SAMOAN AFFAIRS.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LIX, Issue 18172, 18 August 1922, Page 6

SAMOAN AFFAIRS.

Tt has been evident for some time that the political atmosphere is clearing in that portion of the Samoan Group over which New Zealand holds the mandate, and that both white and native populations are evincing a fairly general desire to co-operate with the Administration. The statement of the Secretary for External Affairs, upon his return from Samoa on Wednesday, supplied proof of increasing harmony in relations and indica tions that the restoration of the commercial prosperity of the islands is proceeding upon sound and vigorous lines. In April and June of this year the Native Advisory Council, which, a year ago, petitioned for the transference of the mandate to Britain, passed resolutions expressing confidence in the Administrate and loyalty to New Zealand. So complete a change of front can have only tone meaning. Tt indicates that the officials are acting with justice and efficiency and that the I Samoans, and probably the formerly

hostile European- residents, have come to understand the officials and to realise the honesty of New Zea land's motives. The antagonism of the past was not altogether surprising. The young Administration had to feel its way and no doubt it made • mistakes which k the islands temperament could readily magnify to the dimensions of international issues. But New Zealand has been sincere in her . efforts. She has been filled with a deep sense of responsibility and a desire to be worthy of her trust. Officials of a high type have been selected for the Samoan services and the results are now apparent. Criticism of the Administration is still heard,'but it seems to reflect the opinion of the irreconcilables who, probably, have never been without their grievances. Most of this criticism finds public expression in Australia, where in certain quarters there is almost an eagerness to listen to the tales of ill-informed or prejudiced travellers. Australia has many problems of her own, including those incidental to the administration of her own mandated territory in New Guinea, which should be sufficient to occupy attention without propagating dissatisfaction and unrest in the islanda entrusted to New Zealand.