SAMOAN GRIEVANCES.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 20041, 2 September 1920, Page 8

SAMOAN GRIEVANCES.

±—4 TRADERS' DEPUTATION. RECEIVED BY PREMIER. , [Per Press Association.J WELLINGTON, September 2. A delegation which has como from merchants and traders in Samoa to represent their grievances to tho New Zealand Government, was. received by Mr Massey and the Minister of External affairs to-day. Tho chief request was for representation on tho Legislative Council, which now comprises four official and three non-official members, tho latter being nominated by the Government. Legislation was asked that tho non-official members bo elected by popular vote, and thus bo free of influence by the administration. Extravagant administration was alleged, including an attempt to establish the agricultural school, tho opening of new leper and quarantine station, and harbour-master’s residence at bavaii, and that three now roads were built in the vicinity of Apia and never used. Replying to Ministers tho deputation Said that the matters mentioned wore not brought under the notice of Sir .Tames Allen. The deputation expressed willingness to drop the complaints of wastefulness if a better system were inaugurated. Regarding tho Government hotel at Apia,' which was taken over after prohibition was carried, it was assorted that the loss was £IOO a week. Mr Gray, Under-Secretary of External Affairs, said his information was that the hotel was paying its way. The ■deputation said it was now proposed to expend £6OO in extending the hotel, which was unnecessary, when private people, wore willing to provide accommodation. The latest proposal was to open tho Government-store again, interfering with private enterprises. Mr Gray said tho store was to be primarily an issue store for the Government, The deputation said that tho rhinoceros beetle was increasing owing to the lack of supervision, and copra had deteriorated from the same cause. As regards tho' “Samoa Times,” proofs of what was going in the paper were always sent to the Administrator before the paper was published. There had been sufficient influence to result in certain things failing to appear. Shares were held' by Government officials, and it was natural that the policy of the paper should be influenced. Mr Ma-ssey .that that tho political representation sought would probably come in time. In respect to the paper ' question, Mr Massey gave an assurance that the Government had nothing to do with it, and had no financial interest, in tho paper, and had not been responsible for certain of the officials taking advantage of what appeared a good proposition. The Minister of External Affairs said that organisation in Samoa was under one".of the'Government’s most competent officials, who could bo trusted riot to use more men than were required. The work of administration was much greater than formerly, and profits from trade with Samoa would bo. used .for development work. MiGray said that the stores were established to’meet the needs of the Ad- „ ministration. '. It was not the object of the Government to go in for private trading.