Capt. Geo. Prictor.

Samoanische Zeitung, Volume 20, Issue 16, 17 April 1920, Page 7

Capt. Geo. Prictor.

farcielf Fiictis. PRESENTATIONS. . Prior r to the " Navua's" J 3tiaftU3fe for New Zealand on ' evening pf last week, the local. s ss»»tabnlary, who lias been .ieHorce to leave Sanioja,pn sick leave, warthe centre of several popular functions.

On Wednesday evening several members of the coi£ stabulary foregathered at the Central .Hotel to wish him good-bye and good luck, with the hope that he would quickly regain his health, In expressing the above seutiments occasion was taken to present him with a pearl necklace for Mrs, Prictor and a safety razor for himself. On the following evening, Thursday, Capt. Prictor was the guest of eight Samoan Chiefs at Chief Tatnasese's Fale at Vaitnoso, The fale was beautifully decorated for ; the occasion and after the presentation of a fine Samoan walking stick and a fly driver, and a kava drinking ceremopy several of the young Samoan men and women then indulged in siva sivas, danced with beautiful rythm of movement. Besides the many Samoans there were also several Europeans present. The whole proceedings were carried out in a most dignified manner. In making the presentation, Toleafoa Afamasaga, on behalf ' of Chief Tamasese and the other Chiefs assembled, read the following address : (Translation.) Send-Off to Capt. Geo. Prictor by The Chiefs Representing the whole Native Peoples of Samoa. We, Chiefs and representatives of the old Kings of Samoa, although we are not all personally acquainted with you, are still your true friends. Although you are only a short time with us, we know that you have done everything in your department to make the Administration of Samoa a success. Take your interest in the Boy Scout Movement alpne; this is iildeed a big start in teaching our children things as they ought to be. Therefore, we have asked you to be our guest to-night at the residence of Chief Tamasese to drink with us according to Samba custom a "Farewell Kava" to show you in this small way our appreciation of your many sterling qualities, and also to show you how much we regret your going which can only be interpret'd as a great loss to both Samoa and ourselves. Nevertheless, you are leaving and we can only say we wish you good luck and prosperity, which you certainly deserve, wherever you may go. As a token of remembrance we present you now with a walking stick and a fly driver. This fly driver is a Samoan relic from the House of the Great Talking Man of Aana and has been handed down for many generations., In giving you this token, we wish to explain to you the significance of,the gift It means that in-giving thisTaiklng enjbjem of oratory it carries with it the followinglegend: The owner will always $e blessed by God wiih the power all his life to talk to his family, his people

and his county and to teach them only for the best. Now we close these few words with our kindest regards and best wishes to you, and ask you to partake of-our '* Farewell Kava." Capt. Prictor replied with considerable feeling. He said be had learned to love the Samoan% in the short time be had been here. He could not find -works to express the great gratitude he felt at receiving such fine presents and the beautiful sentiments expressed. In regard' to the Boy Scouts lie referred to the movement as the greatest of the age. He thought the time was not far distant when the Boy Scouts would be a considerably larger body than it was now. It would grow, he felt sure. He asked all present to help -on the movement to the best of their ability. He would do all be could while in New Zealand. In concluding his remarks he reiterated his extreme thanks for the beautiful presents he had received, which he would treasure all his life and he would see to it that they would be handed down. The evening came to a close just before 11 p.-ui,, an eveniug which was highly impressive to the lookers-on. \Capt. Prictor presented Chief Tamasese with au autograph photo of the local Boy Scouts. On Friday afternoon the troop of Boy Scouts, headed by their drum and fife Band, paraded from Ifi Ifi to the Central Hotel to take farewell of their major domo, and to assist hi tn with his luggage. The boys presfen ted a pretty picture as tiiey marched along in their Wry effective uniform, and marching erect, and in good order, as though some important occasion was toward. Reaching the Central Hotel the boys halted, until their Chief appeared and taking the one or two travelling cases', the order for right about was given and the'troop, with Prictor at the rear, niarcb(s;3ri3f to the Customs Yard, hand playing the while, "Reaching the yard,

N&vua, prior to which he shook hands with each boy. The boys gave three hearty cheers, whereupon they turned and marched off feeling that they had for that day at least done their one good deed. The whole ceremony was beautifully carried out and was received with much admiration. The boys had previously presented to Capt Prictor a very nicely illuminated memento and tfcey' also asked Capt. Prictor to convey an illuminated and decorated photograph, of the troop to Gen. Sir Alfred Robin. Both mementoes were the work of one of the boys of the troop, who is deserving of considerable credit. The following appreciative letter was given to Capt. Prictor by Malietba Tanu before bis departure:—(Translation.) Matautu, Apia, April 6, 1920. Capt. Prictor, Matafele. Dear sir am writing a few words in this letter to you to thank you for all the good you have done during your short stay in Samoa towards teaching and leading our children for their and our betterment. I also wish to tell yon that lam very ver}sorry you are returning to" your home, but I feel convinced that you will always do your best for Samoa as is typical of other Imperial Officers of His Majesty King George V. that we have had here before. I close this letter with my best respects to you and ask you to kindly remember .? me to General Sir Alfred Robin. With my sincerest wishes to yourself. I am, Yours Truly, (Signed) Malietoa Tanu British Advisor. Just before the Navua left quite a large mumber of well wishers went out to the steamer to take farewell of bofh Inspector Prictor and Sub-Inspector Boddatn. As the Navua weighed anchor cheers were given and "For They are Jolly Good Fellows" and "Auld Lang Syne" was sung.