BUSY TIME

Evening Post, Volume CXXVIII, Issue 23, 27 July 1939, Page 9

BUSY TIME

VICEREGAL TOURIST!?

CEREMONIES IN THE ISLANDS

WEATHER STILL GOOD

(By Telejjraph—Press Association —Copyright.)

(Received July 27, 11.30 a.m.)

APIA, July 25,

Approximately 5000 Samoans from Upolu, Savaii, and Manono assembled at Mulinuu yesterday afternoon and welcomed their Excellencies Lord and Lady Galway. Gifts of whole roasted pigs, coconuts, and other Samoan foods were brought for the occasion.

A speech of welcome was made by Autagavaia, the orator of Savaii. representing all Western Samoa. Autagavaia was a prominent leader of the Mau during the troubles in recent years.

His Excellency replied at length, expressing the good wishes of the King and conveying the good will of the New Zealand Government. He stated that all possible would be done for the Samoans' welfare and advancement Native dances by representatives of the various districts concluded a most enjoyable afternoon. Such a large and happy gathering of Samoans for an official occasion has not been seen for several years. The weather is still good.

Tonight the Achilles will give a concert ashore for the benefit of the Samoan Returned Soldiers' Association. Lodge Calliope will entertain his Excellency.

Visits to the Methodist Mission headquarters and the girls' school at Faleula, and also to the Catholic Mission at Moamoa were made this morning by their Excellencies.

This afternoon they will visit the Avele school for boys. The Faipule and other leading Samoans visited the Achilles this morning, and this afternoon the ship will be open to visitors. Tonight there will be a ball at Government House, and a boxing tournament is being staged by the men from the ship and local boxers this evening.

Their Excellencies are enjoying wonderful receptions everywhere but are having a very busy time fulfilling all the engagements on the programme.