Anxious

Samoan Planters

Menaced by Mad-headed Socialist Flans

From Our Own Correspondent.

APIA, Sept. 2. r ¥''HE political situation here at present is quiet.

The planters have been profoundly dis turbed by the reported determination of the N.Z. Socialist Government to abolish all Chinese labour in Western Samoa.

The planters can see in this proposal the ruin of their industry and serious re trogression in Samoa generally. If the plantations are not to have an efficient and permanent labour supply it will be impossible to keep the Samoan, as well as the European plantations, clean and clear of disease, and pests will spread everywhere.

The planters contemplate an appeal to the New Zealand Parliament, and also propose to seek the assistance of the organised farmers in New Zealand. It is, however, feared that great damage will be done to the territory before the reso lution of the Socialist Government can be broken down.

Already, the managers of the N.Z.

Reparation Estates (Government-con trolled) have received instructions to re patriate not only the Chinese, but also the Solomon Islanders, who were brought in by the Germans and who have been employed on these estates since 1914.

These Solomon Islanders number about 80 and nearly all are married to Samoan women and have families. None of them wish to return to the Solomons or to Buka (in the Mandated Territory of New Guinea) and the Solomons and New Guinea authorities do not approve of this repatriation.

It is to be presumed, however, that the New Zealand Government will presist with its mad-headed plan.

The Administrator

It is generally believed here that Mr.

A. C. Turnbull, who has been Acting Administrator for a long time, will be appointed Administrator. The appoint ment would be welcomed by all classes in Samoa, where both Mr. and Mrs. Turn bull are held in high esteem.

Political Situation

Mr. O. F. Nelson, since his return, has adopted a moderate political view, and is taking no prominent part in political activities, beyond urging both natives and Europeans to be satisfied with the concessions obtained from the N.Z. Gov ernment, and to co-operate for the good of the country.

It is reported that the Mau leaders have ordered heads of families to deliver lOOlbs. of dry copra to Mr. Nelson’s stores, as a gift, in recognition of Mr.

Nelson’s services to the Mau movement.

The Samoan natives connected with the Mau movement are at present preparing to elect their representatives to the new Samoan Parliament, which is to be con vened on September 30. It is expected that a new constitution for Samoa will then be proclaimed.