VISIT TO SAVAII

Evening Post, Issue 11, 13 July 1936, Page 9

VISIT TO SAVAII

NATIVE CONTENTMENT

(Special to Press Association.) APIA, July 11. Everywhere the New Zealand delegates journeyed during a four-days tour of the island of Savaii they found the inhabitants leading happy and contented lives. In their brown thatch mushroom-shaped houses surrounded by banana groves, clumps of breadfruit, and towering coconut trees, with many a dainty glimpse beyond of reef and sea, the natives certainly give the impression of not having a care in the world. The visitors were enthusiastically rer ceived with full Samoan ceremonial. The visit embraced an inspection of schools and formal meetings with the people. Native orators affirmed the statement- that the Samoans were now a united body willing and anxious to work together for the' benefit of the whole irace. ■ - SELF-GOVERNMENT AIM. The leader of the delegation, Mr. F. Langstone, reiterated that the policy of the New Zealand Government would be to aim towards a goal whereby, as far as it was humanly possible to do so, Samoans would be' encouraged to train for responsible positions and thus take a greater part in governing their own country. The Minister commented most favourably on the work of the various missions in the island and paid a tribute to the' teachers for the high standard of education in the native schools.

At Fagamalo a deputation of European residents approached the delegation with a request for some expenditure on roads and bridges, and received a favourable reply. The official party, which included the Acting-Administra-tor, Mr. A. C. Turnbull, was accompanied by Miss Billy Nelson, daughter of Mr. O. F. Nelson,- and representatives of different political sections.