NEWS FROM SAMOA.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XXVII, Issue 8361, 15 September 1890, Page 5

NEWS FROM SAMOA.

[FROM our OWN CORRESPONDENT.] AriA, Samoa, September 1. OCR business prospects here seem to get duller every day. The absence of men-of-war, which have been the mainstay of the place for nearly two years, is indeed a serious loss to Apia tradespeople; and, with the small copra yield forthcoming, the near future looks dreary in the extreme from a business point of view. The arrival on the scene of the Chief Justice and Commissioners may effect a, change, but as yet we do not know even when to expect them. The news that ex U.S. Vice-Consul Blacklock had been highly recommended by Consul-General Sewall to the U.S. Government was received with pleasure by almost every Britisher and American in Apia. During the two years, full of responsibility and arduous duties, in which Mr. Blacklock acted here he won golden opinions from everyone who was able" to judge his actions, and succeeded in making himself the most popular man both in a public and private capacity that present Apians have known. That Mr. Black lock, should be appointed permanent United States Consul-General would be a graceful acknowledgement of his services, and be heartily approved of by the public. _ The wrecks of the Trenton and vandalid, which have been advertised for disposal in the Herald for months past, have been handed over to Mr. Wightman, of San Francisco. There were no bids received by the trustee (Mr. Blacklock) for the wrecks in accordance with the advertisements, and a few days after the time had expired, conditional arrangements was arrived at with Air. Wightman, acting on behalf of himself and a well-known firm of ship chandlers in 'Frisco, to work the wrecks for the joint benefit of himself and the Samoan Government. Mr. Wightman has started a number of men to take out as much copper, brass, etc., as can be easily got out of the Trenton, and this he ships to 'Frisco by the Sea Waif, which is here now. After Mr. Wightman 's return to 'Frisco the agreement will be finally settled, and appliances sent down to complete the successful working of the wrecks. The German firm have had an extraordinary good yield of cotton ari have had to employ extra Samoan labour to pick it. From Nieue (Savage Island), comes the news that there their cotton, on which they greatly depend, has failed them this season, and that things are very bad on that island. Wallis Island has a grand yield of copra, and the traders are looking forward to a few months' good business there. The country, although apparently quiet, is by no means yet conciliated. A couple of weeks back Suatole (Tainasese's most warlike chief) and another chief who had followed Tamasese, went to their respective homes in accordance with the wish of the King, but on arrival there they were both roughly handled and forbidden to stay, and perforce were compelled to return to their own towns. King Malietoa was much annoyed, and it was not till more than one message from him that the offenders gave way, and allowed the chiefs to return to their own homes. About the same time a native at a town on the south side of the island murdered another one with an axe deliberately and in the nresence of others. He was captured, but his friends and relations insisted upon his release, saying they would be responsible for his safety. As vet he is at large and enjoying himself. These two facts show how fragile is the power of King Malietoa at present. The thinking public, however, do not blame the King but the consuls, who, although representing the three Great Powers of the world, calmly look on as if afraid to take any steps for the preservation of life and property. The Apia public hall is now fairly under weigh, the contract having been let, and a grand site procured. This will be a great benefit to the place, and was urgently required. The promoters are heartily congratulated on the success of their efforts, as they had to meet with opposition and cold water from the ollicial element and from the strictly exclusive circle which seeks to exist here. ,