"SEEK WISDOM"

Evening Post, Volume CIX, Issue 122, 27 May 1925, Page 16

"SEEK WISDOM"

WORDS OF A SAMOAN CHIEF

A PLAIN SPEECH TO BOYS,

■" Seek wisdom with humility." This was the burden of a stirring address by the Samoan chief, Toelupe. He was addressing young men and boys on Anzac Day, and an audience of over 800 listened to his words with rapt attention. " Seek wisdom with humility," he said, speaking with emphasis, adding " Samoa can become a great nation in the future only if you are strong in your endeavours to do those things which will forward its advancement and build up its prosperity. Bear in mind also that other countries in the world, are suffering from shortage of land, and they are desirous of reaching out because of their land-hunger." THE BRITISH FLAG. was no need for anxiety as to the future of Samoa, he said, because it was now under the British flag. The report of the speech is taken from the Samoa Times." Toelupe stressed the great sacrifice even to the giving of then- lives by the soldiers of Great Britam and New Zealand. But for them the untish flag would not be flying over feamoa. There was now no need for anxiety as to the future, for " our land is under Great Britain, through the guardianship of New Zealand, and happiness and prosperity will follow. Let our trust ho complete, and let us cease our suspicious attitude." "I now cxhprt you, the risinc generation (he continued) to remember in your hearts the true guidance given us by the Government; s ee that you too are true m carrying out your work; and just as you have heard to-day of the thousands of soldiers who sacrificed their hves in true patriotism for their country, so may your honesty of purpose be. ASPIRING ORATORS. "Cease your envy and ' your vain boastings, and let not' the youth who has gained a little knowledge at school think" himself too clever to learn more, for wo have seen .these youths who are so clever that they immediately wisli to be orators ! Orators' staves are not for youths ! I further exhort you boys because in the future you will be expected to take your share in the affairs ot this country. "Let us show our gratitude to Great Britain and New Zealand for their guardianship over us by. remembering what JNew Zealand has done and is doinc for our welfare." °

It was Toehipe' who recently caused a small sensation in Samoa when he -wasreported to have told a correspondent of lho Times," London, that Samoans do not want any lawyers to be sent to Samoa; they teach the people to lie; nor do they want any new religious sects to come here. They have the Light now and they do not think it necessary for any new demonstrations to come."

The chief's opinion on the legal profession was resented by some local practitioners, but he was obviously speaking in general term's. He appears to be a very plain speaker.