A.—4b

At the present time there is our enemy working against us, and trying to continually hinder all the splendid instructions which we are trying to carry out together with His Excellency the Administrator in order that Samoa may make rapid progress towards the light. But there are some who are making themselves our enemies, and are setting up opposition and wishing to undermine these good instructions issued for the prosperity of Samoa. It would, no doubt, be an easy matter for us to settle among our own countrymen so that we. could all happily work under this Administration in harmony, but it is rendered difficult by the fact that some European merchants in Apia, whose ambition is their own wealth, together with some half-castes, are interfering in matters which are not their concern. They are contimially hindering our Samoan Government about subjects which concern Samoans only. We wish now to express our hope, we the representatives of Samoa and Tokelau, the Fautua and Faipule of the Government, that this interference by these Europeans and half-castes in matters concerning only true Samoans shall be made to cease. We are under the care of Great Britain and His Majesty King George V, by the Mandate of the Great Powers given to the Government of New Zealand to mother our country until we are strong enough and capable enough in accordance with the will of His Majesty the King and His Government. We beg to point out that— (1) The shrewdness of some Europeans in this country has really given Samoa the name of being a divided country at the present time. (2) The strained relationship between some Europeans in Samoa has been the means of dividing the Samoan people. (3) By his wisdom, His Excellency the Administrator unites Samoa in one people. (4) The cleverness of the European who desires power scatters Samoa that she may not become a united people. (5) Hence some Europeans and half-castes have set up opposition against a European who is the responsible power, His Excellency the Administrator, and for no cause at all as far as Samoans were concerned their people are now divided as to these two : (a) He who is the appointed authority; (b) he who seeks appointment for himself. Therefore we humbly beg and pray, with hearts full of hope in the loving will of His Majesty the King of Great Britain, that he will lovingly accept our plea that the Government may do something or issue a command to forbid these Europeans and half-castes to cause trouble in inciting Samoans to oppose our Government. We earnestly beg you to receive our plea in this matter, as this will greatly assist our Administrator at all times. Moreover, we certify that had it not been for these Europeans and their misleading of some of our fellow-countrymen there would have been no division in our country to-day, for all instructions issued by our Administrator carry with them the uplifting and prosperity of all Samoa, as well as the working in truth and harmony. Our villages are healthier and more beautiful places to live in because of regulations for sanitation and beautifying; we have good roads and water-supplies; plantations are prosperous; the establishment of hospitals, dispensaries, and schools, and many other improvements, clearly indicate the love of our Governor for us, and his aim for the future prosperity of our country. We are aware that you, sir, received an appeal that certain Samoans should be permitted to go to New Zealand and present to the New Zealand Government certain matters. We are certain that these Samoans would only make known to you things that were put into their minds by these Europeans in Apia who selected them to make known these things. They would not be able to speak for Samoa. If there are any matters with which they are not satisfied, let them put these matters before us and the Administrator. If the New Zealand Government receives these men in New Zealand, we beg permission that some of our number also, who represent Samoa, may go at the same time so that you may hear both sides of these matters. This is our plea and our statement. Soifua. Malietoa Tanu \p autua Fuamatu R. Vaai ~ Tuimalealtifano / Tuisalega Seiuli Mataafa ) Seumanutafa Sagapolu Atono Nanai Tupuola Tainau Seanoa Seinafo Su'a Sua Toelupe J>Faipule. Tuilaepa Faipule. Tafua Suisala Leilua Pei Salanoa Malupo Alo Sua Tapusoa Fonoti Tuataga Logo Nikotemo Ama Unasa J Asi Mama J T. Laupu'e (Failautusi).

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