“THINGS QUIET, BUT GETTING WORSE.”

Star (Christchurch), Volume XLIV, Issue 142, 17 June 1931, Page 4

“THINGS QUIET, BUT GETTING WORSE.”

SITUATION IN SAMOA IS FULL OF TENSION. (Sneoial to the “ Star.”) WELLINGTON, June 17A much-travelled journalist, Mr Marc T. Greene, foreign correspondent of the “ Christian Science Monitor ”, the New York “ Sun ” and other American journals, has just passed through New Zealand after four weeks’ residence in Samoa. Mr Greene has personally investigated conditions in Russia under the Soviet, he knows first-hand the story of the Chinese Republic, and his special work for journalism relates to happenings of international importance, lie proposes shortly to renew acquaintance with some of the leaders in the modern Chinese movement. Mr Greene’s impressions of Samoan conditions are not altogether palatable to New Zealanders, but his experience of many forms of government, and a close knowledge of Polynesia, give his opinions some weight. “ The first impression one gets in the place,’ said Mr Greene to a “Star” correspondent, “is that there is too much militarism. With all due respect to the present Administrator, for whom I have high regard, and who is doing his best under the policy laid down, I think it would have been wiser had the New Zealand Government appointed a civil Administrator. Instead of talking of sedition and discipline and disloyalty in Samoa, there should be more references to sympathy, and an attempt to understand the psychology of the people.” Release Political Offenders. “ There has been no end of talk, and your people,” continued Mr Greene, “ are hoping that things will calm down. I am convinced that they have not calmed down. Something more than a passive attitude is now needed to make things right in Samoa. A definite gesture of conciliation is called for. Go beyond words, and release all the political prisoners.” Mr Greene explained that, apart from the few deportees, there are many scores of political offenders imprisoned in Samoa. “ I saw fifty of them in one group, working in the plantations, and the bananas you enjoy in New Zealand —the bulk of them have been produced by this kind of convict labour.” It was suggested to the critic that a general release of offenders would be regarded by Samoans as a sign of weakness. But Mr Greene strongly dissented. Such an idea might, he remarked, be created in the minds of, say, the Chinese people, but it was quite different , with the Samoan, who had a different psychology. “ And it is also quite a wrong idea that conditions are improving. They are getting worse. Things are quiet, but it is a passive resistance which becomes more sullen. The Samoans are following the advice given in the last words of Tamasese, ‘ Do not do more to bring about bloodshed ’; nevertheless,* when such a strained position exists, something may break out.” Samoan Self-government. When he >vas asked to suggest an alternative to the present policy, Mr Greene said that the principal complaint of the Samoan people should be considered—that they have no voice in the government of their country. A reminder of the Council of Faipules provoked the criticism that these thirtyfive Samoans, are to all intents and pur poses subsidised by the Government. Mr Greene declared that a more representative constitution was needed, somewhat on the lines of that proposed for American Samoa. There is a Bill before Congress, with every prospect of adoption this year, providing for autonomy for this territory. The naval Governor is to be displaced by a civilian, and American Samoa given a Parliament elected by the people. This will follow the lines adopted in the Philippines, excepting that in the latter country there is a military Governor.

“ New Zealand has made a success of its administration of Rarotonga,” continued Mr Greene, “ and I know from personal knowledge of that group that the Administrator (Mr Ayson) has won, not only the respect, but the affection, of the people. You have suggested that under Samoan rule the health, education and economic conditions of the natives might go back, but they are an exceedingly cleanly race, and I would have no fear on that score. Such a Government would have to be under the direction of a European Governor, with power of veto. If New Zealand wants an example to follow, it could take some points from the Crown protectorate of Tonga. I have never seen a happier native people. They are ruled by a Queen and a Parliament, which supports a Cabinet including a New Zealander as Minister of Finance. European control over finances would be essential.

“ I became friendly with some of the Samoan chiefs,” concluded the American journalist. “At first—so bad is the atmosphere of suspicion—they took me for a spy, but I eventually got far enough into their confidence to know that they would receive such a practical gesture from your Government as I have indicated with real gratitude and appreciation. General Hart, the new Administrator, has shown every desire for conciliation, but in the absence of a tangible indication, his efforts are bound to fail. No amount of further talk will be convincing.”