“NOT A CARE IN THE WORLD”

Northern Advocate, 13 July 1936, Page 6

“NOT A CARE IN THE WORLD”

HAPPY SAMOAN VILLAGERS (Received 10 a.m.) APIA, July 11. At every place the members of the New Zealand good will mission visited during a four-days’ tour of the Island of Savaii they found the inhabitants leading happy and contented lives, in their brown, fat, mushroom-shaped houses surrounded by banana groves, clumps of breadfruit and towering cocoanut 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 received 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 are now united and willing and anxious to work together for the benefit of the whole race.

The Minister of Lands, the Hon. F. Langstone, reiterated that the policy of the Government would be to aim towards the goal, whereby, as far as it was humanly possibly to do so, the 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 Islands, 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 delegates with a request for some expenditure on roads and bridges, and received a favourable reply. The official party, which included the Acting-Administrator, Mr Turnbull, was accompanied by Miss Nelson, daughter of Mr O. F. Nelson, and by representatives of the different political sections.