INDENTURED LABOUR IN SAMOA

Rangitikei Advocate and Manawatu Argus, Volume XLV, Issue 12016, 4 March 1920, Page 5

INDENTURED LABOUR IN SAMOA

METHODIST CONFERENCE RESOLUTIONS. Per Press Association . Auckland, March 3, v The Methodist Conference to-night passed the-following resolutions : (1) That this Conference, aware of the likelihood of the New Zealand Government’s maintaining a system of indentured labour m Samoa, and having knowledge also of the shameful evils that have been associated with some instances of such systems operating elsewhere, even in the British Empire, urges upon the Government the moral obligation to keep the system’s administration above reproach in methods of recruiting, conditions of employment, and residence, and provision for the highest welfare of the employees, and to secure such effective repatriation after short terms of employment as will safeguard the interests of all concerned. This conference does so without any desire to embarrass the Government in its endeavour to carry out fully all the provisions of the mandate committing Samoa to New Zealand’s care, but with an earnest desire to see the name of Britain saved from dishonour, and justice done to alien and subject people. (2) That the Foreign Mission committee be appointed a vigilance committee to consider all proposals in this connection, and to make representations thereon to the Government.