ix—A. 4b.

A. —4b.

of last meeting. We must regard the Governor as the father of us all and obey him. But he should look after his children, and we know that sometimes we cannot get access to our father. I exhort you to obey our father ; but if there is anything we regard as being wrong we must complain to him, and if that door is closed, we may complain to New Zealand. As mentioned by Mr. Nelson, we would all like to hear more about financial matters. It is quite right for us to pay our taxes, but we should like to know more about the financial problems of our country, and these matters have never been disclosed to the 95 per cent, of this country's population. The Chairman : The moiion before the meeting is whether the meeting be carried on, or shall it be closed. Hon. Williams : I second the motion that the meeting be carried on. The Chairman: It has been proposed and seconded that we proceed to further business. Any amendment ? Une, of Vaimoso: You have heard the remarks of the previous speakers, and also the letter from His Excellency the Administrator. It is incumbent upon each of us to weigh up the pros and cons of his letter and to consider whether we continue the meeting. The only thing that the previous speakers have done is to exhort the people not to break the law, and, as we are in no way breaking the law, I propose on behalf of those I represent that the meeting be continued. Asi, of Vaimauga : This is a- wonderful meeting. I see around me all sorts of people. It reminds me of a palace of many colours. It is a great advance for the Samoans that they can come to these Fonos and hear about things affecting them that have been kept from them before. As far as my district is concerned, proceed ; but always remember that we must abide by and keep within the law in every shape and form. Tagaloa, of Anoanaa: The text of my subject shall be divided into, firstly, three big subjects— God, the Governor, and the Government; the second small subject is our grievances. We have heard the letter from the Governor, and I also exhort the people to obey the law ; but hold the meeting. The Chairman : Is there nothing further from the meeting ? We will hold a vote to open the meeting. Those who agree with the further proceeding of the meeting, hold up hands in the usual way. There are over one hundred for proceeding with the meeting and about six against it, so the original motion is carried. We shall proceed with the meeting. Interjection : Kick them out. The Chairman : Enough of that, now. The last meeting decided on two things : (1) The election of a committee, and the same committee were to convey to the Minister of External Affairs an expression of regret from the citizens of this territory at the postponement of his visit. This has been done in the following manner : " Representative meeting Samoans and Europeans regret postponement of your visit. Respectfully urge that you arrange to visit Samoa November." No reply was received for eleven days. On the 26th —ten days after—the committee met and decided that a further telegraphic message be sent to the Minister of External Affairs, begging for a reply, as follows : " Anxiously awaiting reply telegram 16th October." Both telegrams were sent through His Excellency the Administrator, with a covering letter. The first telegram was sent promptly ; the second has not been sent, for reasons I will explain. On the 23rd a letter was sent to the Minister of External Affairs formally confirming the telegram, pleading its urgency, and the feeling with the plea. On the 27th October a letter was received from the Assistant Secretary, enclosing copy of telegram received from the Minister of External Affairs on the 19th (eight days before), as follows : " Reference your telegram 16th October, while regretting quite impossible to meet citizens November look forward with pleasure to meeting your citizens May." (2) Meeting of the European and Native Committees were to be held to make up reports. The European and Native meetings were held separately, but elected members were present at both. The report of the sub-committee on agriculture was submitted to the general committee and confirmed. It was further resolved that a deputation of representative members be sent to Wellington to present reports, expenses to be met by voluntary contributions. Mr. A. Cobcroft: Mr. Chairman and gentlemen, at a meeting of the Planters' Association to discuss these various points, while confirming the election of Mr. Meyer and myself to prepare a report on agricultural matters, wish it to be distinctly understood that it will not criticize the Government's Native policy. We feel that the Natives have the Pono of Faipule to express them, and that as planters we are not sufficiently conversant with Native affairs to criticize the Government's policy. The Chairman : I should have told you that the planters have put in their report to the general committee, and then retired from the committee, in order that all the reports can be supported unanimously. The question now to'decide is whether the reports be sent forward'or taken up by a deputation. Too'malatai, Matautu (for Vaimauga) : I wish to give my opinion on the subject in regard to the presentation of the reports to the Minister°of External Affairs. I agree that May is a long time away, and we may all be dead by that time. I say on behalf of our district that we shall share in the expense of sending a delegation with the reports to Wellington. Tagaloa in general terms supports Too, and states that their district will also contribute to the expense, and wish to record their confidence in the committee. Tipumaga (Leulumoega) speaks in the same tone about the delegation and they will support it with their confidence and their cash. Malu Ale (for Faleata) supports same motion. Mataia (for same district) likewise. The Chairman: Is there any word from the European side in support or objection ? Lewtele (for Atua, particularly Fonoti): We agree that the matter be taken up urgently. Do not leave it until May. It is too far ahead. Proceed. Mr. A. 0. Smyth: I wish to confirm this motion, and would also propose that the Government be asked to send their best interpreter in order that everything be brought up clearly.

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