SAMOAN AFFAIRS

Poverty Bay Herald, Volume LV, Issue 17173, 1 February 1930, Page 5

SAMOAN AFFAIRS

HISTORY REVIEWED ADDRESS BY MR. H. E. HOLLAND (Per Press Association.) GREYMOUTH. this day. Last evening Mr. H. E. Holland, Leader of tho‘Labor Party, addressed a largely attended meeting at tlie Miners Hall, Runanga, when lie made a comprehensive review of Samoan history, detailing the events leading up to the affair of December 28. Ho advocated the abandonment of coercive methods, and the initial ion of a policy of conciliation that would have the fullest measure of justice for its basis. To this end they should extern! to the Samoans an effective share in the country’s government. It was regrettable that the measure of elective representation promised the natives by Sir James Parr, on behalf of the Reform Government, had never been conceded. Mr. Holland explained the political system of Tonga, and suggested that a similar system would find favor with tho (Samoans. The method of banishment, deprivation of titles,. deportation, and other punishments without trial, should he abandoned, and tho Samoans given an assurance that in future no penalties would be exacted without a trial as fair as and as impartial as would be accorded any accused person, in New Zealand. Furthermore, the existing deportation orders should he cancelled, for it was quite apparent that there could he no satisfaction or lasting settlement while they remained in force. There should be, he said, a comprehensive overhaul of the Samoan Oivil service ’from top to bottom, with the replacement of unsuitable officials by men possessing a knowledge of the psychology of the Samoan race, their historical conditions, and then; tribal customs. He advocated the organisation of tlie Marketing of copra on lines somewhat similar to the system employed in Eastern Samoa. Mr. Holland also urs T ed tlie application of more scientific methods in the production of copra, and suggested that the Industrial and Scientific Research Department might, be of great assistance in ibis direction. Tt was quite dear that New Zealand could not hope to administer the mandate unless extremely radical changes were made in’ our policy, and the changes most, necessary were those that would place the well-being of the Samoan people above Cvery other consideration. Air. Holland was thanked for his address, and a motion was carried condemning the use of armed force on December 28, and since, and endorsing (lie .Labor Party’s policy as outlined.