SAMOAN NATIVE-BORN

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXIII, Issue 22467, 10 July 1936, Page 17

SAMOAN NATIVE-BORN

REQUESTS TO DELEGATION STATUS AND PRIVILEGES [FROM our own correspondent] APIA, June 25 At a well-attended meeting of nativeborn citizens—that is, the children of marriages—it was decided to form a, body to be known as the Labour Party of Western Samoa. The following officers were elected:—President, Mr. F. Wilson; committee, Messrs. A. Stowers, E. Westbrook, F Goddinet; hon. secretary, Mr. IS Yandall. It was contended that the meeting represented the majority of the native-born population, who for the most part are engaged in skilled, unskilled and labouring pursuits. They have the status of Europeans and. are taxed accordingly, but have no representation in tho Government of the country, as at present the franchise qualification calls for an income of £2OO a year. Jt was decided to ask the actingAdministrator to arrange for a deputation from the party to meet the goodwill delegation from New Zealand, so that certain representations could be made. It was stilted that there was no wish to intrude on any question which concerns other sections of the community. Requests to bo made by the party are: — That the franchise for electors to chose representatives to the Legislative Council be extended to all taxpayers in the territory; that provision be made for native-born girls to train as nurses at the Apia Hospital, and for boys to receive medical training; that local-born boys be trained for the police force, with opportunities for promotion; also, that they he enabled to enlist in the New Zealand Division of the Navy; that a definite policy be framed for the cutting-tip of Crown lands for settlement by native-born people, and that .they be given financial assistance under proper supervision; that where parents are unable to pay school fees the children be given free education in Government schools Further recommendations are: —That Chinese coolies employed as artisans lie repatriated or put on plantation work and replaced by local skilled labour; that labour conditions he improved and placed on a level with those of New Zealand, and that Government departments set the example, instead of paying a lower scale than private firms;' that, as far as possible, all clerical positions in departments be filled hv local-born people; that tho 25 per cent surcharge tax on personal and other taxes be remitted where there is inability to pay; that widows and their families be granted free schooling, medical treatment and remission of taxes; and that the law relating to the status of the nativeborn be reviewed, so that persons declared bv the law to be Europeans shall not lose rights of succession from their Samoan parent.