WAE HISTOEY

Evening Post, Volume CXVI, Issue 48, 25 August 1933, Page 3

WAE HISTOEY

OCCUPATION OF SAMOA

A notable anniversary in the history of Kcw Zealand's part in the Great War occurs on Tuesday. It was on August 29, 1914, that the Sanioan Expeditionary Force, the .first troops to leave Kcw Zealand, took possession of the German islands of Western Samoa. This force, about, 1400 strong; was raised in a, surprisingly short time, and was embarked on. the troopships Monowai and Mberald ready .-for sea within . eight days of the declaration of war. The troops left Wellington on the morning of August .13, '191-1, and. at that time the destination • was a close secret, nor was it known, to the troops until the eve of arrival off Apia, where" the force landed without resistance. The voyage to Samoa .was made under the escort of "a naval force consisting .of the small cruisers Pbiloincl, Pyramus, arid Psyche, tho Australian warships, Australia and .Melbourne, and the French cruiser Mont-

calm. It was from Wellington that the majority of these troops were recruited. Though no fighting was necessary during the eight ' months that the Samoan Expeditionary Force was on the islands, tho garrison duty was particularly strenuous, and not a little tryinjj in view of the lack of suitable food and clothing, to say nothing of the pests and diseases peculiar to tropical climates. The strong feeling of esprit do corps which developed at Samoa, still exists, and reunion of members, of the Sanioan Expeditionary Force is held every year on the Saturday nearest the date of landing in Samoa. This year's function is taking place in the Dominion Farmers' Institute tomorrow evening. The annual reunion, of ■which this is the thirteenth, has conic to bo regarded as one of the most enthusiastic and1 successful gatherings of its kind now held.

- Tenders are to be called for painting work authorised in the reserves department estimates, at various bathing (shelters, pavilions, and other buildings. Application is to be made to the Unemployment Board for a subsidy on the work.