SAMOAN WELCOME

Auckland Star, Volume LXIV, Issue 117, 20 May 1933, Page 14

SAMOAN WELCOME

RETURN OF MR NELSON

ORATORY AND FEASTING

ABSENCE OP FRICTION. The celebration in Samoa of the return of the lion. 0. F. Nelson and Mr. E. W. Gurr extended over two days, and according to information received by Mr. P. Andrews, who was associated with Mr. Nelson while he was in Auckland, the most satisfactory feature of the functions was the complete absence ; of any friction or disorderly conduct, I and a welcome good will was noticeable on all sides. The travellers were given a warm welcome en voyage by the Samoan community in Fiji. A reception in Samoan fashion was given at the manse of the Samoan pastor in Suva, tli'e chief hostess being Mrs. Solomon. A large number of Samoans boarded the Mariposa at the wharf and sang Samoan tunes on the upper deck until sailing time arrived. Mr. Gurr, who had been confined to his bed in Auckland prior to embarking, improved in condition on the trip to Pago Pago, but on landing there had to enter the local hospital, and was unable to accompany Mr. Nelson and his family on the launch trip to Apia. Mr. Nelson remained two days in Tutuila before crossing to Upolu, travelling in one of his firm's trading vessels. Owing to the restrictions which debar the Samoans from leaving their villages and going into Apia without a permit still being in force, none of the outside Man men were in Apia, but some 2500 , Samoan women in Man lavalavas assembled at the landing stage. On Mr. Nelson's arrival lie was conducted by a procession of over a mile in length to Vainioso, village of <the late Tamasesc. There the functions opened with a thanksgiving service in the Vaimoso church, followed by a royal kava ceremony, in which the principal chiefs and Man orators took part.

From Vaimoso the assemblage moved to the adjoining village of Lcpea, headquarters of Faumuina Fiame, who is a paramount chief and president of the Man. Mr. Nelson laid wreaths on the tomb of Tamasese and the graves of the other Samoans killed in the clash with the police when Mr. A. G. Smyth returned from deportation in 1929. A large native gathering in Lepea followed, to which the leading Europeans in Apia were invited. Seven sivas dances were performed, with native songs specially composed for the occasion.

The first day's reception closcd at dusk, and the following day was devoted to the special native feast known as the ta'alolo. Hundreds of matais (family heads) from villages throughout the territory inarched past and displayed their food offerings to the guest of honour with appropriate speeches. The assembly was estimated at 7000, and during the feast which followed songs and danccs were interspersed with a flow of oratory from the appointed talking chiefs.