Feuds

Editorial Note

Mataafa and the Ancient Feuds

TO understand the protest made by Mataafa, one must know Samoan history. Ever since the Europeans came to Samoa, and for a long period before that, suzerainty of the archipelago was divided be tween three or four famous families —and more especially the families of Malietoa, Tamasese and Mataafa.

Right up until the annexation of Samoa by Germany late last century, the followers of these high chiefs were almost constantly em broiled in wars; and in the period 1850-1890 each of the three Powers seeking privileges in Samoa—Ger many, Britain and United States— seemed to be supporting one or other of the contending chieftains.

Bitterest rivalry was that between the Malietoa and the Mataafa sections.

These internecine hatreds flared up again in the Mau period (1920- 1935), but although little has been heard of them for 20 years, they are not forgotten. It can be seen, therefore, that the plan that the present Malietoa and Tamasese shall be joint Heads of the new State, while Mataafa is nowhere, is gall

and wormwood to the Mataafa section.

The adoption of a Constitution by this Convention means little, as yet. However, it shows the wishes of the Samoans, and provides a framework upon which the New Zea land Government and the Trustee ship Council will in due course spread out the set of rules under which Samoa will enjoy a large measure of self-government—but not necessarily the large measure sought by the Convention.