GERMAN SAMOA.

Otago Witness, Issue 2915, 26 January 1910, Page 65

GERMAN SAMOA.

AUCKLAND, January 24. Mr 'A. D. Fairburn, an American • journalist, who arrived by the steamer! Aymeric, says' that, smarting under what they declare unjust and wholly unnecessary taxation, the* English and American and many German residents in German Samoa has formed a secret alliance to Obtain redress. They declare that the Governor (Dr Soli) and his Council have exercised most arbitrary power, inflicting burdens on'the white men that have become unbearable. Everything is taxed, from a scrubbing brush to a buggy and pair. The English and American residents produce nearly > all the wealth of the islands, and they have absolutely no say in the government. It is true two Englishmen have seats: on the Council who "assist" the Governor in the administration of affairs, but their position is a mere empty honour, as they do none of the governing. Despairing of obtaining any consideration at the hands of the local Government, the overburdened taxpayers are seriously contemplating sending a delegation to Berlin, 'where relief would be sought at the hands of the German Chancellor.;... . '.. Questioned regarding the feeling of the natives,; Mr Fairburn said :" The natives a,re grumbling over the excessive exaction of the Government, . and many of them declared in my presence that they would welcome the return of Great Britain to the islands." ■':