Samoan Faipule.

Samoanische Zeitung, Volume 25, Issue 5, 30 January 1925, Page 8

Samoan Faipule.

ENTERTAINED BY SIR MAUI POM ALE.

The "Wellington Frcelance'; thus describes th e entertainment given to the Samoan faipule—during thenvisit to Wellington, New Zealand by Sir Maui Pomare, a member of the New Zealaud Government: -

A social ceremony of an unusual character was the reception given by Sir Maui and Lady Pomare last week in honour of the Samoan I/aipule, or law-making chiefs, who are visiting New Zealand. The rain which fell ou Tuesday was fortunately confined to the city, and it was fine at the Hutt. A large marquee was erected ou the lawn fur the refreshments a n d an orchestra played the latest music. Quite a huudred Maoris were gathered on the lawu, some in part-native garb, for the formal ceremouy of greeting. The Maori women advanced waving green branches, and singing a song of welcome. Then the men give a dance of welcome, speeches of greeting dealing with the common origin of Maori and Samoan were exchanged and interpreted, first into English and then iuto Samoan or Maori. The speeches of welcome were poetically replied to by Toelupe, the spokesman of the Faipule. Lady Pomare a u d her daughter then placed before the visitors a pile of beautiful native mats, as gifts. The distinguished Samoan eloquently expressed his gratitude for the present, and, takiug the uppermost mat he touched the head of each of his companions with it, in token of appreciation. The principal speaker was the host, Sir Maui Pomare; Te

Rangibiroa (Dr. Peter Buck) translated his Maori into English, which Mr, Griffin put into Samoan fur his party of chiefs. The Maoris sang and danced, and the Samoan s returned the compliment; their native melodies were full of haunting charm. An object of much interest was the Samoan flag, which hung on the lawn. It resembles our own, but instead of the Southern Cross, it has a circle containing three graceful cocouut palms.

Amongst those present at this really unique and delightful party, besides the guests of honour and their Maori kinsmen, were : Mrs. Richardson, (wife of MajorGeneral Richardson, the Administrator of Samoa), Coloucl and Mrs. Hutcheu, the Hon. J. G. Coates and Mrs. Coates, Mr. and Mrs. J. D.Gray, Mrs. Jervois, Dr. Valiutine, Dr. and Mrs. Watt, Dr. and Mrs. McKibbiu, Dr. Ada Pater sou, Miss Bickuell, Mr. T. Hunter, Dr. Paget, and Dr. Makgill.