H.M.S. Achilles In

Samoa

A Warship and a Political Sidelight

A N interesting sidelight on political conditions in Western Samoa (New Zealand Mandate) was provided recently when H.M.S. Achilles visited Apia.

Officers and crew were hospitably en tertained. On the second day, the Ad ministrator announced that visitors from shore would be welcome aboard—but they must provide their own transportation.

This created a bad impression. It was like inviting a man to lunch and asking him to provide his own food. Warships, in the past, in similar circumstances, made their boats available to carry people from the wharf put to the anchor age.

The majority of residents remained at home.

An exception was made in favour of the Fono of Faipule. The members (mostly of the Mau) had been sitting for three weeks trying to induce the N.Z.

Government to increase their allowances.

But the Government —which a year ago was promising them many concessions and privileges and according official re cognition to the Mau was strangely obdurate. The Faipule, probably felt that they needed relaxation; and a visit to the warships was the very thing.

The cruiser’s boats, which were not available for the Europeans, gave free

transportation to the Faipule. The latter paraded aboard in their Mau lavalavas.

Only ten years ago, those same Mau lavalavas were the emblems of revolt, 4 and their wearers were being chased over the farther hills by the officers and men of H.M.S. Dunedin. The changes that Time brings!

The Faipule were shown over the cruiser by an officer; and his explana tions were translated into Samoan for the benefit of the native law-makers.

There was a long explanation at a gun turret. The Faipule listened attentively.

Then the officer asked if the explana tion was clear. Was there any other information they wanted?

The interpreter interpreted.

The Mau spokesman rubbed his head in perplexity.

Then he had a brain-wave. “Yes,” he said. “Ask him where the biscuits are kept on this ship.”