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Samoa Under the Sailing Gods

II

II

Within a few months of General Richardson's arrival the Chief Judge, Mr. Orr-Walker, returned to New Zealand. In his stead, on the urgent recommendation of the Administrator—and against the written advice of the departing Chief Judge—was appointed Mr. Woodward, the Crown Solicitor. Charlie Roberts shook his head very dubiously over the new appointment. "Orr-Walker is the fairest man I have ever known," page 144I had heard him say before, and now he repeated it. "Woodward is a friend of mine," he continued, "and I like him. But he is not strong enough for the position."

As Assistant Secretary of Native Affairs had been appointed Mr. A. B. Ross, a clerk from Smyth's store. He was a member of the choir at the London Mission Church, as also was Griffin; and was prominent in the Apia Sea Scout movement. From another store—Burns Philp—was procured an Inspector for the Native Department—a new position—a half-caste son of Captain Allen by an Ellice Island woman. The Public Servants' Association was prompt in making protest to both appointments, but certain allegations they made being held to be unfounded, it was required by the Administrator that the Association should dissolve. This it unwillingly did.

During the Administrator's absence on inspection, first around Upolu and then around Savaii, a peculiar phenomenon manifested itself which was always to attend his absence. While the General was in Apia, the Beach on a Sunday morning outside the London Mission church would be lined with the parked cars of officials. But when he was away, and consequently not at church, there was scarcely one to be seen.