Samoa Amendment Bill.

Samoanische Zeitung, Volume 23, Issue 31, 3 August 1923, Page 3

Samoa Amendment Bill.

Some three weeks ago, in the New Zealand Legislative Council, Sir Francis Bell moved the second reading of the Samoa Amendment Bill, which provides, amongst other things, for elective membership of the Legislative Council of Western Samoa, gives power for the establishment of municipal government in Apia, and increases the penalties for unlawful manufacture, importation, or sale of intoxicating liquor in the Islands.

The Hou. G. J. Smith expressed his appreciation of the work done by the late Administrator, Colonel R. W. Tate, and said he felt sure the new Administrator, General Richardson, would prove an efficient officer in charge of the mandated territory. The speaker alluded to the provision in the Bill for the alteration in the constitution of the government of the islands and the creation of a partially elective Council, and added a note of warning as to, the danger of overloading the Government with too many officials and other officers. He approved of the granting of greater powers to the authorities to put down illicit supplying of liquor to the natives and other inhabitants of the territory. . In reply, Sir Fraucis Bell remarked that a step forward was being taken in making the Legislative Council of Samoa practically elective, because the nominated members would not exceed the number of elected members. The result of the present legislation

would be that the European residents would take a much greater interest in the legislation of the islands. In New Zealaud the Natives took part in the Government of the country, and it was deemed to be only right to extend a similar privilege to the natives of Samoa. The Bill was read a second time, and was referred to the Statutes Revision Committee.