POSITION IN SAMOA.

Otago Witness, Issue 3888, 18 September 1928, Page 28

POSITION IN SAMOA.

AN IMPORTANT OPINION. DUTIES OF MANDATORY POWERS. GENEVA, September 14. • M. Rappard (Switzerland), who has been lengthily associated with the Mandates Commission, expressed an important opinion on Samoa during the S ; xth Committee’s discussion on the mandates report. He said the unrest and residence had put the Government.in the impossible position of being unable to govern. Thus General Richardson—to whom he desired to pay a tribute—very properly asked assistance in maintaining order. Two warships were sent, but the commanding officers were told not to use force, as it might create an unfortunate impression in League circles. It was most unfortunate that respect for the League should prevent a Government Jrom maintaining order and governing. If a Government's ward was naughty, then it must be taught to obey. They desired it to be known that the League in no way wished to tie the Government’s hands in maintaining order. Such direct comment, though not appearing in the Mandates Commission's report, greatly strengthens the approval of General Richardson’s administration It also more directly suggests that there is no need for timidity in the face of agitation, lest the League should .be offended. Senor Palacios (Spain), another member of the Mandates Commission, said that with regard to Samoa the commission was satisfied it was not only right, but that it was the duty of the mandatory Power to'take the necessary steps to maintain order. Sir James Parr warmly paid a tribute to the Mandates Commission’s work iu bringing success to the new system of ruling captured territories. ’lt was clearly shown regarding Samoa that New Zealand, instead of being harsh and tyrannical, had been over easy-going, but a handful of agitators, who were not appreciative thereof, had made mischief. He welcomed the speeches of M. Rappard and Signor Palacios, because they would dispel the idea over-prevalent round the Pacific that a mandatory Power was precluded from being firm for fear of what people at Geneva might think.

DEFINITE SIGNS OF IMPROVEMENT. STATEMENT BY PRIME MINISTER. WELLINGTON, September 14. The position in Samoa to-day was dealt with by the Prime Minister (Mr J. G. Coates) in the House of Representatives to-night when he replied seriatim to questions asked by the Leader of the Opposition (Mr H. E. Holland). The Prime Minister saia that of outstanding taxes totalling £I7,(XX) the sum of £2OOO had been paid and the balance had not been collected. The question of a rapproachement with the Mau was a matter entirely in the hands of the Administrator, who would use his own judgment. It could be said that there were definite signs of an improvement already in Samoa. An increase in the Customs dues had been made in an endeavour to obtain further revenue -in view of the non-payment of other “taxes. Dealing with a complaint that the whole of the official printing of Samoa was given to the Samoan Times, Mr Coates said that that office had always been given the work since New Zealand had become interested in Samoa. The Government knew of no reason for making a change, but the question was again one for the Administrator. “1 do not know whether we have received any encouragement to give the Guardian office the work,” the Prime Minister added. Mr Holland: It is hardly a fair thing that an office should be boycotted merely because it opposes the Administration? The Prime Minister: Has its influence been a good one? I do not think so. The Samoan Times has always been regarded as the official paper, and here, again, is a question for the Administrator. It would be rather difficult for us to dictate to him on the subject. I think that when we put a man in charge we have more or less to give him a free hand and stand by him. Turning to the question of the employment of Chinese coolies, the Prime Minister said the period of indenture was fm? three years, bqt it could be extended fd six years. It was not the policy of the Government that Chinese should stay in the Islands for more than six years, and a provision to that effect was included in their contract. The Govern* ment did not want them to stay longed than six years. Mr Holland : How do you get over the difficulty of the Chinese half-castes? The Prime Minister: The mixing of thd races is being discouraged, and as a matter of fact there is very little of it.