AFFAIRS OF SAMOA

Otago Witness, Issue 3969, 8 April 1930, Page 29

AFFAIRS OF SAMOA

THE REPARATION ESTATES.

MANY APPLICANTS FOR MANGERSHIP.

WELLINGTON, March 31. Hundreds of applications from all over the world have been received by the Government for the position of general manager of the New Zealand reparation estates in Western Samoa. Applications closed to-day, but it will be some time before the announcement of an appointment is made. A good percentage of New Zealanders have applied for the position which carries a salary of £IOOP a year. The reparation estates comprise an area of approximately 100.000 acres, representing mainly former German-owned properties in Samoa, which the New Zealand Government took oyer as part of its share of the war reparations due by Germany In November, 1928, the control and management of the estates were the subjects of a searching investigation by a New Zealand departmental committee. The decision to appoint a general manager for the estates was one result of the committee’s recommendations. ACTION BY ADMINISTRATOR. MEETING OF CHIEFS SUMMONED. APIA, April 1. The Administrator (Mr S. S. Allen), by circular to the Samoans this day, announces his intention to summon a meeting of representatives to meet at Mulinuu shortly to discuss tlie affairs of Samoa. The chiefs of each district are to choose as their representative any chief of the district they please, whether he is at present a Government official or otherwise. The appointTnents of representatives are to be made in writing and signed by as many chiefs as possible, and, in the case of disagreement, the Administrator himself will appoint the one whose nomination is signed by the largest number of chiefs in his district.

The Administrator will also appoint a few leading chiefs to take part in the meeting, which, it is intended, shall be held before the end of the month of

May, if the necessary arrangements are completed in time. Sixteen districts aye to appoint one representative each, six districts two each, and one district four representatives. It is intended to discuss: (1.) The holding of fonos of the faipules or other representatives; (2) the method of appointment of faipules or other representatives, and their term of office; (3) native regulations; (4) other matters of general interest.

MAU MEMBERS ARRESTED. THE WEARING OF UNIFORMS. APIA, April 3. Tuimalcaliifano find 50 others were arrested for wearing Mau uniforms and holding meetings contrary to law. At 8 this morning nearly 2000 Samoan women, wearing the Mau uniform, marched along in parade.