FIRST FONO HELD.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXVII, Issue 20517, 19 March 1930, Page 15

FIRST FONO HELD.

ADMINISTRATOR FIRM.

"THE MAU MUST END." TIME GIVEN FOR REPLY. [SPECIAL representative.] Vaimoso was a memorable sight on the bright Monday morning when the first fono opened. It was more than . a spectacle. It was a historic occasion, f(?r this was the first time that the Mau chiefs had met the present Administrator sinoe his appointment and its first recognition of New Zealand authority for over two years. Throughout the period the Mau, inspired from outside sources and deriving some motive power from a sense of its own power, had endeavoured to set up its own government and from passive resistance had developed an aggressive policy that had become intolerable and definitely dangerous—a situation that will be discussed in subsequent articles. The neat village amid the coconut palms was crowded with men wearing the blue lavalava with its band of white braid, and it was difficult to imagine that they had so recently been fugitives. One was reminded of the remark of a European of long Samoan experience that " to-day " is the only date of significance in the Samoan calendar. The discomforts of the yesterdays were over, the sun was shining in a place of comfort and " kaikai," so why worry 1 After all, only the chiefs were involved. Notwithstanding the communal basis of Samoan life the system of chieftainship is one of absolute autocracy. The Meeting Fale. The large fale—a thatched open-sided house —was filled with grave chiefs, mainly on the sunny side of life, to the number of 100. Faumuina, of giant proportions, who is the leader of the Mau, and the aged Tuimalealiifono sat cross-legged in the front. Young Tamasese, the high chief and nominal head of the Mau, had 110 special prominence. This handsome youth, who wants his job at a bread counter back again after the trouble is over, sat there not as a personality, but as a title. When the official party, comprising the Administrator, the Hon. J. G. Cobbe, Commodore Blake, Commander Jeffreys, of H.M.S. Dunedin, Mr. Lewis, native secretary and the two high chiefs, Malietoa and Mataafa, who are malo men and honorary advisers, arrived they look their place at the end of the fale, sitting on the mat-covered pebble floor facing the Mau chiefs. The fale was immediately surrounded by a crowd of the rank and file, and the neighbouring fales and near by church filled with intently interested people. The note was one of solemnity, but it was difficult indeed to imagine from the atmosphere that the occasion was charged with a feeling that must have been common to both sides. One could not shake off a sense of unreality. It was hard to realise that Samoan history was in the making. From the attitude and expression of the Mau people a spectator without a knowledge of the circumstances might have imagined it to be a commonplace fono over nothing in particular — or the prelude to a play. After a silence of some duration, which Samoan custom demands, the Administrator commenced to speak. An ex-member of the 2nd Battalion of the Auckland Regiment might not have been able to resist a smile at the sight of his old colonel introducing a new chapter in.Samoan history, seated on a mat with his back against a post. Might Have Been Held Two Years Ago. Mr. Allen said he was glad to see them there. It was a meeting that might have taken place two years ago if the Mau had been desirous of it. _ Difficulties had arisen and continued. First of all, however, he wished, as representative of H.M. The King, to greet them on behalf of His Majesty. Secondly, he wished to draw attention to the fact that two distinguished visitiprs were present, the Minister for Defence and Commodore Blake, the commander of the ships of the New Zealand division of the Royal Navy. He had no doubt they would be pleased to meet them. He would not for the moment introduce their business, as the Minister for Defence wished to offer a few words of welcome. Mr. Cobbe said it gave him great pleasure as representative of the New Zealand Government to have the opportunity of meeting so many chiefs, leaders, and representatives of the Samoan people. He brought them the greeting of the Government, and the goodwill of the people of New Zealand, whose best wish was that peace and happiness and prosperity should prevail throughout Samoa. It was the earnest hope of the Government that this meeting would be the means of bringing about such a state of affairs. Administrator Speaks. After another-pause, the Administrator introduced the business of tli(J meeting. It was the wish of all present, he said, that the troubles that had affected Samoa for three and a-half years should end. That was their purpose, and he hoped that a happy and peaceful solution should be reached. For three years the country had been torn by troubles, factions and disorders which had become intolerable. The Samoan people had been divided into two main factions —there had been complete disunion and lack of harmony. Under these circumstances, it was impossible for the country to prospei or' any progress ba made. It was high time, therefore, that they should give up these factions, and seek advancement and welfare of the country before everything else. This was the purpose of the meeting. At this stage the interpreter translated the remarks in the Samoan language.

Mr. Allen then said he would put before them what was necessary. There were three points which he considered were essential to the welfare of the country. These were:— 1. The end of the Mau. This would in" volve the dispersal of the membersi of the Mau to their own 'villages in accordance with the laws of the country. 2. The surrender of persons who had committed offences for trial. 3. That the chiefs meet the Administrator in fono, when required, to discuss any matters affecting the country, either then or as might be arranged. Subject to the first two requirements, he was prepared to discuss any matter or grievance. When these conditions were being interpreted the leaders of the Mau and most of their party wore expressionless faces, which completely hid their feelings. Impossible Position. Explaining the point, Mr. Allen said it was, of course, impossible that the present state of affairs could be allowed to continue in any country. It was impossible to allow two Governments to exist in one country. As to the second point, ho did not anticipate difficulty in coining to an agreement, because the leaders must well realise the discredit upon persons who committed offences and who must expect trial by law. He did not anticipate any difficulty with regard to point three either, because it was the only wa.y of reaching satisfactory conclusion of any trouble. Unless they came before him with their grievances, it was impossible to deal with them or discuss them, and to find out whether they were right or wrong. For the last two years he had tried to meet them on various, occasions, and this was the first opportunity they had had of talking together. That was all he had to say for the present, except that he wished them to discuss these matters freely. They had tried other ways, keeping away from the Administrator. They had tried through New Zealand and other countries to obtain redress for grievances. Having failed in all ways they had tried, they should try now the way he had suggested—by bringing matters before him in the ordinary way, as they had done before other Administrators and Governors, in both New Zealand and German periods of rule. It was the right way. it was the only way by which they could bring harmony to the country—uniting together, so that their efforts would not be wasted or their strength dissipated. Mau Requires Time.

Faumuina, who sat cross-legged in black lavalava and white singlet, welcomed the officials in the courtly manner common to Sarnoan chieftainship. He said they would discuss the points which they fully understood. It was impossible for him alone to answer, but the Mau would discuss them, and give their answer later. A sentence translated literally was hardly clear, but it seemed to convey the meaning that the Mau would not be going into the bush again, and that its members would be there to take what His Excellency decided. He said that His Excellency had spoken of the happiness and prosperity of Samoa. So did the Mau. There was no one head of the Mau, so he asked for time that they might discuss. Mr. Cobbe said he wished to explain the position of the Government of New Zealand. New Zealand had been appointed to act as mandatory Power. She did so on behalf of Great Britain. She had behind her all the power and influence of Great Britain. Kc then read the terms of the Mandate, and said that New Zealand laws were there applicable, subject to alteration which circumstances required. New Zealand had to carry out the terms of the Mandate. She must admmster the laws in a just manner; g;ive fair play to every man, but those who committed offences must be tried, no matter who they were. It was the intention of the people of New Zealand that the law should operate fairly. Sometimes one objected to a certain law—he himself did not always agree with the law, but he had tb obey it. It was observed that numbers of the audience around the fale nodded heads incredulously at various points in the Minister's remarks. "Law and Order Must Prevail." Proceeding, the Minister said he had received a letter with the heading—"Samoa for Samoans." He agreed that the country should be administered in the best interests of all—all acting together, as one body for a common good. If they were suffering any wrong or grievance, the Administrator and himself were there to listen, and they would listen with patience, but one thing must be clearly understood—law and order must prevail. They could not have two Governments; in Samoa. If anyone thought the law too harsh, let him say so. The Government wished no harsh law to prevail. They should speak out their minds fully. He wanted a free and frank discussion. If they asked anything in reason, it would be considered, but his last word must be that the Mau could not continue alongside the Administration. Faumuina again explained that he could not speak, until he had been instructed by a full meeting of the Mau. The Administrator said ho quite understood. The points, however, were not new, because they had been distributed during the past two weeks. Some of them had had tho opportunity of discussing them already. He suggested they should again meet at two o'clock. Faumuina was intently watched by the other chiefs, to whom some question was apparently submitted by him. Then ho said that to discuss these matters would take time. The afternoon would not give sufficient time. There was no hurry about tho matter, and no need to worry, for they would bo at Vaimoso always, and the Administrator could deal with them as he liked. The Administrator: Make your own suggestion. Faumuina: When we come to a decision, wo will let you know.

The Administrator said the Minister intended to leave that week, and it was important that they should deal with the matter within a definite time. Ho would like to have a definite suggestion. At this remark half-hidden expressions of what appeared to be amused contempt wore caught on the faces of some of the back benchers in the fale. There was not the slightest doubt that the Mau had every intention of spinning out the fono and turning the situation into a permanent truce. Faumuina said he could not name a time. The Mau was not fuily represented yet. Some important members were still to arrive. He was afraid to name a time, but would let him know in the near future. The Administrator said he did not want to cut short the discussion, but at the same time the Minister's time was short. Would they come back to-day or tomorrow ? " If that is your wish," said Faumuina, in a manner that had every appearance of effrontery, "you can do so, but I can't say definitely now. I don't want to be made a liar, we want to be true in everything." Mr. Allen: I will come back to-morrow morning. Do so. Mr. Allen: I will now go, unless you have anything more to say. Faumuina: There is nothing to-day. It is to be understood that the interpreter of Faumuina's remarks, frequently gave alternative or several meanings, the clearest of which has been chosen. As the meeting ended, the two leading chiefs approached the official party, moving along the line, shaking hands with each member, and smiling as if the occasion were a garden party. This is Samoan custom—" Faa Samoa"—but in actual fact, the Mau chiefs were staging a bold bluff of the familiar kind. A significant event of the departure was an invitation extended publicly by the two loyal chiefs to Commodore Blake and his officers to visit them that ing[Reports of the four succeeding fonos will be published in the Herald tomorrow.] STATEMENT BY MAU. LETTER OF 17 POINTS. A TYPICAL DOCUMENT. SIGNS OF EUROPEAN AID. / [SPECIAL representative.] At the fifth fono the following statement was read by Tamasese on behalf of the Mau, translated replies, already prepared, being handed to the Administrator :

1. In the name of the Mau of Western Samoa, I (we) wish to reply to your despatches received from the firmament in the printed leaflets which were scattered among us to say that you wished to meet the leaders of the Mau and that those required by the Government to submit to trial by the Court to be handed over, as follows: — 2. If to not one subject mentioned in such petitions and other declarations has there been no favourable consideration given, then the Mau can see no useful purpose in tho meeting or conference with Your Excellency. Matters for Discussion. 3. If one or moro subjects contained in such petitions and other declarations havo received favourable consideration by Your Excellency, or the New Zealand Government, then why have we not been told of them before, or be told of them now ? 4. The meeting or conference required by Your Excellency with the leaders of the Mau why should we not be told of tho matters which may be discussed ? 5. If Your Excellency will tell us of the matters you wish to discuss at such meeting, will Your Excellency permit of subjects which the Mau require to deliberate on at such meeting being submitted to you ? The Police Warrants. 6. Your Excellency is aware that some of the Mau leaders are included in the list required by the Court. Is it possible to erase their names from that list except such as may be known to have committed a serious crime, such as murder ? 7. How can such a meeting be held on equal footing to the two sides unless all punishments imposed by the Government on Samoans and Europeans arising out of this controversy have been wiped out ? 8. Those who have been called by the Government for trial before the Court for offences for which they are accused against the fundamental laws of tho British Government no resistance will be offered by tho Mau in -their favour if they aro caught by the Government. Will Your Excellency give us your guarantee that if those who aro charged with such offences are caught, they will be dealt with by the Court according to the basis of British justice and not according to the custom adopted in Samoa in respect to members of tho Mau ? 9. The tragedy which occurred on December 28, 1929, which resulted in the deaths of Tamasese and other chiefs and orators and men of Samoa from revolver, machine-gun and rifle fire, we are not satisfied with the verdict of the coroner, be-

cause the evidence of many who witnessed the tragedy was not taken owing to the restrictions against them by the Government and Your Excellency's refusal to grant our counsel's request for safe conduct for them to attend the inquest. 10. One portion of the coroner's verdict states that the use of rifle fire, which caused the deaths of Tamasese, Tuia and Migao was unnecessary. To these may be added others who have since died of wounds caused by such rifle fire. Has Your Excellency ordered the trial of those responsible for the use of rifle fire on that day ? If such trial will be held will they bo charged with the crime of murder ? The Death of Molia. 11. The boy Molia who was shot by a white policeman of the Government has died. His depositions to the Chief Judge were to the effect that he was shot whilst sitting down and his little eyes looking at the policeman. Ho did not resist the policeman but was shot at close quarters through the stomach, which ulti'mately caused his death. Has an inquest been held on this matter and what verdict has been given ? 12. Whilst wq were in the bush we received word of ill-treatment meted to the "tinifu" of women and children. The police have looted and destroyed furniture and fixturqs in the houses entered by them while the "tinifu" were asleep. Women have'been trampled on and children thrown outside. Is it the British custom to impose war measures on the "tinifu" (women and children) ? If that is not the British custom what orders have Your Excellency given in this matter to ensure that no recurrence of such practice takqs place ? 13. Your proclamation issued orders to the Mau people to return to their homes. How is it possible for the Savaii people to return when their means of travel (their boats) have been seized by the Government, even if they did decide to return to their homes ? / "War on Samoa." 14. The Government has informed us that the object of the mandate held by New Zealand from the League of Nations is to protect the Samoans until such timo as they can govern themselves according to the accepted civilised methods. Is there a clause in the mandate authorising New Zealand to declare war on Samoa when the Samoans dq not wish to fight, but only press for the consideration of their complaints along peaceful lines ? 15. If the real purport of the mandate is to teach us Samoans to conduct our own Government what has the New Zealand Government done to bring this about? Is it possible to consider in the meeting required by Your Excellency the matter of leaving us to run our own Government with the right to seek the protection of a great Power with which we are satisfied ? 16. Is the New Zealand Government cognisant of the Treaty entered into by the three great Powers, Great Britain, America and Germany, and confirmed by the Samoan Government in 1889 ? Conduct of Own Affairs. 17. This treaty guaranteed the authority of the Samoans to conduct their own Government under the protection of the three great Powers. When, in 1900, Great Britain withdrew, the protectorate over Samoa was divided between Germany and America. Germany conducted the government of Western Samoa on the terms of the treaty of 1889. When the protectorate over Western Samoa was taken by New Zealand from Germany why was it not continued under the terms of the treaty of 1889 ? ,The abovq points are now submitted to Your Excellency and if it pleases Your Excellency we shall be pleased to have your reply for the consideration of the Mau in thq hope that a basis can be found to comply with your wish for a meeting of the Mau. Your Excellency can no longer doubt that the Mau represents the vast majority of the people of Western Saima. This latter concludes with great respect to Your Excellency. (Signed) M. F. Faumuina (chairman), Tuimalealiifono, P. Tamasese.Confirmed by: Faifai, Alipia, Autogavaia, Namulauulu, Lovea, Tuala, Maululo, Asi V., Tuavi, Leleua, • Gasu, Lagaaia, Teoui, T. Leliifu, Tuivia, Lofigo (accredited representatives of the Mau). It is the opinion of numbers of Europeans in Samoa whose knowledge of the native people extends over many years, that part of the statement reveals unmistakable signs of European aid in its compilation. HON. J. G. COBBE. VISIT TO ROTORUA.

The Hon. J. G. Cobbe, Minister of Defence, who returned from Samoa yesterday, lef'j later by train for Rotorua, where ho will confer with the Prime Minister. Mr. Cobbe will leave for Wellington during the week-end.