AFFAIRS IN SAMOA

Waikato Times, Volume 107, Issue 17964, 8 March 1930, Page 8

AFFAIRS IN SAMOA

MINISTER AND MAU. A FURTHER MEETING. (By Telegranh—Prc'-.s Association.) WELLINGTON, Saturday. Advice received to-day by the Prime Minister from the Administrator of Western Sajnoa indicates that a further meeting of the Mau with the Administrator, and Hon. J. G. Gobbe is being held to-day. DEATHS OF NATIVES. CORONIAL FINDINGS ANNOUNCED. CONFLICT OF ' EVIDE-NCE. (By Telegrapn—press Association.) - v _ WELLINGTON, Saturday. The findings of the coroner (Mr Luxford), in the inquests on two Samoans, Fitialo and Molia, who met their death in the mandated territory recently, have been received by the Prime Minister, and were announced to-day. In the case of Fitialo the coroner gave the following verdict:—“l find that Fitialo met his death as the result of a wound caused by the accidental discharge of a firearm in the hands, of an able-bodied seaman, A. D. Colson. No blame is attributable to anyone.” In tile other case Mr Luxford says he intends to record a formal verdict as it would be improper at the present stage to make any comment. “My verdict is that Molia died at the Apia Hospital on January 27, 1930, as the result of a gun shot wound inflicted by a revolver bullet fired by Lance-Corporal Ricketts of the Samoan police, on January 22, 1930.” With reference to the inquest on Molia the Administrator of Samoa, Colonel Allen, informed file Prime Minister that ail other evidence was contrary to the deeca-sed’s own account of the accident (in which Molia stated he was fired at at a distance of a few inches, a-s he was sitting on the ground), and that the question as lo whether further proceedings should be taken is receiving consideration.