson, and it is unfortunate his stubborn will depreciates the value of his good points in a civil Administration.” In many responsible circles—particularly the religious organisations working in Samoa—the work of the Administrator is held to bo of the highest value, notably so in protecting the natives against exploitation by unscrupulous white traders. It will therefore bo of great interest to know whether the agitation against Sir George Richardson springs from purely disinterested motives or from disappointment over schemes frustrated.