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which was behind her in the matter, with all the wealth, influence, and power of that country. The Minister then read two paragraphs from the mandate, stating the obligations of New Zealand with regard to Samoa and the powers conferred upon her in connection therewith. New Zealand understood those conditions to mean that she must carry out that mandate, and must administrate in Samoa. But New Zealand must carry out the laws in a fair and just manner. If the Administrator committed an offence he had to take his punishment just the same as he himself and the same as the people of Samoa. It was the intention of the Government of New Zealand that the law should be administered fairly with equal justice to all throughout the length and breadth of Samoa. Individuals sometimes objected to the course of the law, but it had to be administered fairly. It was fairly administered in New Zealand, and would be administered fairly in Samoa as long as New Zealand held the mandate. The Minister said he had that day received a letter headed " Samoa for the Samoans." He quite agreed with that principle. It should mean the acting-together of the people of Samoa and those representing Great Britain as one body, united for the purpose of promoting the happiness and prosperity of all who live in Samoa. This in his opinion could be done most successfully by blending the best features of British rule with the best features of Samoan customs. By this he meant Great Britain's justice, protection, and wealth used to develop and help Samoa, but used wisely and kindly and without too much interference with old Samoan customs. Faumuina had referred to the fact that some of his party had been away back in the bush for the last few weeks. During that time they and their families had suffered worry, loss, and inconvenience, and they had gained nothing whatever by it all. They had suffered these hardships because they had listened to certain lying and misrepresentations with respect to the Government and the Administration. They had been away from their families and beset by ills of all kinds simply because certain people had told them a ridiculous story, that in doing so they were fighting for the independence of Samoa. The people who had deceived them in this way had much sin in their souls. Neither the Administrator nor the Government of New Zealand wished that the suffering and trouble should continue. It was their wish that the people of Samoa should be peaceful, prosperous, contented, and happy. To-day His Excellency the Administrator, and he himself, as a member of the Government of New Zealand, were there for the purpose of meeting them. "If you have any real grievances," said the Minister, " or are suffering from any real wrongs we are here to listen to what you have to say, I may say we will listen with patience and sympathy. But one thing must be clearly understood : and that is that law and order must prevail. The Government must rule. We cannot have two Governments in Samoa. If any injustice prevails, now is the time to tell us. If anybody feels that the law is harsh or oppressive or unfair, now is the time to tell us. Neither the Administrator nor the Government of New Zealand wishes that any harsh, oppressive, or unjust law shall prevail throughout Samoa. We want you to tell us fully and freely if you consider you are suffering from any injustice. We are here for you to speak out your minds, and for us to listen. No doubt you will not ask for anything unreasonable. If you are asking for anything reasonable we will be prepared to listen." " My last word is that the Mau cannot continue so long as the Administration is in control of Samoa. We want peace and happiness here. You are wanting the same thing, but as long as the Mau continues it cannot bo." Faumuina, in reply to the Hon. Minister, thanked him for his kind expressions which would be borne in mind. But the main thing he said was the list of proposals put forward by His Excellency. Would the Administrator agree to give the Mau time to discuss and consider them carefully ? He could not undertake to reply on their behalf until the proposals had been fully discussed at a full meeting of the Mau. They would then let him know their answer. The Administrator expressed the opinion that the points did not need much discussion. They were not entirely new. The Mau must already have had an opportunity of considering them. He suggested that the meeting should adjourn until 2 o'clock in the afternoon. Faumuina himself considered that the discussion would take time. It would be lengthy. Until the afternoon would not give them sufficient time. Up to the arrival of His Excellency and party that morning they had not discussed the matter as they did not wish to hurry it. As he had already said, they would remain where they were and the Administrator could do what he liked to them. The Administrator said if more time were required let him have a suggestion. Faumuina: "As soon as we come to a decision or agreement we will let you know." The Administrator pointed out that as the Minister desired to leave Samoa by the " Tofua " at the end of the week (Friday) it was important that some progress should be made before his departure. Faumuina said he could not name the time then, because the Mau were not yet fully represented. Some of the members were not in yet and their presence would be required at the meeting. He was sorry, but he would let the Administrator know as soon as they were ready—now, or in the future — at any time or any day. The Administrator said he did not wish to hurry matters, but it was very desirable that they should be settled before the Minister went to New Zealand. He would come back and have another talk the following morning in the hope that they might have been able to deliberate matters in the meantime. He would at all events see how far they had got. Faumuina considered they would require more time than that, but he could not definitely say how long. His Excellency might, however, come to-morrow if he wished. They would meet him at 10 a.m. as desired. The Administrator then inquired whether there was any point they wished him to speak upon or explain. Faumuina : " There is nothing to-day, Sir,"