Samoan Factions

Move to Conciliate Native Parties

From Our Own Correspondent APIA, December 19.

ACCORDING to reports from outside districts there has been Fonos (native meetings) in many villages, especially along the west coast of Upolu, with the purpose of effecting a reconciliation of the two opposing parties among the Samoans, the Mau (opposition party) and the Malo (government party).

In many villages there are adherents of both parties living together, and with rela tions strained and feelings bitter, there has been dissension in village affairs, com munal work and church matters. The co operation, which is traditional in village life, has been sadly lacking.

Mainly owing to the efforts of European and native missionaries, the Samoans in many districts have declared their readi ness to “bury the hatchet” and work together peacefully in future for the good of their respective communities, though still preserving their political views as heretofore.

The new movement was started before the result of the New Zealand elections was known and had nothing to do with the political change. It is, however, signi ficant, as it indicates that the Mau leaders now are inclined to abolish their militant and aggressive attitude towards the Administration and to adopt a more con ciliatory policy.