VI

In March 1927 the Samoans petitioned the New Zealand Parliament. The following were among their requests: That laws allowing of the infliction of punishment without trial should be repealed. That the same channels be opened to Samoans as to Europeans to present petitions to the New Zealand Government in purely native affairs.

In the Samoa Report for the year ending March 31st, with respect to the unrest, it is stated: "None of the high-chiefs or political leaders of the Natives took part in this agitation. On the contrary they strongly opposed it." The High Chief Faumuina was one of the original members of the Citizens' Committee. Alipia—hereditary speaker for the important district of Aana—took part in the agitation. There were many others, some of them holding Government positions, such as Tealigo—Head Native Inspector of the Agricultural Department—now promoted to the title of Tofaeono.