MET BY THE MAU

Stratford Evening Post, Volume II, Issue 226, 22 April 1933, Page 5

MET BY THE MAU

UNEXPECTED DEMONSTRATION

Governor-General in Samoa WARM WELCOME EVERYWHERE By Radio. —Special to Press Association. Apia, April 20.-—Visits to schools and colleges by His Excellency the Governor-General and Lady Bledisloe occupied a considerable part of the day today. Among those called upon were the Ifi Ifi College for white children, and the Maiifa College for natives. At (the former the National Anthem was played by the school band, and at the latter massed scholars sang it with wonderful effect. It was a really inspiring rendering.

Lord Bledisloe addressed the children and displayed special interest in the model exhibition of Samoan handwork. He planted a teak tree at the Ifi Ifi College in commemoration of his visit.

During the afternoon His Excellency visited the Wesleyau College at Faleula, and the London Missionary Society's College at Malua, displaying keen interest in both of these remarkable institutions, which exercise a profound influence on Samoan village life.

There was a dramatic incident when Their Excellencies were motoring towards Fasitoo village, to which they had been specially invited. Mail supporters had been assembling at a nearby village, and when the ViceRogal cars approached there Avas large number of men on the road, necessitating the adoption of a very slow pace. The men moved to the side of the road and slowly filed past, some saluting Their Excellencies in friendly fashion. There was not the slightest disturbance, but obviously the incident was planned. A cordial reception was accorded the visitors at Fasitoo, [where [the kava ceremony was performed. The visitors were entertained by a merry crowd of Samoan dancers and singers. Their Excellencies are the guests of the Administrator, Brigadier-Gen-eral A. E. Hart, and Mrs. Hart during their Samoan visit. To-night Lord Bledisloe attended a Masonic function.

VISIT TO MARIST SCHOOL

Inspection of Plantations

Reed. Today, 9.40 a.m

Special to Press Assn. by Radio

Apia, April 21—Their Excellencies today visited the Marist Brothers' School and were subsequently guests of the Planters' Association at an inspection of the cocoa and cocoanut plantations. The weather was most unfortunate during their stay in Samoa. Torrential rain was a frequent accompaniment to all functions. The wet season usually ends in March, but has been unduly extended with very unfortunate results to the cocoa planations, which are seriously affected and the next crop will be substantially reduced. The poor price for copra and the absence of demand for cocoa is exercising a profound effect on the economic position of the trading community. The natives are effected to a certain extent, but their needs are few and there is no actual distress amongst them. The political situation is quiet. Excellent results are anticipated from Lord Bledisloe's visit.