FIGHTING THE MAU.

Timaru Herald, Volume CXXV, Issue 18497, 19 February 1930, Page 10

FIGHTING THE MAU.

POLICE OPERATIONS IN SAMOA. By Telegraph—Press Association. AUCKLAND, February 18. The “Herald’s” Apia correspondent, writing on February 7, said:— The plan of operations by the police, backed by sailors and marines from the Dunedin, appears to be cutting off supplies to the Mau natives in the hills, and to arrest the wanted men as opportunity offers. Numerous small parties have been arrested, but most of these have been released, as there were no charges against them. The wanted men occupy the hill country, the greater part of which is extremely difficult of access. The Samoan has all the advantage in the event of pursuit. Only one casualty has been reported, a young Samoan, who resisted arrest. He was shot in the abdomen, and died. This is a tribute to the discipline and patience of the men on outpost duty. Any attempt to forecast the outcome or the duration of the campaign would be foolhardy. Those best qualified to judge believe that small bands of natives will be captured from time to time with little resistance, until the wanted men and perhaps a few diehards of the Mau remain. These, they believe, will be able to evade capture for a long time if their determination holds out. A further tightening of the cordon will come into effect next week, to prevent supplies reaching the fugitives illicitly.