APIA'S GALA DAY

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXX, Issue 21473, 22 April 1933, Page 12

APIA'S GALA DAY

NATIVE ENTERTAINMENTS GOVERNOR-GENERAL'S VISIT SUCCESS OF FUNCTIONS GOOD IMPRESSION MADE (Ey Radio.—Special to Press Association) li.M.S. DIOMEDE, April 20 Residents of Apia are delighted with the success of yesterday's functions connected with the visit of the Go\ei-nor-Gerieral, Lord Bledisloe, and Lady Bledisloe. The ceremony held in the afternoon was attended by fully 3000 natives, and a lengthy entertainment in honour of the visitors was presented in its entirety in spite of drenching rain. Representatives of native districts paid their respects and presented food and coconuts. Six pigs roasted whole were placed on the ground in front of the visitors. The presentations were carried through with great ceremony amid fantastic scenes, which were unique in the experience of Their Excellencies. The natives were in high spirits and the antics of the jesters in the different parties caused tremendous applause and laughter. A speech of welcome to Their Excellencies was made by Tofilau, a highly-respected chief and popular orator from Savaii. Lord Bledisloe held a reception for representatives of local bodies, legislative councillors, clergy, the chamber of commerce and representatives of other social and sports organisations this morning. There was a large attendance of European residents. A loyal address was presented by the Hon. J. Carruthers, M.L.C., and a cordial welcome was also extended to Lady Bledisloe. His Excellency, replying, said the visit had been a source of unqualified satisfaction and pleasure to them. Mau adheronts generally are holding aloof from the celebrations, but the various gatherings are proving an irresistible attraction to a considerable number of this section of the nati\ e community. It is anticipated the feeling will grow, and that before Their Excellencies' visit ends, a substantial advance will have been made toward reconciliation. The impression made by Lord Bledisloe is favourable and his tactful handling of a delicate situation is fully appreciated.

SCHOOLS AND COLLEGES KEEN INTEREST IN VISITS INCIDENT ON VILLAGE ROAD (By Eadio—Special to Press Association.) APIA, April 20 Visits bv Lord and Lady Bledisloe to schools and colleges occupied a considerable part of the day, among those called upon being Ifiifi, for white children, and Malifa, for natives. At the former the National Anthem Mas played by the school band, and at Malifa massed scholars sang it with wonderful effect. Lord Bledisloe addressed the children, and displayed special interest in a model exhibition of Saiuoan handwork. He planted a teak tree at Ifiifi in commemoration of the visit.

During the afternoon His Excellency visited the Wesleyan College at Faleula and the London Missionary Society's College at Malua, displaying keen interest in both these remarkable institutions, which exercise a profound influence on Samoan village life. A dramatic incident occurred when Their Excellencies were motoring toward Fasitoo, a village which they had been specially invited to visit. Mau supporters had been assembling at a near by village and when the ViceRegal cars approached there was a large number of men on the road, necessitating the adoption of a very slow pace. The men moved to the side of the road, and slowly filed past, some saluting Their Excellencies in friendly fashion. There was not the slightest disturbance, but obviously the incident was planned. A cordial reception was accorded at Fasitoo where the kava ceremony was performed. Tho visitors were entertained by a merry crowd of Samoan dancers and singers. Lord and Lady Bledisloe are the guests of the Administrator, Mr. H. E. Hart, and _ Mrs. Hart during the Samoan visit. To-night Lord Bledisloe attended a Masonic function.