SAMOAN UNREST.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXVII, Issue 20563, 14 May 1930, Page 13

SAMOAN UNREST.

ARREST AT CRICKET MATCH.

A CONSTABLE INJURED.

CLUBBED WITH CRICKET BAT.

[FROM ODR OWN COItnKM'ONDENT.] APIA, May 2.

When attempting to arrest a Samoan in tho Aleipata district, tho most easterly area of Upolu, Constablo VVellburn was attacked and rendered unconscious. It was during a cricket match between the villages of Lalomanu and Mutiatele, at which 300 persons had assembled, that Constable Wcllburn, who is attached to the police post of this remote district, saw a native named Siau, for whose arrest a warrant bad been issued.

The constable, it is staled, was obstructed by several of tho cricketers when he attempted to mako the arrest. Ho was struck on the head with what is believed to bo a cricket bat, was rendered unconscious, and had to be conveyed to tho Lalomanu Hospital for medical attention. lie had wounds oil the back of tho head and injuries to iiis ribs. Shortly afterwards the police were informed that the chiefs wanted to hand over those who took part in tho assault, and later three men named Liga, Feaua'i and Sione, together with nino other wanted men, wero taken to the police post by the chiefs. They were placed in custody. An active member of the Mau known as the Puis Mau was also arrested. The men were brought to Apia, whero they will appear before tho Court. The injured constable came to Apia and was taken to the hospital for examination. His injuries are not serious.