Designing Own Administration

Stony Way to Self-Government:

Samoans Face Task of Designing Own Administration

Western Samoa will enter another phase on its journey towards self government on November 10 when 162 representatives (146 Samoans, 16 Europeans) sit down at historic Mulinu’u to make and consider proposals on a Constitution for the ultimate independent state of Samoa.

A T present Western Samoa is a

HL Trust Territory administered

by New Zealand. A surprise nnouncement in March 1963, out ined a plan for eventual Samoan elf-government, and it was stated hen that all aspects would be dis ussed fully at a Constitutional invention towards the end of 1954.

It was made clear in 1953 that le Samoans would design their wn administration, and in con >rmity with this proposal, dis

issions at the coming meeting will

e based on proposals already re ased by the Working Committee

»r the Development Plan., The

ommittee has been engaged on lis task over the past year.

The Convention will be conducted

open session, interested organisa-

Dns being free to send representa

ves to listen to the debates.

Our Apia correspondent surn

ames the Working Committee’s

commendations under the follow

g heads:

» Common Citizenship: A careful dis ction to be made between common izenship and common domestic status. iile recognition of the former will be vitable with the establishment of a e State, the distinction between moans and non-Samoans at home will re to be retained at first. ► Legislature: The present Legislative embly and Fono of Faipule to give ce to a single legislature elected mnially headed by a Speaker elected the House, and to consist of 41 noan. five European, and two official mbers (Ministers of Justice and ance). i Suffrage: In Samoan constituencies chiefs only to have active and passive ing power. In European constituencies, versal suffrage, as at present.

Constituencies: To conform with the Faipule Districts, with some boundary ustments.

Head of State: The present two Hon. tua (Tupua Tamasese and Malietoa umafili II) to be joint heads, future mcies to be appointed from members the two respective Royal Families in new Legislature. Appointments for with provision for resignation.

Executive Government: To be con ed by Premier and Cabinet Ministers, ;ctively responsible to the House of resentatives. The Premier, elected by Legislature, to choose his Cabinet from ted members approved by the Legis re. Cabinet to decide general Govern t Policy and to approve legislation re its submission to Legislature.

Public Service: Territory to control ugh a Commissioner, with policy

matters under Cabinet control and close liaison with NZ Public Service. • Relationship with New Zealand: Based on arrangements similar to those existing between Tonga and the United Kingdom, but with special provisions due to Samoa being a UN Trust Territory. A New Zealand representative to be stationed In Samoa, to have special powers in relation to Defence, Foreign Affairs, and seconded officers. • Constitution: To be established in a series of amendments to the Samoa Act.

OUR correspondent makes this comment on the Convention: It is difficult to analyse Samoan feelings in relation to the proposed changes. There seems to be, throughout the community, a general feeling of apathy and in difference. Objections to many features of the proposals are likely to be heard from the Savaii repre sentatives.

A section of the Samoans, and most of the local-bom Europeans of part-Samoan blood, are not enthus iastic about any political changes contending that Samoa is happy and prosperous at present and that early, rapid and incisive changes seem unnecessary. The European attitude may be reflected in the Oc tober election of European delegates to the Convention.

“Burnt Fingers? Maybe just as well—it might save you finishing up with us here”