THE SAMOAN FERMENT

Otago Witness, Issue 3861, 13 March 1928, Page 29

THE SAMOAN FERMENT

THE MAU PRISONERS. APIA, March 5. The Administrator’s offer of clemency to the Mau prisoners was rejected. Ta.mascse, as spokesman for 200 (about half of the prisoners), intimated that the concessions offered would not suffice. They wanted Samoa run by Samoans entirely, without white officials, but under the British flag. The Administrator replied that the proposal wag seditious and could not be entertained. Unless th e proffered terms were accepted imprisonment would continue.

LAWS MUST BE OBEYED. . APIA, March 6. The Administrator’s terms to the Mau wereTo obey tb e laws and act constitutionally in future, and put matters before him through the Samoan District Councils, not through the committee of Europeans; the chiefs and Faipuleg to make their own laws, as already provided. With reference to fine mats, the use of lands, and any other matters of Samoan custom, tbe chiefs and Faipules of any district wishing to nominate one of their number as a Faipule in place of the one now representing them could use <he powers they already had, and also could have a deputy Faipule in each district The Administrator stipulated that Palauli district must apologise for its insulting conduct in Apia a month or two ago, when a demonstration was made before the Government Buildings. Obscene songs were publicly sun; and firearms were discharged. "

A DEPUTATION OF CHIEFS. APIA, March 6. The 33 Faipules who constitute the native Parliament, presided over by the Administrator, decided on legislation affecting the Samoans. The Administrator’s terms to the Mau included permission to the chiefs and the Faipule in each district to meet immed; ately, and hold a district council to select a Faipule, if dissatisfied with the present occupant of the Faipuleship, and to ap point a Deputy Faipule t'o tire district councils of minor chiefs. It was agreed to invite the Administrator to visit van ous districts to discuss any matters per taining to local welfare, and to hold gatherings of all factions tn each district in an endeavour to bring the Samoans into unity ; then hold a bi; gathering near Apia on March 16 to terminate the Mau movement.

Later on a deputation of chiefs will visit New Zealand to learn first hand the attitude of the New Zealand Government towards them.

RELEASE OF THE MAU POLICE. APIA, March 7. The 400 Mau police who were undergoing six months’ imprisonment had their sentences suspended to-day, and they were instructed to return to their-homes and to co-operate with loyal natives in their districts in holding meetings to decide ’mon any matters requiring alteration. Th 0 Administration said tliat, recagnis ing that they had been misled b? non natives, he was disinclined to continue their imprison fent, but they must understand that they must not defy tb ft law anv further. Several Mau natives paid their overdue taxes at the conclusion of the meeting. ADMINISTRATOR’S RETIREMENT. STATEMENT BY PRIME MINISTER. INVERCAPGILLTMareh 9. . The Prime Minister issued the following statement to-night:— “A statement was Published some time ago to the effect tint the Administrator ot the mandated territory of Western Samoa, General Sir George Richardson, retires next May, but would remain in Samoa for a few months longer. This is not correct. £■ “General Rirnardson completes his term on the 1 ,th inst.. and has been appointed New Zealand’s representative at Geneva when reports in connection with the mandates are being considered in June next. The selection of General Richardson to represent New Zealand at Geneva is the reasin which prevents his reappoint, ment as Administrator on the-expiry of his present term of office. He will, howexer, continue, to hold the present position until his successor is appointed and arrives in Samoa to assume the duties of Administrator. “Tbe name of the new Administrator will be announced in due course.”