SAMOAN UNREST

Southland Times, Issue 20228, 13 July 1927, Page 6

SAMOAN UNREST

NATIVES UNEASY SERIOUS TROUBLE MAY DEVELOP STATEMENT BY HON. O. F. NELSON (Per United Press Association.) Auckland, July 12. , “New Zealand ■■ will have her hands full before she knows it, if something is not done to ameliorate the conditions in Samoa,” said the Hon. O. F. Nelson, chairman of the Citizen’s Committee, to-day. “We have never gone behind the backs of the Government and right through we have counselled the natives to do everything through the proper official channels. At one time they were in a very ugly mood and we have been trying hard to get them out of it. At present we have got them so, that they are submitted to punishment, but New Zealand has to realise she may have to face more serious trouble. The endorsement by the Minister of External Affairs of the acts that led to discontent had simply aggravated the indignation of the Samoans.” CHIEF SENT TO GAOL. Auckland, July 12. Information has been received by the Hon. O. F. Nelson that another high chief of Samoa when ordered to leave certain territory in Samoa under the terms of the recent ordinance declined, saying all Samoa was his territory. He was sentenced to four months in gaol. The charges against two chiefs previously arrested were discharged by the Court on a technicality.