The Deadlock In Samoa.

How O. F. Nelson Is Obstacle To Fono and Concessions by New Zealand.

From Our Own Correspondent.

Apia, Aug. 28.

AFTER several weeks of negotiation, the efforts of the Administrator (General Hart) to bring about a settlement of the political trouble, had to be given up, owing to the impos sible demands of the Mau leaders.

One of the principal obstacles was the request of the Mau, that Mr. O. F.

Nelson, the recently returned local born merchant, should be present at the suggested round table conference as one of the Mau delegates.

From the point of view of the Administration the issue lies clearly' between the Administration and Samoan natives, and the participation of Mr. O. F. Nelson, who is officially a European, and claims European status for himself, consequently could not be allowed.

The “Mau” thereupon took up a hostile attitude and addressed a most impertinent letter to the Administrator, announcing that they will hold a large meeting at Vaimoso village to discuss the present situation, with or without his permission, and that they defy the Administrator to arrest their leaders and put them in gaol.

It is not known at time of writing

what the Administrator intends to do.

The foolish and childish attitude of the Mau leaders has tended to alienate the sympathies of the European friends of the movement, who are heard to criticise the Mau in very plain language.

The rank and file of the Mau in the country districts is not in agreement with the Mau leaders. The Samoans are heartily sick of a policy which has caused them heavy sacrifices during the past seven years and has brought them no visible advantages so far. At the present time the Samoans may obtain considerable concessions from the Administration.

New Zealand has lately shown her earnest desire to put her Samoan house in order and correct the blunders of the past. She has stretched out her hand to the Samoans in token of reconciliation again and again, and it is not her fault if the outstretched hand is not gripped by the Samoans.

The cumbersome Administrative service will be very substantially simplified and reduced in future as a result of the visit of Messrs, Berendsen and Verschaffelt last July