SAMOA.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XL, Issue 1858, 27 July 1918, Page 3

SAMOA.

A LOCAL BOY’S IMPRESSIONS. We have received a letter from Pte. Arthur W. East, son of Mr T. East, of Foxton, from Apia, Samoa, under date 10/7/18. Pte. East is with Hie garrison attached to the wireless station, seven miles inland. He writes: — “A few lines to lot yon know how tilings are getting on in lids far-off tropical island. Month after month unvarying summer weather prevails. We an* now in the-‘dry' season, with bright sunshine and very clear nights. Mosquitoes are both numerous and active, and make their presence fell: we sleep under mos(jiiitoe nets, otherwise (here would he no rest for us. Talk about Iho Foxton mosquitoes, why, they are not in it with these pests! Last June 3rd (King's Birthday) was celebrated hy the Samoans in typical nalivc* style. Over ten thousand witnessed Hie rowing sports. About twenty-five boats started out at sea, each boat with twenty-four rowers, and they raced seven miles. It was a sight long to he remembered. Horse racing is very exciting here, and one can have a 4s bet. In one nice I witnessed the jockey took Hie whip out of another boy’s band to whip his own horse up, and got first —but he was disf|ualified. The natives are a happy lot, and appear quite satisfied under British rule. I cannot disclose the strength of the garrison, but it includes several men from the Wellington province, though I am Foxton’s only representative. I have been here for five months on the ,23rd of this month. The climate is undoubtedly hot, hut in time one gets acclimatised, and most of those here, including myself, are fit and well. It will be interesting for you to know that your paper finds its way here at more or less regular intervals, which will show your advertisers how far afield the ‘Herald’ circulates. I am used to light work here, and as I noticed in a recent issue of your paper that Walker and Fume arc advertising for a hoy, I think I will apply for that job when ' I arrive hack, if the position is still open. I also noticed that Pte. Jimmy Collins has arrived hack from the front, and I hope he will soon he able to report himself fit and well. I would like to be remembered to him, and to ail friends in good old Foxton.”