SAMOA.

Otago Witness, Issue 3443, 9 March 1920, Page 62

SAMOA.

METHODIST CONFERENCE VIEWS. AUCKLAND, March 3. ' The Methodist Conference to-night passed the following resolutions:—(l) That this conference, aware of the likelihood of the New Zealand Government's maintaining a system of indentured labour in Samoa, and having knowledge also of the shameful evils that have been associated with some instances of such systems in operation elsewhere, even in the British Empire, urges upon the Government the moral obligation to keep the systems of administration above reproach in the methods of recruiting, conditions of employment and residence, and provision for the highest welfare of the employees, and to secure such' effective repatriation after short terms of employment us will safeguard the interests of all concerned. This conference does so without any desire to embarrass the Government in its endeavour to carry out fully all provisions of the mandate, committing Samoa to New Zealand's care, but with the earnest desire to see the mme of Britain saved from dishonour, and justice done to alien and subject people; (2) that_ the Foreign Mission Committee be appointed a Vigilance Committee to consider all proposals in this connection, a,nd to make representations thereon to the Government."