SAMOANS PLEASED

Rotorua Morning Post, Volume 2, Issue 514, 24 April 1933, Page 5

SAMOANS PLEASED

LORD BLEDISLOE HAS BIG RECEPTION AS CRICKETER NATIVE CEREMONIES Apia, April 23. Their Excellencies Lord and Lady Bledisloe, were entertained in the afternoon at the famous Avele school, which is beautifully situated a few miles from Apia. The Commander, officers and men of the Diomede attended, and the ship's band was given a rapturous hearing. Their Excellencies were cordially received by the staff and scholars, and a praetical patriotic address was given by Lord Bledisloe. The rest of the afternoon was devoted to a most entertaining exhibition of Samoan games, including cricket, wrestling, spear throwing, and .bowling. Dancing and singing were also included, the visitors being charmed and astonished by the delicacy of the part singing by a choir of boys. * Avele is a Government school, with which General Richardson's name is indelibly associated. Prowess at Cricket Theer was an uproar of delight and applause when Lord Bledisloe and Commander Burgess-Watson went to the wicket to display their prowess as cricketers. The ganle, as played in Samoa, would amaze any conventional criclteter. About 100 boys were fieldsmen, and xio batsman could possibly stay in more than a few minutes before being caught, bowled, or run out. "Out" was inevitably called against Lord Bledisloe and Commander Bur-gess-Watson almost immediately. They returned amidst an uproarious demonstration. The firelight dancing display at

night provided an extraordinary spec- , tacle. Dancing and singing were given with great spirit and irresistible humour by fantastically garl'anded Samoans. The native conch sounded during the display was prgsented to Lady Bledisloe.