ISLANDS VISIT

Southland Times, Issue 22008, 6 May 1933, Page 6

ISLANDS VISIT

LORD BLEDISLOE SEEDS OF LOYALTY . SOWN RETURN TO AUCKLAND (Per United Press Association.) Auckland, May 5. H.M.S. Diomede, with the GovernorGeneral, Lord Bledisloe, and Lady Bledisloe on board, returned from the South Sea Islands this morning. During her cruise, which commenced on April 11, the Diomede called at Nukualofa and Vavau in the Tongan Group, Apia, the capital of Western Samoa, Pago Pago, the American naval station in Tutuila, Samoa, and finally at Rarotonga, the principal island and town of the Cook'Group. The Diomede encountered a severe two-day storm shortly after leaving Auckland, but after that the weather conditions were calm to moderate. The return run to Auckland commenced on Saturday evening some hours later than the scheduled time, owing to a fault developing in a steam joint in the engine-room. The time lost was made up. Though calls were made at the other places, the principal objective was Western Samoa, which is under a mandate to the New Zealand Government. The history of the connection has not always been smooth and the hatchet has not yet been buried. His Excellency, however, was invariably received with impressive demonstrations of loyalty and esteem. The disaffected element presumably held aloof, but quite a number’ of its supporters could not refrain from adding their presence to the festivities.

It was freely stated that many of the opposition were heartily tired of a conflict which is getting them nowhere, and would welcome an opportunity of withdrawing from an impossible position. Fear of ridicule, however, is a powerful influence with the Samoan, who is there bound to a cause with which he has little practical concern or real sympathy. It was impossible to assess, during the brief visit, the strength of the opposition to the present system of government in Samoa. That opposition still exists is undeniable, but it has.not the universal support of the Samoan people. The fact remains that the Administration is governing the country and all its departments are functioning freely and efficiently. The Administration has the solid, almost unanimous, support of the white community and the large attendances at different functions demonstrated that the native population sincerely desired to honour the representative of the King. Visit Eminently Successful. His Excellency’s visit to Samoa was eminently successful and it is expected by the European community to have a pronounced effect in bringing about a reconciliation. His Excellency exhibited a lively interest in the various activities and occupations of the Islanders. There was conclusive evidence that they keenly appreciated his presence. His Excellency’s message to the people of the Islands was one of loyalty to the Administration and hope and encouragement for the future. On every seasonable occasion he emphasized these aspects of his mission. His thoughtful addresses were listened to with evident appreciation. He stated that the present world economic situation could not endure indefinitely and that the leading nations of the world were combining to bring about a better state of affairs. In the meantime, however, the islanders should strive to improve the quality of their exportable produce and, with the aid of scientific research, explore the possibility of developing new fields of production. He showed his practical • interest in the subject by personally visiting the plantations in each of the islands and learning all he could of the methods followed. Visits to the schools and other institutions were made, and his Excellency saw as much of the Islands as could possibly be seen during the time available. The system of education and the results achieved made a deep impression on all the visitors. His Excellency was delighted with the singing in the schools and at several of the gatherings presented several trophies with the object of fostering the islanders’ natural proficiency in the art of music. The departure from Apia gave occasion for a popular demonstration, which indicated how much the whole community appreciated the Vice-Regal visit. It was a splendid send-off indicating that their Excellencies had won the esteem and confidence of the people and had sown the seeds of a brighter era oL loyalty and devotion to the Crown and the Empire. Affected By Depression. The islands have not escaped the consequences of the prevailing economic conditions. The natives are not greatly affected, as their wants are few and Nature itself provides for necessities. The low prices of the principal products have a most serious effect on the European trading community and the planters’ price of copra is at an unprofitable level. There is no present prospects of improvement. There is a glut of island fruit on the available markets. The banana trade with New Zealand is appreciated, but the supplies could be enormously increased if the demand existed. The same may be said of the orange crops. The only profitable product at the time is the cocoa bean, the quality of which is equal to the world’s best. Unfortunately the area on which it can be grown in Samoa is restricted and cannot be enlarged. His Excellency made some inquiries into the possibility of adding to the products and industries of the islands, particularly in regard to tung oil, the commercial exploitation of frangi-pane and the growing of teak. Some fine teak trees were seen and these appeared to be very reasonable and there appeared to be every reason why systematic planting and eventual milling should be a profitable proposition. The fight against the rhinocerous beetle in Samoa is carried on in these plantations, where the labour is directed and controlled. The natives, however, are not pursuing the common enemy in any systematic way. A few years ago there was a “beetle day” each week, the natives being required to devote a day to beetle hunting. With the rise of disaffection this salutary practice lapsed, with most deplorable consequences on the native plantations. Should copra again become profitable, many will bitterly rue their present neglect, as regular and organized destruction is the only defence against this destroying insect. Dignity of Chiefs. His Excellency was greatly impressed with the natural dignity and refinement of the native chiefs, whose fine courtesy and hospitality did much to add to the pleasure of the visit. Malieatoa and Mataafa in Samoa and .Makea Nui Tinirau, at Rarotonga, were the most considerate of the hosts and entertainers and gave many evidences of goodwill. Makea Nui is a son of the late Queen of the Cook Group, who ceded the islands to Britain. His daughter, Miss Tiri Tinirau is a most amiable and accomplished young lady. She was educated in New Zealand and is a

leader in the musical and social life of Rarotonga. During a visit to a chief at Nasitoi, in Western Samoa, his Excellency was presented with a petition praying that the circulation in Samoa of a propagandist newspaper published in Auckland be prohibited. It represented that the paper, which is translated into the Samoan language, caused trouble not between the natives and the Europeans, but among the natives themselves. His Excellency replied that he would bring the matter under the notice of the Government.