A WARNING.

Samoa Times and South Sea Gazette, Volume 2, Issue 66, 4 January 1879, Page 3

A WARNING.

Somewhat back from the coral strand A silent Itostelrie doth stand; In its verandahs now do play The many-eolourcd lizards gay, But if tin- walls could only speak, Many a secret forth would leak; While yet the echo rings aloft '• l)o not Samoiiii.s trust too oft." Through many a vicissitude Unchanged this luckless house has stood In Williams' day a consulate With cannon mounted at the gate; 11. iv Captain Stevens shelter t id, An anxious man on dangerous ground ; li'.n then the echo cried *' Beware ! From duty's path thyself don't tear."

in i.iou ni..iii-io" used to uc Free-hearted hospitality, When G. A. Woods aspired to reign An autocrat : with high disdain For whites who could not lineage boast lie native chiefs would rry toast ; Whilu all the lime an echo cried _ " To power you thus will ucver ride." Round that houso soon after ton Uame a small hand of rough liunt's-men •• In the Queen's naino ; surrender, lest In hond-cutt's sonic this night do rest." The door was hurst ; a woman bold, Backward the guard, unflinching, rolled, While from her lips iudignaut came - Now go! Not here play yo that game." There crowds of merry sailors danced. The "Adams'" crew the fun enhanced, While from the parlour brightly lit, Strains of sweet music oft would Hit : The house by all was held to bo A down-right jolly hostelrie; Thus Farrellmused, "Time Hies too fast; Oh that the sport would only bust" All deserted lies the house Tenanted bv rat and mouse, Save whored wells the gentleman Who for the Premier Cup late ran; He lost the racu but so did all Who, entering for it, soughl a fall : And still the (•oho seems to say "To rule Samoa is no chihl's play." Thou luckless house, already twice Abandoned long to nits ami mice ; Thou luckless hu'ifce, twice hast thou lodged Aspiring Premiers, who have dodged Their native friends, and in return llavo this bard lesson had to learn; Vat r-till the ancient echo cries " Who wish to reign must pelf despise." 2ud January, 1870. " I have accepted the position of Premier, but have publicly announced that I eoald receive no pay, emoluments, &c."— St. iuherger's Despatch, 4th duly, I«7.'>.