SAMOAN CIVIL SERVICE.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXVI, Issue 20259, 20 May 1929, Page 14

SAMOAN CIVIL SERVICE.

Sir,—A great deal has been written about the Samoan question, but most of it consists of either attempting to justify the attitude of a section of the natives or of the Administration. Commissions, Court cases, resignations, new appointments, popular harangues, all have failed to allay or to greatly increase the feeling of uncertainty which is prevalent. A possible solution of the difficulty is suggested. It is well known that entry into the Imperial Colonial Service is obtained only by passing difficult university examinations, calculated to select men of outstanding intellect and special aptitude. The subjects which have to be studied are selected from large experience, the apprenticeship which has to be served is' thorough. Colonial service is a matter for highly-specialised study. Sir George Grey, in his preface to "Polynesian Mythology and Ancient Traditional History of the New Zcalanders," states: "Clearly, however, I could not, as Governor of the country, permit so close a veil to remain drawn between myself and the aged and influential chiefs whom it was my duty to attach to British interests and to the British race, whose regard and confidence, as also that of their tribes, it was my desire to secure and with whom it was necessary that I should hold the most unrestricted intercourse. Only one thing could, under such circumstances, be done and that was to acquaint myself with the ancient language of the country, to collect its traditional poems and legends, to induce the priests to impart to mo their mythology and to study their proverbs. For more than eight, years I devoted a great part of my available time to these pursuits." Further, "In order to redress their grievances and apply remedies which would neither wound their feelings nor militate against their prejudices it was necessary that I should be able thoroughly to understand their complaints; and to win their confidence and regard it was also requisite that I should be-; able at all' times, and in all places, patiently to listen to their tales of their wrongs or sufferings, and, even if I could not assist them, to give them a kind reply, couched in such terms (in their own language and not through the medium of an interpreter) as should leave no doubt in their minds that I clearly understood and felt .for them and was really well disposed toward them." These are really some of the elementary principles of colonial government. Appointed for a short term, without previous training in this highlyspecialised profession, our administrators, although they do their best, must always fail to gain that complete confidence from the natives which is essential to peaceful rule. It is hoped that the new Government may see fit to amend the necessary Acts so as to give effect to the elementary principles of colonial Government, and, further, since, we have no facilities for the education and selection of proper men in New Zealand, may appoint some gentleman from the Imperial Colonial Service who has the time, the experience and the will to devote to this important task. W. A. Beattie.