THE FATE OF SAMOA.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LV, Issue 16798, 14 March 1918, Page 6

THE FATE OF SAMOA.

HAWKE'S BAY OPINION.

MUST NOT REVERT TO GERMANY The Hawkc's Bay County Council has considered tho resolution from the Auckland City Council, in which the latter body asks that Samoa shall remain in British hands, and expresses an opinion that this resolution will strengthen the hands of the Dominion's representatives to the Imperial Conference. The county chairman, Mr. T. E. Crosse, who has interests in the island, with which he is thoroughly acquainted, expressed an opinion that Samoa might either como under American rule or ho formed into a Crown colony of Fiji. " 1 do not consider the islands would be of great value to the Dominion from a trade point of view," he added. After careful consideration, during which the speakers hinted at the inadvisableness of indicating any definite policy regarding Samoa, a resolution was passed, " That on no account shall Samoa [revert to Germany."

MOTION THOUGHT PREMATURE,

MATTER FOR HOME AUTHORITIES.

[NY TELKGKArH.—I'RESS ASSOCIATION'.]

' CHRIBTCHURCH, Wednesday. "I think it rather absurd to 'count our chickens before they aro hatched, said Mr. Winsor, Mayor of Sproydon, in roferring at to-night's meeting of the Spreydon Borough Council to a letter from the Auckland Council in favour of the retention of Samoa in British hands. Personally, ho did not think it wiso to support tho motion. They had to win the war before moving in such a matter. _ Mr. Winsor added : "Wo feel as patriotic as anyone about the matter, and wo think wo are going to win the war, but it is not won yet. The disposal of Samoa is certainly a matter for the Imperial authorities." Mr. Rudd said it was absolute nonsense to say tho resolution was aimed solely at benefiting Auckland. The retention of Samoa would benefit all. Eventually it was decided to simply re« ceive the resolution.

CITY COUNCIL RESOLUTION.

ENDORSEMENT BY NEWMARKET.

The resolution submitted by the Auckland City Council, urging the retention of Samoa, was carried unanimously by tho Newmarket Borough Council last night. Commenting upon tho resolution, the Mayor said he considered the Germans liaj no right to the islands at the time of their exchange— much less right since their occupation by tho British. In his opinion, all other captured islands should also be retained.