MAU'S CHALLENGES.

Timaru Herald, Volume CXXV, Issue 18491, 5 February 1930, Page 8

MAU'S CHALLENGES.

GOVERNMENT MUST BE UPHELD. MORE POLICE FOR SAMOA. By Teleerliph—Pros* Association. WELLINGTON, February 4. The Prime Minister (Sir Joseph Ward), announced to-day that, in view of the necessity for bringing the present situation in Samoa to a satisfactory termination as speedily as possible, the Government have deckled to take steps to prepare a sufficient force of military police for despatch to the territory should the circumstances require it, and in particular if it becomes necessary to relieve H.M.S. Dunedin. It will be some weeks before the police will be ready to leave New Zealand, and .it is hoped that the events which will transpire during that period may render it unnecessary for the force to be despatched. The Government in Samoa is challenged by the Mau, and as a result of the Mau’s organised activities, warrants for arrest on criminal charges have not been executed. The authority of the Administration must be asserted, and law and order in the territory must be maintained. This cannot be brought about until there is a complete cessation of the Mau movement, and there is now no alternative but to secure that objective. It would be well for those who are in sympathy with the Mau to recognise this, and if they are genuinely anxious for the restoration of harmony in the territory they can best contribute to that end by counselling the abandonment of the Mau, when the way will be open for a discussion and redress of any grievances that may be found to exist.

The Hon. J. D. Cobbe is leaving for the territory next week.