FUTURE OF SAMOA.

Sun (Christchurch), Volume IV, Issue 1275, 14 March 1918, Page 3

FUTURE OF SAMOA.

REWARD TO THE VICTORS.

SPREYDON COUNCIL'S VIEWS.

A discussion took place at the meeting of the Spreydon Borough Council last evening on the letter received from the Auckland Gity Council urging the retention of Samoa as a British possession.

The Mayor (Mr W. H. Winsor) said he did not think that the subject was one for the council to determine. Anyhow, they had first to win the war. Perhaps the "Hindenburg Borough Council" or the "Potsdam Drainage Board," or a similar body, was passing resolutions concerning the disposal of New Zealand. He was as patriotic as anyone, but the resolution was premature.

Cr Manhire endorsed the Mayor's remarks. In discussing this matter they were talking about something they didn't know anything about. They should leave the matter to the Imperial authorities. He moved that the letter be received.

Cr Brewer agreed with this view. They should not embarrass the Imperial authorities.

Cr Eudd said he was much surprised at the sentiments expressed by the previous speakers. He was also amazed at the sentiments expressed at the City Council. They did not want Samoa handed back to the Germans. (Hear, hear.) They should carry the Auckland resolution.

Cr Diack supported the remarks made by Cr Eudd. They should carry the resolution and strengthen the efforts of Mr Massey and Sir Joseph Ward. This country should have a voice in the disposal of the islands.

Cr O'Eourke said that he was not going to support the proposal from Auckland. Had they read the night's papers? If so, they would see the amount of money being squandered by the Home Government and the New Zealand Government. What did they know about the matter? Let them leave the question to those who knew something about it.

The Mayor said that no one on earth knew what would be the issue of the war. To put it plainly, they didn't know where they were. They were all patriotic. They did not want Germany to get back Samoa, but everything depended on the issue of the war. It might yet be necessary even to pass these islands over to Germany. Cr Eudd: No.

Other councillors: Not willingly. The Mayor: No. not willingly; certainly not. But let us win the war first. Cr Williamson also supported the Mayor. Let the council leave the matter to the Imperial authorities. An amendment was then moved by Cr Eudd supporting the Auckland City Council motion.

The amendment was defeated, and the motion carried. Crs Williamson, Brewer, Manhire, and th 9 Mayor supported the motion, and Crs Eudd, Diack, and Clarke supported the Auckland Council motion. When the vote was recorded Cr Bndd remarked: It's a jolly shame. Cr Manhire: You have no right to say that. It's not a fair remark.