VICE-REGAL TOUR

Northern Advocate, 21 April 1933, Page 6

VICE-REGAL TOUR

SAMOAN GREETINGS

SPECTACULAR RITUAL

KAVA BOWL SIGNIFICANCE

(llv Radio Special to Press Assn.) TT.M.S. DIOMEDE, April 10. 4 'Upon the arrival at Samoa Island of His Excellency the Governor-General, with the Lady Bledisloo and entourage, the guests assembled in the fono house at Mnlinun, a handsome building in Samoan style, beautifully decorated for the occasion with tropical flowers, streamers and green foliage, which showed that the natives have an instinctive flair for artistic decoration. No picturesque detail of the ceremonies or the accompanying pageantry avis omitted. Representative chiefs, including Malieatoa and Mataafa, presented an address. Several speeches Avore made expressive of loyalty to the King and Empire and convoying a welcome to Their Excellencies. Lord Bledisloe, replying, said he Avould report to His Majesty the hearty and loyal welcome received. The British Throne remained more steadfast than over. No monarch Avas more universally and dearly loved than King George. The New. Zealand Government Avas constantly considering questions concerning Samoa, and if, as a result a I the visit, lie was able further to Inform the Government of Samoa’s requirements, he Avould bo only too happy to do so. His Excellency’s speech Avas recciA’cd Avitli indications of satisfaction and the King kava ceremonial proceeded, the bowl being first offered to Lord Blcdisloe, then to the Administrator, Mr Hart, and the leading chiefs. The strange, but significant, ritual was followed with dose interest by the visiting party. The kava boAvl has been used for hundreds of years, and the ceremony is reserved strictly for kings or their representatives. Inspiring Address. During the afternoon Their Excelleiicies Avere the guests at a native entertainment and reception at Mulinuu. All districts Avere represented. Dances, songs and quaint ceremonies Avere presented, there being a constant succession of typically Samoan items. At an appropriate interval His Excellency delivered an address and conveyed a. personal message from the King. He stated that His Majesty had received AA T ith satisfaction reports of the continued progress of the Samoan people, and desired to assure them of his personal interest in their social and economic Avelfare. Lord Bledisloe said that for any country to be happy and prosperous it Avas necessary for the people to be contented and live in harmony. The history of Samoa in the past had been on,' of contending factions. He exhorted them to do all in their poAver to restore and maintain complete harmony and mutual trustfulness. Much had been done by the Administration to improve health and education. His Excellency concluded with a feAv Avords of counsel to the principal chiefs and officials, urging them ahvays to ns.* their positions and influence for the good of the country. They should be loyal to the Government, help to support the Administrator, and in all things seek the welfare of the country and people. No jealousy, envy, or miAvorthy personal ambition should prevent them Prom takiiig a. useful and honourable part in the work of the Government for the prosperity and happiness of Samoa.