THE PROJECTED ANNEXATION OF SAMOA.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XX, Issue 6815, 20 September 1883, Page 5

THE PROJECTED ANNEXATION OF SAMOA.

MR. JOHN LUNDON AND SIR G, GREi. [BY TELEGRAPH. —OWN CORRESPONDENT.] Christchpbcb:, Wednesday. Speaking of Mr. Lundon's letter from Samoa, the Times says:—"The enemies of Mr. John Lundon, late of the Bay of Islands and just now of Samoa, will have one short and not over-complimentary remark to make on that gentleman's news from the latter place. The will accuse Mr. Lundon of— Weil, romancing. We do not propose to adopt this short and complimentary inoda of settling the matter. There is bo particular reason why Mr. Lundon should be credited with a deoire to imagine a willingness among the Samoana to , join New Zealand. The existence of such ! a wish on the part of natives could not possibly do him any good, nor could he expect to reap any tangible profit from introducing Sir George Grey to the inhabitants of the Navigators, or vice versa. Besides, the truth of Mr. Lundon's story is more probable than its falsehood. For a long time the Samoans had been discontented with their Government—a King controlled by European consuls. They are an exceedingly intelligent race, whose indolence does not blind them to their, own interests. They are perfectly well aware that their present indepi-n- - nominal, The influence thatsurrounds their sovereign is European, and is made use of by Europeans for their own ends. The administration of affairs is badly arid also feebly done. Thus the natives not only dislike the present but also despise it. They are longing for some change or another. They see their cousins, the Fijians, far mors prosperous and happy Under British rule thaU at 3ny previous period of their history, and they desire to gain quiet and prosperity under the British flag. Into the niceties which there may be between a Crown colony like Fiji aud colonies of another type, they can hardly be expected to enter. In Samoa are many English who would like to see the country annexed to the British Empire, for thus they would secure a stable Government, and the values of their properties would be enhanced thereby. Europeans who have the ear of the existing authorities wouid no doubt prefer things to remain as they are, but the white opposition would be for annexation. Someof them are connected with New Zealand. Mr. Luudon, himself, is in the employ of McArthur, Shera, and Co., of Auckland.. These people would naturally turn to NewZealand. Mr. Lundon, an Aucklander and an old follower of Sir George Grey, would, turn to Kavvau - vol la tout. Meantime it remains to be seen what Mr. Lundon will do with the petition which George Grey is to v draft for him. Numerously signed, it might be a sufficiently powerful awakener for Lord Derby, to induce eyea him to hand over Samoa to this colony. Probably it would not have this effect upon him. ..The, prospect, therefore, of an addition to our" territory and native troubles, in tbe shape of . the Navigators Group, is rather remote. Still, Mr. Lundon and Sir George Grey's proceedings will be .Watched with interest.-' Far ltss important men have affected'the destines of nurd important islands under less favourable circumstances." ■ -