VISIT OF H.I.G.M.S. NAUTILUS TO SALUAFATA.

Samoa Times and South Sea Gazette, Volume 3, Issue 145, 17 July 1880, Page 2

VISIT OF H.I.G.M.S. NAUTILUS TO SALUAFATA.

On Wednesday H.I.G.M.S. Nautilus left this harbour and proceeded to Saluafata. The ohjeot of the trip was to convey to Atua a number of chiefs belonging to Malietoa's party, who were sent by the King to confer with Atua, in response to an invitation from the heads of that district. Shortly after the arrival of the Nautilus in Salhtifata harbour communication was established with the shore, which resulted in a meeting being arranged for the afternoon. The ohiefs above referred to, and a li he number from Atua were present, as was also Captain Chuden. Tuiatafu was the spokesman for the King party, and Maasua expressed the wishes and desires of his following. Both speakers appeared to he in earnest, and they equally deserve credit for .the conciliatory tone which characterized their -addresses. If the sentiments expressed by Tuiatafu and Maasua represent the feelings.of their respective parties, then we are sanguitie enough to believe that a speedy termination of party differences in Samoa is at hand. After the speakers hail concluded, it was arrangi.il that the Atua people, meaning thereby the Old Party, should hold meetings in Anna, and at Palauli and Saleaula, in Savaii, and for that purpose deputations from Atua will proceed to Aana next Friday or Saturday. The people attending these meetings are, of course, to go unarmed. After those meetings are concluded a great. " peace fono," with the accompanying festivities, will be held in Aana, which Captain Chuden and the Consuls will be invited to attend. On the termination of the gathering in Aana, representatives from the various districts of the Group will be sent to Muliuuu in accordance with the treaty of December last. We may mention hero that on the evening of the 14th, when the Nautilus lay at Saluaf&ta, Captain Chuden enter- . .tained Tuiatafu and Maasua to dinner. Maasua, who had since December last steadily refused to enter a man-of-war, scctnou much pleased at the prospect of a speedy and indissoluble union of the two conflicting parties in Samoa, and Tuiatafu expressed himself to the sanio effect. Wo understand that both chiefs were profuse in their thanks to Captain Chuden for the advice which he had tendered the assembly that day, and for the interest he took in all matters pertaining to tho welfare of Samoa. They also exprenscd their satisfaction at having boon brought togothor by Captain Chuden's invitation to what (we hope aptly) they termed a '.' poace dinner. So many arrangements hove been arrived at' between the oontonding parties in Samoa during the past two years that wo have grown sceptical of results, but tv"o ore hopeful that some beneficial and permanent results will flow from Wednesday's mooting. The Old Party seem now to bo extremely anxious to arrive at a final .settlement of theso misunderstandings whioh have proved so detrimental to tho welfare of tho Group in years past, and. it is to bo hoped lli.it the King arid his Government will uot by hesitation, -by. listening to discontents in thoir midst, or by treating their heretofore oppononU in other ! than honourable fashion, miss tho golden opportunity of establishing in Samoa n sound and Iftiting prnoe.