SAMOA.

Taranaki Daily News, 19 August 1929, Page 8

SAMOA.

The annual report of the Administrator of Western Samoa is of more than usual important. It is the record of a full year’s administration under Colonel Allen’s control, and shows how far the policy he has adopted has proved successful in bringing about a better feeling between a section of the Samoans and the Government. On the whole, the report is optimistic on this point, though it is evident there is some way to go before the authorities can claim to have removed all the discontent in the territory. The administrator admits this, as he points out that the non-payment of taxes by recalcitrant natives still continues to a large extent. So far as can be judged Colonel Allen’s policy appears to be one of persuasion only. The benefits of western rule in regard to education, public health, and industry, so far as the natives will permit, are being demonstrated, and the lesson that such must bo paid for, in part at least, by the Samoans themselves in the shape oi taxation is being taught with a patience and forbearance that deserve success. Whether such will be obtained is not yet certain. Probably a good deal depends upon influences brought to bear upon the Samoans in directions that it is difficult for the administration to counter, influences which, in the long run, are imbued with self-interest rather than by a desire to benefit a dependent race. Fortunately there has been no attempt at reversal of policy in Samoa . y. J® change in Ministry here That in itse will strengthen the hands of the local administration, and should make it clear to the Samoans that the principle underlying control by New Zealand is no political but beneficient.