ISLAND MANDATES.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LX, Issue 18495, 4 September 1923, Page 7

ISLAND MANDATES.

NAURU AND SAMOA. PROTECTION OF NATIVES. Eeuter. /LONDON, Sept.' The report of the Permanent Mandates Commission Co the Council of the League of Nations .on the Administration \of Nauru expresses satisfaction that the documents submitted Co, it enabled -it more completely to appreciate the general system of administration than last year. If! desires information regarding the powers and functions of two officers who sit with the Administration in the Appeal Court, also as. Co whether the right of appeal is exercised in cases of ignorant natives and whether capital or ; other severe sentences have to bo confirmed by a higher authority. The Commission will be glad to know what steps aire being taken to acquaint the persons concerned, with the provisions of contract . labour, particularly whether the text of the ' ordinance has been communicated to them in their respective languages, and also whether the authorities utilise the services of the Hongkong authorities or other agency in China to recruit Chinese workers, and whether the Chinese-speaking official at Nauru is responsible to the Administration. They consider that tbu natives are heavily ' taxed. The Commission hopes- thaf the next report will state the amount received in capitation tax.

In : regard to Western Samoa the Commission regrets that the report for the year ending March 31 last, was received too late for consideration. It hopes that in future reports will be addressed direct to the Council of the League, and requests full information concerning- the relations between the Administration -and the native , authorities. It notes .with satisfaction that labour is : protected as., in New Zealand, and also the ■~ progress- of education.' ' It ■ desires to know to what fund ' moneys were . paid in : . respect • of leases of native holdings. - < -