EDUCATING SAMOAN YOUTHS

Dominion, Volume 37, Issue 122, 18 February 1944, Page 5

EDUCATING SAMOAN YOUTHS

12 Each Year For N.Z.

APIA, February 15. Shortly after his return ■ from New Zealand the Administrator, Mr. A.~ C. Turnbull, met the Samoan leaders, including the Fautua, members of the Legislative Council, and the Faipule, to announce that the Prime Minister had. approved their requests for the appointment of the Hon. Mata'afa as the third Fautua, and also the sending of 12 Samoan youths each year to New Zealand to complete their education. C This approval by the New Zealand Government was well received by the leaders, who are now considering plans to raise funds, to assist in covering the cost of the educational plan. Invitations have been issued to a Samoan banquet at Mulinuu on February 29 to open a campaign to raise funds. [The Fautua are high chiefs. holding office as advisers to the Administrator: The Faipule are .the people’s representatives.] , > Confirming the above message, tae Prime Minister; Mr, Fraser, said: “The Hon. Mata’afa will become a Fautua in company with the Hon. Tamasese and the Hon. Malieto%, who have held that office for some years, and in succession to past holders. As high chiefs representing the views . of. the Samoan people,, their advice is highly valued by the Administration and by the New Zealand Government.” Mr. Fraser said also that the plan T to have Samoan youths brought to New Zealand for higher education had th* earnest sympathy of the Government and would be furthered with all possib.e active help. “The Samoan Administration will assume full financial responsibility for the scheme,” he added, “while welcoming, of course, the contributions of the Samoan leaders toward it. It is hoped that this plan will contribute materially’ toward the Samoans continuing to have lenders from among their own people prepared for modern conditions, an aim m which I feel sure the Samoans and all their friends will find much satisfaction.”