SAMOAN HIGH CHIEFS

Sun (Auckland), Volume III, Issue 758, 3 September 1929, Page 9

SAMOAN HIGH CHIEFS

ARRIVAL BY TOFUA DEADLOCK CONTINUES Two of the highest ranking: chiefs in Western Samoa arrived in Auckland by the Tofua last evening. High Chief Tuimalealiifano is a veteran of S 3 tropical summers, and was born shortly after the first Europeans had settled in Samoa on missionary enterprise. He was formerly one of the two Fautuas or native personal advisers to the Administrator, but was replaced when the Mau was first formed.

High Chief Faumuina is a strapping Samoan of forty years, who is of a commanding build and tips the scale at about IT stone, with very little superfluous condition. Faumuina is high chief of the area around Apia and one of the wealthiest in the territory. Both were reluctant to discuss the political situation in Samoa, but said that the deadlock continues, and the Mau is more consolidated than ever; but there has been no friction with the authorities for some time. Many of the Mau rushed to the assistance of the European and native police during the recent disturbance with the Chinese coolies.

The influenza epidemic was dying down in Upolo but had spread to the island of Savaii, and up to the time of the chiefs’ leaving over 400 deaths had been recorded by the Mau pastors and matais (heads of families). The chiefs are staying in Auckland privately and hope to return by the October Tofua after some litigation here in which they will be witnesses.