Chiefs
p. 21 · Read in the full issue
Power Of Samoan
Too Rapid a Change Opposed
From Our Own Correspondent
Apia, Apl. 10.
rriHE Government has invited and X expected an Assembly debate on the Development Plan for Western Samoa which was announced a year ago by the Prime Minister of New Zealand, when the Report of Working Com mittee was submitted.
But the Assembly, and parti cularly the Samoan members, picked exclusively on the most con troversial feature of the Plan, — namely, the proposed revision of the Matai (or Chief) system, and the recommended introduction of universal franchise for the Taueleas (or untitled men and women).
Again, strong protests were voiced by all Samoan members against any alteration of the Matai system, which they argued would be hasty and revolutionary. It was admitted that the younger generation, in the more distant future, might spontaneously ask for a change in the Matai system; but it was contended that it was too soon yet to introduce such a sweeping change in Samoan life and tradition.