THE SAMOA TRIP

Rangitikei Advocate and Manawatu Argus, Volume XLV, Issue 12017, 6 March 1920, Page 5

THE SAMOA TRIP

PART* AT APIA. Per Press Association, Wellington, March 5. The Mokoia arrived at Apia early in the morning of the 4th in delightful weather. Members got ashore sharply in canoes rowed by as many as thirty-sis oarsmen. They received a warm welcome - from a large gathering of Europeans and Samoans. The party was received by General Robin and an address was presented by Maleatoa and Tuimaleafana, native advisers to the Administrator. At a European gathering ex-Judge Roberts cordially welcomed the visitors. In the afternoon members gathered with the native Parliament. Following the impressive ceremony of kava drinking, a lengthy petition was presented containing many requests. Sir James Allen, in the course of a reply, referring to a suggestion in the petition that in the event of dissatisfaction with the administration, Samoans would request direct control by the Colonial Office, said it was more difficult to make representations to the Colonial Office than the easily accessible Parliament of New Zealand. Sir James Allen promised to bring proposals for two Samoan seats in the New Zealand Parliament before Mr Massey. In regard to a request that ihe salaries of the native advisors to thj administrator be increased to £SOO and that European residences bo provided, Sir James Allen pointed out that the salaries had been recently increased, and he was of opinion that Samoan houses were preferable. The question of indentured labour was not'd’aised.