VICE-REGAL TOUR

Hokitika Guardian, 22 April 1933, Page 5

VICE-REGAL TOUR

SAMOAN RECEPTION

GENEROUS WELCOME EXTENDED

(Australian Press Association)

APIA, April 20

Residents of Apia were delighted with the success of yesterday’s functions connected with the visit of their Excellencies. A taalolo held in the afternoon was attended by fully three thousand natives. A lengthy entertainment in honour of the visitors was presented in its entirety, despite drenching -downpours of rain.

Representatives of native districts paid their respects, and presented food and coconuts. Six pigs , were roasted whole, being on the ground in front of the visitors. The presentations were carried through with great ceremony, amid fantastic scenes which were unique in their experience of Their Excellencies.

| The natives were in high spirits, i and the antics and jesters in different parties w-ere excruciatingly funny, and were received with tremendous applause and laughter. A speech of welcome to Their Excellencies was made by Tofilan, a highly respected chief afid popular oi'ator for Snvaii. His Excellency held a reception of representatives of local bodies, legislative councillors, clergy, chamber of commerce and other social and sports organisations in the morning.

There was a largo attendance of European residents. A loyal address was presented by Hon. Mr Carruthens, M.L.C. A cordial welcome was also extended Lady Bledisloe. His excellenct', replying, said the visit had been a source of unqualified satisfaction and pleasure to them.

j Thoi Man adherents are generally ! holding aloof from the celebrations, hut the various gatherings have been proving an irresistible attraction to a considerable number of this section of the native community. It is anticipated this feeling will grow, and that before Their Excellencies’ visit ends a substantial advance will have been made towards reconciliation. The impression made by Lord Bledisloe is favourable and his tactful handling of the delicate situation is fully appreciated.

A TOUR- OF INSPECTION

MAU INCIDENT RELATED,

APIA, April 20

Visits to schools and colleges occupied a considerable part of tile day. Among those called upon Were the Ifufi for white chilfen, and the Mai 1 ffi for natives, At the former, the National Anthem wils played by itin; soiluml At the latter mass- ! -ed scholars niuio- it with wonderful effect, giving n roally inspiring rendering. Lord Bledisloe addressed the , children, and displayed special interest in a model exhibition of Samoan handwork. He planted a teak tree at the Ifufi, in commemoration of his visit. During the afternoon they visited the Wesleyan College at Tidela and the London Missionary Society’s College at Malau, displaying keen interest in both | these remarkable institutions, which 1 exercise a profound influence in Sa- | moan village life. There was a dramatic incident when Their Excellencies were motoring towards the Fnsitoo village, which they were specially invited to visit. Man supporters had been assembling in a nearby village, and, when the YiceRegal cars approached, there were a large numebr of men on the road, thus necessitating the adoption of a very slow pace. The men moved to the side of the read, and slowly filed past, some saluting Their Excellencies in friendly fashion. There was not the slightest, disturbance, but obviously this incident was planned. A cordial reception was accorded at Fasitoo, where a kava ceremony was performed. The visitors were entertained bv a merry crowd of Samoan dancers and sin gens. Their Excellencies are the guests of the Administrator and Mrs Hart during their Samoan visit. To-night Lord Bledisloe attended a Masonic function.

WEATHER UNPLEASANT.

(Special to Press Assn, by radio.) APIA, April 21.

Their Excellencies to-day visited Marist 'brothers deliool, and 'subsequently- were guests of the Planters’ Association at an inspection of cocoa and cccoamit plantations. The weather was most unfavourable during their stay at Samoa, torrential rain being the frequent accompaniment to the functions.

The wet season usually ends in March, but Ims boon unduly extended, with very unfortunate results. Cocoa plantations are seriously affected and the next cron will be substantially reduced.

The poor price of copra and tile absence of a demand for cocoa is exercising a profound effect on the economic position of the trading community.

The natives are affected to a certain extent but their needs are few and there is no actual distress amongst them. The political situation is quiet. Excellent results are anticipated from the visit of Lord end Lady Bledisloe.