REQUESTS BY SAMOANS

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume LXX, 8 October 1936, Page 2

REQUESTS BY SAMOANS

REMITS TO PRIME MINISTER REPATRIATION OF CHINESE (United Presa Association—By Electric Telegraph—Copyright) APIA, 6th October. A fono of faipules (meeting of chiefs) submitted two remits to-day. The first was that Malietoa and Tuimalealiifano be “fautua,” which means advisers, and that Mr O. F. Nelson be “faatonu,” which means director or adviser in relations between the Mandated Administration and the Samoans, these three together to attend and take part in the fono of faipules. The second remit was that all Chinese be sent away from Samoa. The fono adjourned while these remits were forwarded by radio to the Prime Minister at Wellington. It is awaiting his reply. w PLANTERS ALARMED ADEQUATE.. SUPPLY OF LABOUR ESSENTIAL (Received sth October, 11.40 a.m.) APIA, 7th October. At a recent meeting of the committee of the Planters’ Associati on of Western Samoa, the President read a

letter from Mr O. F. Nelson, regards ing the re ; atriation of coolie labour. The letter stated that it was the intention of the Mau Committee to request the New Zealand Government to repatriate all Chinese. Planters consequently ere greatly alarmed and are of the opinion that such action will inevitably' ruin the cocoa industry in Samoa. So great is their concern that it was suggested that a strong endeavour be made to form a country party embracing permanent residents, whose i pinions are contrary to those expressed bv the Mau and who believe that the planting industry is essential to the fuutre prosperity and welfare of Samoa and must have an adequate supply' of Chinese labour to enable them to carry on. Article II of the Mandate states that the interests of all inhabitants must be protected. It is also persistently stated that Samoans formerly known as the Male. who have no organisation, are seriously considering organising into a national party so that they may also have the privilege o; presenting their views to the Government.