TALK ABOUT TOWN.

Samoa Times and South Sea Gazette, Issue 43, 27 July 1878, Page 2

TALK ABOUT TOWN.

" Thoro's n chiol amamr vo takiu' notes, AiiJ faith he'll pivot thuiu." Now that the groat talolo of last week is over, tlio curtain down ami the performers returned to their rospectivo homes, one is apt to inquire what is the result of the great fareo, in tho performance of which tho actors lost so much time, ami tho "properties" ami stage appointments of which cost go much. Jt | is true that tho Muliuuu theatre was graced by tho presence of the commander of the United States war-steamer Adams, aid his offlcors. Other distinguished visitors were present by special invite of management, amongst whom wo noticed General Bartlett ami lady, the United States ('on. nl. tho " Irish" Con til 'n " Active" and good humoured its evi r) a man called Umnoa, and Is i though not least, Mr. !•„• , one of tho oldest and most dbtinguished :

residents on the Island. Notwithstanding all this, I bear that tba majority of the natives who ha I considerable distance some by land, and others by son, returned n> their bomaa fully impressed that the whole affair, if not an exhibition of vanity, resulted in great vexation of spirit They came for ii purpose which was not aci-ompliahed, and they returned with the feeling that they had been fooled. There is nod mbt they were sent to Muliuuu under false pretences ; but this was characteristic of the so called (lovernment and u certain few of their white friends '. When will these people throw otf their disguise, and tell the natives plainly and honestly what they want ti> do? The credulity of the Samoans is much greater than I imagined. It is reported about town that in the course of Mainoa's speech at tho talolo ho held up in his hand a largo photographic album containing photos of distinguished Americans whom he had met during his travels in that great country, and declared that he would have to forfeit one million dollars if he lost that precious book! An U. S. sailor remarked, sotto voce, that he would not go 5 cunts on the whole lot; and as ho was an American and should know more than Mamea, I am inclined to think that his estimate of the value of thu book was pretty near the mark. Hut ofcoursc the natives believe Mamea's nam- in preference to the more sober statements of a white man. According to that veracious and respectable authority, Mamen.all tho whites on this island with the exception of (he English, (icrman and American Consuls are rubbish—are no more than the sweepings of the streets—the dust and dirt which is broomed from the houses. This lie said at (he talolo, but tho Samoan phrase which he made use of is still move insulting than its English equivalent. This was said in the presence of the American Captain and otlicei-s of

tin- American man-of-war. General Bartlett and others who are looked up m by the natives a; their friends. An 1y -t this insult has b.ien allowed to pass by the English. Americans and German-;, alike without any re i nous trance beyon 1 a little town talk amongst th-im-lves What Mamea deserves, it would not bdiliicult to say ; but unfortunately m-i ill not gel their desserts. Like Jem Brown, hi; ought to be hung on a >.-u----apple live, lint no matter." Hal ha! A time will come, ite. Tlie K'ava Club a! Matatitu iscvi lently in n flourishing condition. The meetings are frequent, the atlendance of members goo 1, mid excee lingly pleasant evenings iin- spent. The other evening a prize in-diil was given to the Auckland delegate', together with an illuminated address, in which (he good qualities of the delegate, Mr. Gribbon were ably and warmly set forth. It is a suitable m inonto of club during Mr. Gribbon's" short' stay here ; and a credit to the club. Trior to his departure, Bra. Gribbon presented a splendid set of " jools " to the Worshipful President Alvord whose full regalia is now of the most gorgeous description, Next month I believe, il is intended to have a moonlight procession; when the club's regalia will he publicly exhibited. The club deserves to be successful, mid no doubt will become a -Teat institution. May tiie shadows of the president and Brother -Villi, the club., worthy host, never grow less. Cyril.