The Storm (1926–1927)

After the second public meeting of late 1926 was stopped by Administrator Richardson, the Mau was officially launched in March 1927. A petition was drawn up and sent to the New Zealand parliament triggering two inquiries into New Zealand’s administration that would be held in 1927 and it would generate considerable debate in the New Zealand parliament about Sāmoa policy. The chapter explains the differing explanations proffered by Richardson for the Mau that ranged from anger at prohibition legislation, a German plot, and Ta’isi’s supposed desire to economically exploit Sāmoan copra growers. As the question of copra and economic exploitation becomes such a central plank of New Zealand’s campaign against Ta’isi, this chapter delves into features of this industry as well as discussing how both sides began using the press for their own purposes.