Is Quiet

Samoan Mau

Administration’s Policy Of Patience is Praised

A gentleman who knows Samoan conditions intimately, and who recently visited the Territory, writes to the Editor as follows: — THERE are definite signs of a breaking up of the native political body—the Mau.

Already some of the Chiefs indicate that they are withdrawing their support, and many others are luke-warm. The chiefs’ followers will be sure to follow suit. There are other indications of internal disagree ment. The reasons—or some of them— are that the Chiefs do not wish to be directed by the Mau Committee, which, as the Chiefs say, is dominated by a person not in the Territory. You will understand that when a Chief takes action of this kind he is followed by the people in his district.

It is not strange that the Mau should be collapsing. A few years ago, Mauites used to parade the streets, even in the early hours of the morning, and openly defy the police. The people gathered in large num bers at the village of Vaimoso, the head quarters of the Mau, where many meetings would be held. There was food in plenty There was the “New Zealand Samoa Guardian” to be read and gloated over, and there was the local propaganda going on. The native mind was kept in high excitement.

Since Mr. Nelson’s trial and banishment from Samoa a large number of the natives have gone back to the quiet of their native villages. There are not nearly so many people or meetings at Vaimoso as there used to be. Most of the flourish, and fuss, and show, which the native so dearly loves, no longer exists. On the surface, political conditions have quietened down consider ably. To my way of thinking, this means that the Chiefs have sat down in their vil lages and have had time to think quietly, and have come to the conclusion that they are getting nowhere. They are beginning to ask: Why?

Although these Chiefs and their people may break away from the Mau, it does not mean that they forego their claims that injustice has been done to the Samoans by New Zealand. They seem pretty firm about that point.

I can only think that they are possibly considering some other way of tackling the problem. Open opposition, such as they have been pursuing, has not brought the results expected. The Government has not been brought to its knees, as the natives were told it would be. It is certain now that a big section of the Mau is viewing the position in that light.

Co-operation with the Administration might be the means of strengthening the hands of the natives to the point of their being able, when opportunity occurs, to present a reasonable and just appeal for full consideration and adjustment of the matters in dispute. There would seem a good chance of this being done once they dispose of the idea of an outside represen tative for the Mau being present at any conference between the Samoans and the Administration. It would appear from the recent action of the Chiefs referred to that a belief is growing that such outside in fluences are not helpful to a reconciliation.

The present attitude of the Administra tion may be called one of attrition, to the extent that by leaving the natives alone

the subject will wear itself out. “Patience” seems to be the slogan. It is the right course, in the circumstances.

Should the natives be roused again by any stupm act on the part of the police or other officials, there is sure to be another oiow-out, and a renewal of the gatherings and meetings at Vaimoso. The natives would again become agitated, and we would have all the trouble back again.

Europeans in Samoa do not want any more trouble of that nature. They want

to see law and order restored and a return to the good feelings of friendship which once existed between the Samoans, the officials, and the Europeans.

General Hart and Mr. Turnbull (Secre tary to the Administration) are playing the game of patience right now—and have done so for many months past. They are perhaps more patient than they care to admit. Nevertheless, there are good re sults from such a policy—and it should be pursued. If the heads keep their heads,

all should be well. If they run amok —so will the natives. There is a rumour cur rent there that General Hart now is to remain as Administrator for another term —for how long is not stated.

The Pacific Islands Association on March 26 entertained at luncheon a num ber of visitors from Island Territories and others interested in Pacific affairs.

Those present included Mr. George Mur ray (Director of Agriculture, New Guinea), Mr. R. W. Robson (Chairman of the Association), Mr. Roland Green, M.P.,, Rev. Harold Short (London Mis sionary Society, Papua), Mr. L. L. Bell, Drs. C. C. Simson, E. Pockley and W.

L. Calov, Rev. M. A. Warren (Secretary, Australian Board of Missions), Messrs.

R. J. Sands and W. B. Rainsford (Char tered Accountants), Messrs. G. M. Rod ger and O. E. Provis, of Malayta Co.

Ltd., and Mr. M. C. Crocker, Department of Agriculture, Territory of New Guinea.

Rev. J. W. Chambers, accompanied by his wife, left Sydney for Suva, Fiji, by the Aorangi on March 28. Having served for many years in various fields for the Methodist Mission Society, they now in tend to settle down in the Rewa dis trict of Fiji.