A LOYAL WELCOME

Evening Post, Volume CXV, Issue 93, 21 April 1933, Page 8

A LOYAL WELCOME

BY SAMOAN PEOPLE

THEIR1 EXCELLENCIES' VISIT,

Kirn KAVA CEREMONY

(Special to Press Association.) , (By Radio.) . APIA, April 20. Ah inspiring reception awaited/ their Excellencies Lord and Lady Bledisioe at Apia, where H.M.S. Diomede-arrived at 9.30 a.m. today. - The warship waa escorted by a flotilla \o£ decorated native craft, each rowed by-thirty men. These circled round the Diomede after she had dropped auchor, and-later escorted Lord Bledisioe's launch to the landing wharf, making a unique and picturesque spectacle. 7 Their Excellencies were received by; the Administrator and other officials, and the shore was lined by thousands of spectators. The returned soldiera had the honour of first receiving their Excellencies,.who theii proceeded slowly through double lines of school children. The reception was of a most cordial nature, only very -showery weather interfering with its complete spectacular success. ' j ■. '.■-..' Their : -Excellencies ■ proceeded to Mulinuu. • -.'•■*. The guests assembled in the Fono>' House at Mulinuu for the King Kava ceremony. This house, a 'handsome building in Samoan st3rle, was beautifully decorated on this . occasion with, tropical flowers, streamers, and green foliage, showing that the natives hava an instinctive flair for artistic decoration. No -picturesque detail of ceremony or accompanying pageantry waj omitted. ~.-'.■ SPEECHES OF LOYALTY. Bepresentative ■ chiefs, including Malieatqa and Mataafa, presented an" address, aid several speeches were made expressive of loyalty to the-King and Empire, and conveying a welcome to their Excellencies. ••'•'." Lord Bledisioe, replying, said;that he would report to his Majesty the hearty loyal- welcome received.- The British. Throne remained more . steadfast; than, ever, and no monarch was' more universally , and .dearly, loved than' Kinj .George. : i; . '•■..': .The New. Zealand. Government was constantly considering questions concerning' Samoa, said his Excellency, and.if as a result of his visit he was able further to inform the- Government of Samoa's requirements he was only; too happy to do so. His Excellency's speech was received with indications of satisfaction, and the King Kava ceremonial proceeded, the bowl being offered first to / Lord Bledisioe, then to the "Administrator (Brigadier-General H. E. Hart),' and the .leading chiefs.' " ' ' The ' strange but significant ritual was followed with close interest by the visiting party. ,■' The kava bowl, has • been used for hundreds of years. The ceremony is reserved strictly for kings or their representatives. During the afternoon their Excellencies were the guests at a native entertainment reception at Mulinuu. All the districts were represented, and dances, songs, and quaint ceremonies were presented, there being a constant succession of typically, Samoan. items in their barbaric but attractive dressei and other sartorial decorations.1 .. . : MESSAGE FROM THE KING. ' At an appropriate interval his Excellency'delivered an address and conveyed a personal message from' the King, stating that Ms Majesty had with satisfaction the reports of ' the continued progress of the Samoan people. He desired to assure, them'of his personal interest in their social and economic welfare. . . ' ■ ~ His Excellency said that .for any country to be happy and prosperous it was necessary that the people be contented1 and live in harmony. The history of Samoa:in the past had beea one of contending factions. He exhorted them, to do all in their power to restore and maintain complete harmony and mutual trustfulness. : ■■ Much, had been done by the Administration to improve health and education. The hospita^ evidently was doing good work, several' Samoans -being trained .at Suva as doctors. These were now usefully working here. His Excellency' concluded: with a few words of counsel to the principal chiefs and' officials, urging them always to use their positions and influence for the good of the country. They.shouldvbe loyal to the Government, help and support the Administrator, -and" in all things seek tho welfare of the country arid the people. No jealousy; envy, and unworthy personal ambition should prevent them from taking a useful and honourable part in-the work of the Government for .the prosperity and happinesg of Samoa.