SAMOAN INQUIRY.

Waikato Times, Volume 102, Issue 17221, 3 October 1927, Page 7

SAMOAN INQUIRY.

EVIDENCE BY NATIVES AIMS OF THE MAU. BREAK-OFF FROM NEW ZEALAND. Giving evidence before the Samoan Commission, Tamasese, a high chief, said he objected to the medical tax, to the ban on the presentation of fine mats to the Government and to the proposed division of land among the Samoans without the consent of the owners. He said he was a member of the Mau. In reply to a question by the chairman,, the witness said the object of the Mau was to secure selfgovernment for the Samoans, independent of New 'Zealand, hut under the British flag. The Mau had never worked for the removal of the present Administrator.

Siaosi, formerly Alipiat, who had been banished and deprived of his title, complained that no preparation had been made by the Administration for the maintenance of his wife and children at home, or for himself when he was away.

With regard to the evidence regarding the presentation to the Governor-General, Sir Charles Fergusson, by Toelupe. of Samoan emblems of authority, Judge McCormick informed the witness that his apprehensions about Samoa were needless. New Zealand administered Samoa under a mandate and was strictly bound by its terms. These remarks were prefaced by ui interjection by the chairman: "What does it matter what hinges upon it? The idea is rank, absolute nonsense, and could only have arisen in ultra-suspicious minds or ultra-ignorant minds." Auelua Lauvai, formerly a clerk to the interpreter, Native Department, gave evidence through an interpreter. He complained that his title of orator had been taken away and that no reason had been given to him. He admitted convictions for abduction and perjury. He did not think Samoa should be administered by Samoans'. The Legislative Council, with three native members, should make laws. Saletai complained that his title had been taken away and that he had been banished in 1925 for reasons which he considered insuiTicient. Before his trial he had not been notified of the specific charges which would have to be met. The proposed new law for the subdivision of land would undermine the influence of Matais, heads of families, and cause them to lose control over their fam ! ics. This would be likely to result in serious trouble in Samoa.

The self-government of Samoa by the Samoans, as desired by the Mau, was advocated by this witness, and also by the next* witness, Tialavca Faitelc.

LATER. SAMOA FOR THE SAMOANS. OBJECTS OF THE MAU. A NATIVE KING MOVEMENT. (By Radio.) (Received October 3, 8.5 a.m.) APIA, October 1. Alipita, a high Samoan orator, also a Samoan member of the Citizens' League, gave evidence before the Commission on the same lines as Tamasese, the high chief. lie stated the Mau's object was the government of Samoa by Samoans, under the protection of the British flag, and to make its own laws. The Mau never tried to have the High Commissioner, MajorGeneral Sir G. S. Richardson, removed from office. Tau, a chief of Safune Savaii, protested against his banishment, the presentation of fine mats, inhibition, and the medical tax. He agreed with Tamasese and Alipiata as to the objects and hopes of the Mau, and the absence of a desire for the removal of Sir G. S. Richardson. Umaga Pau also expressed a desire for self-government, and outlined the objects of the Mau. He was supported by Faamau Sili, who was formerly secretary to Malietoa. Faamau Sili deposed that he and a friend were banished because in conversation with a friend they had said a faipule had no credit in the district having, a big leg (elephantiasis) and the second faipule could neither read nor write.

Cross-examined, witness unreservedly admitted that he and his friend had suggested the setting up of a kingship under Malietoa, and it was for this reason they were banished on a charge of sedition.