EUROPEANS IN SAMOA

Southland Times, Issue 22012, 11 May 1933, Page 8

EUROPEANS IN SAMOA

MEETING WITH VICE-REGAL VISITORS. AN IDEAL OF SERVICE. (By the United Press Association’s Special Representative.) Apia, (Samoa) April 20. One of the most interesting functions held in Apia in connection with the visit of the Governor-General and Lady Bledisloe to Western Samoa was the reception by their Excellencies of representatives of the European community. This community consists of whites of different nationalities, but particularly British and German, and also Samoans of mixed white and Samoan blood. There was a large attendance at the Courthouse, thorough—ly representative of the legislative, religious, official, professional, and commercial life of the community. An appropriate address of welcome was read by the Hon. I. H. Carruthers, M.L.C., and his Excellency replied in a highly appreciated extempore speech. The Administrator and Mrs Hart, and Commodore Burges Watson, were among those present. His Excellency said he wished to thank the European community for their cordial good wishes and the loyal sentiments embodied in the address which Mr Carruthers had read. Their visit had been one of unqualified satisfaction to them both. He was most happy to notice, from the moment he stepped on shore, the high respect in which people of the _ white race were held by the natives in this mandated territory. It was their endeavour to present to the native race the ideal that as white men they were not only white in colour but white in conduct, white in their administration, and white above all in their characters. He would like to congratulate the Administrator on the loyal and staunch support which he was receiving in the territory. He was conscious that there had been divisions in the past, divisions which he was afraid were not yet laid to rest. However, he was confident that the shortest way to the extinction of divisions amongst the native people was to preserve absolute solidarity amongst the white race of the country. They were passing through times which were peculiarly difficult in an economic sense, but there was reason to think that the clouds on the dark horizon were lifting. It must not be too readily assumed that there was overproduction of the primary commodities upon which the welfare of such a territory as Samoa depended. The main reason for the lowered values of primary commodities was the lack of purchasing power on the part of the great masses of population in Britain, America, Germany, and elsewhere. When better distribution was provided, possibly through an improved system of currency and other expedients which Mr Roosevelt and Mr Ramsay MacDonald were considering, there would be a demand for such primary products as this part of the world was able to raise. They should always be on the look-out for the possibility of new economic products. It was inadvisable at the best of times to have all their eggs in one basket, or in too few baskets. There might be new sources worthy of consideration. His Excellency added that it gave him very great pleasure to see present ministers of the various branches of the Christian Church, who were working in co-operation to ensure happier and more helpful lives for the native population. They might call him oldfashioned if they liked, but he had a profound belief in the value of Christianity in helping to overcome the ills arising out of their present difficulties. He was also very happy to see present representatives of the medical profession, and he wished them success in their campaigns against disease and in their work for sanitation. He also greeted two Consuls from China, saying he was glad to think that wherever the Union Jack was flying the Chinese found themselves living under’ good conditions. German people were also present, and it was a particular pleasure to him, having a profound belief in the scientific capacity and other virtues of the German people, that they and the British were making every effort to develop greater understanding and amity between their countries.

In conclusion, .his Excellency again thanked those present for their welcome, and expressed his confidence that Lady Bledisloe and himself were going to have a most happy and interesting stay in Samoa. They would carry away very happy recollections of their visit.

Those present were presented, to their Excellencies by the Adminiitrator.