FUTURE OF SAMOA.

Otago Witness, Issue 3339, 13 March 1918, Page 36

FUTURE OF SAMOA.

CHRISTCHURCii, March 11. The Auckland City Council's resolution urging trie retention of Samoa after the war camo beloro the City Council this evening. It was moved and seconded that the motion be endorsed, but Cr E. J. Howard moved an amendment that the question bo referred to the Peace Conference to deal with. Speaking in support, he said he was not going to suggest it, but as Auckland was so near Samoa the motion lent itself to the idea of seif-interest. He knew Samoa fairly well, and declared that it was not worth one New Zealander's life, let alone the fact that it might mean the sacrifice ol 10,UO0 or 20,000 men to retain it. Labour was opposed to anything being -taken by force. "We know by past history," he said, "that if we hold Samoa it means the continuance of conscription in this country, and that if wo hold it it means future war. Don't let us do' anything at this time to handicap our children and force our children and our children's children to bo cannon fodder." In his opinion they should not do anything to prevent a Peace Conference from being held. Cr Ada Wells seconded the amendment. She saidi the people could not give Mr Massey and Sir Joseph Ward a mandate except by a referendum. The Mayor (Mr Holland) said he considered it would be absolute suicide M> allow our enemy, who stuck" at nothing, to re-occupy the South Pacific Islands. Other Labour members of the council supported Cr Howard's views, but the amendment was negatived, and the motiou waa carried by 11 votes to 4.