CHIEF IN GAOL

Sun (Auckland), Volume II, Issue 568, 22 January 1929, Page 1

CHIEF IN GAOL

Mrs. Tamasese Visits Husband NOT REPINING When the Mau Committee in Samoa learned that the transported leader had contracted influenza on his journey to New Zealand, a subscription list was opened and soon provided ample funds for his wife and family to proceed to Auckland. On arriving by the Tofua the High Chief’s spouse lost no time in journeying to Mount Eden gaol accompanied by two Samoan-born friends. There was an affecting reunion of Tamasese and his Masiofo—who would rank as as a princess In the Maori race—and Mrs. Tamasese was delighted to learn that permission had been granted for Tamasese’s family to visit the prisoner twice a week. The Mau leader is now convalescent and speaks well of the treatment received from the medical and gaol authorities since his incarceration. The only restriction imposed during the visit was that only English should be spoken, and although both the chief and his wife have a good knowledge of the language, it is rarely used. There was a trifling slip into the vernacular only once. Tamasese is in good spiirts and shows no tendency to repine. He appreciates the consideration shown by his custodians, and was obviously delighted to greet his young wife again.