A SAMOAN EPISODE.

Gisborne Times, Volume XXVII, Issue 2626, 7 October 1909, Page 3

A SAMOAN EPISODE.

GERMANS DEFY THE POLICE. [Pint Phkss Association.! AUCKLAND, October 6. The policeman’s lot in Samoa is not a liappy one. The following is published in the German paper published at Apia, and which arrived by the Tofua to-day: “A short time ago the Schmidt Bros, were- served with a summons for a trivial matter. They took the paper and tore it in halves before the Samoan policeman who brought it, and abused him. A second summons was sent b.y a Chinese policeman, and the Sclmvdts thrashed him with sticks so severely that he arrived hack in Apia- covered with blood, and had to go to the hospital. Police-Assistant Possin was entrusted with the serving of the summons. When this officer arrived at tho verandah of Schmidts’ house the elder brother, who was armed with a treblebarrelled gun, ordered him off the premises, and fired. Possin escaped being hit by ducking quickly. In the meantime the younger Schmidt appeared on the verandah armed with, two revolvers, and wlrlst the- police officer was heating a retreat under cover as much as possiNe, several more shots, eight altogether, were fired at him. Fortunately rone of them took effect. We hear f tat it is the intention to surround the house. Hunger and thirst would then soon settle the matter in a peaceful manner, and prevent calamity and crime.”