Another Protest

March In Apia

Hundreds of spectators lined the main street of Apia on March 2 when about 600 demonstrators marched to Western Samoa's Par liament House at Mulinu'u to protest against the high cost of living. It was the second such protest march in four weeks—the first being held on February 2.

At Mulinu'u on the second oc casion, about 1,000 members of a political body called the Organisa tion of Peace picketed parliament, demanding that it consider a petition presented by them at the previous demonstration calling for relief from the high cost of living.

Prime Minister Mataafa, who came out and spoke to the demon strators, urged them to rely on their parliamentary representatives to voice grievances. He assured them that if an MP moved a motion to consider the petition, parliament would discuss it on the next sitting day. This satisfied the demonstrators, who moved off good-humouredly.

A parliamentary committee has now been set up to consider the petition and report back to the House. Committee members are G. F. D. Betham, Galuvao Farani, Leutele Poutoa, Asiata Lagolago, Polataiivao Fosi, Fuimaono Moa sope, Tuaopepe Tame, Ulu Lui and Amituanai Vili.

Photo: "Samoana".