SAMOAN NEWS

Ashburton Guardian, Volume VII, Issue 2204, 20 August 1889, Page 3

SAMOAN NEWS

RETURN OF MALIETOA. [Pie Pbhss Association.] Auckland, Angait 20. (P. r W»lnul from Staaot.) The return of the exiled king Malietoa took place on the 11th August bj the German warship, Wolf. At fir&t there vras some doubt as to whether Malietoa was really on board, bat soon after the vessel anchored a group of Bamoans observed him standing on her deck, and with the aid of glasses the people on shore were enabled to recognise the familiar features of the Bamoan banished king. A number of boats and canoes pat off from -shore, but no one was allowed on board the Wolf, When it was ascertained that Malietoa was actually on board the Wolf it was suggested that his flag should be hoißted as a token of welcome. This was the identical flag that had been hauled down by the officers of the German squadron two years ago. Senmanatafa at that time took it into his care and has jealously guarded it ever since. It was brought forth by him and ran up speedily on McArthur and Co.'b flagstaff. When the old flag fluttered m the breeze and Malietoa recognised the familiar symbol of his former authority he was deeply and visibly affected, and subsequently declared after coming ashore that the sight gladdened his heart. Malietoa landed just before dusk and immediately had an interview with Mataafa. The meeting between the man who has 60 well and ably sustained the fortunes oi Maliotoa's party during the recent troubles, and the returned exile was not only friendly and cordial but affecting and pathetic. After dinner a general conversation was engaged m, but Milietoa and Mataafa were soon deeply engaged m a private communication. It waß clearly manifest that there was no feeling of rivalry between them at all, and that whatever development m Bamoan politics may take place the relations between the two men will be of a most amicable nature, During the erening Mr Blacklock, the American Vice-Consul, offered his congratulations to Malietoa on his return to Samoa. Malietoa had the option of proceeding m the Wolf to his home m t^avaii, bat he preferred to land at Apia, before going home. He is at present staying with Chief Magistrate Falan.