Native Politics In Samoa

Old Mau Influence Apparently Waning Grievances and Requests By New Mau

From Our Own Correspondent

Tapia, Oct. 28.

HE new Samoan party, which has been formed as an opposition to the Mau, and which stands staunchly behind the Malietoa group and the British flag, continues to grow in size and in activity.

Its strength is now estimated to be about 10,000, and several more districts are joining up, so that it is expected that before long* the anti-Mau party will rep resent the majority of the Samoan people.

In recent weeks, for instance, more uni forms of the ‘New Mau” were seen in the streets of Apia than the uniforms of the “Old Mau.”

An interesting development occurred ii mid-October, when about 80 represen tatives of the “New Mau” tnet the Acting Administrator (Mr. A. C. Turnbull) at the Fono house at Mulinu’u.

The party spokesman declared that they wished to work for peace and har mony in Samoa. They resented certain things done by the Mau and the Fono of Faipule. which was dominated by ihe Mau. For example, they resented the face that the district of Vaimauga East (6,000 people) had only one representative in the Fono, while Faasaleleagea, in Savaii, (4,000 people) had four representatives.

They also objected to the way in which the Mau leaders at Vaimoso had practi cally ordered them to come to Vaimoso for discussion. They would not do that— they recognised only one Government.

They, as Malietoa’s adherents, had always loyally supported the official Government, whether it was under the German or the British flag. They resented the manner

in which High Chief Malietoa Tanu, 0.8. E., had been driven out of the Legis lative Council by the Mau, and they de manded his re-instatement.

The Acting Administrator expressed sympathy with the request for a re adjustment of representatives in the Fono of Faijmle. The people were free to join any party they pleased, but th,ey were not compelled to join the Mau or any other party, or to pay Mau taxes.

The N.Z. Government had been opposed to Malietoa’s resignation—those present knew what influences caused that devel opment.

His Honour said that the uniforms of the new party were similar to the police uniforms and this might cause confusion and trouble. He could not forbid the wearing of uniforms, but he advised them to choose a different lava lava from that which they were now wearing.

The spokesman said that if the Mau would abandon the wearing of uniforms, the new party would follow suit. They would consider the Acting Administra tor’s request in regard to the character of the uniform.

His Honour suggested that they place their requests and grievances before the Fono of Faipule. He said that, as Acting Administrator, he recognised no party— his duty was to look after the interests of the Samoan people as a whole. They were one people, with one language, and one religion, and it would be sad if their party differences could not be reconciled.

The following day the Acting Admini strator met the Faipule, but the latter adopted an uncompromising attitude and declined to meet the new party for a d scussion.

It is reported that, owing to strong op position and criticism of Mau interfer ence, the plan of the Mau to control and direct the banana export scheme has been adandoned.