Silent Steve: ‘Mau inactive – so am I’

Invincible Strangers 45 Chapter 20.1

A good administrator, Berendsen reckoned, had personality, knowledge of Sāmoans (which was ‘unfortunately almost impossible’) or of Polynesians generally, and administrative experience. Weakness included indecision, ill health and ‘above all any tendency to loquacity.’ Former soldier, lawyer and new administrator Stephen Allen would never be accused of being verbose; he had a pronounced lisp. His appointment was a case of jobs for mates. Politician Coates said Allen was well educated and a ‘splendid soldier at the front… We believe that Colonel Allen will be able to bring about law and order.’ Sāmoa would be ruled as New Zealand wanted it, not European traders and half-castes. Richardson called Allen a fine man who should do well.

Stephen Allen, National Library