HAPPY SAMOANS

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXIII, Issue 22469, 13 July 1936, Page 10

HAPPY SAMOANS

CONTENTED LIVES NEW ZEALAND VISITORS TOUR OF INSPECTION Hy Toloßraph—Tress Association—Copyright (Received July 12, 8.55 p.in.) APIA, July tl At every place the members of the New Zealand goodwill mission visited during a four days' tour of the island of Savaii they found the inhabitants leading happy and contented lives. In their brown thatched mushroom-shaped houses surrounded by banana groves, clumps of bread fruit 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 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, Mr. T. Langstone, reiterated that tho policy of the Government would be to aim toward a goal whereby, as far as it was humanely possible to do so, the Samoflns would bo 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 tho high standard of education in the native schools.

At Fagamalo a deputation of European residents approached tho delogatos 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. Turnbull, was accompanied by Miss Nelson, daughter of Mr. O. F. Nelson, and by representatives of tho different political sections.