SAMOA: POLITICAL STORM CENTRE.

Otago Witness, Issue 3829, 2 August 1927, Page 75

SAMOA: POLITICAL STORM CENTRE.

By

E. F. "Watson.

(Special for the Otago Witness.) Illustrations in This Issue. The remarkable features. of Samoan history are the recurring difficulties, complicated even by wars, and the inseparable political disturbances which followed. The Samoan race, even prior to the advent of the whites, was torn by tribal wars unusually frequent. Samoans claim descent from a blend of Tongans and Fijians, and have proved themselves the most able navigators of the Polynesian race, penetrating even to the cold waters of the Antarctic, according to tradition. This Tongan-Fijian ancestry is responsible for high intelligence and courage, which is noticeable in Samoan physiognomy of to-day. The “Troublous Eighties” (1880-89), well described by R. M. Watson, LL.B., in his History of Samoa, was the culmination of European complications. Ineii advent brought hardship on the native and European alike. In all, Samoa has had seven known native to settle claims for the kingship of the island. The presence of European Powers was in evidence when their warships lay in Apia Harbour in 1889, and the famous hurricane swept them ashore, tossing the ships like dingliys on top of the reefs. The Calliope alone escaped, and ever afterwards gave West port coal its fame for steaming, as this was the agency in its salvation. One hundred and forty-five officers and men lost their lives from six warships. From this incident dates the German annexation, when, to the chagrin of New Zealand, Samoa became controlled from Berlin, and an enforced tranquillity followed. Though at peace, the minds of the chiefs and natives conceived hatred and animosity. Pro-British feelings were distinctly dominant. In December, 1894, Robert Louis Stevenson came to live at Vailima, and his rare personality caught the native mind, impressing it with love and reverence, and the German rule did not prosper so that, eventually, long after nis ( death and burial in the island, the Now , Zealand annexation of August 29, 191-1, was hailed bv the Samoans with eteiy goodwill. ’ The island became familiar to the

world by this series of events, including , R. L. Stevenson’s sojourn, and few similarly far-flung spots in the globe have gathered such fame in so small a time. The visit of Sir James Allen with the parliamentarians in March, 1920, using the Union liner Mokoia, familiarised the members of the House with the new dependency. The mandatory power over Samoa having been granted nt the Peace of Versailles to New Zealand, the country took its responsibility seriously. The Administration, however, never lost its military aspect, and, possibly, the rigorous enforcement of its lays is distasteful to the whites and natives alike.

The Samoan is a superior being, possessing qualities that are dignified and attractive. The following story can be

vouched for, and completely demonstrates their intelligence and mental attitude: — A Samoan, wife of a ships puisei, entertained the master and chief engineer to dinner at her house, and displayed all the necessary grace and manner as well as hospitality. The following morning as the ship was about to depart she appeared with two bouquets of Howers, which she handed to the captain and chief engineer, the guests of i the previous evening. Her husband, on ’obse'vm" this asked: “Where is my : bouquet?” “1 an your bouquet,” the dignified lady replied.