POLICE FOR SAMOA.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXVII, Issue 20481, 5 February 1930, Page 10

POLICE FOR SAMOA.

ENDING THE MAU

GOVERNMENT DETERMINED.

MOEE MEN IF NEEDED.

LAW TO BE ENEOBCED.

VISIT BY MINISTER.

[BY TELEGRAPH.—PRESS ASSOCIATION.] WELLINGTON, Tuesday.

The Prime Minister, Sir Joseph Ward, announced to-day that in view of the necessity to bring the present situation in Samoa to a satisfactory termination as speedily as possible the Government has decided to take steps to prepare a sufficient forco of military police for despatch to tho territory should the circumstances require it and in particular if it becomes necessary to relieve H.M.S. Dunedin.

It will be some weeks before the police will be ready to leave New Zealand and it is hoped that the events which will transpire during that period may render it unnecessary for tho force to be despatched. The Government in Samoa is challenged by the Mau and as a result of the Mau's organised activities warrants for arrest on criminal charges have not been executed. The authority of the Administration must be asserted and law and order in the territory must be maintained. This cannot bo brought about until there is a complete cessation of the Mau movement and there is now no alternative but to secure that objective. It would bo well for thoso who are in sympathy with the Mau to recognise this and if they aro genuinely anxious for the restoration of harmony in the territory, they can best contribute to that end by counselling the abandonment of tho Mau, when tho way will be open for a discussion and redress of any grievances that may bo found to exist. The Hon. J. G. Cobbe is leaving for the territory next week.