LATEST FROM SAMOA.

Otago Witness, Issue 1970, 22 August 1889, Page 9

LATEST FROM SAMOA.

RETURN OF MALIETOA. Auckland, August 20. The Wainui, from Samoa, brings news that the return of the exiled King Malietoa took place on August 11, by the German warship Wolf. At first there was some doubt as to whether Malietoa was really on board, but soon after the vessel anchored a group of Samoans were observed standing on her deck, and with the aid of glasses the people on shore were enabled to recognise the familiar features of the Samoan banished king. A {lumber of boats and canoes put off from the shore, but no one was allowed on board the Wolf. When it was ascertained that Malietoa was actually on board it was suggested that his dag should be hoisted as a token of welcome. This was the identical flag that had been hauled down by the officers of the German squadron two years ago. Senmanatafa at that time took it into hie care, and has jealously guardeditever since. It was broughtforth by him and run up speedily on M' Arthur and Co.'s flagstaff. When the old flag fluttered in the breeze and Malietoa recognised the familiar symbol of his former authority he was deeply and visibly affected, and subsequently deolared, after coming ashore, that tlie sight had gladdened his heart. Malietoa landed just before dusk, Dr Steubel (German Consul) assisted him out of the boat and told him ho was free to do as he liked. Malietoa immediately had an interview with Mataafa. The meeting between the man who has so well and ably sustained the fortunes of Malietoa's party during the recent trouble and the returned exile was not only friendly and cordial, but affecting and pathetic. After dinnor a general conversation was engaged in, but Maliotoa and Mataafa were soon deeply eugaged in private communication. It "was clearly manifest that there was no feeling of rivalry between them at all, and that whatever development in Samoan politics may take place the' relations between the two men will be of a most amicable nature. During the evening Mr Blacklock, American Vice-consul, offered his congratulations to Malietoa on his return to Samoa. Malietoa had the option of proceeding in the Wolf to his home in Savau, but he preferred to land at Apia before going home. He is at present staying with Chief-magistrate Fotan. The scene that followed Malietoa's landing was affecting. According to Samoan custom in a case of this sort or anything similar, none of the Samoans would be allowed to speak to the king until the day following his arrival. However, this time they would not be denied, but rushed forward and threw themselves at the king's feet, kissed, his hands, and otherwise manifested their joy at his return. Most of the leading white residents, including correspondents of various American and colonial papers, were present taking notes of the proceedings. A messenger was sent round to inform Mataafa of Malietoa's return, and Mataafa sent a body guard and soon afterwards came himself to the house of Fotan. The meeting between Malietoa and Mataafa was most affectionate. They were both too much affected to speak, but embraced and kissed each other. All others present left the room, and the two chiefs held a long conversation. Malietoa and Mataafa, with other chiefs and Europeans, were invited to dinner at M'Arthur and Co.'s messroom. The invitation was accepted, and the party walked to the place appointed, followed by a large throng of natives. The mayor has received a letter from the British Consul, at Apia, stating that there is no danger of famine amongst Samoans. According to a report from Apia a sensational incident occurred on the voyage of the warship Wolf, from Jaulit Island to Samoa, with Maliotoa on board. When the king was taken on the vessel he was not told what were the intentions regarding him, but on the second day after having dined with the officers Malietoa was told that he was being taken back to Samoa. Whether he distrusted this information or ho feared some punishment, or that his mind had become affected is not known ; but Malietoa seized the first opportunity a short time afterwards and jumped overboard in mid ocean. A boat was quickly lowered and he was rescued. A watch was then kept upon the chief's movements, but two days afterwards he eluded the vigilance of those on board, and for tho second time threw himself into the sea. He was again brought on board, and during the remainder of the voyage to Apia was guarded to prevent any thing further of the kind. The mayor has received a letter from Mataafa acknowledging the resolutious passed by tbe Auckland City Council in approval of the bo* haviour of Samoans during the recent hurricane. The chief returns thanks for the goodwill shown and hopes that troubles in Samoa will soon be at an end.