VISIT TO THE ISLANDS.

Taranaki Daily News, 13 March 1920, Page 5

VISIT TO THE ISLANDS.

PARLIAMENTARY PARTY'S TOUR. RKTURN ON MARCH 23. By Tclojraph.—Press Assn.—Copyrluht, Received March 12, 1.1 J.i p.m. Apia, March 11. The Parliamentary party arrived at Sabaii on Thursday, and were welcomed by the Deputy-Administrator, Mr. Williams, who for twenty years, under successive occupations, has controlled the Island. His is a unique personality, and general regret is expressed at his probable early retirement.

In the morning there was ceremonial kava drinking and speeches of greeting. Sir James Allen, replying, said he hoped before long the Islands would be linked up by wireless telephone. The party visited the lava bed, of a width of nine miles, and the crater was visible seven miles inland. The volcano, until 1911, was intermittently active, and did much damage to plantations, and the lava flowed out to sea over the barrier reef. The volcano is now quiet. The party observed the remains of the upper storey of a church which had been overwhelmed by lava.

In the afternoon a Native feast took place at Tallolo, with dancing in the evening. The party then returned to Apia,/ where the ship dropped her pilot. The party said farewell to Colonel Tate, and the Mokoia departed for Tonga. The Mokoia will now reach Auckland on the 23rd inst. General Sir,,A. Robin is on board.