FROM SAMOA

Star (Christchurch), Issue 20043, 4 September 1920, Page 9

FROM SAMOA

VISIT OF DELEGATION. There arrived by the ferry from Wellington this morning, a delegation from Samoa, consisting of Messrs 11, I). Croudaco, T- Andrews and Ernest A. Dobbie (Into editor of the "Samoa Times ”), representing the business interests of Samoa. The delegation hope to meet tho local Chamber of Commerce, to put forward certain grievances affecting commerce and other matters. Each member is well informed on Samoan affairs. They are anxious to meet business gentlemen interested in Samoa, as they believe that there is a lamentable apathy in Now Zealand in regard to the Islands. Mr Dobbie stated that New Zealand will have to wako up in its administration of Samoa. Tho island is seething with discontent, because of the autocratic system of government, in which the people have no voice. “Tho same officials who acted during the military administration." 'continued Qdjr Dob. bie, " arc continuing on under the civil administration. Thlo autocratic government still holds sway." Hoth in Auskland and Wellington the delegation received cordial receptions from the Chambers of Commerce, where resolutions of sympathy with the delegation’s mission were passed. Tho delegation also had a long consultation with the Prime Minister and tho Minister of External Affairs. The delegation will proceed to Dunedin about Tuesday next. Tho White Dart Hotel is their headquarters in Christchurch.