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III. NATIVE AFFAIRS. Channels of Authority in Native Affairs.

(a) Policy. Reference was made in the previous report (1925-26) to the Native political organization and channels of authority in Native administration. This system of administration is suited to the peculiar conditions of the Samoan social organization, while experience continues to show that the people co-operate with approve of it because they see its effectiveness in promoting their welfare and progress. When troubles which are likely to disturb the peace, order/ and good government of the Natives arise, the Administrator assembles a committee of Faipules to investigate and collect evidence and advise him. By this means the best possible advice on Native matters is obtained. The Faipules have themselves no judicial powers. The only Native opposition to this policy of control of the Native race through their chiefs—the Faipules and various Native committees —comes from a few who have been punished as a result of these investigations. They have received encouragement from a small number of Europeans in Apia, who in order to gain influence over the Natives have openly expressed their desire to see the system

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