Inquiry

Report Of Banana

Applauded in Samoa

AN official announcement by the Rt.

Hon. M. J. Savage, Prime Minister of New Zealand, on the finding in the lengthy Banana Inquiry has been published in the “Savali” (Samoan Gov ernment Gazette) and in the local news paper. The announcement said that the complaints were unjustified; that the Government had every confidence in the officers running the banan?. scheme; that the Samoans should help not hin der the scheme; and that N.Z. would buy its bananas elsewhere and the “Maui Pomare” for other purposes, if the com plaints continued.

The statements were generally ap plauded in Samoa and it is hoped that they will have a salutary effect on the small disgruntled minority who have caused all the trouble.

It may be recalled that the agitation against the banana scheme and the Produce Inspector (Mr. H. Newton) was conducted by the Mau and that people were urged to make complaints. The large majority of European and native banana growers strongly objected to the inquiry and formal protests were lodged with the N.Z. Government by the United Progressive Party and the Planters’ As sociation. The Prime Minister’s an nouncement confirms the views of the public and completely vindicates the work and good name of Mr. Newton and his staff.