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The TRUTH about SAMOA

General Richardson Arrives

page 13

General Richardson Arrives.

In this same year (1923) the term of the first civil Administrator, Colonel R. W. Tate, expired, and applications for the position of Administrator were advertised for in the New Zealand papers. None of the applicants was considered suitable for this responsible position, but the Government appointed Major-General Sir Geo. S. Richardson w ho had first come to New Zealand as a non-commissioned instructor to the Permanent Artillery, and by the end of the Great War had reached the rank of Major-General, but, so far as I can learn, had no experience dealing with a race like the Samoans, nor in the sphere of diplomacy or political administration.

However, he was the person selected for the position at the critical period when Samoa was receiving its first experiment in what Sir James Parr called "partial local government."

For the first term of his engagement I was on the best of terms with General Richardson, as I had been with Colonel Logan and Colonel Tate during their Administrations. Having been born in Samoa, and knowing intimately both the European and Samoan viewpoint on local matters. 1 was frequently consulted by all three of the Administrators mentioned. I gave them what knowledge I possessed, and my opinion on questions when asked. I did not inflict my views on them, but gave what advice I could when it was sought. I have abundant evidence that such assistance as I rendered from the day of the New Zealand occupation in 1914 until : October, 1926, was highly appreciated by all three Administrators who held office, and I introduce this personal note to refute the false allegation now made that I have fallen out with every Administrator who has held office in Samoa.

Towards the end of his first term of office General Richardson began to tend towards harsh methods with Natives who opposed his ideas of administration. The cruel and senseless policy of banishment, degradation, and deprivation of titles under the infamous Ordinance of 1922, already quoted, began to develop to an alarming degree. My health compelled me to go to Australia in February, 1926, and remained there till August of that year. General Richardson's term was extended for two years in March, 1926. While I was in Australia I was alarmed at news I received from Samoa informing me that the Natives were chafing and growing very restless, owing to the growth of the banishments and loss of titles inflicted by the Administrator. For instance, two Samoan employees of my firm at Apia were imprisoned without trial for not returning to their villages by order of the Administrator, and I was satisfied that a serious crisis was fast developing in the Territory.