IDEALS FOR SAMOA.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LX, Issue 18520, 3 October 1923, Page 8

IDEALS FOR SAMOA.

A striking statement of ideals ■which he suggests should animate New Zealand in the administration of Samoa has been made by Mr. John Caughley. He visited the islands recently in order to inspect the educational work being done there, but, very evidently, he did not confine his observation to the department of activity with which he was principally concerned. His conclusion is that the service which may be rendered, rather than the advantage to be gained, should be the ruling idea in the control of Samoa. He gives a number of reasons why there should be no attempt to dispossess or to industrialise .the natives. There are other reasons as well. - New Zealand, whatever 1 may be said to the contrary, did not assume responsibility for Western Samoa with the idea :of material gain in the forefront. There was felt to be a point of honour involved. Now that there is a definite committal, it is noticeable that most men who visit the islands, and come under the spell 'of the people living -there, emphasise equally the one thing—that the preservation, happiness, and develop menfc of the Samoan people should be the first consideration. It seems easy to acquire such ideals .on the spot. Apart from the purely altruistic aspect of the position, there is another reason* why * every effort should be made to avoid even the appearance of exploitation or undue commercialisation. , The work done by New Zealand there is subject to very close scrutiny, not only by the League }of Nations, ■ but by other" critics who are not all disposed to be friendly. ■; If any objectionable features appear, they will bo fully exploited; no one heed question that. There is credit to be won or i prestige to be lost, according ■as New Zealand administers this trust well or ill. Apart from this motive, the ideals suggested by Mr. Caughley are attractive. The history of Samoa, since Europeans first gained a footing there, has not been altogether happy. The Dominion, if it can repair and compensate for some of the harm done, will have the satisfaction of doing something well Worth the undertaking. >..?'