CONTROL IN SAMOA

Poverty Bay Herald, Volume LXV, Issue 19825, 30 December 1938, Page 2

CONTROL IN SAMOA

INTERESTS OF NATIVES , •» * ;/ NEED FOR EDUCATION LAND OFFICER’S VIEWS Formerly chief surveyor and commissioner of lands in Samoa, and a member of the Native Lands and Titles Court, Mr. G. F. K. HufnagelBetham has arrived in Auckland on holiday, 'and will laier join the Lands and Survey Department on transfer. Mr. Hufnagel-Betham has been on the ■tropical staff-of the Administration "t Samoa since 1921. “The natives are most eager to have more to say in native affairs and other matters. in the islands, 'but seem to overlook at times the point of necessary learning and preparation, which is just as essential in Samoa, or ought to be; in these modern times, as in other countries,” Mr. HufnagelBetham "said. “Perhaps as time goes on Samoans will realise that the possession of a hammer does not necessarily establish its owner as a firstclass carpenter. If, however, the younger generation in Samoa could only be impressed with the essential need for study and foundation work, some hope of real progress would not be out of place. “Nowadays almost every phase of official business is\ directed or guided from Wellington,” he continued, “and New Zealanders should h-ave no fear therefore of any departure from peace or harmony arising in Samoa as a result of local inexperience. The actingAdministrator, Mr. A. C. Turnbull, is most careful to'Tefer all Samoan problems to New Zealand for a decision before action is taken.”