ISLAND CONDITIONS

Grey River Argus, 6 May 1933, Page 8

ISLAND CONDITIONS

VICE-REGAL VISIT Observations on Cruise (Press Association's Special Representative.) AUCKLAND, May 5The Diomede, with the GovernorGeneral and Lady Bledisloc on board, returned from the South Sea Island this morning. During her cruise, which commenced on April 11, the Diomede called at Nukualofa and Vavau, in the Tongan Group'; Apia, the capital of Western Samoa; Pago Pago, the American naval station in Tutuita, Samoa, and finally <it, Rarotonga, the principal island ami town of the Cook Group. Tin.* Diomede encountered a severe two-day storm shortly after leaving Auckland, and after that the weather conditions were from calm to moderate. The return run to Auckland commenced on Saturday (’veiling, some hours later than the scheduled time, owing to a fault developing in a steam joint in the engine-room. The time lost was made up. Though calls wore made at other places, the principal objective was Western Samoa, which is under man date to the New Zealand Government. The history of the connection has not always been smooth, and the. hatchet has not yet been buried His Excellency. however, was invariably received with impressive demonstrations of loyalty and esteem The disaffected element, presumably hold aloof, but quite a number of its supporters could not refrain from adding their presence. to the festivities. ft is freely stated many of the opposition are heartily tired of the conflict which is getting them nowhere, and would welcome an opportunity of withdrawing from an impossible position. Fear of ridicule, however, is a powerful influence with the native Samoan, who is therefore bound to a cause with which he has little practical concern or real sympathy. It was impossible to assess during the brief visit, the strength of the opposition (q the present system of government in Samoa. That oposition still exists is undeniable, but it has not the universal support of the Samoan people. The fact remains that the Administration is governing the country and all its departments are functioning freely and efficiently. The Administration has the solid and al most unanimous support of the white community, and the large attendances at 4he different functions demonstrated that the native people sincerely de sired to honour the representative of the King. Hi s Excellency’s visit to Samoa was eminently successful, and it is expected by the European com munity that it will have a pronounced effect in bringing about a reconciliation. His Excellency exhibited a live ly interest in the various activities and occupations of the Islanders, and there was conclusive evidence that they keenly appreciated his presence. His Excellency’s message to the people of the Island was one of loyalty to the Administration, and hope and encouragement for the future. Ou every seasonable occasion he emphasised these aspects of his mission, and his thoughtful addresses were listened to with evident appreciation. He pointed out that the present world economic situation could not t’ndure in definitely and that the leading nations of the world were combining to bring about a bettor state of affairs. In the meantime, however, the islanders should strive to improve the quality of their exportable produce, and, with the aid of scientific research, explore the possibility of developing new fields of production. He showed his practical interest in the subject by personally visiting plantations in each of the islands, and learning all he could of the methods followed. Visits to schools and other institutions wort’ made, aud His Excellency saw as much of the islands as could possibly be seen during the time available The system of education and the results achieved made a deep impres sion ou all the visitors. His Excel lenev was delighted with the singing at the schools, and at several of the gatherings has presented trophies, with the object of fostering the islands’ natural proficiency in the art of music. 'l'he departure from Apia gave oc casion for a popular demonstration, which indicated how much the whole community appreciate I the Vice-Regal visit. It was a splendid send off, indicating that Their Excellencies had won the esteem and confidence of the peop’c, and had sown the seeds of a brighter era of loyalty ami devotion to the Crown and Empire.

Samoan Trade A BAD POSITION. AUCKLAND, April 5. Continuing the. Samoa story, the report says:— The Islands have not escaped the consequences of the prevailing economic conditions. The natives are not greatly affected, as their wants arc few, and nature itself provides for necessities. Low prices of the principal products have a most serious effect on the European trading community. and the planters’ price of copra is at an unprofitable level. There is no present prospect of any improvement. There is a glut of Island fruit on the available markets. The banana trade with New Zealand is appreciated, but the supplies could be enormously increased if a demand existed. The same may be said of the orange crops. The only profitable product at the time is the cocoa bean, the quality of which is equal to the world’s best. Unfortunately, the area

on which it can bo grown In Samoa is restricted, and canuot be enlarged. His Excellency made some inquiries into the possibility of adding to the products and industries of the Islands, particularly in regard to Tung Oil, the commercial exploitation of Frangipanni, and the growing of teak. Some fine teak trees were seen, and there appeared to be every reason why systematic planting and eventual milling should be a profitable proposition. The fight against the Rhinocerous Beetle in Samoa is carried on in those plantations where labour is directed and controlled. The natives, however, arc not pursuing the common enemy in any systematic way. A few years ago there was a beetle day each week, the natives being required to devote the day to beetle hunting. With the rise of disaffection, tins salutary practice lapsed with most deplorable consequences on native plantations. Should copra again become profitable, many will bitterly rue their present neglect, as regular ami organised destruction is the only defence against this destroying insect. His Excellency was greatly impressed with the natural dignity and refinement of the Native Chiefs, whose fine courtesy and hospitality did much to add to the pleasure of the visit. Malieatoa and Mataafa in Samoa, and Makea Nui I Tinirau at Rotonga, were most considerate. of their hosts, and (ho entertainers gave many evidences of goodwill. Makea Nui is a. son of the late Queen of (he Cook Group, who ceded the Islands to Britain. His daughter, Miss llihi Tinirau, is a most amiable, accomplished young lady. She was educated in New Zealand, ami is a leader in Hie musical and social life of Rarotonga. BAN ON A PAPER? During the visit, to a Chief at Nasitoi in Western Samoa, His Excellency was presented with a petition praying that the circulation in Samoa of a propagandist newspaper published in Auckland be prohibited. It was represented that the paper, which is translated into the Samoan language, caused trouble, not between natives and Europeans, but among the natives themselves. His Excellency replied he would bring the matter under notice of the Government.