A. —4b.

The only thing which would induce us to reconsider our decision on this point would be a written statement from you showing the particular topic or topics within the purview of the Commission on which the applicant desires to give evidence, and the nature of the direct evidence which he is able to give on the topics in question. In your letter you say, " You, sir, will remember that at Falealili youjdirected (at my request) that at the resumption of sittings at Apia at 8.15 a.m. on Saturaday last no person need attend unless (a) he desired so to do, (b) he had any matter to bring forward." This statement in the connection in which it is used amounts to a misstatement. The statement was made at your request, and referred to witnesses in attendance at Falealili, and particularly to your witnesses, and to no other witnesses. Yours truly, C. P. Skerrett, Chairman. Apia, Samoa, 24th October, 1927. The Chairman, Royal Commission, Apia. Sir, — I have your letter dated 25th October. I presume that the date is intended to mean the 23rd. I re-urge that you will hear High Chief Tuimaleali'ifano. I respectfully desire to make the following written statement: — 1. My client is a Fautua. 2. My client desires to record his views of the Mau and the growth of the Mau, and the relation of the Mau to the objections and complaints that have been made against the Administration. ' 3. As to particular topics, my client refers especially to — (a) The fono at Mr. S. H. Meredith's residence which marked the first definite step towards representing grievances to the Hon. the Minister of External Affairs. (b) My client's view of the attitude of Mr. Nelson in all these matters. (0)J Why my client signed a letter apparently expressing confidence in the Administrator. (d) The desire of my client's people to bring representations before His Excellency. (e) The constitution of whatever examining Boards of Faipules may exist, and especially the Board of Faipules that sat in judgment on my client. (/) Why my client's official position was suspended. (g) My client's attitude as to his official position. (h) The Administrator's attitude towards the Fautuas. (1) Banishments and removal of titles. (j) The recent law providing for banishment to the Tokelaus for as much as two years. (k) The abolition of Samoan customs. (I) The medical tax. (m) The fact that the Faipules are not representatives'of the people. (n) The number, in my client's opinion, of Government officials whose services are not warranted. (o) The multiplicity of means for punishing Samoans. (p) The ordered disinterment of the body of a Samoan boy at Tanugamanono. (q) The desire of my client's people to have a share in their own government. (r) The indisposition of His Excellency to heed the suggestions of the two Fautuas. May I say that my client is not a member of the Mau. I trust that this letter will assist your Honour. Yours obediently, Thos. B. Slipper.

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