UNITY IN SAMOA.

Wairarapa Age, 27 July 1936, Page 4

UNITY IN SAMOA.

PROPOSALS ACCEPTED BY NATIVES. SOME POINTS STILL OPEN FOR CONSIDERATION. APIA, July 23. The proposals suggested recently by the New Zealand good-will delegates as a basis of agreement for a united Samoa were accepted by a conference of natives to-day, on the understanding that the points raised by themselves would be still open for consideration.

Before the discussion commenced, Mr. O. F. Nelson, leader of the Mau, expressed pleasure at being given the opportunity to take part in the conference, and said that perhaps on no other living person had the policy of the previous Government reacted more harshly than upon himself. In the few weeks the good-will delegates had been in the territory they had helped to undo much of the causes of unrest and dissension in the past. That better understanding between the new Government and the natives was amply demonstrated by the happy relations now existing, and particularly by the Ministerial party joining with the Samoans in welcoming himself and family back to their homeland. The establishment of mutual good will, respect, and confidence could not but help lay the foundations of an amicable and lasting settlement.

The Hbn. Langstone reviewed the steps taken by the Labour Government to bring about better understanding, and said that they had laid all the cards on the table. The sufferings of Samoa were not one tithe of the sufferings of New Zealand. One could only express sorrow for the wrongs of the past. Ho \r could any Government consider the question of payment of compensation for the lives lost in the big influenza epidemic, as was seriously suggested by the Mau a few days ago! Mr. Nelson said he understood that the delegation desired the conference to carry a resolution pledging itself to work for a united Samoa and to cooperate with the Government. “The idea I have in mind,” added Mr. Nelson, “is that instead of going away with a resolution you should leave our shores fully satisfied that what has been done has been accepted and is fully understood by the Samoans.” The Minister: “Yes, we are agreeable to that.” The conference ended with an exchange of compliments and good wishes.